mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY BOWLING TEAM
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-6-8

on behalf of Senator Blackburn and myself, a Vanderbilt alumnus, we would like to congratulate the Vanderbilt University bowling team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association--NCAA--championship, the third national championship for the women's bowling program and the sixth national championship in Commodore athletic history. prgtoken The Commodores were a dominating force during the 2022-2023 season, compiling a 98-29 record and winning four tournament championships including a regional NCAA crown. Five team members earned All-America honors with Mabel Cummins, a neuroscience senior, being named the national player of the year. The team earned an outstanding 3.559 GPA and placed seven members on the Dean's List. prgtoken This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, talent, and teamwork of the following outstanding student athletes: Alyssa Ballard, Kailee Channell, Mabel Cummins, Kaylee Hitt, Amelia Kiefer, Jennifer Loredo, Amanda Naujokas, Paige Peters, Caroline Thesier, and Victoria Varano. prgtoken John Williamson, the head coach of the Vanderbilt bowling team, was named the national coach of the year for the fourth time and has led the program since its inception in 2004. Over the past 19 years, Coach Williamson has transformed Commodore bowling into one of the Nation's finest, winning both on the lanes and in the classroom. Coach Williamson should also be commended for combining athletic excellence with academics as well as international service experiences. prgtoken These student athletes were coached and mentored by a dedicated team of coaches and athletic department staff, including: head coach John Williamson, associate head coach Josie Barnes, deputy athletic director Dr. Kristene Kelly, associate athletic trainer Alda Burston, associate director of strength and conditioning Darren Edginton, assistant director of event management Renee Mackin, assistant director of student services Max Martin, sports dietitian Jasmine Gilbert, and head of athletic communications Rod Williamson. prgtoken We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Vanderbilt University athletic director Candice Storey Lee, an alumna and former Vanderbilt women's basketball player. prgtoken Congratulations, Commodores. We are proud of you.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DWORSHAK DAM
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-6-8

with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Russ Fulcher, we congratulate Dworshak staff on the dam's 50-year anniversary. prgtoken Dedicated on June 15, 1973, the Dworshak Dam, located on the North Fork Clearwater River, has been an important flood control and power generator for 50 years. Following its congressional authorization in 1962 and construction that began in 1966, the dam's flood damage reduction became operational in June 1972, with power generation coming online in March 1973. In addition to the dam, the project also includes Dworshak Reservoir lands, powerhouse, recreation facilities, wildlife mitigation and Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, which is considered to be the world's largest steelhead hatchery. prgtoken The USACE Walla Walla District notes the dam is the highest straight- axis concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, with only two other dams in the U.S. exceeding its height. USACE credits the project with preventing millions of dollars in flood damage since the project became operational, while generating 1.35 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in fiscal year 2017 alone, and providing substantial recreational and wildlife benefits. prgtoken Dworshak staff are recognizing the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the dam with a celebration and public tours. We join in commending the hard work of both current and past Dworshak staff in operating this remarkable part of our great State and country's infrastructure. Congratulations to all Dworshak staff and surrounding communities on this outstanding milestone.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-6-8

it is my privilege to recognize the patriots and healers that work at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System's Russellville Community Based Outpatient Clinic. Those exceptional men and women have honored President Lincoln's famous admonition: ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.'' prgtoken The clinic's nurses and doctors care for over 2,300 veterans in the area and facilitate 14,000 appointments each year. Since it opened 13 years ago, this place of healing has treated and restored the health of tens of thousands of veterans and their family members. As important as the quantity of patients they serve is the quality of the service these caregivers provide. And the Russellville clinic is renowned for showing their patients the respect and attention that veterans deserve. prgtoken One patient, 98-year-old World War II veteran Jock Davis, was so grateful for the Russellville clinic's professional and diligent care, that he is helping organize a June 23 ceremony thanking the employees. I join my fellow Arkansans in gratitude for this clinic and its selfless public servants. prgtoken The employees at the Russellville clinic are fulfilling a sacred covenant between the Nation and its veterans. Every man and woman in uniform who serves our country should know that when they return to civilian life, they will be cared for and honored by the Nation they sacrificed to defend. prgtoken The doctors and nurses of Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System's Russellville Community Based Outpatient Clinic are making our State and country proud. God bless them, God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.
CLOTURE MOTION
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-6-8

today we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the attraction now known as Bryce Canyon National Park. This occasion allows us to reflect on the importance of Bryce Canyon and pay tribute to the pioneers who have helped make it such a great place and have shaped its history over the years and those pioneers who are still shaping its contribution to the world today. prgtoken Bryce Canyon holds a special place in the hearts of Utahans and of visitors from across the United States and really throughout the world. Its towering rock formations, which are known as hoodoos, are a testament to the unparalleled beauty found in nature. The vibrant colors that paint the canyon's walls at sunrise and sunset create a truly mesmerizing spectacle. And if you haven't been there, you need to visit Bryce Canyon. prgtoken In 1874, Scottish immigrant Ebenezer Bryce settled with his wife Mary on the land just below these stunning reddish-hued cliffs. The settlers in the area began calling it Bryce's Canyon after Ebenezer Bryce, who humorously remarked that it was ``a helluva place to lose a cow.'' prgtoken The charm and allure of the canyon were evident even in those early days, long before millions of visitors from around the world had come to see it. prgtoken Fast-forward to 1915, when J.W. Humphrey, a U.S. Forest Service supervisor, first set foot on the rim above the location we refer to today as the Bryce amphitheater. Overwhelmed by the indescribable beauty, Mr. Humphrey shared his enchantment with the world, sending photographs and films to newspapers, magazines, and TV stations far and wide. He built roads, constructed trails, and established a campground, charging campers a $1 fee. prgtoken And this fee had a guarantee attached to it. He made the $1 fee fully refundable if any visitor didn't find the view completely worth it. prgtoken Well, Mr. Humphrey proudly boasted that he never once had to return a single dollar, not from a single visitor who received that guarantee. prgtoken Year after year, the allure of Bryce Canyon has continued to grow. In fact, it has grown exponentially. What started with around 20,000 annual visits in its early years had escalated to over 500,000 by 1975, over 1 million by 2002, and over 2 million in 2016. Last year alone, the park welcomed an astonishing 2.4 million visitors. prgtoken What is it then about Bryce Canyon that draws people in like this? I think it is the ``Bryce moment,'' that magical instant when the park's magnificent panorama suddenly comes into focus. It is especially magical if you see it either at sunrise or sunset. Either way, you are going to be amazed by what you see. It is that breathtaking experience that is sort of akin to looking up at the Empire State Building or at the Taj Mahal, where you can't quite believe what you are seeing. prgtoken A few years ago, I was thinking about my many visits to Bryce Canyon over the years, and I have visited Bryce Canyon a
RECOGNIZING VERY REVEREND DENNIS R. WEEZORAK
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-6-9

I rise today to congratulate Very Reverend Dennis R. Weezorak on his retirement as pastor of St. Mary Church in South Amboy, New Jersey. Father Weezorak has dedicated over 25 years of service to St. Mary's parish and his leadership and commitment are truly deserving of this body's recognition. prgtoken Father Weezorak is devoted to his faith and community. Prior to his installation as pastor of St. Mary's, he served as associate pastor at several parishes in New York and New Jersey, director of ministry to the separated/divorced in the Diocese of Ogdensburg; New York, and chaplain for the United States Air Force and Wilford Medical Center. In January 2021 Bishop James F. Checchio named him Dean of the Raritan Bay Deanery, bestowing the title of Very Reverend. Throughout his 37 years of priesthood, Father Weezorak has provided outstanding spiritual guidance and fellowship and encouraged faith in action. prgtoken In addition to his pastoral service, Father Weezorak is an active member of his community. He serves on the board of the Sadie Pope Dowdell Public Library and volunteers with the Sayreville/South Amboy Chapter of Rotary International. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating Very Reverend Dennis Weezorak on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service and leadership to St. Mary Church and the greater community.
CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-6-9

I am pleased today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Village of Lemont's Incorporation. Since 1873, the Village of Lemont has built a culturally diverse and hardworking community, contributing to the rich transportation history of Illinois as the epicenter of the Illinois and Michigan Canal which linked the Illinois River and Lake Michigan. prgtoken With land in DuPage, Will, and Cook Counties, Lemont currently has over 16,000 residents, many of them descendants of laborers who dug the I & M Canal and later, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. They immigrated from Germany, Ireland, Scandinavian, as well as from French and English Canada, all looking for a better life. While digging the I & M Canal, an exceptionally fine grade of dolomite limestone was discovered, called ``Athens Marble'' for the original name of Lemont, leading to decades of stone quarry development. This distinctive limestone is seen in landmarks throughout Illinois and prominently in Lemont and neighboring communities. The quarry industry attracted immigrants from Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Italy. Labor history was made during sometimes violent struggles for fair wages and safer working conditions between quarry workers and owners. prgtoken Home to The Lemont Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, Lithuanian World Center, the Heritage Corridor Business Alliance, and numerous vital community organizations, residents of Lemont have much to celebrate. With pride, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this milestone for the Village of Lemont, a vibrant community ready to optimistically face its next one hundred and 50 years.
HONORING THE BRIGHTON AREA SCHOOLS SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING DOGS PROGRAM
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-6-9

today I pay tribute to a group of dedicated, devoted, and darling therapists who just happen to have four legs. The Brighton Area Schools Social and Emotional Learning Dogs, or ``BAS Pack of Dogs,'' as they are better known, are celebrating 15 years of service to the district and to the community, and in that time this program has become a source of pride for the district and a model for the state and the Nation. prgtoken But before there was a pack, there was a dog, a teacher, and an idea. In 2008, middle school special education teacher Karen Storey witnessed the positive response kids had to a fellow teacher's dog. That prompted her to research the physical, social, and emotional benefits of therapy dogs on students. Spurred by her research, she approached then- superintendent Greg Gray with a proposal to add a therapy dog to the building. Less than a decade later, with the full support of the community, Brighton became the only district in the State to own a therapy dog for every single building, and several for the high school. prgtoken Over the years, the dogs have become cherished educational assistants, eager to lend a paw when students need extra comfort, a non-judgmental reading partner, or just a friendly and slightly slobbery face. And like furry first responders, the Pack of Dogs will hit the road whenever duty calls, offering love and support to grieving students and teachers across the State when tragedy strikes. I saw this firsthand in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Oxford in November of 2021. For weeks, all 13 members of the Pack of Dogs and their handlers traveled 50 miles each way to comfort traumatized students, absorbing tears into their shiny coats, and gently reminding everyone, one loving nuzzle at a time, of the good that still existed in the world. And they did it again in February 2023, when Michigan State University was similarly shattered by yet another deadly shooting. Not only has the Pack of Dogs shown up for other schools, but the program regularly fields calls from school districts around the Nation who want to replicate this success, seeking advice from the leaders of the Pack. prgtoken From community donations of funds, food, veterinary care, and so much more that make this program possible, to the handlers who welcome these dogs into their homes, to the students who welcome them into their hearts, the BAS Pack of Dogs is a model for schools nationwide, and its founders deserve to be named Top Dog. prgtoken In celebration of 15 years of canine collaboration, I salute the BAS Pack of Dogs and its humans for the profound difference they have made in the lives of so many. It may be true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but a Pack of Dogs can clearly teach all of us new ways of thinking. As man's best friend, it is only fitting that I honor the contributions of the BAS Pack of Dogs.
RECOGNIZING THE IMPACT AND HONORING THE CAREER OF LARRY J. SUTTON
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-9

I rise today to recognize the legacy and celebrate the retirement of Larry J. Sutton. prgtoken A native of upstate New York, Mr. Sutton received his Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Mechanical Technology from SUNY Canton in 1977. Following his graduation, he began his career working for Corning Incorporated, an American multinational company specializing in specialty glass, ceramics, and advanced optics. During his first years with the company, Mr. Sutton continued his education, receiving his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business and Managerial Economics from SUNY Empire State College in 1985. prgtoken During Mr. Sutton's 45 year career with Corning Incorporated, he achieved the position of Director of Special Programs and had extensive involvement in several nationally-recognized projects. Mr. Sutton engaged in specialized work for NASA, helping develop the windshields and windows used on United States space shuttles and the International Space Station. Mr. Sutton also participated significantly in the development of the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore Labs and the creation of protective radomes used to house radar antennae. Not only did Mr. Sutton have a notable impact on the success of Corning Incorporated, but he was also responsible for significant advancements in the fields of advanced optics, space exploration, and national defense. prgtoken Throughout his career, Mr. Sutton received numerous honors in recognition of both his impact on his field and his influence on the success of Corning Incorporated. In 1998, he was honored with one of the highest awards presented by NASA, the Space Flight Awareness Honoree Award, acknowledging the extraordinary quality of his work and its direct impact on the human space flight program. Mr. Sutton also received the 2002 Corning Specialty Materials Deborah J. Samelson Award for People Development, which recognized his exceptional leadership skills, as well as the 2015 Corning Distinguished Associate Award celebrating his outsized impact on the company. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize the exceptional achievements of Larry J. Sutton and remember his enduring contributions to New York, the United States, and the world.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL TERRILL KAY ``T.K.'' MOFFETT
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-6-9

I rise today to celebrate the life of Major General Terrill Kay ``T.K.'' Moffett. Major General Moffett passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 73. T.K. Moffett was born on a small farm near Becker, Mississippi, on July 11, 1949. He was the youngest of nine children born to Elmer Carlos Moffett and Mary Ethel Meek Moffett. prgtoken As a young man, he gave his life to Christ at Becker Baptist Church, where he also helped lead musical worship in his teenage years. He was an honor's graduate from Amory High School and received nominations to all three United States Service Academies. T.K. chose the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. After the Academy, he served as an Airborne Infantry Officer and Armor Officer, and graduated from both the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He would go on to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Mississippi. He is also an honor graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth; and he completed United States Army War College as a fellow at Harvard University, where he also studied Municipal Policing. prgtoken While pursuing a career in the military, T.K. also practiced law for almost 45 years, earning bar admittance in Mississippi and Alabama. He was the owner of Moffett Law Firm, PLLC, with offices in both Tupelo and Amory. He served as Tupelo City Prosecutor from 1989 through 1999. In 2015, Governor Phil Bryant appointed T.K. as Chancery Judge in Northeast Mississippi's First Judicial District. prgtoken Major General Moffett's military career spanned 40 years in the Army, Army Reserve, and the Mississippi Army National Guard. He commanded at every level from Platoon Leader to Tank Battalion Commander to Division Commander, having served in the 155th Armored Brigade, the 25th Infantry Division, the 4th Infantry Division, the 91st Division, and the 104th Division. He mobilized with the 155th Armored Brigade for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and with the 91st Division for Operation Enduring Freedom. T.K. was promoted to Brigadier General in 1999 and Major General in 2003. He was the Commanding General of the Troop Command Mississippi National Guard, the Deputy Commanding General of the 91st Division in California, and the Commanding General of the 104th Division in Vancouver, Washington. He retired from the military in 2007. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, and the Mississippi Commendation Medal. prgtoken Major General Moffett was also the founder and owner of Moffett Leadership Institute and conducted leaders
CONGRATULATING GABRIELLA NAHMIAS
Anthony D’Esposito (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-6-9

I rise today to congratulate Gabriella Nahmias on becoming a Bat Mitzvah. This is an important milestone in Judaism, and Gabriella has worked hard on this achievement. prgtoken A proud resident of Hewlett, she continues to make her family and friends proud each prgtoken day. I join her parents, Samuel and Monica, her family, and friends in congratulating her on this occasion. prgtoken On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District, Mazel Tov to Gabriella.
RECOGNIZING TERESA SHYMANSKY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-12

I rise today to recognize Teresa Shymansky of Solon, Iowa, for her incredible work with her nonprofit foundation, Something Beautiful. prgtoken Teresa operates a floral design and art studio in her home in Johnson prgtoken County with a mission to restore hope and dignity to women and children who have fallen victim to trafficking and sexual abuse. prgtoken With the proceeds raised, Teresa funds scholarships for victims of abuse and supports global initiatives such as Operation Underground Railroad. Operation Underground Railroad works to save children around the globe from sexual exploitation. prgtoken Teresa offers a space for healing and creativity for those who desperately need it, using the wonders of Iowa's landscape as a space for renewal and rebirth. prgtoken Mother Teresa once said: ``Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.'' prgtoken Through her work, Teresa not only believes this statement to be true, but she also practices its teachings daily. prgtoken I commend Teresa on all her dedication and hard work in helping vulnerable members of our community while donating her time and resources to help turn traumatic experiences into something beautiful.
STOP THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-12

today I announce that I am writing an appropriations rider to defund Jack Smith, Special Counsel, his office, and the investigation. prgtoken This is a weaponized government attempt to take down the top political enemy and leading Presidential candidate of the United States, Donald J. . We cannot allow the government to be weaponized for political purposes. prgtoken I would also ask all of my colleagues to join me in this effort. We have to use the power of appropriations to stop the weaponization of government, especially in light that we know that there are others who are guilty of true crimes. Never forget that former Secretary of State and Senator Hillary Clinton had classified documents on Anthony Weiner's laptop, who was convicted of sexting a minor inappropriate pictures. prgtoken This is not how classified documents should be handled. There should have been an investigation done into that. prgtoken Don't forget 's documents that are sitting in his garage next to his Corvette where the door opens and closes. prgtoken , America sees this for exactly what it is, and we will not allow it to stand.