mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-3-10

I come to the floor this evening to offer a few remarks about claims that have been made on this floor over the course of the last few days regarding the path forward to American energy independence. prgtoken The oil industry--reaping record profits in the billions of dollars-- is taking advantage, quite artfully, of the crisis in Ukraine to make arguments to the U.S. Congress and this administration that they should be given new liberties to drill on lands in the United States to be able to reap even greater profits. prgtoken And the claim that the oil industry makes that is often parroted by friends inside this body is that the path to American energy independence runs through drilling for more oil in the United States of America. That is not true. That is an oil industry talking point. That is a means by which the industry can get Congress and the administration to provide them with new opportunities for more profit. prgtoken But the facts belie the argument that America could achieve energy independence solely through drilling for more oil and exploring for more gas in the United States. Why do we know this? Well, we know this, primarily, because the oil industry doesn't drill in the United States to benefit our national security. They drill in the United States to make money. And the reality is, when the price of a barrel of oil is too low compared to the cost of pulling it out of the ground in the United States, the oil companies don't drill. Right now, for instance, the oil industry has thousands of leases to drill on public lands that they are not utilizing. prgtoken As you would hear it on the floor of the Senate, the failure to be energy independent is 's fault because he is not providing for any new leases on public lands. Well, you do not need any new leases on public lands because there are thousands of leases that the oil industry already has to drill that they just are not using. There is nothing in the ground. There is no oil coming up. And the reason for that is, well, the economy was in shambles, so there wasn't demand; the price of oil was down so that the companies didn't see a big enough profit; there is a general workforce shortage right now in the industry. But none of those reasons are . Those are market- based reasons why the oil industry has not been drilling on land they already own. prgtoken The second reason why there is not a path to energy independence through drilling alone is because the oil that we drill in the United States, it doesn't stay in the United States. Some of it does, but much of it gets exported. In 2020, we were drilling about 18 million barrels a day in the United States. About half of that was shipped overseas. Only half of that stayed in the United States. I wanted to make sure that wasn't something we needed to pay closer attention to. prgtoken The oil that we drill in the United States doesn't stay here. It goes to the highest
REMEMBERING STEPHANIE DENISE SHANNON
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-10

I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Ms. Stephanie Denise Shannon, who passed away on September 8, 2021. prgtoken Stephanie was born March 24, 1986, in Detroit, MI, to her late father, William Everett Shannon, Sr and her mother, Toni Laverne Shannon. Upon completing high school, Stephanie attended Wayne State University, where she pursued her passion for helping animals by studying veterinary science. To her close friends, she will be remembered as a kind and gentle spirit that loved video games and enjoyed watching a variety of films. Stephanie was not only a dedicated and loyal friend, daughter, and sister, but she was also a devoted mother to her son, Cason, whom she referred to as her ``Prince'' and her daughter, Madison, whom she referred to as her ``Mini Me.'' The love and light that made so many love and appreciate Stephanie will be passed down and live through her incredible children. May her radiant and loving spirit be remembered by all those who knew her.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-3-10

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a wonderful professor and man, Dr. Stephen--``Steve''--J. Simpson, of Frostburg, who died on February 21, 2022, of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Simpson taught and inspired generations of students at Frostburg State University--FSU--in a career there that spanned four decades. He was a widely respected scholar of the American Presidency and the intersection of media and politics. prgtoken Steve Simpson was born on October 10, 1951, in Abington, PA. He received his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Princeton University. Steve spent many years as FSU's dean of the college of sciences and provost and chief academic officer. While he excelled in these roles, his greatest enthusiasm was for being a professor of political science. He wasn't just an academic mentor to scores of students over the years; he was a life mentor who encouraged them to aim high in life as well as in school. prgtoken Steve was cheerful, kind, generous, and respectful to everyone whom he met and knew. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, and in- law to many members of an extended second family. He loved to discuss politics and play card games, especially pinochle with his mother-in- law Mary Morshead as his partner. He instilled in his nephews, John and David Simpson, a love of history and politics, which they have since passed on to their children. Steve loved to travel with his wife of nearly 30 years, Lisa Morshead. They traveled to Colonial Williamsburg, Sanibel Island, and Fort Myers for spring training. He could not shake his Pennsylvania roots entirely, so he was an avid Phillies, not Orioles, fan--but we won't hold that against him. His love of baseball extended to participating in fantasy leagues. He claimed he disliked pets but he loved and cared for three rescue cats and a dog. Steve had a big heart. prgtoken On behalf of the Senate, I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to prgtoken Steve's wife Lisa; his brothers William and Robert and their wives Brenda and Carolyn; his nephews John and David and their wives Laurie and Alison; the rest of his extended family and friends; and the FSU community. Henry B. Adams wrote, ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.'' I hope that the family and friends who mourn Dr. Stephen Simpson's passing can find solace in the knowledge that he surely has affected eternity and his influence will continue to ripple far and wide among the students he so ably taught and inspired.
IN HONOR OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. BEATRICE PRICE
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2022-3-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Beatrice Muse Price, a pioneering Army nurse to the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, who passed away at age 98 on March 4, 2022. prgtoken Mrs. Price was born the second of six children on January 21, 1924, in Bessemer, Alabama, to the late Henry and Frances Muse. Graduating from Hale County Training School, she went on to attend Grady Memorial School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated in 1944 as a Registered Nurse. She continued her education at the University of Maryland, Tuskegee University, and Miles College. prgtoken Mrs. Price began her career in nursing, serving as a chief nurse for a private hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She then joined the Army Nurses Corps in WWII, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant then later as 1st Lieutenant. During her time in the military, Mrs. Price was assigned to care for the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviator unit in the United States Army. From 1944 to 1948, Mrs. Price showed exemplary courage and service to the Tuskegee Airmen, earning her the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal along with the men she cared for. Her heroic military service to our country broke many barriers for future generations of Black nurses. prgtoken Mrs. Price had a stellar 42-year career in nursing. After her discharge in 1948, she went on to work in the U.S. Public Health Service for three years. Then, she spent the next 34 years working as a nurse at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. She was ultimately promoted to be the Night Nursing Supervisor, a position she held for twenty years until she retired on January 2, 1988. prgtoken Mrs. Price received countless awards for her remarkable leadership and contributions to the nursing profession. In 1985, VA department heads in Birmingham selected Mrs. Price as the first recipient of the distinguished Administrator's Award for Excellence in Nursing. In 2011, Mrs. Price was selected by America's oral history project, StoryCorps, to create an audio recording of her incredible life story. She also received national recognition in 2013, from the international Black nurse's sorority. Chi Eta Phi, for being a True Nursing Pioneer. prgtoken Throughout her life, Mrs. Price was a faithful servant leader. She was an active member of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, serving for over sixty years as a member of the Deaconess Board, founder of the Wellness Ministry, and co-founder of a Sunday School class. prgtoken Mrs. Price is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Charles E. Price, Sr; parents Henry and Mary Frances Muse; sister, Ruth Outland; two brothers Eugene Muse and Theodore Muse, Sr.; two stepdaughters Norma Jean Price and Charlotte Price; and granddaughter, April Price. She is survived by one daughter Gill Hickman (G. Michael); two sons Joseph Diop (Betty Ann) and Michael Price (Anita); two surrogate daughters Karen Beverly West (John ``Bev'
HONORING FEDERAL HEALTH WORKERS DEPLOYED TO SPARROW HOSPITAL IN LANSING
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-3-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the heroic caregivers at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, including the Department of Defense medical team which has been providing critical assistance as the hospital has grappled with a surge in COVID patients over the last few months. prgtoken In early February 2022, as the omicron variant drove case levels to new heights, a team of 23 federal medical personnel, including physicians, registered nurses, and respiratory therapists, arrived in Lansing to provide much-needed help to Sparrow's staff. The team has spent the past month providing invaluable aid to the hospital's overtaxed Emergency Department, and in other areas of the hospital overwhelmed by extraordinarily high patient volumes. This team has worked alongside Sparrow's staff with grace, grit, and professionalism, and they have been invaluable to the hospital's service to the Greater Lansing area. Michigan's healthcare heroes, including the staff at Sparrow Hospital, have been on the frontlines of this battle for the past two years under the most intense and stressful conditions. But their commitment to the safety and health of our community never wavered. I've heard stories of caregivers who have held the phone to the ear of a dying patient so a family could say goodbye; others who have developed special relationships with patient's loved ones; and some who have worked with tireless dedication only to break down in their cars at the end of the day from what they're living through. prgtoken Sparrow Specialty Hospital leaders even organized a wedding ceremony--bringing decorations from home and filling in the wedding party--for a COVID patient who realized the shortness of life and decided to marry his longtime love as soon as possible. While the dedication shown by our health workers is remarkable, so too is the emotional and physical strain they've been put under. prgtoken The brave men and women of the military are called to serve their country, and we are so grateful to this team for the immense relief they have provided in the battle against this invisible enemy. I will never forget the cheers and tears I saw firsthand as the team arrived, in uniform, marching down Sparrow's hallway. I knew immediately they would feel right at home alongside the mission-driven team at Sparrow, and that this partnership would yield much-needed hope and relief. prgtoken We are so grateful to all who have cared for and comforted COVID patients and their families through two years of unrelenting demands, and to this remarkable partnership between the Department of Defense medical team and Sparrow Hospital. On behalf of a grateful community and nation, it is my great honor to record their remarkable service to Mid-Michigan so that their actions may be known to all.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-3-11

. Madam , on Thursday, March 3, 2022, this body considered amendments and final passage of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act. One amendment voted on before this chamber was Mr. Ryan of Ohio's amendment number 23 which added the text of the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act to the bill. prgtoken While I did not support final passage of this bill, I did support several of amendments offered to it. Amendment 23 was one such amendment. Due to error on the House floor, my amendment was incorrectly cast as no. prgtoken This was an error and I rise today to correct my vote and indicate that I intended to vote yes, in favor of amendment 23. While I have issues with the underlying bill, this amendment was a strong addition to ensure we provide an adequate level of care to our nation's veterans who are suffering from toxic exposure during their service to this country. prgtoken Madam , I reiterate that I intended to vote in favor of amendment 23.
RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING MR. TOM WALKER
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-3-11

. Madam , today I would like to recognize and congratulate Mr. Tom Walker, founder and president of the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, on his retirement after almost 35 years as an educator, civic leader and inspiration to children and adults alike across the southeast and the nation. prgtoken In the late 1980's, Tom conceived the idea of the American Village to be an American history and civics educational campus to inspire and prepare young people for their roles as citizens and leaders. Under Tom's leadership, prgtoken American Village, an 188-acre campus in Montevallo, Alabama, became chartered in 1995 and has since educated and inspired over 750,000 children as well as adults across the southeastern United States. American Village has welcomed thousands of public visitors each year for a true American Experience. prgtoken Before founding American Village, Tom earned his bachelor's degree, with honors, in history and political science from the University of Montevallo and his master's degree in political science from Mississippi State University. prgtoken Tom Walker is the former City Manager of Northport, Alabama, and served as the Special Assistant to the President of the University of Montevallo. He is also the former Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the University of Montevallo and was the founding chair of the AL Higher Education Partnership. prgtoken Since founding the American Village, Tom has received numerous awards and honors. In 2017, he was one of only sixteen private citizens appointed to the Semiquincentennial Commission to organize the 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America. In December of 2020, Tom was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Laws by Troy University. He is a past recipient of the American Bar Association's highest national award for excellence in K-12 law-related education. He is the recipient of the DAR Medal of Honor and the SAR Gold Citizenship Medal, the highest national honors awarded by the National Societies of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and of the Sons of the American Revolution, respectively. He has received numerous other state, regional and national awards and was named as Birmingham Citizen of the Year by The Women's Committee of Birmingham in 2014. prgtoken Tom once said, We must build good citizens and leaders who will cherish these ideals, and thereby learn to love our country, and what an incredible job of that he has done these past 35 years working with the students of the southeast. prgtoken Upon his retirement, Tom looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Betty, three children: his son, Matt and wife Candace; his daughter, Jane Herndon and her husband Josh; and his son Jefferson, along with his grandson, Wells Thomas Herndon. He will continue to maintain an office and an active part-time Founder and Director- Emeritus position at the American Village, as he continues to prepare the nation's youth to beco
CLOTURE MOTION
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-3-14

at 5:30 p.m. on September 11, 2001, members of Indiana Task Force One left Indianapolis to head to New York City. Task Force One is our State's search and rescue squad, made up of our bravest and most selfless first responders who deploy around the country in times of emergency. prgtoken In the caravan to Ground Zero that day was Mark Rapp. Mark was a founding member of Task Force One. He was a hero's hero, a rescuer's rescuer. On March 4, 2022, Chief Mark Rapp died after a courageous battle with lung cancer. prgtoken Mark, who was known by the nickname ``Bum''--that is right, ``Bum Rapp''--served the city of Indianapolis as a firefighter for 37 years. He retired as a battalion chief of training in 2017. prgtoken In 1993, Mark received the Medal of Bravery for the risky rescue of a small child from a dangerous apartment fire. He is also a recipient of the American Red Cross Heroism Award, the Operations Firefighter of the Year Award, and the Peer Leadership Award for his work as a role model for the force. prgtoken For 10 years, he led the Indianapolis Fire Department's Clothe-A- Child Program, wherein young people in need shop for clothing alongside a firefighter; and Mark was a deeply involved father. He built a log cabin in the Outdoor Lab at Indian Creek Elementary School. For over 20 years, he worked on the ``chain gang'' at Lawrence North High School football games. His sons, Mark, Jr and Greg, eventually worked alongside him as firefighters. prgtoken As a member of Task Force One, Mark was deployed to assist in the aftermath of several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. He was also a certified rescue diver. prgtoken In September 2001, Mark spent 10 days at Ground Zero, leading Indiana Task Force One through the night shift during nonstop search and rescue efforts. It is believed that the lung cancer that ultimately claimed Mark's life could be traced to the toxins he inhaled in 2001. Nearly half of the 65 Task Force One members who were deployed to the World Trade Center in 2001 have reported illnesses related to their work. Mark was the fifth to have died from those illnesses. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Indianapolis, the Hoosiers, and the American people, we thank Mark Rapp, Sr for his courage, bravery, and leadership; and our prayers are with Nancy, his wife, his three children, and all of those who love him. prgtoken . prgtoken .
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-3-14

2 weeks ago, Russia initiated the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II. Millions of men, women, and children fled their homes to safety. Countless others have taken up arms in the name of freedom. prgtoken President Putin's unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine did not happen overnight. The warning signs were very, very clear. The response from the administration was anything but. The administration had false hope that strongly worded statements would be enough to deter an unprovoked war. prgtoken President waited until after Russia invaded Ukraine to level any sanctions at all. And even then, sanctions came in waves, and they are still coming. prgtoken President was slow to hit Putin where it hurts. He refused to penalize the Russian energy sector until roughly a week--1 week--after the invasion took place. The President refused to act, and the world now sees the heart-wrenching results. prgtoken President has shown weakness on the world stage throughout his 40-plus years in politics--40 years. His foreign policy caves to adversaries, undermines our allies, and devalues the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. prgtoken In his first year of office, he abandoned 20 years of effort in Afghanistan and emboldened Putin to attack his neighbor. As I speak, the White House is reviving Iran's hope of developing a nuclear weapon. prgtoken Originally brokered when was Vice President in 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly known as the JCPOA or the Iran deal, was a deeply flawed agreement aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In reality, it did the exact opposite. prgtoken Nuclear security can't be achieved with wishful thinking, watered- down sanctions, or by sending our adversaries planeloads of cash, which we did. Years later, we all know the result. The Iran deal did not work. prgtoken President wants to revive this disastrous deal, and this time it will be even worse. The Iranians don't even want to negotiate with America and President 's administration so we are allowing Russia to join at the negotiating table negotiating for the United States. It doesn't make any sense. Many Americans are likely asking why? The United States cannot trust the Russian Federation in any capacity. If working with and propping up Russia isn't bad enough, Iran is poised to receive billions of dollars from frozen assets in this new agreement, including funds from renewed oil exports. prgtoken Rather than unleashing the power of the American energy industry and allowing Americans to drill, drill, drill on our own soil, the administration would rather do business with Venezuela and plead with Saudi Arabia to turn on the spigots. prgtoken The administration is, again, leading from behind, held back by their pledge to their false climate gods. Yes, the climate has changed, and it has been changing for decades, but
Tribute to Jane Lee Hamman (Executive Session)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-3-14

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jane Lee Hamman of Jefferson County as Montanan of the Month, for her patriotism, her dedication to serving her community, our great State, and our great Nation. prgtoken Jane's selfless contributions began at a young age when she started volunteering for Meals on Wheels with her parents. Jane also joined her parents in supporting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the civil rights movement as well, believing in equal opportunity and advancement for all people based on their character, not the color of their skin. In fact, her life mantra is ``Living to advance freedom, knowledge, and justice for all.'' I think I can speak for all who know her when I say that she truly embraces these ideals. prgtoken Jane's love for her country is on full display in the monthly column she writes for the Boulder Monitor newspaper. The goal of Jane's column is to preserve liberty, to educate readers about America's vision of the Declaration of Independence, and to celebrate our Constitution. prgtoken She also shares her values of patriotism and volunteerism with others while serving as the lay leader of the Clancy United Methodist Church and as the Oro Fino Chapter Registrar of the Daughters of the American Revolution. prgtoken Additionally, Jane has been appointed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to the Montana State Board of Education and is the chair for the North Jefferson County Public Library District Board of Trustees. prgtoken I have no doubt that her love for the great State of Montana and the United States of America influences every person she meets. prgtoken It is truly my honor to recognize Jane for her commitment to serving her community, her State, and her country while spreading Montana's values of service and patriotism. prgtoken Jane, keep up the great work. prgtoken .