mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE GEMINIBIO REED AVE. FACILITY GRAND OPENING
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to commemorate GeminiBio's Reed Facility Grand Opening. I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in celebration of this new facility. Gemini Bio-Products LLC is an FDA- registered provider of biological products and chemical reagents to the global cell culture community. prgtoken Founded in 1985, GeminiBio serves the global biotechnology industry, from basic research to commercial production, with a focus on helping customers accelerate the development of life enhancing biotherapeutics by streamlining and improving their cell culture and process liquid manufacturing workflows. The company's products are organized into two core verticals--Cell Culture Solutions and Process Liquid Solutions. prgtoken Located in West Sacramento, California, GeminiBio has invested in three distinct expansion projects starting in 2019 and now has 57,000 square feet of cGMP manufacturing space segregated between animal origin-free and animal component manufacturing. In Q1 of 2023, GeminiBio finished its 25,000 square foot cGMP facility that is dedicated to upstream and downstream media and buffer manufacturing. In May of 2023, GeminiBio opened their new 32,000 square foot fully validated cGMP facility--warehouse and manufacturing space. GeminiBio is an ISO 13485 certified, FDA registered Class 1 Medical Device Manufacturer, aligned with 21 CFR Part 820. prgtoken Throughout its growth, GeminiBio has maintained the personalized service on which its reputation was built. GeminiBio is committed to manufacturing and providing customers with products that consistently' meet or exceed all industry and regulatory requirements or expectations. prgtoken , today I am proud to continue to advocate for Greater Sacramento region's growing biotech and cell and gene therapy industries and we celebrate the Grand Opening of GeminiBio's Reed Ave. Facility. I thank all those involved for investing in our community.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-6-7

I have 10 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a subcommittee hearing. committee on environment and public works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. committee on indian affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a business meeting. committee on the judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. committee on the judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 3 p.m to conduct a hearing. committee on rules and administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 3 p.m to conduct a hearing. committee on veterans' affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 3 p.m to conduct a hearing. select committee on intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. subcommittee on europe and regional security cooperation prgtoken The Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation of the Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
HONORING WAIKINYA CLANTON
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Waikinya Clanton of Canton, Mississippi. prgtoken Waikinya Clanton is the State Office Director at Southern Poverty Law Center. One of Waikinya's professional accomplishments is helping to direct nearly $1.5 million in funds to nonprofit organizations who were looking to help educate and strengthen engagement of communities in electoral politics, to help train women to skillfully assume elected office and empower and influence them to disrupt politics on a local, state, and federal level. prgtoken Previously, Clanton has served as senior adviser to the ic National Committee chair. She was the National Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, where she led efforts that fueled electoral victories for Black women. In addition, she was a key aide to my Congressional staff as well. She also served as an Equity Adviser on race, gender, policy, and public engagement for social networking company Nextdoor and cosmetics retailer Sephora. prgtoken Clanton is a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology. She earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a certified political operative through the Congressional Black Caucus Institute's political education and training Boot Camp as well as The Campaign School at Yale University, which is dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed office. Clanton is a certified Diversity and Inclusion Specialist through Cornell University's diversity and inclusion certification program. prgtoken Clanton is also the founder of Who's Who of MS Women and is a Black Church Digital Equity Fellow with the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council as well as a Public Policy Fellow with the Eric H. Holder Public Policy Institute at Tougaloo College. She is also the inventor of the new card game, Quonvo. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my former staff member, Waikinya Clanton for her dedication to the oppression within the state of Mississippi.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-7

. Finally, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 8; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Silfen nomination; further, that at 11:30 a.m notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Syed nomination, followed by the cloture vote on the Silfen nomination, and that if cloture is invoked on the Silfen nomination, all postcloture time be considered expired at 1:45 p.m.; finally, that if nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF RUPAUL CHARLES
Robert Garcia (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-7

the House library is open. prgtoken I rise to commemorate the start of Pride Month by honoring the one and only queen of drag, RuPaul. An artist, a philanthropist, and a barrier breaker, RuPaul Charles has become an American phenomenon and an icon. Nobody has more charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent than RuPaul Charles. prgtoken Ru's career launched as a drag performer in New York, and then as a successful pop artist, releasing his first hit album, ``Supermodel of the World.'' In total, he has released 15 studio albums. prgtoken RuPaul also became the first gay Black man to host his own talk show, ``The RuPaul Show.'' He is most known, of course, for his multi-Emmy- award winning show, ``RuPaul's Drag Race.'' ``RuPaul's Drag Race,'' and its many domestic and international spin- offs, has put drag in the global spotlight. The show has helped lunch and uplift the careers of thousands of drag queens and artists. But more importantly, the show has served as a critical space to discuss issues around inclusion, trans rights, mental health, and self-worth. prgtoken This message couldn't be more important as the LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equality and acceptance. The world needs more love and, yes, more RuPaul. I thank RuPaul Charles for his years of leadership in our community and his activism. prgtoken This Pride Season, as we recommit to celebrating diversity, difference, and self-love, we must always remember what RuPaul so famously says: ``If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?''
CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE PRESIDENT DR. DEVORAH LIEBERMAN ON HER RETIREMENT
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today with great enthusiasm and immense gratitude, to congratulate University of La Verne President Dr. Devorah Lieberman on her retirement. prgtoken Serving as president since 2011, Dr. Lieberman has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the mission and vision of the University of La Verne, as well as constant dedication to its remarkable students and faculty. Her passion for the University of La Verne is evident to anyone who has ever met her. prgtoken President Lieberman's vision has loyally supported the university values and mission of delivering quality academic programs at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. Some of her tremendous accomplishments include: establishing a College of Health and Community Well-Being; instituting the La Verne Experience; raising $128 million in the largest comprehensive campaign in institutional history; significantly increasing funding for student scholarships; fostering growth of the university as a Hispanic-Serving Institution; expanding the international student population; increasing the number of named colleges, endowed deans, and endowed faculty positions; and, significantly increasing the institutional endowment. prgtoken Dr. Lieberman is the 18th president of the University of La Verne, a nationally ranked and Carnegie-recognized private institution for civic and community engagement. Located in Southern California in the 31st Congressional District, the University of La Verne was founded in 1891 and educates approximately 8,000 students. prgtoken President Lieberman is currently Chair-Elect of the New American Colleges & Universities (NAC&U), and serves on the Boards of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the L.A. County Fair Board, and the LA Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Dr. Lieberman has broadly published books and articles in higher education literature on the topics of intercultural communication, faculty development, diversity, and institutional transformation. Awards she received include the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement's ``Si Se Puede Award,'' the Carnegie Foundation ``Oregon Professor of the Year,'' the ACE ``Bringing the World into the Classroom'' National award, the Student Union President of the Year, and the Ellis Island Award. prgtoken Prior to her presidency at the University of La Verne, Dr. Lieberman was Provost at Wagner College on Staten Island and Vice Provost and Professor of Communication Studies at Portland State University. She graduated with her Ph.D. from the University of Florida; with her MA from San Diego State; with her BA from Humboldt State, and her AA from Mt. San Antonio College. prgtoken After receiving a request from the University of La Verne led by President Lieberman, I was very proud to secure $2.2 Million in FY2023 Communit
Nomination of Dilawar Syed (Executive Calendar)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to reiterate my strong support for Dilawar Syed to serve as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. prgtoken Mr. Syed is highly qualified and widely supported as a nominee who has the backing of numerous business groups and organizations. In many ways, he is the picture of the American dream. He is a business owner, entrepreneur, and job creator who was born in Pakistan and educated in the United States. Over the course of his career, Mr. Syed has founded and run several companies in the tech and healthcare sectors. prgtoken He also has firsthand experience dealing with challenges small businesses faced during this pandemic. During the COVID-19 crisis, Mr. Syed chaired a task force to help other businesses in the State of California survive and rebuild from the pandemic. His experience in and commitment to the small business sector are clear. That is why over the past 2 years my ic colleagues and I have made a concerted effort to get Mr. Syed confirmed. prgtoken As Deputy Administrator, he would largely be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the SBA. Working with Administrator Guzman, he will play a critical role in ensuring that small businesses across our country have the support they need to continue growing. prgtoken This work is vital to Hawaii's economy. More than 99 percent of the businesses in our State are small businesses, and nearly half of all employees in Hawaii work for a small business. A strong, fully staffed Small Business Administration is essential for these small businesses in my home State and millions more across the country. prgtoken Despite his stellar qualifications and the importance of the SBA, for nearly 2 years my colleagues have blocked Mr. Syed's nomination to serve in this important role. I sit on the Small Business Committee, and we have had numerous times where we would call a markup in order to enable a vote on Mr. Syed's nomination, and the s would simply not bother to show up. They just wouldn't even bother to show up. prgtoken My colleagues have at different points wrongly accused Mr. Syed of being anti-Israel. They have chastised him for utilizing legal SBA pandemic relief loans and raised other baseless objections to his nomination. One wonders why the s so eagerly raise objections to nominees like Mr. Syed who are obviously qualified for their nominated positions. But despite their baseless bluster, the facts are clear: Mr. Syed is well qualified to serve as Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and his confirmation will make our economy and our country stronger. prgtoken While it never should have taken this long--2 years--I am glad that tomorrow this body will vote on Mr. Syed's nomination to serve as Deputy Administrator. As I said, it has taken far too long to have someone as qualified and as committed--to have his vote occur. <|p
IRS SUCCESS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-6-7

in the past year, you might have noticed a difference while doing your taxes. prgtoken If you called IRS with a question, you waited on the phone for maybe 5 minutes instead of 30 or more from years past. prgtoken If you got your tax refund in a reasonable amount of time, there is a difference. If you are one of the Americans who attempted to evade taxes and ended up paying your fair share, you can thank the Inflation Reduction Act for that. prgtoken This historic legislation has enabled the IRS to be better funded, better staffed, and better at getting hard-earned money back to the people. prgtoken My constituents have noticed. When we legislated $80 billion over the next decade to modernize IRS, s prgtoken set out spreading disinformation and fear: agents coming out to get you. prgtoken They were wrong. They knew that was not the case, but they wanted to demonize IRS anyway. Instead, what happened? We saw improvements. prgtoken In one of the most immediate results from a bill I have ever seen, wait times are down to 4 minutes across the country. Tax returns are arriving without months-long delays. prgtoken In my own office, we had more than 250 cases open at any one time, trying to help constituents. Now that number is below 60. prgtoken Again, s launched an attack on IRS funding during their manufactured debt ceiling crisis of the last few weeks. prgtoken Thankfully, their success against IRS was limited. They were able to claw back only a small portion of that funding that we set forward. prgtoken Still, their opposition is incomprehensible. s say they don't like government, that government doesn't work. President and congressional reveal that when we fund government properly, it does work. prgtoken I thank the IRS team for their hard work on behalf of my constituents and Americans all across this country. A Scourge in America
CELEBRATING THE OUTSTANDING LIFE OF ACTIVIST AND COUSHATTA LEADER ERNEST SICKEY
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today to honor the life and activism of Ernest Sickey, leader of the Coushatta Tribe who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and well-being of Native American communities. Sickey devoted his life to serving his people and fighting for their rights. He played a pivotal role in securing federal recognition for his tribe, ensuring its sovereignty, and the preservation of its rich heritage. He tirelessly worked to improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for Native Americans. prgtoken Ernest Sickey was born on the Coushatta Reservation in Louisiana in 1942. He grew up in poverty and experienced firsthand the discrimination and marginalization that Native Americans faced in the United States. Despite these challenges, he was determined to make a difference in his community. He became a prgtoken leader in the Coushatta Tribe, serving as a tribal council member and later as the tribe's chairman. He was a tireless advocate for Native American rights, working to improve access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for his people. In addition to his work on behalf of the Coushatta Tribe, Ernest Sickey was a respected leader in the broader Native American community. He served as the president of the National Congress of American Indians and was a founding member of the United South and Eastern Tribes. prgtoken Recognition of Sickey's devotion and impact extended beyond his tribal boundaries and even had an impact at the State and National level. Ernest served as the first executive director of the Office of Indian Affairs in Louisiana and used his position to preserve and share Native American culture and traditions to help bridge gaps between communities, aiming to foster understanding and unity. He was a true activist and wanted to make the world a better place for everyone, not just his own community. He met with governors and presidents to advocate for funds to support Native American tribes and their members. Sickey played an instrumental role in getting the re-acknowledgment for the Coushatta Tribe from the federal government in 1973. prgtoken Ernest Sickey's legacy is one of courage, determination, and service. He dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality for Native Americans, and his impact will be felt for many generations to come. On behalf of the people of Louisiana's Second Congressional District, I offer my deepest condolences to Ernest Sickey's family and friends. We are grateful for his life and his service, and we will continue to honor his memory by working to build a more just and equitable society for all Americans.
Nomination of Dilawar Syed (Executive Calendar)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-6-7

I rise today in strong support for the confirmation of Dilawar Syed to fill the long vacant role of Deputy Administrator for the Small Business Administration. prgtoken After more than 2 years since President first nominated Mr. Syed, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship finally reported Mr. Syed's nomination out of the committee earlier this year. prgtoken Mr. Syed was nominated to fill a position that has been vacant for nearly 5 years. The vacancy has caused harm to small business owners throughout our Nation who depend on the SBA to be fully staffed in order to access capital, contracting opportunities, and entrepreneurial development training. prgtoken In an entrepreneurial career spanning over two decades, Mr. Syed has experience starting businesses and advocating for inclusion entrepreneurship at the international, Federal, and State level. prgtoken He currently serves as the Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the United States Department of State, where he advances trade, commercial, and economic policies through commercial advocacy. prgtoken Prior to his position at the State Department, Mr. Syed was CEO at Lumiata, a healthcare technology company, and president at Freshworks, where he helped scale the software company's products to reach thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses. prgtoken Mr. Syed has also held a number of civic positions. In the administration, he served as chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Economic Growth. And in California, he chaired the California Entrepreneurship Task Force under Governor Gavin Newsom's Office of Business and Economic Development. prgtoken With experience at the State Department as Special Representative and leadership roles in business, entrepreneurship, and public service, he is very well-positioned to help the SBA meet this critical moment small businesses face across the Nation. prgtoken As our small businesses continue to recover from the pandemic while facing new challenges, it is essential that the SBA is fully equipped to meet their needs. prgtoken During the pandemic, the Agency provided relief to millions of existing small businesses. Now, record levels of new businesses are being created under the - administration. SBA has the unique opportunity to foster the continuation of this small business boom, making sure that entrepreneurs have the resources, assistance, and capital that will create economic prosperity for communities across the country. prgtoken While the SBA has worked tirelessly to provide this assistance, the pandemic exposed a clear need for modernization, technical upgrades, new resources, and reforms at the SBA. That is why we need a Deputy Administrator today more than ever. The skills and qualifications Mr. Syed possesses are a perfect fit for the SBA's needs. He has broad support from dozens of small