mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NORTHEASTERN SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I'm honored to recognize the Northeastern Senior Community Center on its 50th Anniversary on March 5, 2024, and tireless diligence in serving our community's Seniors. prgtoken In 1974, the Northeastern Senior Community Center opened. In addition to serving a noon meal, it ``open[ed] new social dimensions in the life of the persons of Social Security age.'' In its 50 years, the Center has grown exponentially, and presently reaches well over 400 participants who receive monthly hot meals and participate in indispensable and engaging activities. The Center's selfless and unhesitatingly diligent volunteers never leave behind Seniors who are homebound--delivering meals to more than 60 residences throughout ten municipalities in York County. The Center's growth, professionalism, concern, and mission focus has led to earning 75 volunteers, four part- time employees, and Executive Director Deb Davis--all unwaveringly dedicated to serving our Seniors. prgtoken As the first senior center to open in York County, operating through ebb and flow, it is a vital part of our community. The legacy of its founding members (Clara Butcher, Jay W. House, Helen C. Provenza, B. Charlotte Sides, Cleon F. Prowell, Sylvia Sweitzer, J.E. prgtoken Caldwell, Roland E. Garvin, Elvan Kennedy, Margaret F. Neff, Hilda Loucks, and first Director David E. Sipe) is enduring. The Northeastern Senior Center's focus on its mission of enhancing, enriching, enlightening, and nourishing the lives of our Seniors--active and homebound--sets the standards by which all other similar organizations should be judged. prgtoken , on behalf of the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I'm honored and privileged to recognize and commend the hardworking people of the Northeastern Senior Community Center on its 50th Anniversary. I wish them all continued Godspeed in their service to our community, Commonwealth and Nation.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CAPTAIN PHILLIP MIKE BRODERICK
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today to honor the life and service of Captain Phillip Mike Broderick, a firefighter from Des Moines who lost his brave battle with liver cancer on January 14, 2024. prgtoken Prior to spending nearly 16 years with the Des Moines Fire Department, Mike spent over two decades serving our nation in the United States Army. He was a man who put service over himself for his entire life, and his commitment to ensuring safety for his community and his nation was unwavering. Those who knew him personally shared he was an incredible friend, a devout husband, a loving father, and someone who served his country and community with purpose and care. Mike Broderick leaves behind his wife Emily and daughters Grace, Ireland, Piper, and Cambell. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Captain Mike Broderick's commitment to our Nation and the entire Des Moines community. I join his family and those closest to him in mourning his loss. May his memory not be forgotten.
HONORING DON GUNDEN'S CAREER AND CONTRIBUTION TO INDIANA'S SECOND DISTRICT
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise to recognize and congratulate my friend and fellow Hoosier Don Gunden as he prepares to retire from Forest River Inc. early next month. prgtoken Currently serving as General Manager of Forest River's Rockwood, Flagstaff and Palomino brands. Don ``Gunny'' Gunden has long been a leader in the recreational vehicle industry. Don started out in the RV business working at Starcraft straight out of college, and for the next half century he has devoted his professional life to the industry that is so important economically to northern Indiana and a source of so many happy memories for families all across America. prgtoken Don's 2022 induction into the RV/MH Hall of Fame only underscores his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and the tireless work he has done to maintain Elkhart's proud status as the RV Capital of the World. prgtoken As he prepares to retire, spend more time with his wife Theresa, and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Don Gunden on a distinguished career and a job well done. The Elkhart community and RV industry as a whole are unquestionably better off thanks to this good man. prgtoken I join Hoosiers throughout Indiana's Second District in expressing our gratitude and thanks to Don for his many contributions to our area and in wishing him a very happy, well-deserved retirement.
RECOGNIZING DR. JOHN GERMILLER'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today in recognition of the achievements of a remarkable constituent from my district, Dr. John Germiller. Dr. Germiller is an attending surgeon and Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Otolaryngology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and an Associate Professor at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In a first in the nation breakthrough, Dr. Germiller's team was able to restore the hearing of an 11-year old boy named Aissam who was born deaf through a revolutionary gene therapy surgery. prgtoken The type of deafness experienced by Aissam affects over 200,000 people worldwide, a genetic disability which was previously deemed untreatable. Through a procedure at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Germiller was able to carefully inject a harmless virus carrying the corrected genes into Aissam's ear, which strengthened the tiny hairs within the inner ear that are required for full hearing ability. Dr. Germiller's study does not only provide a beacon of hope to adults and children affected by this type of genetic deafness, but also serves as the first step in utilizing gene therapy to help people experiencing other disabilities and diseases. prgtoken Dr. Germiller's career serves as a beacon of ingenuity and innovation, and his achievements inspire myself and others. I am sure that his contributions will have a lasting impact on the field of medicine. I thank Dr. Germiller for his tireless service to our community, our Nation, and the world.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL HARVEL FOR OVER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-1-25

. . I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Paul Harvel, a distinguished leader who dedicated over five decades to the advancement of Arkansas chambers of commerce, economic development, and the agricultural industry. His profound impact on countless communities and unwavering commitment to excellence leave an indelible mark on our collective memory. prgtoken In July of 2014, the American Chapter of Commerce Executives rightfully bestowed upon Paul Harvel the Life Member Award, the highest individual honor in the chamber of commerce profession. This accolade, presented to only 42 individuals in the ACCE's century-long history, reflects Paul's exceptional lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the business community. prgtoken Former Governor Mike Beebe aptly noted that there are few parts of Arkansas untouched by Paul Harvel's influence. His wisdom, expertise, and collaborative spirit benefited numerous communities, creating a legacy of positive change and progress. prgtoken Paul Harvel's extensive career included pivotal roles such as CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he played a key role in establishing Pulaski County Technical College. His visionary leadership saw the growth of the Little Rock Chamber's assets from $70.000 to over $10 million during his 21-year tenure. prgtoken As President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber, Paul Harvel initiated Leadership Arkansas, contributing significantly to the organization's growth, with total income rising from $800,000 to $1.8 million and membership expanding from 650 to 1,400. His impact also extended to the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he led successful efforts to secure over $2 million for a new economic development fund. prgtoken Beyond his chamber work, Paul Harvel championed Arkansas' agriculture sector, drawing from his upbringing on a farm in Kellar, Texas. From his early days as a vocational agriculture teacher to his instrumental role in founding the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1987, his contributions to the state's agriculture legacy are immeasurable. prgtoken Paul Harvel's passing is not only a loss to his family, including his wife Barbara, daughter Michelle Boulden, and grandson Hunter Tuggle, but also to the broader community that benefited from his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts. prgtoken In honoring Paul Harvel's memory, let us reflect on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind and strive to continue the positive impact he made on Arkansas and beyond.
CLOTURE MOTION
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2024-1-25

it is Thursday afternoon, and, as you know from presiding at this time frequently, it is my favorite time of the week because I get to come down to the Senate floor and talk about our Alaskan of the Week. This is somebody who is doing something great for our local communities, our State, maybe the country, maybe the world. prgtoken I have been doing this for several years now, and it really helps highlight what makes Alaska, in my view, the greatest State in the greatest country in the world. prgtoken I would like to talk about, at the beginning of this speech, a little about what is going on in Alaska. We have seen all the snowstorms across the country this week. Trust me, that is just another day in our State. I think by Christmas Eve this year in Anchorage, my hometown, we had close to 100 inches already of snow, so no worry about a white Christmas back home. prgtoken It is actually a really beautiful time of the year--great to get outdoors. I have done some skiing already. People are out snow machining. If you are watching on TV or in the Gallery, come up to Alaska any time of the year. In winter, you can see the northern lights. In summer, you will have a great time fishing, hunting-- whatever you want to do. It is truly an incredible State. Year-round, we want people to visit--our great fellow Americans to come up. You will have a fantastic time. prgtoken Now, it is not always the easiest place to live. It is far from the lower 48 here. The weather can be extreme. It can be pretty harsh. As a result, the people in the communities bond a lot. They have to. They work together, particularly in some of our most remote communities. prgtoken Every community in Alaska--in America--needs to be able to share reliable, credible information. Local journalism across this great Nation of ours is vital--more vital, probably, in Alaska than any other State, I would say. It isn't talked about nearly enough how vital that local journalism is. We all benefit all across the country from thousands of local reporters who are working on stories day in and day out. That is certainly the case in Alaska. I believe that we should be saluting these frontline journalists--local journalists--for doing this important work a lot more here. prgtoken What we are trying to do is do that today for one of the alltime best. Our local reporters in Alaska are so important. So what I would like to do today is introduce to the U.S. Senate and the American people a great Alaskan of the Week, Maria Downey--longtime Anchorage journalist, news anchor--who for more than 40 years has brought Alaska's news directly to our homes and kept us informed about our State, our communities, our country--with professionalism, sincerity, kindness, and grace. prgtoken Let's talk about Maria Downey--Alaskan of the Week, Maria Downey. She moved to Alaska from Florida with her husband Ron in 1981. In 1981, a lot was going on in Alaska.The Trans-Alask
HONORING THE LIFE OF KAREN ROSEBERRY
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-25

today I rise to recognize and celebrate the life and accomplishments of Karen Roseberry, who passed away on January 12, 2024. prgtoken Mrs. Roseberry devoted her life to public service: in the classroom, health clinics, and political arenas. She was a highly-regarded educator, teaching hundreds of students over a nearly ten-year span. Mrs. Roseberry also served as an advisor to several candidates running for public office. prgtoken Mrs. Roseberry's passion for helping others was demonstrated through her time as Executive Director of the Women's Resource Center in Lancaster, California, which offered counseling, testing, and spiritual support for expectant mothers and fathers. Her tireless dedication to protecting the health and welfare of the unborn was illuminated through her work on the California Prolife Council, most recently serving as Vice President. prgtoken Mrs. Roseberry's years of service left a lasting impact on Southern California--and the entire state--that will be admired and modeled for future leaders to reproduce. While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader in our community, we can find joy in the fact that Mrs. Roseberry's legacy will continue to enrich the lives of Californians to come.
HONORING CHIEF RICK COLLINS UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CERES POLICE DEPARTMENT
John S. Duarte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today to recognize Chief Rick Collins upon his retirement from the Ceres Police Department. prgtoken Chief Collins began his career in law enforcement after graduating from Ceres High School and joining the Ceres Police Department as an Explorer at the age of 19. In 1995, he was hired as a Reserve Officer, and in 1997 he was hired as a full-time officer where he was assigned to patrol. He was then assigned to the Detective Bureau in 1999 and worked as a financial crimes and high-tech crimes investigator. prgtoken Chief Collins was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004 and assigned to the Patrol Division. During this time, he earned a BA in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and a master's degree also in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. In 2008, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he managed the department's Special Operations units. In 2015 he was promoted to Captain, and in 2019 he was promoted to Chief. prgtoken Chief Collins is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, class 235, and of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, class 268. prgtoken Off duty, Chief Collins has devoted his time to Ceres youth sports. He's coached youth soccer and served on the youth soccer board for three years. He's also volunteered as a coach for youth baseball. prgtoken Throughout his distinguished career in law enforcement, Chief Collins has exemplified the highest standards of duty and commitment to public service--earning the admiration of myself and his local community in the Central Valley. Upon his retirement, I want to extend my best wishes to Chief Collins on his new journey.
Iran (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-25

earlier this week, the American people received the tragic news that two Navy SEALs died during a nighttime raid near Somalia. prgtoken Somalia is a world away from here, but what happens in that region has a direct impact on us here at home because one of these Navy SEALs was from the great State of Texas. prgtoken These men and their brave comrades were seizing a vessel that was carrying Iranian-made arms intended for Houthi rebels in Yemen. prgtoken I know, after 9/11, there was a famous country-western song--I think ``Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)''--and one of the lines was, `I don't know the difference between Iraq and Iran.' prgtoken Well, the truth is, the American people have had to learn a lot about world geography, unfortunately, because things that happen far away from our shores have a direct impact on us and on the potential for regional war or worse to break out. prgtoken The Houthis, as some may know, are a terrorist group. They occupy Yemen, which is south of Saudi Arabia and right next to Oman. You may have to get out your maps to place it. But this is a terrorist group that has been engaged in a civil war in Yemen for many years now and has attacked Saudi Arabia and has been subject to retaliation by Saudi Arabia and the Emirates for some time now. But, unfortunately, they have proven to be enormously resilient. prgtoken They have a disturbing ideology. They are known for their saying ``God is great. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory for Islam.'' That is their motto. There is no mystery about their intentions. prgtoken In the wake of the invasion by Hamas on Israel on October 7, the Houthis have escalated their attacks in the region--again, supplied by Iran with weapons that they have used not only to attack Saudi Arabia but also to try to attack Israel and American forces in the region. prgtoken They have launched dozens of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships traveling through the Red Sea and bound for the Suez Canal. This is an area of the world where international commerce is so important. Goods that flow between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal do everything from provide us with the commodities that make our lives better to provide the energy necessary for countries around the world. The U.S. Central Command described these attacks as a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. prgtoken The Houthis only have the resources to carry out these attacks because of the support they receive from Iran. Like Hamas, another Iranian proxy, the Houthis and other terrorist groups in the region are armed, trained, and funded by Iran. prgtoken On the evening of January 11, a heroic group of Navy SEALs seized a vessel carrying ballistic missiles and cruise missile components destined for Houthi forces. They prevented the Houthis from receiving even more weapons that could be used to target U.S. forces or commercial ship
HONORING TEXAS RANGER MAJOR GROVER HUFF
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today to honor the distinguished career of longtime Texas lawman, Major Grover Franklin Huff. Since 2018, Major Huff has served as the Company Commander of Company ``A,'' which encompasses a thirty-five-county area bordered to the east by Louisiana, to the south by the Texas Gulf Coast, and to the north and west by Companies ``F'' and ``B.'' On January 31, 2024, Major Huff will hang up the signature cowboy hat and un-pin his fifty-peso Ranger badge for the last time. prgtoken Major Huff was born to Allen and Beatrice Huff on February 2, 1962, in Orange, Texas. He graduated from West Orange-Stark High School in 1980 and attended Lamar University. He then enrolled in the Jefferson County Jail Academy and the Lamar University Police Academy, graduating in 1985. Before joining the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Major Huff began his lengthy career in law enforcement, serving with the Orange County Sherriff's Office and the Bridge City Police Department. prgtoken In 1989, Major Huff attended DPS Recruit School as part of Class A-89 and was inducted as a state trooper on February 16, 1990. On June 1, 1997, Major Huff joined the prestigious Texas Rangers, the oldest law enforcement organization on the North American continent with statewide jurisdiction. prgtoken His fellow Rangers have characterized Major Huff as a ``Ranger's Ranger.'' He is known as an expert in crime scene processing and has taught advanced criminal investigation courses to state, local, federal, and even foreign law enforcement officers. Over the past four decades, his work has resulted in the conviction of numerous violent criminals, justice for countless families, and safer Texas communities. Major Huff, however, has said that his greatest accomplishment has been overseeing the development of new Rangers and their promotion through the ranks of the storied law enforcement agency. prgtoken , in its two-hundred-year history, only the finest law enforcement officers have had the honor of calling themselves Texas Rangers. I am proud that Major Grover Franklin Huff is among them. I wish him, his wife, Diane, and their family all the best in the next chapter of their life.
CAMPBELLSVILLE-TAYLOR COUNTY CHAMBER
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce of Kentucky's 1st Congressional District. prgtoken Through the efforts of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and local businesses, the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce was first organized in May of 1949. Membership was small at first but has grown over the decades to include over 325 investors. I commend the bridge that has been created between local businesses, education, government, civic, and religious organizations. prgtoken The Chamber has been able to boost tourism efforts in Taylor County and has organized many popular events that has brought the community together, including the annual 4th of July Celebration which has become the largest Independence Day Celebration in Kentucky. I am honored to represent them in Congress. prgtoken I join with the community of Taylor County in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce and look forward to many more years of services.
Israel (Executive Session)
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-1-25

it has been 111 days since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. Hamas massacred more than 1,200 civilians and abducted innocent men, women, and children from their homes and took them into Gaza. prgtoken The hostages are being deprived of food, water, and medical care. They are being subjected to unbearable violence, sexual abuse, and psychological torture by Hamas terrorists. prgtoken We know that six of the remaining hostages are Americans. One is a native of my home State North Carolina, Keith Siegel. Two of the Americans, Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are critically injured. prgtoken Each and every one of them must be released, and all levels of our government remain united in working to get them home. prgtoken What Hamas has done is nothing short of evil. In this battle between the forces of good and evil, the United States must not only lead the forces of good, but we need to identify who stands with us and who does not. prgtoken The State of Qatar hosts Hamas leaders in their capital of Doha. Now, Qatari officials have claimed that their hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders is necessary, so they say, because their country can be the conduit to negotiate a successful resolution to the crisis. In fact, subsequent U.S. administrations have endorsed this arrangement. prgtoken But after 111 days, the American people are asking: What is taking so long? prgtoken Qatar is hosting a brutal terrorist organization with American blood on their hands and American hostages in captivity. One has to consider the potential reality that Qatar might not have the leverage that they are so quick to boast about. And if Qatar is not able to effectuate the release of the hostages, then there is no further reason for these terrorists to remain in their country. prgtoken This is personal for us Americans. prgtoken I have met with families of the hostages as well as former hostages, like Keith Siegel's wife Aviva. I have heard their stories, and I look at their photos every day on my desk. prgtoken Every day that these families have to live with the pain and uncertainty is unacceptable. prgtoken To Qataris, I would say this: Our patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now or expel them from your land. It is that simple. prgtoken The United States of America will be watching. prgtoken . prgtoken .