mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JACK L. RIVES
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-3-2

I rise today to pay tribute to an incredible legal professional and public servant--Jack L. Rives, who is stepping down from his position as executive director of the American Bar Association after almost 13 years. While Jack's strategic vision and caring leadership will be missed, he leaves behind a legacy of exceptional public service and commitment to protecting the rule of law and increasing access to justice. prgtoken The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals in the world. Jack began his service as its executive director on Law Day--May 1--2010. He has been responsible for developing and implementing the association's strategic goals and programs and policy initiatives adopted by the ABA's board of governors and house of delegates. prgtoken Jack has also overseen the ABA's more than 1,050 talented employees working at its headquarters in Illinois, at its Washington, DC, office, and at program sites in California, Texas, and about 60 countries throughout the world. During the pandemic, he took great care of the ABA staff by strategically managing the challenges associated with moving to a fully remote environment and then back into the various offices with a hybrid workforce, all while maintaining high employee morale and avoiding any pandemic-related layoffs. prgtoken During Jack's tenure, the ABA has significantly expanded its domestic and international grant programs, thereby also expanding the incredible impact they have in helping people and justice systems globally. prgtoken For example, the ABA's Free Legal Answers platform--launched in 2016 as the first and only national pro bono legal advice portal--has now expanded to 41 jurisdictions, with over 11,000 pro bono attorneys registered to respond to the more than 250,000 civil legal questions posted by low-income Americans, especially in the wake of recent crises caused by the pandemic, natural disasters, and rising inflation. prgtoken ABA leaders, members, and State bar colleagues meet with their elected officials in Washington, DC, at least annually to advocate for important issues like funding the Legal Services Corporation, enhancing the judicial security for our Federal judges, and preserving the public service loan forgiveness program--a critical program that inspires lawyers to work in eligible public service positions for at least 10 years, often in rural communities, so more Americans have access to the legal help they need, where they need it--especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when so many faced unexpected challenges. prgtoken In the international arena, Jack helped reorganize the ABA's primary international development, human rights, and United Nations entities into one cohesive Center for Global Programs. Under his leadership, the Center has grown its international portfolio to encompass more than 100 democracy, human rights, and governance programs in 60 countries.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-3-2

I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ``Arkansas Week,'' the flagship public affairs program of Arkansas PBS. prgtoken Since its first broadcast in 1983, ``Arkansas Week'' has delivered consistent and reliable in-depth news and analysis of events in Little Rock and throughout our State to the Nation's Capital and beyond, as well as robust coverage of policies that impact all Arkansans. prgtoken In a recent column recognizing this milestone, long-time host Steve Barnes explained the focus of the program has always been the matters that matter. There is no doubt the discussions featured on this program have encouraged Arkansans to advocate for change, influenced policies and procedures at all levels of government and brought attention to undercovered issues. prgtoken Arkansans have had a front-row seat to the evolving political climate of the last four decades as a result of ``Arkansas Week.'' We have seen a lot of changes and the voices on this show have provided valuable insight. The ``Arkansas Week'' roundtable panel is a signature segment of the show that has brought together the best and brightest journalists and experts in the State to deliver unique perspectives in a manner that expands on the stories covered in print and allows for a broader discussion beyond the headlines. I have been honored to join this mainstay numerous times and talk with Steve as well as other hosts and guests to contribute to Arkansans' awareness of the issues and events that directly affect them. prgtoken Throughout the years, ``Arkansas Week'' has brought together people from across the political spectrum to share their thoughts. The program has always fostered an atmosphere where its acceptable to disagree without being disagreeable, a feature truly appreciated by the viewers and guests alike. It is even more important at a time when polarization is too common. prgtoken As we celebrate its storied history of delivering information to citizens in all corners of our State, I applaud the dedication of Steve Barnes and the men and women who work tirelessly each week to create ``Arkansas Week.'' Our State is grateful to all those who have been part of this program over the past four decades on being a reliable, informative source for news.
U.S. Armed Forces (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-3-2

our Nation is once again in an age of great power conflict. It is a dangerous time for this country, for our military, and for our citizens. prgtoken The mission of the U.S. military is to deter and, if necessary, win real wars, not engage in culture wars. And so I rise this afternoon to say that this administration's current diversity, equity, and inclusion program is not only unnecessary but harmful to our military and to our national security. prgtoken But, first, let me do a quick history lesson. Eighty years ago, our country was pitted against fascist foes from three continents. Our ``greatest generation,'' my father among them, answered the call to arms and defended the world against an evil autocrat. Back then, the military was not what it should be. Our ranks were segregated. But a group of fearless African-American airmen challenged the conscience of the military and the Nation and paved the road to change. prgtoken In early 1943, the Tuskegee Airmen were making the final preparations to deploy to North Africa and later to Italy to take on the Axis war machine. They made history as the first African-American combat pilots, and they served with honor and distinction. prgtoken Their actions are now the stuff of popular film and literature, and they are a cornerstone of American culture. But the valor of the Tuskegee Airmen did not just appear overnight. John C. Robinson, a native son of my home State of Mississippi, spent a decade laying the groundwork for the airmen's future heroism. Born to a Pullman porter, Robinson completed 10th grade but was barred from further education. He could afford only a wagon ride on his first trip to the Tuskegee Institute, where he would learn the engineering trades hundreds of miles away from home. prgtoken He persevered, after facing several rejections from America's leading aviation school, and eventually he worked as a janitor by day and studied aviation by night, graduating at the top of his class with flying colors. prgtoken When Mussolini's brigades of Italian fascists invaded Ethiopia, Robinson jumped into the breach. He led the air campaign in one of the first salvos of World War II. His story would become well known to Americans in the newspapers and on the radio waves, and he inspired a generation as one of the first Black combat pilots. prgtoken As one historian put it, it was solely because of Robinson's contributions that the Tuskegee program became popular with the Army. Only in America, could the son of a Mississippi porter who was denied a college education because of the color of his skin become one of the finest aviators his country ever saw in a moment when we needed him most. prgtoken This is who we are. This is what our service men and women sign up to defend every day. Today, as then, we live in an age of great power conflict. Today, as then, we face hate-filled autocrats who seek to dominate. These foes present the American people w
Congressional Review Act (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-3-2

I am here to speak about the Congressional Review Act that the Senate and House passed this week on a bipartisan basis and particularly about the President's decision to veto that Congressional Review Act. prgtoken Now, protecting Americans' property is what government should do-- period; end of story. The American people deserve to know that the property that they invest in for their retirement is going to go to its highest, best use; that the person managing that money is going to make sure they maximize the return so that the couple, the family, the individual investing in that retirement is making the wisest decisions for their future. prgtoken Instead, President 's new environmental and social governance rule authorizes those who manage that money to prioritize President 's political agenda over the long-term financial health of the retirement fund of that fellow American. Think about that. It isn't what is best for their retirement, in their golden years when they are 65, 70, when they have to retire. It is what President wishes to do now as a political agenda. He is willing to jeopardize the retirement of the 152 million Americans who are planning for their future to fulfill his political goal. prgtoken Now, it is easy to speak about 152 million people. Let's bring it down to the young couple. They are 28 years old. They just had their first child. They are feeling responsible. They are feeling like they need to put money aside so that--my gosh, it seems so far away--when they retire, they have taken care of their financial future. prgtoken And they read the literature. If the return on my investment is 1 percent more, I have a much better life. If it is 0.5 or 1 percent less, I have not as good of a life because that is the power of compounding. Over that long period of time, that little bit of extra which continues to compound makes the difference sometimes between having to continue to work and the ability to buy the RV, take off west, and to see the Grand Canyon. That is kind of putting a human face upon this. Congress knew that. prgtoken When the President said that he was going to endorse this rule-- promulgated it, if you will, put it out there--that told the asset managers, ``Don't prioritize the best return on the investment; prioritize what we tell you is the better way to invest the dollars for our political goals,'' Congress voted on a bipartisan basis to end this ESG rule and to stand up for that American worker and that American family who are diligently saving and depend upon the best rate of return to securely retire. prgtoken Now, instead of joining Congress and supporting the workers, protecting their retirement, the President announced he will veto the effort. Oh, he doesn't say that he is going to do it to hurt their long-term retirement plans, but that is absolutely what it does. It puts window dressing around it: He is saving the planet. You name this;
Energy Policy (Executive Session)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2023-3-2

first of all, I want to thank my good friend, the assistant minority leader from South Dakota, for a very, very good review of exactly where we are. I agree wholeheartedly except for a little bit of the IRA. We might have a little difference of opinion there because I really think it is an energy security bill, and we are all going to work with and together to make sure an ``all of the above'' energy approach is what we are going to take. prgtoken With that, I want to thank him. I think it was very good. As one , I agree wholeheartedly, and I would like to work with him on that. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that I, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Bennet be permitted to complete our remarks prior to the scheduled votes.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-2

. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, March 6; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Ballou nomination; further, that cloture motions filed during today's sessions ripen at 5:30 p.m.
Nomination of Jonathan James Canada Grey (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-3-2

15 months ago, I spoke here on the Senate floor to commemorate the victims of a shooting at Oxford High School in Oxford, MI. And just over 2 weeks ago, as a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, our State lived through yet another nightmare. Another routine evening turned tragic. Another community was left scarred by unimaginable gun violence. And another three families will never see their children come home. prgtoken Just after 8 p.m on a crisp Monday evening, gunfire erupted at MSU's Berkey Hall. As the alerts poured in, students all across campus huddled in fear. Some blockaded their dorm rooms and turned off the lights. Others grabbed whatever objects were nearby in case they needed to fight back. Parents called their children to check in if they were safe and worried if it could be the last time that they spoke. Those near the gunman hid under tables and ran for their lives. One student said it sounded like a stampede as they tried to escape. prgtoken In the end, three of their classmates did not make it. Three students who had their entire lives ahead of them were stripped of their futures in an instant. prgtoken Arielle Anderson, a 19-year-old from Harper Woods, was a sophomore. She enjoyed roller skating, photography, and live concerts. A committed student, she was working to graduate early and embark on a career as a pediatrician. She had a fierce intellect and a deep love for her family, touching everyone in her life with a kind and gentle spirit. prgtoken Alex Verner was 20 years old. She was a junior from Clawson and was studying to become a forensic scientist. She was a gifted student athlete in high school, excelling in softball and basketball and volleyball, and a dedicated member of her community. Friends and teachers describe her as a leader and a giver, someone who was always smiling. One of her peers remembered that she was ``the very best of us.'' prgtoken Brian Fraser, the 20-year-old sophomore from Grosse Pointe had an infectious smile and a sense of humor that could brighten an entire room. As president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, he demonstrated a commitment to service and to leadership. He had been studying business and economics, but his life was cut short. prgtoken As a father and a fellow Spartan, my heart breaks for these gifted students, for their families and friends, and the time that was stolen from them. My heart breaks for those who survived who will carry the weight of this horrific memory for years to come. prgtoken And while this scene unfolded, first responders and law enforcement officials bravely leaped into action. Dedicated doctors and nurses have worked around the clock to help the five students who were critically injured. But I am grateful to these men and women for their tireless work. prgtoken At the same time, I know that the students and staff at MSU and in the broader East Lansing community will need time. They will need time
CONFIRMATION OF JONATHAN JAMES CANADA GREY
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-2

today the Senate confirmed Judge Jonathan Grey to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. prgtoken Born in Poplarville, MS, Judge Grey attended Morehouse College and the Georgetown University Law Center before serving as a law clerk to both Judge Damon J. Keith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Judge W. Louis Sands of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. He then began his career in private practice as an associate at Seyfarth Shaw, LLC, a role in which he focused on labor and employment matters in Federal, State, and local courts, as well as before administrative agencies. As an Assistant United States Attorney for both the Southern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Michigan, Judge Grey briefed and argued dozens of dispositive and nondispositive motions and also led several substantial investigations in cases that spanned multiple States and countries. In 2021, Judge Grey was appointed to serve as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, where he has written opinions in approximately 40 cases. prgtoken The American Bar Association rated Judge Grey as unanimously ``well qualified,'' and he enjoys the strong support of Senators Stabenow and Peters. Judge Grey's experience as both a litigator and a jurist in the Eastern District of Michigan demonstrates his deep knowledge of the district to which he has been nominated to serve, and he will make an outstanding addition to the Federal bench. I was glad to see him confirmed.
Introductory Statement on S. 633
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-2

I rise to introduce the Everett Alvarez, Jr Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Everett Alvarez, Jr in recognition of his service to the Nation. prgtoken This legislation would honor Navy Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr the second longest held POW in American history, with a Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken On August 5, 1964, while flying Operation Pierce Arrow, Commander Alvarez's A-4 Skyhawk was shot down, and he became the first aviator captured in Vietnam. He spent 8 years and 6 months in captivity, becoming the second longest held prisoner of war in U.S. history. While being held in Vietnam, Alvarez crossed paths with the late Senator John McCain, who was also being held as a POW at the Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi Hilton. prgtoken Despite facing torture, isolation, and starvation, he encouraged and inspired fellow POWs to ``Return with Honor'' by not cooperating with the enemy and remaining loyal to the United States. Following his release and hospitalization, Commander Alvarez resumed his naval service, completing a 20-year career with the Navy and retiring in June 1980. prgtoken Our bill would recognize his incredible sacrifice by awarding him with the highest award that Congress can bestow. prgtoken This year marks the 50th anniversary of Commander Alvarez's release from captivity in Vietnam. It is time that Congress recognizes the second longest held prisoner of war in American history for his enduring commitment to the United States. prgtoken I would like to thank my colead, Senator Lummis, for her support to ensure we properly recognize, on a bipartisan basis, the profound impact of Commander Alvarez's service and support for other prisoners of war. I also thank Representatives Panetta and Fallon for introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act as quickly as possible.
Mifepristone (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-2

today, I begin an effort to provide regular updates to the Senate and the country about the devastating consequences for women in every State if Texas Judge Kacsmaryk issues a ruling banning mifepristone nationwide. prgtoken Two weeks ago, I stood on the Senate floor and laid out what has to happen if and when this decision comes down. President and the Food and Drug Administration must ignore it. The Food and Drug Administration has the authority it needs to keep this medication on the market without interruption, regardless of what this ruling says. prgtoken I have already laid out the rationale for why the case is absurd, meritless, and lacks any legal standing, as well as the FDA's legal authority to ignore such a ruling. prgtoken Today, I am not going to rehash those important points. I want to discuss what I have heard over the last couple of weeks about the human cost if every woman in this country loses access to mifepristone. s on the Supreme Court said that the issue of abortion ought to be returned to the States, that the country shouldn't have a ``one size fits all'' policy on this subject that is so essential to protecting the privacy rights of women in our country. prgtoken I am going to talk about the States for a minute or two. prgtoken My home State of Oregon has some of the strongest protections for reproductive health in the Nation. Abortion is legal. If you have health insurance, it is required to cover this critical priority. If you don't, you can still access care. There are no waiting periods. You can get abortion medication via telemedicine and by mail, something that is crucial in large States and small States with very large rural populations, like mine. In fact, despite the dangerous Dobbs decision, access to reproductive care has been expanding in Oregon, partially to accommodate women traveling from nearby States whose own home State laws deny them this critical right to privacy. prgtoken Oregon has leaders like Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum fighting to keep mifepristone legal and accessible to women in our State. I am proud to come from a State where the law reflects the fact that a woman's right to privacy is paramount and a woman's right to choose is hers and hers alone. prgtoken But if the plaintiffs and the anti-abortion activists prevail in that case in Texas, everything changes--everything changes--for the people facing important reproductive decisions every day and everywhere in the United States. We are talking about every single State--every one. prgtoken Despite strong laws on the books, women in my State of Oregon stand to lose mifepristone, a drug that is used now in more than 50 percent of abortions. So much for the idea of States' rights. All that talk about returning abortion law to the States is just going straight out the window. prgtoken I have said it before, and I will repeat it here. So often, the Republic