mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING STEPHANE CAMACHO CONCEPCION ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2023 GUAM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I rise today to commend and congratulate Stephane Camacho Concepcion on being selected as the 2023 Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Teacher of the Year. Stephane is an exceptional teacher whose passion for service, dedication to our youth, and commitment to holistic community growth have and continue to leave a lasting impact on our people, island, and future. prgtoken The prestigious Teacher of the Year Program has recognized teachers in Guam since 1969 for their excellence in teaching and contributions to community. In addition to highlighting both teachers' extraordinary work and the importance of a quality education system, the national platform provides educators with unique opportunities to represent and lead our district in elevating its classroom standards and practices. After a rigorous nomination, evaluation, and observation process, prgtoken Stephane was selected from among six finalists and now joins a cohort of esteemed teachers from across the nation as Talofofo Elementary School's first award recipient in 52 years. prgtoken Early in life, Stephane understood the value of education; growing up, her mother, grandparents, and mentors made it a point to emphasize that learning should be a priority. Yet it wasn't just a lesson she was told--it is a fundamental truth she witnessed firsthand. As a young girl, Stephane routinely helped prepare her aunt's classroom for the new school year and saw how her dedication outside of it deeply affected the lives of her students. Stephane's first-grade teacher also drew compelling connections between education and fun that further nurtured her love for learning and desire to make a difference. Paired with her aspirations for purpose-driven service, these formative experiences propelled Stephane onto a path that similarly shapes children's educational journeys. After receiving her high school diploma at the Guam Community College, she earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Guam (UOG). She then returned to the university and went on to obtain two master's degrees in both Administration & Supervision and Reading. prgtoken Today, Stephane celebrates over 16 years of teaching with GDOE and as demonstrated throughout her career, she has and continues to both redefine and reimagine the vital role of a teacher in empowering communities. Beyond ensuring her students are adequately supported with uniquely tailored instructional styles and assistance, her leadership within the larger school system has meaningfully contributed to improving the learning experience for countless Guam students. As both a curriculum coordinator and school site instructional coach, Stephane has extensively collaborated with educators across the island, advocated for the evolving needs of our children, and worked diligently to stand up a robust school community by cultivating greater relationships and communication with parents,
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMITTAL OF LEGISLATION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Electronic prgtoken Transmittal of Legislation Act, which would permit the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia to transmit legislation to Congress in the form of the Chairman's choosing, including in electronic form. This bill would modernize the method D.C. legislation is transmitted to Congress. I introduced a similar version of this bill earlier this year. prgtoken The D.C. Home Rule Act (HRA) requires the Chairman to transmit legislation to Congress for a review period before the legislation may take effect. The legislation takes effect after a review period, unless a resolution of disapproval is enacted into law during the review period. While the HRA is silent on the method of transmittal, House and Senate precedent require that the legislation be physically transmitted to Congress. Physical transmittal imposes costs in terms of time on the Council, the House and Senate Parliamentarians, the , the President of the Senate, the House clerk, the Senate Secretary, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. prgtoken The Council engages in a 12-step process to comply with the physical transmittal requirement: prgtoken Step 1: Write individualized cover letters. prgtoken Step 2: The Chairman physically signs the cover letters. prgtoken Step 3: Arrange a time to get the cover letters from the Chairman. prgtoken Step 4: Print two copies of the bill and two copies of the committee report to deliver to the and to the President of the Senate. prgtoken Step 5: Arrange a time for delivery to the 's office. prgtoken Step 6: Arrange a time for delivery to the President of the Senate's office. prgtoken Step 7: Arrange for two D.C. employees to drive to the Capitol. (Two staffers are required because parking restrictions require a driver and a delivery person.) prgtoken Step 8: Drive to the Capitol. prgtoken Step 9: Deliver the documents to the 's office and get a signed receipt. prgtoken Step 10: Deliver the documents to the President of the Senate's office and get a signed receipt. prgtoken Step 11: Assign the congressional review period based on the receipts. prgtoken Step 12: File the receipts. prgtoken The aftermath of the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol highlighted the burdens of physical transmittal. After temporary fencing was installed around the Capitol, D.C. employees could not enter the Capitol, delaying transmittal until D.C. employees and congressional staff developed a workaround. D.C. employees and congressional staff met outside the fencing so the D.C. employees could physically transmit the legislation. prgtoken Today, when we live in the era of e-mail, there is no reason to continue to require an increasingly ancient process, when these documents could be transmitted electronically instead, saving a tremendous amount of time and effort. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to
RECOGNIZING DOMINION WOMAN'S CLUB
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-6-3

. Madam , I am honored to use this time to recognize the 15th anniversary of the General Federation of Women's Clubs Dominion Woman's Club (DWC) in Virginia's 10th District. The DWC is a volunteer organization in Prince William and Fauquier Counties that is dedicated to improving our community by advocating for critical issues and providing volunteer services. Some of the DWC's work has involved supporting our schools and libraries, meeting the needs of the underserved, calling attention to the problems of child and domestic abuse, and working to promote conservation through volunteer service. prgtoken The DWC was founded in 2007 under the guidance of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Virginia (GFWC-VA). The GFWC-VA, founded in 1890, focuses on promoting culture and education, increasing domestic abuse awareness, and establishing smaller, local clubs across Virginia. The DWC's first President was Nanette McKeel Petrella, and many current members credit the club's early success to her leadership and vision. prgtoken Today, the DWC supports a wide variety of organizations and groups across Prince William and Fauquier Counties, including Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, Leopold's Preserve, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, PACE West School, Suella Gilbert Ellis Elementary, Gravely Elementary, Friends of Homeless Animals and more. The members of the club come from a variety of backgrounds, including teachers, counselors, professional women, moms, and women involved in various communal volunteer organizations. While their levels of participation and interests may vary, each member shares the common goal of empowering one another through community service. prgtoken The club's current board, led by President Martha Feeney, has done an admirable job of guiding the club during the COVID-19 pandemic. She implemented creative methods to navigate remote outreach and ensured that the club's community impact remained resilient. Under their leadership in 2021, the club participated in 42 volunteer programs, contributed 4,734 volunteer hours, and donated over $20,000, including in-kind donations, to fund their community outreaches. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the GFWC Dominion Woman's Club for its steadfast commitment to serving our community for the past 15 years. I wish the women of this entire organization all the best in their future endeavors and commend their desire to ``be the change that you wish to see.''
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-6

every Member of Congress vividly remembers his or her path toward engagement in our government. Some have been more circuitous than others, but we all remember how that spark was ignited and how action ensued. prgtoken Katherine Wetherton, a freshman at the University of Louisville, hopes to kindle that passion for civic engagement in young women, and part of her strategy was to write a book targeted toward middle and high school students entitled, ``She Rocks the Vote.'' She distributes it through the seminars and workshops she conducts for students and at the Little Free Library that she built and installed in her hometown in Oldham County. prgtoken A results-focused young woman, Kate was active in Girl Scouts for 13 years and completed her Girl Scout Gold Award, which is achieved by only about 5 percent of Girl Scouts. And while she prgtoken has big plans for her education, including graduate school, she doesn't intend to stop connecting girls and young women with the information and skills they need to become involved at every level of government. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Kate for her accomplishments and leadership, and to encourage her future endeavors.
D-DAY
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-6-6

today is a very important day in American history, June 6, the anniversary of D-day. One of the most important and consequential battles of World War II occurred on that day. prgtoken Every year I have served in this body, I have a practice of coming to the floor and reciting the famous D-day Prayer that Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered to the Nation on the morning of June 6, 1944. It was a consequential battle in the sense that it really marks the beginning of the end of World War II, the beginning of the end of Hitler. It is my favorite Presidential statement. prgtoken Seventy-eight years ago, as the American people slept in their beds, the greatest naval invasion in history began and the Greatest Generation was born. On that fateful day, tens of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, and airmen joined our allies from around the world to begin what General Eisenhower called the ``Great Crusade,'' one that sought to free a continent and liberate millions from the grip of tyranny. They came by amphibious landing craft, by gliders laden with men and material, by parachutes deployed deep behind enemy lines. And on the beaches called places like Omaha and Utah and at the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, they struck a mortal blow to the Nazi regime. prgtoken Thousands would give their lives for this cause--over 2,500 Americans alone. Like many in this Chamber, I have seen the American cemeteries there, the rows of white crosses and the stars of David that go on and on are a stark reminder of the price those brave heroes paid for all of us. prgtoken These men did not go into battle alone. As General Eisenhower said to the Allied Expeditionary Force on the eve of this risky battle: ``The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you.'' prgtoken As the battle was engaged, President Franklin Roosevelt spoke to the Nation. He did not choose to address the American people with one of his trademark fireside chats, nor did he choose to use a speech; instead, he delivered words of prayer by radio address, as the fate of Europe and indeed the entire free world hung in the balance. prgtoken It was a powerful prayer that transcended all faiths. I think it captures, perhaps better than anything else I have ever seen, what we as Americans should be most proud of. We are liberators, not conquerors, and it also talks about the righteousness of that cause. prgtoken This prayer must never be forgotten, and that is why I come to the floor, and that is why I would like to recite it now. prgtoken This is what he said: My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke to you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and [yet] greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: Almighty God: Our sons, pr
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-6

like so many people in Texas and across the country, I can't stop thinking about the 19 children and the two teachers who lost their lives in Uvalde, TX. Over the last several days, 21 families have started burying their loved ones. This tight- knit community of 15,000 people 60 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border is grieving the loss of classmates, playmates, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and fellow church members. prgtoken As grief turns to anger and anger turns to action, everyone is asking the question--the logical question--how do we stop these sort of things from happening again? Well, I think that is the right question. That is the question that has been on my mind and dominating conversations with my colleagues the last couple of weeks. prgtoken This is a big diverse country. There are a lot of differences regionally, culturally, and the like. Each of us have ideas about what would work best, but that is the genius of our Federal system, one that Louis Brandeis called the ``laboratories of democracy'' because ``one size fits all'' is not necessarily always the right solution. prgtoken But those of us who work here in the Senate know this is not just about our goals or ideals; it is about what was once called the ``art of the possible.'' Perfect bills exist only in our imagination and we have to be realistic about what can pass both Chambers of Congress and get the President's signature. And we know it is not easy by design. The Founding Fathers had this idea that if they made it hard to pass legislation, if they forced us to build consensus, that we wouldn't pass a lot of laws that would limit individual freedom and liberty; that it would only be where there was a true national consensus that we could get those laws passed. prgtoken Over the last week and a half, I have been talking, particularly with Senator Murphy, Senator Tillis, Senator Sinema, but, literally, with everybody I could reach on the phone or get through text message to see if there is some package of mental health and safety legislation that addresses some of the factors that might have prevented the recent shootings in Uvalde and elsewhere. prgtoken I want to be clear, though. We are not talking about restricting the rights of current law-abiding gun owners or citizens. This is a constitutional right, as much as that may go against the grain of some of our colleagues who would like to see us do things that would restrict the right of American citizens under the Second Amendment. The right to keep and bear arms is guaranteed by the Constitution itself. And the vast majority of the conference feels, certainly, the same way. prgtoken What I am interested in is keeping guns out of the hands of those who, by current law, are not supposed to have them--people with mental health problems, people who have criminal records. prgtoken Again, this is about the ``art of the possible.'' In order to deliver results, we have
Federal Bureau of Investigation (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-6-6

Congress has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that the executive branch executes the laws and uses taxpayer money that has been appropriated to do it according to congressional intent. Now, around here, we refer to seeing that the laws are faithfully executed as the constitutional responsibility of oversight of the Congress of the United States. In furtherance of that constitutional responsibility, Congress has an obligation to investigate the executive branch for fraud, waste, abuse, and gross mismanagement. I take my constitutional responsibilities of oversight very seriously. prgtoken From time to time, I receive information that requires me to ask questions of the executive branch in efforts to better understand whether any wrongdoing has occurred and, if so, what remedial actions will be taken and employed to cure the damage done. That is what brings me to the floor of the Senate today, focusing on Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault at the FBI's Washington Field Office. prgtoken Last week, while I was meeting with my constituents in Iowa, I sent a letter to the Justice Department and the FBI and also a letter to the Department of Justice's inspector general. In those letters, I provided evidence of extreme leftwing bias shown by Special Agent Thibault. Now, in his position, he is a very powerful agent within the FBI--so powerful that he can open and close Federal public corruption cases and investigations. He is a shining example, at the same time, of what is wrong with the FBI. prgtoken Andrew McCarthy wrote about Mr. Thibault last week and wondered what the heck has happened with the FBI. This FBI agent's leftwing political bias was exposed by his very own LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. There, in those accounts, he posted highly partisan material related to his superiors, matters under the FBI's purview, and matters under his own purview. His LinkedIn network includes current and former FBI personnel. The general public is able to review his social media content, which includes his political views, his political biases, and objections. prgtoken Thibault, under the title of Assistant Special Agent in Charge, directly posted a partisan article related to the LTG Michael Flynn case to his LinkedIn account. The article was a September 3, 2020, opinion piece from the Washington Post, entitled ``Why the Michael Flynn case still matters,'' which was about the `` administration's abuses of the justice system.'' He also ``liked'' other politically charged articles relating to then-President and his superior, then-Attorney General Barr. prgtoken Thibault's public political association doesn't even end with those examples. prgtoken According to his Twitter feed, which is also under his name, he mocked the election of one of our new colleagues, Senator Tuberville, and the State of Mississippi at the same time. prgtoken He said: Thank God for Mississippi--
RECOGNIZING COX'S HONEY
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-6-6

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Cox's Honey as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2022. prgtoken In 1927, Orville S. Cox began managing beehives to support his small vegetable stand on the road to Yellowstone in Shelley. Honey sales quickly took off and Cox's Honey was born. Now in its third generation, the Cox family continues Orville's original honey straining process to deliver the same quality product he created nearly 100 years ago. prgtoken Today, Cox's Honey's 16 employees package over a million pounds of raw, unfiltered clover honey each year. Their creamed honey has won several competitions and earned national recognition for its consistency and flavor. Cox's Honey prides itself on maintaining the integrity of honey's healthy pollens, enzymes, and vitamins throughout processing, ensuring they deliver only pure products to their customers. prgtoken Cox's Honey contributes more than just a sweet treat to the community as sponsors of local athletics, supporters of Shelley High School, and active participants in local affairs and events. Alongside their national customer base, the Shelley and surrounding area's support has allowed Cox's Honey to open a new retail sales floor this month to accommodate their growing business and expand their product line. Cox's Honey's continued success is a testament to its dedication to a family tradition that protects our State's bees and crops and shares one of Idaho's longest lasting products with the Nation. prgtoken Congratulations to the Cox family and all of the employees at Cox's Honey for being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2022. Thank you for serving Idaho as small business owners and entrepreneurs. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-6-6

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Lankford), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Sullivan), the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), and the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Young). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Young) would have voted ``yea.''
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-6-6

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.