mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING LINDA LEWIS-EVERETT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-4-23

today I rise to present Linda Lewis-Everett with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award for her service to the country, community, and the city of Indianapolis. prgtoken Each month, my office recognizes women veterans who are often overlooked and underrepresented, especially women of color. Inspired by its namesake, this award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community and nation is unparalleled. These women are inspirational and guided by a deep love for their fellow veterans. prgtoken Known to many for her commitment to assisting others, Linda's journey of service began at the young age of 22 when she enlisted in the United States Army, where she proudly served our country and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Her training in the Army led to 22 years in the United States Postal Service, before she retired in 2013. Linda has since continued to dedicate her life to the betterment of all Americans through her work and advocacy in justice, politics, and culture. As one of the Top Ladies of Distinction, her work on health wellness initiatives such as the American Cancer Society and Senior Citizens Connect has furthered Indianapolis' goal of becoming a leader in the medical industry. prgtoken Combining her love for philanthropy with heritage, Linda is a steadfast and outspoken advocate for the Black community and women veterans. Her volunteer work with the National Council of Negro Women, the Indiana Black Expo, as well as her organization Boundless Blessing, are a testament to her legacy of service and to her Ghanaian ancestry. In 2019, Linda received the Author Academy Award for her best-selling book: ``I Still Hear the Drums.'' She continues to celebrate her love of community and culture through her church, food pantry, and the various civic and social organizations she supports. prgtoken Her kindness, compassion, and selflessness have cultivated a movement spreading positive lasting impacts for our community and beyond. prgtoken Especially as we celebrate National Volunteer Month this April, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Linda Lewis-Everett for her decades of continued service to Hoosiers and to our Nation.
COMMEMORATING THE 109TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-23

109 years ago, the Ottoman Empire began a concerted and systemic effort to destroy the Armenian people, Armenians from all walks of life, including writers, doctors, and teachers, were rounded up and brutally murdered, clergy were tortured and burned alive in churches, women and girls were brutalized, raped and killed, sons and daughters witnessed their fathers being murdered, and children and the elderly died of exhaustion and starvation on a forced march to Deir ez-Zor. 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children, entire families, were wiped out in an act of mass premeditated murder. prgtoken The facts of the genocide are horrific and undisputed by historians. They were recorded by American diplomats serving in the Ottoman Empire at the time who bore witness in official cables to the annihilation of the Armenian population. The U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time, Henry Morgenthau, described it as a ``campaign of race extermination.'' It was the first genocide of the 20th Century--a term coined by Raphael Lempkin partly in response to this barbarity. prgtoken Despite overwhelming and ever-increasing evidence of this methodical mass killing. Turkey has long engaged in a dangerous campaign to deny the genocide and to silence anyone who seeks to speak the truth. prgtoken I have sat down with survivors. I have been welcomed into their homes. I have listened to their stories of how their parents, aunts and uncles were murdered, how their property and the lives that their families built were destroyed. I have watched them relive the pain over and over, reopening the wound to keep the history of their families alive. prgtoken The United States will no longer stand in dishonorable silence. In 2019, the U.S. House passed my resolution officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide by a near unanimous and bipartisan margin. That same year, the U.S. Senate also passed a resolution affirming the facts of the Armenian Genocide. And in 2021, President finally cast aside decades of shameful silence by our nation to become the first sitting U.S. President to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. prgtoken These historic achievements happened because of a resilient and enduring Armenian community and diaspora, and decades of work. It's a testament to the efforts of thousands of activists, organizations, communities, and faith leaders. It's a victory for human rights and for truth itself, and it's something that we achieved working together. prgtoken But we know there remains so much important work to do. These wounds are still open, they have not fully healed and in tragic ways, some grow even larger. prgtoken To this day, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan echoes the genocidal language and actions of more than a century ago with the support of Turkey. Beginning on September 27, 2020, and over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces invaded and murdered innocent Armenians in Artsakh and displaced tens of thousands m
TRIBUTE TO 2024 SPRING INTERNS
Pete Ricketts (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-4-23

today I stand before you to express my gratitude and admiration for the exceptional students who joined our team as spring interns in 2024. prgtoken These talented young women and men brought a unique blend of enthusiasm, dedication, and a passion for making a difference to my offices in Washington, DC, office and across the State of Nebraska. Our interns have consistently shown a motivation to learn and a strong commitment to our State. Their presence has not only enriched our workspace, but also inspired my team and me. As the torchbearers of the next generation, their spirit and determination fill us with anticipation for what the future holds. prgtoken As they leave our office, I want to take a moment to extend my sincerest thanks to: Reese Clarke, Nathan Muilenburg, and Jack Smith, who served in my Washington, DC, office; Paxton Robertson, who served in my Kearney office; Abbie Russman, who served in my Omaha office; and William Funke, who served in my Lincoln office. prgtoken Your dedication and contributions have truly made our team stronger. I hope you will carry the lessons learned here into your bright futures. Congratulations, and best of luck.
NATIONAL SECURITY ACT, 2024
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2024-4-23

I rise to urge my colleagues to strongly support the national security supplemental appropriations package before us. This important legislation, which was approved overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives, reflects, in many ways, the bipartisan bill that Chair Murray and I negotiated and the Senate passed in February by a vote of 70 to 29. prgtoken This bill would strengthen our military's readiness, rebuild our defense industrial base, and assist our partners and allies at a volatile and dangerous time in world history. prgtoken The national security package before us totals $95 billion. Now, 71 percent of that funding--$67 billion--is defense funding. It will be used to continue vital U.S. military support to Europe and the Middle East, where our partners and allies are under attack by authoritarian regimes, rogue states, terrorists, and other extremists. It will expand and modernize U.S. defense production capacity. It will replenish our own stockpiles with updated, more capable weapons and equipment. And it will strengthen the U.S. submarine industrial base. prgtoken In the past few months, I have received briefings from two combatant Commanders--General Kurilla of the U.S. Central Command and Admiral Aquilino of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Each of them has told me that this is the most dangerous global environment that they have seen. One said in 40 years; the other said in 50 years. prgtoken The point is, the threats that the United States faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia, and a hegemonic China are interconnected. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate. They require a strong response. prgtoken The package before us provides the resources to address each of those threats. Let me take just a few moments to highlight some of the bill's key components. prgtoken With regard to Iran and its proxies, earlier this month, as we are all painfully aware, Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 drones and missiles. Thanks to the U.S. Navy's heroic response in assisting Israel, as well as the great coordination and response from our allies and partners, fewer than 1 percent of Iran's weapons reached their targets in Israel. prgtoken In all, more than 80 incoming drones and at least 6 missiles were intercepted by American forces, including the crews of two destroyers, I am proud to say, that were built in Bath, ME--the USS Carney and the USS Arleigh Burke. prgtoken But let us make no mistake about what was going on with this attack. Iran fully intended to kill as many Israelis as possible and to cause horrific damage. It was only the skill, the bravery, and the precision of Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia that prevented that from happening. prgtoken This national security package includes $2.4 billion to support the ongoing U.S. Central Command operations in the Middle East, such as those th
RECOGNIZING MR. EUGENE "JACK" KRASZEWSKI
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-4-23

today I rise to recognize the life of a remarkable man: Mr. Eugene ``Jack'' Kraszewski. A WWII veteran, father, grandfather, and friend, Jack has dedicated his impressive life to serving the United States and his community. prgtoken Jack was born on April 15, 1924, grew up on his family farm, and attended school in Pulaski, Wisconsin. However, Jack did not finish high school as he was drafted into the Army at the age of 18 before graduation. Jack was quickly sent off from small town Pulaski to Fort Hulen, Texas, for basic training. At basic training he was extremely successful where he studied and eventually became part of an anti- aircraft unit. After basic training he went on to be deployed and stationed all throughout Europe including Scotland, England, France, Belgium, and Germany. From March of 1943 to February of 1946, Jack valiantly served our country during the height of the tensions of World War II. Jack was even present on D-Day at the Invasion of Normandy, one of the largest amphibious invasions in modern warfare history. All the way from Northeast Wisconsin, Jack was on the front lines of the most notorious invasions in United States military history. I extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Jack for his unwavering service and commitment to the United States of America. prgtoken Following his discharge from the military, Jack returned home and married the love of his life, Marjorie Stender, on October 11, 1958. Jack and Marjorie enjoyed nearly 60 years together and would grow their family, welcoming their two daughters, Anne, and Ruth. prgtoken , I once again extend my sincere thanks for Jack for his unwavering service and dedication to the United States. He truly embodies all that it means to be part of the Greatest Generation. Our Nation is safer because of his selfless commitment and service. I urge members of this body to join me in honoring Mr. Eugene ``Jack'' Kraszewski in recognition of his service. Mr. Kraszewski is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.
NATIONAL SECURITY ACT, 2024
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-4-23

to provide for the common defense is one of Congress's primary responsibilities. prgtoken I have been at this business for quite a while, and I have found that making and explaining sensible decisions about advancing our Nation's interests is easier when you start from the right set of assumptions. prgtoken Here is what I know to be true: American prosperity and security are the products of decades of American leadership. Our global interests come with global responsibilities. Healthy alliances lighten the burden of these responsibilities. And at the end of the day, the primary language of strategic competition is strength. prgtoken These are the facts that led me to urge Presidents of both parties not to abandon Afghanistan to terrorists, to fight efforts from both sides of the aisle to tie America's hands in critical parts of the world, to push consecutive administrations to equip Ukraine with lethal weapons before--before--Russia escalated, and to continue fighting for the sort of sustained investments in our military and defense industrial base necessary to meet the challenges that we face. prgtoken The responsibilities of leadership, the value of alliances, the currency of hard power--these are foundational principles. They are not driven by the fickle politics of any one moment. They are tested and proven by the workings of a dangerous world. prgtoken Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire Nation. It is a test of American resolve, our readiness, and our willingness to lead. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear. prgtoken Failure to help Ukraine stand against Russian aggression now means inviting escalation against our closest prgtoken treaty allies and trading partners. It means greater risk that American forces would become involved in conflict. It means more costly deployments of our military and steeper military requirements to defend against aggression. prgtoken Failure to reestablish deterrence against Iran means encouraging unchecked terrorist violence against American personnel, our ally Israel, and the international commerce that underpins our prosperity. prgtoken And failure to match the pacing threat--the People's Republic of China--means jeopardizing the entire system of alliances that preserve American interests and reinforce American leadership. prgtoken Colleagues on both sides of the aisle who dismiss the values of our allies and partners ignore what history teaches about times when we lacked such friendships. Our adversaries understand the stakes, and they are responding with a coordinated full-court press. prgtoken Iran and North Korea are literally arming Russia's war in Ukraine. China is helping Iran skirt international sanctions. A ``friendship without limits'' has blossomed between Moscow and Beijing. prgtoken The authoritarians of the world may have caught the West flatfooted. They may be betting big that American influence is in decline. But, increas
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BATTERY COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-4-23

I rise to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Battery Council International. In March 1924, 25 firms launched the National Battery Manufacturer's Association--the group that would eventually become BCI. Since then, BCI has been the leading trade association for unlocking the potential of energy storage and supporting the commercial integration of essential products. BCI members are committed to safe, responsible battery manufacturing. prgtoken The United States' lead battery industry has more than 165 GWh of manufacturing capacity across 39 facilities, 250,000 lead battery collection and distribution sites, and 9 lead battery recycling facilities. Each of these components supports the nearly 100 percent recycle rate for lead batteries, creating an impressive circular economy. prgtoken In the last century, BCI members have created batteries to power nearly a billion vehicles in the U.S. alone--powering individuals, families, and businesses along the way. prgtoken In 2022, I visited a BCI member, Stryten Energy, which has a manufacturing facility in the Big First District of Kansas. Stryten's stored energy solutions are built in the U.S. and power everything from forklifts, cars, trains, trucks, microgrids, submarines, and more. Stryten has over a century of expertise and is the only energy storage solutions provider in North America that can offer advanced lead, lithium, and vanadium battery solutions to solve complex storage challenges. Companies like Stryten Energy make BCI a strong and essential voice in the energy and defense industries. I congratulate the Battery Council International on its 100th anniversary and for all the work they do to accelerate the future of energy storage in the U.S. and beyond.
NATIONAL SECURITY ACT, 2024
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-4-23

my colleagues, we live in a dangerous world. Fellow Americans and Kansans, we live in dangerous times, and the world is a real challenge. prgtoken The national security crises abroad and here at home are increasing. They are ever increasing. Iran launched a full-scale attack on Israel. Hamas has stated its intent to wipe Israel off the map. Russia continues its brutal aggression in Ukraine. And China is rapidly modernizing its military and using companies to spy and track Americans. prgtoken Each of these conflicts is interconnected, and it would be naive to send aid to Israel but take a pass on supporting Ukraine, Taiwan or our other allies. It is vital the United States be a steadfast and reliable partner in the midst of so many dangers that threaten the world and our own nation's peace and prosperity. prgtoken In a joint FOX News op-ed with former Secretary Mike Pompeo, we stated: The preservation of freedom requires enormous effort; indeed, liberty demands the marshaling of every resource necessary in its defense against those who would see it destroyed. prgtoken Vladimir Putin has chosen to pursue the reconstitution of the Russian Empire according to his own vision of Russian history. He has made clear that his aspirations go beyond Ukraine and that he views NATO as Russia's enemy. Under Putin's leadership, Russia is increasingly collaborating with other nations that oppose us--Iran and our most powerful adversary, communist China. prgtoken Allowing the war in Ukraine to fester will only prolong and deepen the instability already wrought, and it puts at greater risk the 100,000 U.S. servicemembers defending NATO's borders, including those from Fort Riley in Kansas. prgtoken I have said, from the beginning, the world is a better and safer place if Ukraine wins and Russia loses. Ending the war on terms favorable to Kyiv will leave Ukraine and the NATO front in a stronger and better position to deter further Russian aggression. prgtoken Just a week ago, Iran launched a full-scale attack on Israel from its own soil. Through an impressive and coordinated effort with the United States and other countries, Israel successfully defended itself from the barrage of missiles fired at it. It was a victory for Israel, but Iran has demonstrated that it is capable and willing to act on its desire to eliminate the State of Israel. prgtoken Standing with Israel and Ukraine also means standing with our Indo- Pacific partners. We cannot be tough on China and weak on defending Ukraine and Israel. prgtoken The Pentagon describes China as the most ``comprehensive and serious challenge'' to U.S. security. The Japanese Prime Minister stood before Congress, prgtoken just a few days ago, and reaffirmed that ``Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States.'' The United States must send the message that we are committed and that we are standing shoulder to shoulder with our al
NATIONAL SECURITY ACT, 2024
J.D. Vance (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-23

. I see my colleague from Florida, so I will be relatively brief here. prgtoken For 40 years, this country has made, largely, I would say, a bipartisan mistake. It has allowed our manufacturing might to get offshored and to get outsourced, while simultaneously increasing the commitments that we have all over the world. We basically outsourced our ability to manufacture critical weapons while stepping up our responsibilities to police the world. And, of course, if we are going to police the world, then it is American troops who need those weapons. prgtoken With one hand, we have weakened our own country; with the other, we have overextended. There is a certain irony that if you look at the voting records and the commitments of this Chamber, the people who have been most aggressive--my colleagues, some of them my friends--who have been most aggressive sending our good manufacturing jobs to China are now the ones who are most aggressive to assert we can police the world. prgtoken What are we supposed to police the world with? Our artillery manufacturing, our weapons, our air defense manufacturing, our basic military industrial complex has become incredibly weakened. And this bill, you will hear people say, fixes it. It doesn't fix it at all. This bill, while it does invest some--and this is a good thing, by the way, it is not all bad--while it does invest some in critical manufacturing of American weapons, it sends those weapons overseas faster than it even replenishes them. This is not a bill to rebuild the defense industrial base; this is a bill to further extend this country. prgtoken I will yield the floor, recognizing my friend from Florida wants to speak.
RECOGNIZING SHARON ZAVALA
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-4-23

I rise today to recognize Grand Island Central Catholic's Sharon Zavala, the winningest high school volleyball coach in Nebraska history, who is retiring after 49 seasons. prgtoken Since 1975 Coach Zavala has built a volleyball dynasty at Central Catholic. She recruited athletes and cheerleaders back then to start a shaky first team but by the end of her career would compile a 1177 win 220 loss record and 11 state championships after 49 years. prgtoken Zavala was a pioneer in high school volleyball and set the standard for girls' sports in Grand Island and the surrounding areas. For her efforts she's been inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, the Northwest High School Athletic Hall of Fame (Zavala graduated from Northwest), the UNK Athletic Hall of Fame (Zavala's alma mater) and the National High School Hall of Fame. prgtoken In 2007 she was awarded the National High School Athletics Coaches Association National High School Volleyball Coach of the Year and won the Independent Girls' Coach of the year three times during her tenure. prgtoken Few coaches have demonstrated Zavala's dedication and passion to high school volleyball. In 49 years she's missed only one practice due to a positive Covid test. She is devoted to players past and present and is responsible for the careers of many successful coaches whom she coached at Central Catholic. Her players speak of her quiet demeanor and her ability to stay calm during close matches. Notably, she has maintained long-time relationships with 49 years of players and is very proud to have coached daughters whose mothers played for her the previous generation. prgtoken Zavala attributes her calm demeanor to the traditions she's meticulously followed through the years. Every match, she says, has begun with a ``Hail Mary''. Her players dedicated themselves to the recitation of the prayer at every match and noted that it always calmed and focused them. prgtoken Grand Island Central Catholic is grateful for Zavala's many contributions to the school history and for helping to develop girls' sports at a time when boys' sports was the only show in town. Thanks to Zavala, hundreds of girls in Grand Island and in Central Nebraska have experienced the thrill, hard work, and perseverance and rewards of girls' athletics. prgtoken Sharon Zavala has been a role model, leader and certainly a gift to Grand Island Central Catholic, to the Grand Island community, and to the state of Nebraska.