mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GARTH NEWEL MUSIC CENTER
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Garth Newel Music Center, which is in the heart of Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. prgtoken Garth Newel, the estate of celebrated artists and accomplished musicians Christine and William Sergeant Kendall, has been a home to the fine and performing arts since 1924. prgtoken In 1973, with the help of Rowe String Quartet members Luca and Arlene Di Cecco, Ms. Kendall established the Garth Newel Music Center. prgtoken When Ms. Kendall passed in 1981, her vision lived on through the leadership of the Di Ceccos and visiting artists. prgtoken Today, the Music Center offers world-class performances, including the Garth Newel Piano Quartet, and educational programs. prgtoken It has received several recognitions for its contributions to the cultural life of the Allegheny Highlands, such as the Chamber Music America's Acclaim Award, and Garth Newel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. prgtoken Congratulations, again, to the Garth Newel Music Center on its 50th anniversary.
CONGRATULATING TRAVIS CRATE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to recognize Travis Crate for being named the 2023 prgtoken Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize For Teaching Excellence. prgtoken Mr. Crate is one of 25 public high school skilled trade teachers across the country to receive this award. He has been a welding instructor at Venango Technology Center for more than 25 years. prgtoken This prize was created to recognize high school skilled trade teachers for their work to inspire the next generation. prgtoken Mr. Crate's welding program is dynamic and collaborative, incorporating industry-based skills to prepare students for life beyond high school. As students progress through Crate's program, they have the opportunity to mentor first-year students, providing one-on-one instruction that reinforces their learning and helps beginner students grasp welding more easily. prgtoken , as co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I applaud the work of Mr. Crate and other CTE teachers who continue to help students find their passions. prgtoken Congratulations, Mr. Crate, on this remarkable recognition.
HONORING THE LIFE OF NEAL BROOKS BIGGERS, JR.
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Neal Brooks Biggers, Jr who died at his home in Oxford, Mississippi, on October 15, 2023, at the age of 88. Judge Biggers was born in Corinth, Mississippi, to Neal B. Biggers, Sr and Sara Cunningham Biggers. He was a graduate of Corinth High School and Millsaps College where he received his bachelor's degree in 1956. prgtoken After graduation, Judge Biggers enlisted in the United States Navy, subsequently graduating from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Newport, Rhode Island. He served four years on active duty during the Cold War, attaining the rank of Navy lieutenant. For a young man, he later recalled, it was the experience of a lifetime. When his active duty ended, this grandson of a Methodist preacher attended the Union Presbyterian Seminary before deciding the church was not his calling. It was at the University of Mississippi School of Law, however, that he found the work that would intrigue and challenge him for the next 60 years. prgtoken In law school, Judge Biggers was associate editor of the Mississippi Law Journal and president of the judicial committee. After graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree, he went back home to Corinth, Mississippi, to set up a solo law practice. After five years of private practice, Judge Biggers ran for public office, winning elections as Alcorn County's prosecuting attorney and district attorney for the First Judicial District. Later, he was elected as circuit court judge for that district. In these positions, he served his county and state for a combination of 20 years. President Ronald Reagan nominated Judge Biggers for the federal bench in 1984. After Senate confirmation, he began his almost 40-year career as a federal district judge in Mississippi's Northern District. prgtoken Judge Biggers served as chief judge of the court from 1998 to 2000. He was a member of various councils and committees of the Fifth Circuit, including the Judicial Council, the administrative arm governing federal courts in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. He also was a member of the American Judicature Society and The American Inns of Court. In 2010, the Alumni Association of Corinth High School honored Judge Biggers as its distinguished alumnus of the year. Millsaps College presented him with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 2012. prgtoken One of his great pleasures as a district judge involved the selection and mentoring of interns and law clerks over the years. Many were from the University of Mississippi School of Law and Mississippi College School of Law; some were from other states. All, he hoped, would become better lawyers because of their experiences in his chambers and courtroom. Each year, the University of Mississippi School of Law presents the Judge Neal B. Biggers, Jr Constitutional Law Award to the top first-year students showing excellence in the school's constitutional law classes. In 2000, Judg
RECOGNIZING MY FM WCRE 93.9
Russell Fry (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to congratulate My FM WCRE 93.9 in Chesterfield County which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. prgtoken WCRE has brought news, entertainment, and sports to the people of Chesterfield County and Cheraw for over 70 years. prgtoken From broadcasting information through Hurricane Hugo in 1989 to allowing the Cheraw Police Department to use their radio signal following the devastating tornado at the Cheraw Primary School in 2004, WCRE has played a key role in making sure that the people of the PeeDee in Chesterfield County are always informed during times of crisis. prgtoken Their success goes beyond serving in South Carolina's Seventh District. They have been named South Carolina's Radio Station of the Year in 2003 and 2007. prgtoken , I thank WCRE for their commitment to our community. I wish them many more years of great success.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEXAS RANGERS
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-11-3

for the first time in their 63- year history, I am proud to say that after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in game 5, the Texas Rangers are World Series champions. prgtoken I have the great honor to represent the Rangers in Texas' 25th Congressional District. I am tremendously proud of this team who not only won their first World Series but won a record-setting 11 straight postseason road games. prgtoken Needless to say, this is a historic moment for Texas and Arlington. It could not have been done without manager Bruce Bochy; series MVP Corey Seager; all of the players and staff who left everything on the field; and especially team owners Ray Davis and Neil Leibman; and general manager Chris Young. Most importantly, I thank all the fans, the best in the Nation, who showed up to every game decked out in their Ranger red, their Ranger white, and their Ranger blue to cheer and support the Texas Rangers. prgtoken I am proud to say the Rangers went and took it. prgtoken Again, I congratulate the staff and players. May they enjoy the well- deserved celebrations. I look forward to opening day in 2024. prgtoken Go Rangers and look fastball. prgtoken In God we trust.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don't understand this. prgtoken This administration just last month removed NEPA for the Floyd Bennett Field to host migrants. The administration completely took NEPA off the table for their agenda because of the open border. By the way, the IRA, the IIJA, and the CHIPS Act are not going to happen without permitting reforms and NEPA changes. Come hell or high water, it is not going to happen without the changes. I think both sides of the aisle understand that and agree with that. prgtoken We have the highest standard of living in the world because of our process. This administration continues to put up roadblocks for energy transmission, distribution, generation, mining projects, nuclear projects, road construction projects, dams, and forest management. Everything that the American people want to do in a reasonable fashion is held up in part because of NEPA. This is a very good amendment, and I urge adoption. prgtoken Mr. Chair, in closing, we can agree that our permitting process is broken. In the debt ceiling, we got a couple of permitting concerns addressed that were generational, hadn't been done in 40 years. We want to be able to make sure that the American worker, the American manufacturer, American technology, our natural resources in our country can be used responsibly. prgtoken Why are we putting agreements together with the Congo to mine our minerals that we have, for instance, in northern Minnesota, the biggest copper-nickel find in the world. Why are we doing that? prgtoken Why is this administration stopping the American worker, stopping the creativity that we have, stopping not only our energy independence but our national security by going to our adversaries and asking them for our critical minerals or asking them for their energy? We can do better. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
SOUTHERN BORDER GOT-AWAYS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-11-3

we have had an active 2 weeks in which we have been passing appropriations bills, and the should be commended on that. Unfortunately, all the activity with regard to the new and appropriations bills has caused the press to have an excuse not to pay attention to what is going on at the border. prgtoken In recently released figures with regard to September, one more time we see record numbers of people coming across our southern border. Compared to a year ago, the number of what we call got-aways, which I think is the most dangerous of the immigrant groups, has shot up from 58 percent to 69 percent, almost a 20 percent increase over last year's already high figure. Last year they shot up to 49 percent. prgtoken I think, as well, not only do we have a huge problem with people coming across the border that shouldn't be coming across, but we should also be paying attention to the viewpoint of the people coming across. prgtoken John Adams warned that our Constitution was fit for a moral, religious people and totally unfit for any other kind. As the United States has to take sides around the world in conflicts, we should be paying particular attention to how our new wave of immigrants think.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN LYELL II
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise to honor the life of my dear friend John Lyell II, who passed away on October 21 at the age of 76. prgtoken The word lobbyist is an ugly word to some people, but as I have often said: You are either at the table or you are on the dadgum menu. prgtoken John was one of the best of these. He always represented his clients tenaciously, and he was always kind to me and never misled me on any issue. prgtoken John knew my dad at the University of Tennessee. My dad was the dean of student conduct, and John was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. When Daddy entered his fraternity house one night after a late night of parties, there was an empty bottle of Jack Daniel's on the banister, and John was at the top of the stairs. He yelled down at my dad, and said, Hey, mister, I don't know who you are, but we don't allow alcohol at this frat house. prgtoken Of course, Daddy was getting ready to shut the whole place down, and he laughed. He looked at John, and he said, You are either the dumbest or the smartest--and I will leave the adjective out because we are on the House floor. prgtoken John was just that kind of guy. prgtoken He was honorably discharged from the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard at the rank of staff sergeant in 1973. I am proud to call him a friend. prgtoken John Lyell II is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Chris and John III; his sister, Jane Ann; and three grandchildren. prgtoken , he won't be forgotten by the folks who had the privilege of knowing him, and I will truly miss him and his friendship.
HONORING MARY ANN RILEY OF INMAN, SOUTH CAROLINA
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to honor Mary Ann Riley of Inman, South Carolina for her decades of service to our community and dedication to the South Carolina Party. prgtoken Mrs. Riley moved to South Carolina in 1982. That same year, Mrs. Riley began attending community meetings, getting involved in local campaigns, and was appointed President of the Spartanburg County Women, where she has served ever since. prgtoken More than politics, Mrs. Riley is a major contributor to her local pregnancy center, she has volunteered her time with the mental health divisions, the foster care community, and supports Upstate veterans undergoing hospice care. She is also active in her church and other organizations that work to assist our fellow South Carolinians every single day. prgtoken She has served the South Carolina GOP in many roles and has attended local, state, and national meetings and conventions. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the ``Woman of Achievement Award'' from the South Carolina Legislative Women Caucus, ``Woman of the Year'' from Spartanburg County Women and has received the honor of ``Catholic Woman of the Year'' twice. prgtoken A former teacher, her life's work has been to make the world a better place for her students, her neighbors, and future generations. prgtoken Mrs. Riley is a true public servant who has made a significant and lasting impact on Spartanburg County, the South Carolina GOP, and the lives of countless South Carolinians. We will never be able to fully thank her for over 30 years of service to the people of Spartanburg County and the Upstate as a whole. She has left an indelible mark on the Palmetto State. prgtoken I thank Mary Ann Riley for her years of service and friendship. May God continue to bless her.
COMMENDING VIRGINIA BEACH LIFEGUARDS
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to commend the Virginia Beach lifeguards on a successful summer season and to thank them for keeping our beaches in Hampton Roads safe. prgtoken Lifeguards are an essential part of any community, but back home in Virginia's Second District, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service has protected our oceanfront since 1930. Their mission of promoting beach safety protects not only the citizens of Virginia Beach but the millions of visitors we have each year. prgtoken Lifeguarding is one of the top choices for people searching for summer jobs, including my two sons. While it is a rewarding job, it is also a challenging one that demands personal responsibility. prgtoken Beaches and oceans are dynamic natural environments. Crowd conditions, currents, waves, sharks, and other weather conditions can rapidly change, putting swimmers in grave danger. prgtoken The average number of people saved each summer is between 400 to 600, but during this year's summer season, which extended from May 13 to September 17, the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service performed more than 800 rescues on the beaches they patrol. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful community, I thank our lifeguards for the level of skill they bring to this job and what they do for Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. Congratulations to the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service on a successful summer season.
REMEMBERING TOM DURDEN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today in remembrance of Tom Durden who passed away at the age of 66. prgtoken Durden was a famous district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. In 1984, 2 years after earning a law degree from Mercer University, he joined the DA's office as an assistant prosecutor until he was elected DA in 1998. prgtoken He was a true public servant to the State of Georgia for almost 40 years and led the DA's office for 24 years before retiring in 2022. prgtoken During his career, Tom Durden worked on hundreds of criminal cases in the Atlantic Circuit, which includes six southeast Georgia counties outside Savannah. prgtoken He was best known for working on the Tomato Patch murder case and the 2020 Ahmaud Arbery murder. prgtoken Durden was a hard-working, determined, and endearing person with many great qualities. He also had artistic talents such as singing, playing guitar, and playing piano. prgtoken Durden will be remembered for being a good person and for his talents in and outside of the courtroom.
AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2023
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-11-6

I thank the chair for yielding me time. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my legislation, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. I take the time to thank our chairman, Bruce Westerman, and the ranking member for their support throughout this process both in committee but also in visiting with so many communities that understand the importance of preserving and protecting these most hallowed grounds. prgtoken I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my Congressional Battlefield Caucus co-chair, Mr. Connolly of Virginia, to preserve and improve the American Battlefield Protection Program, one of the most successful land preservation programs managed by the National Park Service. Since its inception, the American Battlefield Protection Program has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 States, including Fort Ann in my district in upstate New York. prgtoken New York's 21st District is truly the cradle of the American Revolution, home to Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Ann, and the Bennington Battlefield. However, as people across upstate New York and the North Country will proudly tell you, , our deep military history extends beyond the American Revolution and incorporates many important battlefields from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812. prgtoken I, myself, grew up going to these historic sites, and I consider them part of the classroom of my childhood education. For years, I have been proud to lead the charge to preserve these historic battlefields in the Congress as the co-chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus. It is critical that we preserve and honor the places Americans gave their last full measure of devotion in order to ensure future generations of Americans learn the lessons of those sacrifices on these very hallowed grounds. prgtoken This bill also allows nonprofits and Tribes to apply to the program directly, instead of having to go through a government sponsor. Removing this burdensome hurdle cuts through bureaucracy allowing these entities to be more efficient and effective in preserving our endangered battlefields. prgtoken This legislation also clarifies the eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites for battlefield land acquisition grants to ensure the program is used to preserve battlefield land, while also creating a process for the National Park Service to expand and update battlefield boundaries. prgtoken With emerging archeological technologies, historical boundaries of various battlefields have shifted as we learn more. Without the program improvements in my bill, portions of battlefields with newly discovered historic importance stand to be lost. We must not allow this to happen and, instead, strive to ensure these critical pieces of our history-- our most hallowed history--are preserved for future generations. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program E
HONORING THE SOLDIERS OF BRAVO COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION, 124TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, FLORIDA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-11-6

I rise today to honor the soldiers of Bravo Company (Wolfpack), 3rd Battalion (Warrior), 124th Infantry Regiment Florida Army National Guard. This year marks the 20th anniversary since Bravo Company was deployed to the Middle East. The 137 soldiers were the first Florida Guardsmen deployed to war since World War II. prgtoken These brave soldiers conducted thousands of patrols, hundreds of checkpoints, performed raids, and participated in countless supporting operations. Most importantly, all soldiers returned home. These soldiers earned their Combat Infantryman Badge and their Presidential Unit Citation. prgtoken I want to welcome them to Pensacola, FL, 20 years after being downrange protecting our great Nation. As a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Thank you for your service; your courage and dedication to our country will never be forgotten.
Recognizing the Dean Welsh VFW Auxiliary Post 4370 (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-11-6

this week is the week that we honor veterans, on what we call Veterans Day, so in honor of Veterans Day, I would like to spotlight one Iowa community's exemplary support of our veterans and Active-Duty military. prgtoken This is a town of 2,000--Britt, IA--in North Central Iowa. This year, Britt's Dean Welsh VFW Auxiliary Post 4370 received the Veterans and Family Support Award. This annual award from the national VFW recognizes select local auxiliaries for their exceptional work for our servicemembers. prgtoken This community's now-far-reaching efforts started with a phone call. A volunteer with the Britt VFW auxiliary was talking to her granddaughter, who was serving on the USS Oscar Austin. She mentioned that some of her fellow crew members hadn't received care packages. Within 1 week, Britt residents shipped 39 packages to that crew of the USS Oscar Austin. prgtoken That was 11 years ago. Now, a decade later, the Britt VFW is sending care packages to crew members on the USS Fitzgerald, USS John McCain, USS Chafee, and Iowa National Guard units deployed to Kuwait and to Poland. They are also preparing to send packages to the USS Carl Vinson. Volunteers fill these packages with various items, including beaded American flag key chains that they make by hand. Britt VFW members gift thousands of their key chains to veterans they cross paths with throughout the year, whether at community events or even in their daily lives. prgtoken Britt VFW's example should be a reminder to all of us of the importance of honoring our veterans and servicemembers, and we will be doing that this weekend. prgtoken .
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2023-11-6

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to recognize Washington State University and celebrate the success of their ASCENT program. This program is the primary university-based education and research vehicle for the FAA, and it is laser focused on developing new and exciting technology we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. prgtoken By working with stakeholders and industry leaders, students and faculty at WSU are showing the world what is possible. Their research is revolutionizing the way we think about sustainable aviation fuel, and it is helping secure a cleaner future. prgtoken Today, we have the opportunity to ensure the work continues. We can fully fund the ASCENT program and make sure America continues to lead the way to usher in a new era of innovation and win the future. prgtoken , this program will help America keep its competitive edge, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.