mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PETE ALFARO
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-12-19

it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of my friend and longtime community leader, Pedro Cuellar ``Pete'' Alfaro of Baytown, Texas, who passed away on December 11, 2023. Pete devoted his life to public service, honorably serving as mayor of Baytown, as a city council member, on the Lee College Board of Regents, and on numerous other community and non-profit boards. He was a leader, mentor, friend, and role model to countless in the region, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire new generations of public servants for years to come. prgtoken Pete was born August 10, 1940, to Felipe and Victoriana Alfaro. After serving in the United States Army as a basic electronics instructor at Fort Bliss for three years, Pete attended the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1969 and was a lifetime member of the Texas Exes alum association. That same year, he began his career as an electrical engineer at Humble Oil and Refining, now ExxonMobil, where he would remain employed for the next 31 years. prgtoken After being elected to the city council in 1989 where he served two terms, Pete was voted in as the first Hispanic mayor of Baytown, a position he held for 11 years. His pivotal role in infrastructure development, particularly the completion of the Fred Hartman Bridge in partnership with then-Governor , epitomized his dedication to building a stronger Baytown. prgtoken However, his reach was not confined to the city hall, it extended to significant roles on boards such as the Lee College Board of Regents, the Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Board of Trustees, and the Patient and Family Advisory Council. After facing the devastating loss of his daughter, Debi, Pete channeled his grief into a steadfast commitment to elevating healthcare standards. Chairing the Quality and Patient Safety Steering Committee at Houston Methodist Baytown for two decades, he worked tirelessly to ensure the surrounding community received and had access to top-notch healthcare. In recognition of his efforts, the Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital dedicated its new state-of-the-art education and training facility in honor of Pete and his wife, Lupe, in May of this year. prgtoken Throughout the years, Pete left a significant impact in the public and private sector. In fact, he was named the 2004 Baytown Sun newspaper's ``Citizen of the Year'' and the 2010 ExxonMobil's ``Refiner of the Year'' for his community service. prgtoken Pete was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Debi Alfaro Yarborough. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Guadalupe ``Lupe'' Alfaro; daughters, Priscilla Alfaro and Sandra Rodriguez; son, Paul Alfaro; and grandchildren, Christopher, Marissa, Austin, Alexis, Mikaela, Emily, Nicholas, and Kelsey. prgtoken , it is a privilege to honor the memory and legacy of Pete Alfaro. My heartfelt prayers
TRIBUTE TO THE MILLER FAMILY
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-12-20

I am going to end my remarks today on a high note and a very important one. prgtoken It is Wednesday. I like to come down and do what we call the ``Alaskan of the Week.'' I can see the pages are already kind of excited, right, because, let's face it, this is the most exciting speech of the week and certainly the most interesting. So what I like to do is come down--by the way, I know the press generally likes it because it is normally a signal that it is the end of the week. Everybody is going home. This is usually the last speech of the week. I think this might be the last speech of the year this year. prgtoken What we do with the Alaskan of the Week, we talk a little bit about what is going on in Alaska--I will get to that--and then I like to highlight someone who is doing something great for my State. It might be, you know, someone local. Our first Alaskan of the Week, I think, was a librarian who had been a librarian for 40 years--amazing woman-- and then we have superstar world athletes, gold medalists in swimming, and things like that. So we just cover the whole gamut. prgtoken Now, usually there is a poster board. I made this a very special Alaskan of the Week poster board. This might be the first time ever it has got Santa on it, and you are going to see why--a Santa-oriented speech. prgtoken So, of course, right now, I am getting ready to head home in a couple of hours. I was just home over the weekend. There are no worries in Alaska right now about a white Christmas. Anchorage, my hometown, I think we have had close to 100 inches of snow already. Look, for us, that is a lot. I am talking about November, right. So we have a white Christmas coming, for sure. prgtoken It is magical, of course, in Alaska. We have got reindeer. We have got one that actually lives in downtown Anchorage. We have visitors coming. We have got a great town called North Pole, AK--North Pole, AK--and we have the Santa Claus House in North Pole, where Santa lives. By the way, this is true. This is what my Alaskan of the Week speech is all about. prgtoken If you write a letter to Santa addressed to the North Pole, your letter will end up at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, AK. Why wouldn't it? prgtoken By the way, this house is not to be confused with the abode of a North Pole city council member. North Pole, AK, is a city a little bit north of Fairbanks. This city council member, by the way, his name is Santa Claus. His legal name is Santa Claus. He is a member of the city council. I know him well. Look, I am not ripping him. He is a Bernie Sanders Socialist, true. Now, why wouldn't he be? You know, the guy gives out free gifts to everybody. That is true. He is a good guy. prgtoken So, Santa, if you are watching, hello--Santa Claus, city council member, North Pole. prgtoken But in all seriousness, Interior Alaska--this is in the interior part of our State--has the greatest, most kind people and generous. And in ke
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-12-20

the world is witnessing the first land war in Europe since 1945. Ukraine's citizen soldiers are in the trenches right now, resisting Russian aggression with Western assistance. prgtoken American leadership has strengthened the NATO alliance, prompted our closest allies and trading partners to share more of the burden of collective defense, and driven historic investments in the military strength and industrial capacity we need here at home to compete with our biggest adversaries. Finishing the job will require more of that leadership. prgtoken Meanwhile, Israel is responding to the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Our ally needs the time, the space, and the support required to eliminate the terrorist savages responsible for the horrors of October 7, and the entire region needs American leadership to restore deterrence against Iran and its terrorist proxies who attack U.S. personnel with impunity. prgtoken From the other side of the world, our friends in the Indo-Pacific are watching closely what goes on in Europe and the Middle East and investing seriously in their own military strength because they know that China is doing the same. prgtoken Our single greatest strategic adversary is growing increasingly aggressive, increasingly advanced, and increasingly keen to seize an edge over a global superpower that has failed to act like one. prgtoken So the stakes are high this holiday season for our allies and partners on the frontlines of authoritarian aggression. The challenges are real for brave American servicemembers who are spending this time of the year far from home and loved ones to keep us safe. prgtoken It is a dangerous world, one that doesn't reward weakness. America needs to show that we haven't forgotten how to lead and that we are committed to restoring the hard power that leadership requires. prgtoken So I am encouraged by our colleagues' commitment to keep working toward an agreement on national security, beginning with security here at home. The Senate will not let the challenges we face go unanswered.
ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023, THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2024
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-12-20

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn to then convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business being conducted, on the following dates and times and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Friday, December 22, at 8 a.m.; Tuesday, December 26, at 9 a.m.; Friday, December 29, at 10:30 a.m.; Tuesday, January 2, at 11:45 a.m.; and that the second session of the 118th Congress convene on Wednesday, January 3, at 12 noon for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted, and that following the pro forma session, the Senate adjourn and convene for pro forma session only, with no business being conducted, on Friday, January 5, at 10 a.m.; further, that when the Senate adjourns on Friday, January 5, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m Monday, January 8; that on Monday, following the prayer and prgtoken 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 upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Kazen nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture vote on the Kazen nomination be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 8, with all provisions of the previous order remaining in effect and with all remaining clotures ripening in the order filed.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-12-20

there will be no more rollcall votes this year. But make no mistake, the winter recess will be a busy and important few weeks for the U.S. Senate. Negotiations will continue around the clock, reaching an agreement on a critical national security supplemental. prgtoken As I speak right now, the negotiators are in a room down the hall trying to make more progress. I came by a few minutes ago to thank all of them for their hard work and encourage them to continue. The future not only of Ukraine but of our country and the Western World depends on it. Challenging issues remain, but we in this caucus are committed to addressing needs at the southern border and to helping our partners and allies confront and deter serious threats in Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. The Senate will not let these national security challenges go unanswered. prgtoken When we return in the new year, we hope to take swift action on the national security supplemental. Passing a national security supplemental is not going to be easy. It is one of the hardest things this Senate has undertaken in a very long time. It will take compromise, good faith, and recognition from both sides that nobody is going to get everything they want. prgtoken will continue to work in good faith with our counterparts to get things done. We will not abandon our principles on border, but we will work to find common ground wherever we can. Let me be clear: It will take cooperation from serious-minded s to get this done. Again, it will take cooperation from serious-minded s to pass a national security supplemental. prgtoken I know there are some on the other side who will never vote for it, but there are many who understand the need to both give Ukraine and Israel humanitarian aid for the civilians in Gaza and the Indo-Pacific the help it needs and to help fix our border--doing it in ways that are consistent with our principles. prgtoken will continue to take these negotiations seriously, and we urge the majority of s on the Senate side who understand that this is real and very important to join with us in helping get this done. Doing it together, Leader McConnell and I issued a statement last night that showed we both hope to get this done. prgtoken If we fail in this moment, if the United States abandons our friends in Ukraine to Vladimir Putin, history will cast a shameful and permanent shadow upon all of us. It is a matter of the highest urgency that we get this right, and that is precisely what we will work toward in the new year as soon as we return.
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF MICHAEL ELLIOTT FOX
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-22

I rise today to honor the life and work of Michael E. Fox, Sr a strong force for good in the South Bay who died on November 3, 2023, at the age of 87. prgtoken Michael Fox was born in Chicago on September 23, 1936 and attended Bishop Quarter Military Academy there, Campion Jesuit High School in Wisconsin, graduated from Notre Dame University in Indiana, and earned a degree in Brewing Science and Technology from the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago. He met his wife Mary Ellen in Illinois, and the couple moved to California. They bought a home in Saratoga in 1965 and acquired a small beer distributorship, which grew from 10 employees to more than 200 during 50 years of business. prgtoken Michael Fox and Mary Ellen were renowned for their extraordinary philanthropy, and he held leadership roles in countless charitable prgtoken organizations. His good works earned him accolades such as Santa Clara County Philanthropist of the Year, two Papal awards, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Service from Santa Clara University. prgtoken Mike Fox was deeply devoted to his family and his Catholic faith, and his commitment to both inspired his life and brought him great joy. He was kind and affable and mentored many people over the years, ran marathons and loved Broadway musicals. Any cause that would uplift others became his cause. prgtoken , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and work of Michael Fox, and in extending our most sincere condolences to his entire family. He was a good man who did great things to better our communities and strengthen our country. Mike Fox was a national treasure.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ALFRED `SMOKEY' DREHER
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-12-22

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alfred `Smokey' Dreher of Vernon, Connecticut. Alfred was a true, devoted member of the Vernon community, always looking for ways to keep others safe. Aged 89, Mr. Dreher sadly but peacefully passed away on December 2nd. prgtoken Born on August 14, 1934, to Gladys and Alfred O. Dreher, Sr. in Rockville, Connecticut, Alfred attended Rockville High School, graduating in 1953. Even before his completion of high school, Alfred joined the Rockville Fire Department in 1950 as a Junior Firefighter. Alfred served as a part of the Hockanum Host Company as a hose-man, ladder-man, and driver, eager to fill in wherever necessary. prgtoken Upon his high school graduation, Alfred entered the workforce, joining the Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Hartford as an Apprentice Underwriter. It was here that Alfred met the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Diane. prgtoken In 1955, Alfred heeded his nation's call to action and joined the Army as a Heavy Equipment Transport Driver at Fort Lee Virginia and Fort Dix New Jersey. It was during this service that Alfred and Diane got married and began their lives together. After an honorable discharge in 1962, Alfred and Diane relocated to Rockville, where they would remain the rest of their married life. Alfred rejoined Aetna in the Supply Department, as a Security Guard. Alfred retired from Aetna in 1992, after 40 years. As if 40 years of service isn't enough, Alfred never missed a day of work because of illness, always dedicated to his commitments. prgtoken Throughout his career, Alfred remained unwavering in his work as a firefighter. When the Rockville and Vernon Fire Departments merged into the Town of Vernon Fire Department, Alfred became an EMT. He served with Rescue 411 as a driver and paramedic and attained the rank of second Lieutenant. After 55 years as a Firefighter and EMT, Alfred semi-retired. This retirement did not, however, stop Alfred's work with the Vernon Fire Department. Alfred joined the Town of Vernon Fire Police to make sure responding crews were sufficiently equipped with tools and to help with traffic control during accidents and fires. Alfred is the longest-serving firefighter in Vernon's history, concluding an astonishing 65 years with the Fire Department upon his retirement in 2015. prgtoken Alfred's selfless devotion to creating a safe and welcoming community was without limits. He was involved in numerous local organizations such as American Legion Post 14 in Vernon to organize and advocate for fellow veterans. To help ensure others were equipped to successfully serve their communities, Alfred taught as a First Aid and CPR instructor for the American Red Cross. He spent his free time as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors in the region. Alfred was also a devout member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Vernon for over half a century. prgtoken , I am incredibly lucky
COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEIGHTS
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2023-12-22

St. Louis and I rise to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the City of Richmond Heights, located in Missouri's First District. Richmond Heights was incorporated on December 29, 1913 with just 18 families residing in the area. Since then, the population has grown to 9,286. prgtoken Richmond Heights has been home to many Missourians who brought the joys of art and music to St. Louis, such as jazz singer Mae Wheeler, rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry, artist Ernest Trova, gospel singer Doris Fiddmont Frazier, architect Henry Hampton, and filmmaker Henry Hampton Jr. Moreover, Richmond Heights is home to many impactful social justice advocates such as Dr. Thomas E. Rusan, Jr Georgia Tallier Rusan, and Rev. James E. Fiddmont. It is also home to one of the most recognizable voices in St. Louis, the legendary sports commentator, Jack Buck. prgtoken Richmond Heights enriches Missouri's First District with community institutions such as the Esquire Theater, Tropicana Lanes, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, the Saint Louis Galleria, and the Boulevard. It includes four school districts: the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, Clayton School District, Brentwood School District and Ladue School District, as well as Little Flower, Immaculata School, and the International Schoolhouse. prgtoken As the Congresswoman for Missouri's First District, I congratulate the residents of Richmond Heights and their current leadership, including Mayor Jim Thomson and Councilmembers Lisa Eppert, Greg Vescovo, Reginald Finney, Maurice Muia, Megan Moylan, Ashley Metcalf, Danny Hebenstreit and Scott Huston on 110 fruitful years. Here's to 110 more.
HONORING SAISHA WHITE
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-12-22

I rise to honor the service of Saisha White, my legislative assistant who has dedicated her time to serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. prgtoken A Cleveland native, Saisha moved to Florida to obtain her law degree at Florida A&M University after obtaining her bachelor's at Miami University. Her time in law school inspired her passion to secure equity and opportunities across marginalized communities. prgtoken Saisha came to my office ready to make a difference. She worked her way up to becoming my legislative assistant, handling my Transportation & Infrastructure Committee work. In her time as my legislative assistant, she managed my proposed legislation, amendments--many of which were included in critical legislation and advocated for critical issues to better the lives of those across the country. prgtoken Known for her dedication to giving back and empowering others, one of Saisha's greatest attributes is her selflessness. Her willingness to continually give back is one of her many attributes that will inevitably result in success in this field. prgtoken Saisha's heart is dedicated to equity for Black and brown communities, and she is moving on from my office to continue that work. Upon transitioning from my office, Saisha will go on to advocate for safer communities, criminal justice reform, and civil rights access for marginalized communities. prgtoken On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saisha White for her drive and dedication to public service.
HONORING CRYSTAL LANGHORNE
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-12-22

. I rise today to honor the achievements and outstanding athletic career of Crystal Langhorne, a resident of Willingboro, New Jersey and a trailblazer on the basketball court. prgtoken A former member of the Willingboro High School's girls basketball team. Crystal became the all-time highest scorer with over 2,000 points in her high school career. Not only did she possess athletic prowess on the court, she continuously showed sportsmanship and camaraderie to her teammates, coaches, and opponents. prgtoken Crystal continued her basketball career at the University of Maryland, where she led the team to an historic national championship in 2006 as a key starter for the Terrapins. A fierce athlete, she became Maryland's all-time highest scorer and record holder with 2,247 career points. Upon graduating Crystal started her tenure as a professional basketball player in the WNBA, playing for the Washington Mystics and, later, the Seattle Storm. She continued to demonstrate her love for the game and unparalleled talent racking up more remarkable accolades, including Most Improved Player and All-WNBA honors. prgtoken Crystal's talents don't end within the 94 feet of hardwood. Since her retirement from the WNBA she has been a force for social justice across our country. As the Director at Forece4Change, a social justice platform for the Seattle Storm, Crystal helps amplify the voices of black women, fights for voting rights for all Americans, and supports BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities through a wide variety of initiatives. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak about racial and social justice platforms at the White House. prgtoken The scope of her work has touched the lives of thousands across the country, including many in New Jersey's Third District. This month, Crystal's alma mater, Willingboro Township School District, dedicated the high school gymnasium in her honor. Crystal was able to celebrate the special night and notable achievement with the Willingboro community, former coaches and teammates in what is now the Crystal Langhorne Gymnasium. prgtoken Crystal Langhorne embodies the tenacity and spirit of Willingboro Township that makes me proud to represent this community. We are lucky to have her as one of our own as an inspiration to young basketball players and community leaders throughout our district.
RECOGNIZING DR. ROBERT H. BERNARD
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-12-22

I rise today to recognize Dr. Robert H. Bernard for his outstanding service and leadership as Board Chair for Operation Refuge, a grassroots organization based in Western Wayne County. prgtoken Operation Refuge provides essential services like emergency food assistance and youth programming to some of the most underserved populations in Wayne County and whose mission is to serve the community with compassion, empathy, and integrity. As Board Chair, Dr. Bernard leads with this mission as his top priority. He has worked tirelessly to foster community development and promote career-driven and educational opportunities for the youth. Dr. Bernard has gone above and beyond to ensure that youth programs, such as Camp Inspire, are inviting and fulfilling and that youth scholarship funding is plentiful and available. Overall, Dr. Bernard's leadership prgtoken and service at Operation Refuge has made a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. His care for the youth and people of this community is evident and overflowing. prgtoken Please join me in acknowledging Dr. Robert H. Bernard for his passionate leadership and dedicated service to Operation Refuge and the community.