mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-11-15

I rise today in support of S.J. Res. 63, a resolution to terminate the COVID-19 national emergency declaration. It has now been more than 2\1/2\ years since this first issued proclamation declaring the National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, and it has been extended twice already by President since the initial declaration--most recently, February of this year. prgtoken It is with this national emergency declaration, in tandem with other additional emergency powers, currently invoked by the President, which this administration is manipulating to supersize government powers. And now, it is obvious they need these powers to continue their spending spree to enact their radical partisan agenda and grow government dependency through further expansion of the welfare state. prgtoken Today marks the third time many of us have come to the floor to terminate the emergency declaration. In March, we brought an identical resolution to this floor under the expedited procedure contained in that National Emergency Act that passed this body 48 to 7. That is right, this body passed this same resolution 8 months ago. Since then, even more evidence shows the emergency phase of this pandemic has come and gone. prgtoken The number of new patients admitted to hospitals with confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains near lows since the start of the pandemic, and the same is true of emergency department visits. Let me point out that the percent of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 visiting emergency rooms represents less than 2 percent of ER visits nationwide. prgtoken And just last week, the World Health Organization announced COVID- related deaths have dropped 90 percent globally compared to February of this year--again, shortly before our March vote the Senate took to terminate this same national emergency declaration. Again, this body passed the same resolution 8 months ago, and the clinical situation on the ground has only improved. prgtoken Listen, the decrease in hospital cases and deaths can be contributed to the fact that an estimated 95 percent of Americans, ages 16 and older, had developed identifiable COVID antibodies, and that is according to the CDC. This includes individuals who have gained immunity through natural infection, as well as those who have received the vaccine. More than 646 million doses have been administered and 227 million Americans are fully vaccinated, nearly 70 percent of the population. prgtoken Vaccines are so widely available for those that wish to receive inoculation that millions of doses are going unused. Between December 2020 and mid-May of 2022, the U.S. wasted 82 million doses. Additionally, we have a growing roster of antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and treatment protocols that are helping vulnerable populations avoid life-threatening complications. prgtoken Don't take it from me. Take it from President . Just 2 months ago, the Pres
South Dakota (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-11-15

I want to begin my remarks this morning by first expressing my profound gratitude to the people of South Dakota for once again trusting me to serve as their Senator. I am deeply grateful to live in South Dakota and to represent the Rushmore State. prgtoken There are a lot of things that make our State special, like its incredible natural beauty, a legacy of military service, or the fact that our State is a great place to raise a family. But what really makes our State tick, what really makes it special, is our people. And it is the honor of my life to represent South Dakotans in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Growing up in Murdo, SD--population 456--I learned the character of South Dakotans, the work ethic, the love of country and commitment to freedom, coupled with a belief in personal responsibility and the sense of responsibility to the broader community. prgtoken Life in rural South Dakota can be tough, but growing up we knew that we were not on our own. In Murdo, we knew that if a roof collapsed under the weight of snow or a windstorm came through and wiped out a barn or we lost a friend or a family member, the whole community would rally around to help. prgtoken The values I learned growing up in South Dakota helped shape my political philosophy and are values that I strive to reflect every day here in the Senate. And as I continue my work here in Washington, my top priority will always be doing everything that I can to make life better for South Dakota families. prgtoken Our country is facing some big challenges: a security crisis at our southern border, a growing energy problem, a serious crime problem, and the worst inflation prices in decades. prgtoken I talked to a lot of South Dakotans as I traveled around the State this fall, and over and over I heard about the toll inflation is taking on family budgets and on the livelihood of farmers and ranchers in our State. prgtoken Since President took office, the price of groceries has increased 18 percent. Electricity bills have increased by 22 percent. Utility gas bills have increased by 46 percent. Rent prices are up. Car prices are up. The price of car maintenance is up. Farmers and ranchers are facing higher feed costs, higher fertilizer costs, higher fuel costs. Gas prices have increased by $1.37 per gallon since President took office. And the price increase for diesel, which powers so much farm and ranch equipment, has been even worse. prgtoken All told, inflation is currently costing the average household a staggering $753 a month--$753 each month. Americans can't afford that. It is no wonder that inflation topped the list of issues that Americans were concerned about when they went to the polls or that 76 percent of voters rated the economy negatively. prgtoken Regardless of who is in charge over the next 2 years, Congress needs to spend its time focused on real solutions to our inflation crisis and the other challenges facing our
RECOGNIZING COLONEL LAUN R. HALLSTROM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Colonel Laun R. Hallstrom of Woodland, Pennsylvania, in Clearfield County, for his distinguished military service. prgtoken Colonel Hallstrom is retiring from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard after 36 years of service to our Nation and Pennsylvania. prgtoken Colonel Hallstrom has served in the Air National Guard since 1985, and today, he is the commander of the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group. prgtoken Colonel Hallstrom served this country in several missions, including Operations Desert Storm, Continuing Hope, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken Colonel Hallstrom also achieved the rank of chief flight surgeon by logging more than 173 combat hours. prgtoken In addition to being a commanding officer in the Air National Guard, Colonel Hallstrom is also a physician in DuBois, Pennsylvania, where he practices physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Colonel Hallstrom on his many years of service to our country. We understand that freedom is not free. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank him for his service and his commitment to our country.
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , in February, war criminal Putin launched his illegal invasion of sovereign Ukraine. prgtoken His cowardly acts have resulted in the murder of thousands of Ukrainian citizens, the torture of countless others, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Putin sacrifices young Russians for his personal gain of oil, money, and power. prgtoken The world witnesses the daily atrocities of war criminal Putin and continues to be shocked. Congress has provided bipartisan support for President Vladimir Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people through sanctions against Putin and his corrupt cronies. prgtoken A recent Wall Street Journal poll is significant and shows the majority of Americans continue their compassionate desire to assist the heroic people of Ukraine in victory. prgtoken America must not waver in support of victory for Ukraine over war criminal Putin and thus also help deter other would-be global invaders, such as the Chinese Communist Party against Taiwan and Iran against Israel with ICBMs against America. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
RETURNING TO FISCAL CONSTRAINT
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , the inflation crisis that is being caused by President 's destructive policies has hurt small businesses throughout the United States. prgtoken According to a recent survey, 37 percent of small business owners were unable to pay their rent just last month alone. prgtoken These businesses are struggling because of 's decision to put socialist priorities ahead of working Americans. Instead of supporting businesses and improving supply chains, he paid workers to stay home. Instead of returning to American energy dominance, he turned to Green New Deal policies. Instead of fighting inflation, proudly wasted trillions of dollars and sent prices skyrocketing. prgtoken More than 60 million Americans are employed by small businesses, and they are being crushed by these radical policies. It is time to return to fiscal constraint; it is time to stop the reckless spending; and it is time to once again support our great American small businesses.
TRIBUTE TO CHERYL M. BLACK
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-11-15

. During Cheryl's time with the Department of Defense, she worked diligently to ensure every general and flag officer recommended for promotion or appointment was thoroughly vetted prior to a nomination being submitted to the Secretary of Defense, the President, and the Congress for confirmation. Because of her dedication to our general and flag officer corps, we all live in a safer and more prosperous nation.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 4524, SPEAK OUT ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , as I said in my opening remarks, the bill under consideration by this rule is well-intentioned but flawed. It deserves additional time to thoughtfully consider legitimate concerns. House s are committed to ensuring victims of sexual violence receive the justice they are entitled to, but that does not mean the flaws outlined should be ignored. prgtoken Madam , again, I oppose the rule, and I encourage Members to do the same. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANTHONY ``TONY'' MORAVEC
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-11-15

it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor a proud American, a great Hoosier, an outstanding man, and a very dear friend, Anthony ``Tony'' Moravec. prgtoken Tony left us far too soon, and it is an honor to have his family in the House gallery to join us here today. prgtoken Born October 3, 1950, Tony Moravec was the embodiment of the American Dream. He worked hard, treated everyone with respect, and had a joyous appreciation of life. prgtoken Tony was chairman of Blairex Laboratories and the co-founder of Applied Laboratories. These two companies employed countless Hoosiers and brought vital economic development to Columbus, Indiana. prgtoken Tony's commitment to our community did not end there. In fact, he went far beyond what many business leaders accomplish. prgtoken In 1990, he and his company received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the State of Indiana. prgtoken In 2009, he received the Company of the Year Award from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for the restoration of Zaharakos, an ice cream store. prgtoken In 2011, Tony received the Indiana University Provost's Medal, and was honored with the President's Circle Laurel Pin and the Partners in Philanthropy Cornerstone Award. prgtoken In 2016, he received an award for the restoration of the Columbus Pump House. prgtoken Tony established scholarships at the Heritage Fund, Indiana University, and Ivy Tech Community College, always seeking to educate the next generation of Hoosiers. prgtoken Tony donated his collection of the works of Old Master drawings, including a series of scenes from the New Testament, to the IU Eskenazi Museum. It became the third largest repository of such drawings in the world, earning an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation endowment. prgtoken Tony once remarked that he was part of our hometown, Columbus, by choice, not by chance; something proven in all his actions. prgtoken Our relationship, our friendship, like so many others in our community, went far beyond business or politics. Tony meant so much to my wife, Denise, and I. prgtoken It is exceptionally hard to underscore what an immense loss Tony's passing is to my family and our entire community. prgtoken So today, I want to impart some wisdom from Tony's parents and grandparents that he recently shared with our community at the Moravec Hall dedication. ``Bite off more than you can chew and chew like hell. Be bold in everything you do. It has a magic about it. ``Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do or do without. Do your job like you own the business. Maybe, someday you will. ``Get an education. They can take your house, they can take your car, but they can't take your education.'' prgtoken And finally, ``Leave the place a better place than you found it,'' which Tony did. In fact, he left everywhere a better place than he found it. prgtoken May Tony Moravec forever rest in peace. God bless this wonderful man, and may God bless his family.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT DENNIS L. PAVLIK
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-11-15

I rise to honor Sergeant Dennis L. Pavlik, who is believed to be the last living Korean war POW from Nebraska. prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik joined the United States Army in October of 1952 when he was inducted at Fort Omaha in Nebraska. Sergeant Pavlik was then assigned to B Company, the 22nd Armored Engineer for artillery basic training, which he completed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. prgtoken Following his completion of basic training, Sergeant Pavlik was assigned to C Battery, the 555 Field Artillery, also known as the Triple Nickel. prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik then moved to a variety of locations across Korea, finally landing near Kumsong in a location known as the Kumsong Salient. It was there, on the night of July 13, 1953, that Sergeant Pavlik's artillery was under intense enemy counter barrage ending in the eventual imprisonment of multiple United States soldiers. prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik and his fellow soldiers were then forced to march north to a POW camp the Chinese referred to as Camp Six. It was here Sergeant Pavlik spent 42 days as a prisoner of war, which he has referred to as ``the longest 6 weeks of my life.'' prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik stated the most important lesson he learned during those 6 weeks is the knowledge of freedom. As the war in Korea ended, Sergeant Pavlik was then released from Camp Six and eventually returned to United States soil on August 25, 1953, just 1 month after the official end of the Korean war. prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik ended his military service on July 20, 1954, and was awarded the Bronze Star with the ``V'' for Valor Device, the Good Conduct Medal, the POW Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Battle Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. prgtoken Today, he resides in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Luella, and has three children and five grandchildren. prgtoken Sergeant Pavlik also serves as the Post Commander for the American Ex-Prisoner of War Department of Nebraska. prgtoken It is with great honor that I recognize the last-known prisoner of war survivor for the Korean war, and my good friend, Nebraska Sergeant Dennis L. Pavlik.
MIDTERM ELECTIONS AND NEW SENATORS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-11-15

last week, our narrowly divided country went to the polls and elected a narrowly divided Congress, including a very narrowly divided U.S. Senate. prgtoken The next couple of months will see a number of long-serving Senate all-stars taking retirement, but today we are getting to welcome and meet our new soon-to-be colleagues on both sides of the aisle as the new Senators-elect arrive here in the Capitol for orientation. Among their ranks are an all-star lawyer and leader from Alabama, the attorney general from the great State of Missouri, the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, a businessman and best-selling author from Ohio, and three distinguished Members of the House of Representatives. prgtoken Exactly 25 years ago, in remarks welcoming the new Senate class of 1996, Senator Robert Byrd told them that service in this body is both ``a supreme honor,'' ``a serious responsibility,'' and ``the highest political calling in the land.'' The famous student of the Senate's rules and history, our former colleague from West Virginia concluded that ``as long as the Senate retains the power to amend and the power of unlimited debate, the liberties of the people will remain secure.'' prgtoken So, , it is a high bar to earn the trust of one's neighbors to represent them and fight for their home State here in this Chamber. Each of our soon-to-be colleagues has cleared this high bar. I am proud to welcome members of what will be the 118th Congress freshman class. I hope sincerely that each of our incoming colleagues will embrace the honor of this immense responsibility. Of course, our half of the Chamber hopes that, even after this week, we will be not quite through with welcoming new Senators. prgtoken ' unforced policy errors over the past several years have hit working families in the State of Georgia especially hard. Under one-party ic control in Washington and one-party representation here in the Senate, the Peach State has paid an especially painful price. prgtoken Since President took the oath of office, Georgia families have watched prices rise nearly 15 percent. They have shelled out hundreds of extra dollars every month just to foot the bill for the massive, reckless spending binge their two ic Senators pushed through with deciding votes. Needless to say, this completely avoidable ic inflation tax put Georgia workers and small businesses in a heck of a bind. ``It's absolutely murderous,'' one man in Columbus, GA, told reporters. ``Food, gas prices. Inflation is awful.'' prgtoken Of course, it didn't have to be this way. The people of Georgia's Senators didn't have to vote in lockstep with Washington to overheat our economy with reckless spending. Georgia's two ic Senators didn't have to vote for the $2 trillion in inflationary spending. They didn't have to vote for hundreds of billions of dollars in leftwing climate policies. Bu
RECOGNIZING DRAGON FLY TARPS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-11-15

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Dragon Fly Tarps as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for November 2022. prgtoken Matt and Stephanie Nelson started Dragon Fly Tarps from the comfort of their basement in 2003 when Matt was unable to find an affordable tarp that fit his needs. As a former river guide and avid outdoorsman, Matt's personal experience played an important role in the design of bigger, lighter, and quality tarps. prgtoken Dragon Fly Tarps' first customers were friends and family, and requests began to increase as happy customers made word-of-mouth referrals. As the business began to grow, the Nelsons moved their operation to a small space within Arco's Business Incubation Center in Butte, ID. Production needs quickly outgrew this space, so in 2018, the Nelsons moved operations to their current location on Arco's Grand Avenue, where they have been able to expand their product line to include tarps for Jeeps, campers, vans, and custom projects. prgtoken Dragon Fly Tarps no longer relies on word-of-mouth referrals as it has become well-known throughout the outdoor recreation community. The Nelsons and their staff of eight continue to work diligently to keep up with the demand for custom tarp orders from across the country and internationally. prgtoken Congratulations to the Nelsons and all the employees at Dragon Fly Tarps for being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for November 2022. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
HONORING PATRICK O'DONNELL
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-11-15

yesterday, during new Member orientation with the freshman class, which I now claim, we were addressed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. prgtoken She shared with us the history of her post and that, in 1789, the Clerk of the House of Representatives was named as the second officer following the of this storied institution. prgtoken , I have the great privilege today to rise and congratulate one of the Nation's longest-serving clerks of a State legislature in America's history. prgtoken Just like yesterday, when we were impressed with the history of this institution, it goes without saying that institutions like this are sacred because of the work of the nonpartisan staff, the people who pay attention to the parliamentary procedure, the quiet ones that sit next to the loud ones, the clerks of the United States State legislatures and this body. prgtoken Mr. Patrick O'Donnell lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and he has had a distinguished career as clerk of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. In 1977, he became the assistant clerk. He became the clerk in 1978. prgtoken Patrick has a record of defending the legislature as a unique institution in our United States. He believes in the process and has championed the vision of Nebraska voters when the voters changed to a unicameral back in 1937. prgtoken As a former speaker of the Nebraska Unicameral, he taught me and hundreds of other legislators what a powerful and important role our branch of government should play in leading this Nation and our States. prgtoken The Founders of this country envisioned the legislative branch as the most powerful branch of government. It was clear their intent was that the people directly elected in their districts should decide where the money is spent and the policies to be enforced. prgtoken After 44 years on the job, Mr. Patrick O'Donnell is retiring now as the longest-serving clerk among his contemporaries in State legislatures across this Nation. Only a couple of past clerks have longer recorded tenures. prgtoken It is my privilege and honor on this floor to recognize a clerk that has gone above and beyond for the people of his State and been a resource to clerks and legislators throughout the United States during his 44-year tenure. prgtoken On behalf of the First District of Nebraska, congratulations and best wishes on your retirement, Mr. Clerk, Mr. Patrick O'Donnell of Nebraska.