mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
QUANTUM COMPUTING CYBERSECURITY PREPAREDNESS ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-12-13

I was chairing the crypto hearing. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 519. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Axne (Pappas) Beatty (Neguse) Brooks (Fleischmann) Burgess (Weber (TX)) Cawthorn (Gaetz) Cherfilus-McCormick (Brown (OH)) Cicilline (Sewell) Clyburn (Butterfield) DeFazio (Pallone) Dingell (Pappas) Doyle, Michael F. (Evans) Dunn (Salazar) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Espaillat (Correa) Gonzales, Tony (Fleischmann) Gosar (Weber (TX)) Grijalva (Correa) Horsford (Kelly (IL)) Jacobs (NY) (Sempolinski) Johnson (TX) (Pallone) Kim (NJ) (Pallone) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Krishnamoorthi (Pappas) Larson (CT) (Pappas) Maloney, Sean P. (Beyer) Meng (Khanna) Moolenaar (Bergman) Newman (Correa) Norcross (Pallone) O'Halleran (Pappas) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Pascrell (Pallone) Porter (Beyer) Posey (Cammack) Pressley (Neguse) Rice (SC) (Weber (TX)) Rush (Beyer) Sanchez (Correa) Simpson (Fulcher) Sires (Pallone) Stevens (Craig) Strickland (Correa) Tiffany (Fitzgerald) Titus (Pallone) Welch (Pallone)
CONCLUSION OF MORNING BUSINESS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-12-13

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Judge Dana Douglas to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken Born and raised in New Orleans, Judge Douglas' passion for the law and public service was inspired by her family's background in law enforcement. In particular, her mother, Ms. Ida Woodfork, served in the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office for 30 years, and her uncle, Mr. Warren Woodfork, Sr was the first Black superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department. prgtoken Judge Douglas earned her B.A. in social work and Black world studies at Miami University and received her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law. From there, she clerked for Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. prgtoken Judge Douglas then spent 18 years litigating, trying four cases to verdict or judgment and handling several administrative matters before State agencies. Although she worked in private practice, she also served the community for 9 years as a commissioner and then vice president of the New Orleans Civil Service Commission, a quasi-judicial body regulating the city's civil service. prgtoken Since 2019, Judge Douglas has served as a magistrate judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In that time, she has authored 111 reports and recommendations, all of which have been adopted in whole or in part by the district court. prgtoken Judge Douglas enjoys the strong support of Senators Kennedy and Cassidy, and the American Bar Association unanimously rated her as ``qualified'' to serve on the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken If confirmed, Judge Douglas will be the first woman of color to serve on the Fifth Circuit. prgtoken Judge Douglas' experience, qualifications, and temperament will be assets on the Fifth Circuit, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting her nomination. Vote on Douglas Nomination
HONORING MARY ANN ULLRICH ON HER RETIREMENT FROM GPO
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-12-13

. Madam , I wish to honor a distinguished public servant and an inspiring resident of Maryland's Fifth District: Mary Ann Ullrich, Manager of the Office of Congressional Publishing of the Government Publishing Office (GPO). After spending 37 years in public service, Mary will begin her well-deserved retirement at the end of this year. prgtoken Equipped with typing skills, a high school diploma, and a good work ethic, Mary started as a Clerk Typist in the GPO's Personnel Office in 1980. Through her determination, talent, and dedication to GPO's mission, she will retire as the GPO's second shift Manager in Congressional Publishing. prgtoken As she advanced through the ranks, Mary helped the GPO navigate a period of great change and modernization as computers and digitization became increasingly common. She played an important role in the GPOAccess initiative, which made the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, and other key government publications accessible to the public online. Mary even received a prestigious Hammer Award in recognition of her crucial contributions to this project to ensure the transparency and accessibility of government information. prgtoken Similarly, during her time in the Typography and Design division, she typeset many prestigious products, including the card and program for President Ronald Reagan's lying-in-state ceremony, Colin Powell's Joint Force Quarterly magazine, and fine-art books such as the Senate Catalogue of Fine Art and Glenn Brown's History of the Capitol. Perhaps the most important project she worked on, however, was the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Program. Upon learning of the attacks on the morning September 11, 2001, Mary worked for nearly thirty-two hours straight to ensure that all the programs were ready for the memorial service at the National Cathedral the following morning. First Lady Laura was so grateful for Mary's work on that solemn day that she sent her a personally signed thank-you note. In the following years, Mary brought her same diligent and dedicated work ethic to leadership roles with GPO's Congressional Publishing team. prgtoken If you ask Mary, she will tell you how fortunate she felt every day to work at the GPO and how proud she is to be a career federal employee. Mary looked up at the Capitol every day from the front door of the GPO building and was proud to be a small part of the daily congressional legislative process and GPO's mission to `Keep America Informed.' Similarly, her district, state, country, and Congress take pride in her and in all those federal employees like her who work behind the scenes to make our government function For the People. That's why I ask that all my colleagues join me in congratulating Mary Ann Ullrich on starting her well-earned retirement after decades of loyal service.
RECOGNIZING RAFAEL ``RALPH'' DUARTE
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-12-13

I rise today to celebrate a champion for our local veterans, Rafael ``Ralph'' Duarte, and to thank him for his years of service to our communities. prgtoken Tomorrow, Ralph will transition after 10 years with the Riverside County Department of Veteran Services, where he has built a legacy as a fierce advocate, pillar of strength, and beacon of hope for Riverside County veterans. prgtoken Ralph was born in Delano, California, and graduated from Coachella Valley High School. He is a decorated Army veteran, having served for 4 years in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. prgtoken After he returned home from the battlefield, he settled in Indio, California, and immediately got to work. prgtoken He has helped thousands of veterans recover their earned benefits that were denied to them by local, State, and Federal agencies over the years. In fact, it is estimated that he has helped local veterans and their families obtain $55 million in monetary benefits. That is $55 million to get them the care they need, the salary they have earned, and the recognition they deserve. prgtoken He truly goes above and beyond to serve others, even making home visits just to help elderly veterans fill out the necessary paperwork to get their VA benefits and care. prgtoken Ralph has participated in hundreds of community events. From community forums with the VFW, to our county's annual Veterans Expo, to my Veterans University, Ralph has always been there to greet veterans with a friendly smile, make them feel at home, and connect them with the resources they need. prgtoken His compassion, professionalism, and hard work has changed the lives of countless veterans for the better. His dedication, leadership, and advocacy have made Riverside County an even more welcoming place to those who served. prgtoken Ralph has always said that he is doing God's work in caring for those who have served and sacrificed to protect our Nation, and I couldn't agree more. Our local veterans have been truly blessed to have him fighting on their behalf. prgtoken So I thank Ralph for all that he has done. On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I wish Ralph, along with his wife, Rachel, and children, Ralph, Abram, and James, the best of luck in their next adventure. Honoring Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovich
HONORING LANGSTON LONGLEY
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-12-13

. Madam , from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. Langston Longley, Sr a beloved husband, father, and friend. prgtoken Whereas, Langston O. Longley was born in Nassau, Bahamas. His youth was filled with many activities and organizations, including the Boys Brigade, church and athletics. He came to Miami at an early age and lived in the greater Miami area for over 40 years; and prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Longley furthered his education in Miami, graduating from Miami Dade Community College, University of Miami & Barry University in Real Estate Business/Marketing Programs. He successfully completed prgtoken the required courses and training for the American Real Estate University, earning the designation of Certified REO Specialist (CREO) which better equipped him to utilize his real estate knowledge to assist those in critical need; and prgtoken Whereas, for nearly four decades, Mr. Longley served Dade and Broward counties as a licensed Realtor. He was an experienced Real Estate Developer, having built and sold single family homes. He also provided rental housing for Miami-Dade Section Eight and Moderate Rehab clients for over 25 years; and prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Longley was an active member in several cultural/ community organizations. He was a mentor with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, appointed to the Miami-Dade Housing Program Landlord Advisory Council, a member of Dade and Broward Real Estate Investment Associations as well as a longtime member of the National Association of the Bahamas. Mr, Longley served as Chairman of St. Mary's Wesleyan Methodist Church as Trustee Chairman for over 20 years; and prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Longley was immensely proud of his Bahamian heritage. He was a Bahamian Junkanoo Musician and Costume Maker. He was the co- leader and founder of the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue of Miami, which performs the colorful Bahamian masquerade tradition throughout the United States. For decades, Langston served as a cultural bridge between the United States and the Bahamas promoting junkanoo all across the United States; and prgtoken Whereas, Mr. Longley leaves behind to cherish his precious memory: his lovely wife of 50 years Lula; his three children; seven adorable grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends; and now, therefore, prgtoken Be it resolved That I, Frederica S. Wilson, a Member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Mr. Langston Longley, Sr. for his commitment, dedication, and service to our community.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-12-13

our Navy and Marine Corps are the best in the world, but we face many challenges across the globe. We need to build new ships and maintain our current fleet. We need to recruit, train, and equip a force necessary to deter conflict, especially in the Indo-Pacific. We need to help keep sea lanes open for commerce and build deeper relationships with our allies and our partners. prgtoken To make sure that the Navy is able to carry out all military and civilian objectives, we allocate a lot of money for its budget. A Comptroller is critical to ensuring the accountability of taxpayer dollars and to keeping the Navy's readiness at the highest level. prgtoken Russell Rumbaugh, the nominee for this position, will bring firsthand knowledge to the job, having previously served as both special assistant to the Director and as an operations research analyst in the Secretary of Defense's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Office. prgtoken In having served as an Army infantry officer, Mr. Rumbaugh has had a unique perspective that will help him to support and strengthen our Navy, but his nomination is stuck because the Senator from Missouri is blocking it over disagreements, not with Russell Rumbaugh and not even necessarily with the Department of the Navy but with the administration and Afghanistan policy. prgtoken I know because we have been here before, actually, Senator Hawley and I, I think, three times. This is the third time. I know what he is going to do today. I am going to make a unanimous consent request that we get the Navy a Comptroller, and he is going to say: No. I want a special committee on the Afghanistan withdrawal. prgtoken I am not the Armed Services chairman, and I am not the majority leader. I can't authorize that kind of thing. In any case, the House Armed Services Committee is absolutely, under a presumed McCarthy, going to do tons of oversight in this space. prgtoken My basic complaint about this tactic is that it is not what this power is for. It is not what this power is for. We are all given the ability to block a nominee. It is supposed to be used sparingly and not in the fashion that it is being used by the Senator from Missouri. The Senator from Missouri, essentially, has got a total blanket hold. Sometimes, he allows the body to vote on somebody, but the demand, which he knows will never be accepted, remains. Otherwise, he will block the logistics guy at the Army; he will block the fiscal guy at the Navy; he has blocked numerous Department of Defense nominees not because of their qualifications and not because of any particular dispute regarding the nominee but because he is mad about the Afghanistan withdrawal. Lots of people are mad about the Afghanistan withdrawal, but only Senator Hawley does this. prgtoken I would just submit that the right way to influence foreign policy is on the floor as an amendment to the Defense authorization or to the State Department auth
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-12-13

if I could just briefly build on the remarks of Chairman Reed, never before has such a small number of Senators stood in the way of this large a number of nominees. The impact of this constant effort to hold up nominees to the State Department and the Department of Defense is to compromise the national security of this Nation; to try to rob from this administration, from this President, the ability to govern and to protect this Nation. prgtoken I would just remind my colleagues that what comes around goes around. I know right now some s may delight in the President not having any personnel necessary to run Agencies because of this record number of holds that have been put on nominees by the minority. But there will be a President someday. There will be a majority someday. And a handful of ic Senators will use the same tactics that are being used today to essentially rob from this administration its right to do the job it was elected to do by the American people, at great risk to American national security. prgtoken So my prerogative on this is that we should just change the rules and make it less easy for one Senator to hold up nominees who are supported by 90 to 95 percent of us and make it easier to proceed to a vote on nominees. prgtoken The Senator from Missouri wants to vote no on this nominee or others. That is his right, but we should come up with a process by which the entire administration is not ground to a halt by 1 or 2 of 100. We should just decide to do that because today this is hamstringing a ic President. But let me guarantee you, it will hamstring a President someday as well.
EXPRESSING THE COMMITMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BUILDING ON THE TWENTY YEARS OF SUCCESS OF THE GEORGE McGOVERN-ROBERT DOLE FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM
Jahana Hayes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-12-13

. Madam , I rise in support of H. Res. 1156, building on 20 years of success of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. prgtoken For two decades, the McGovern-Dole nutrition program has led the way in alleviating hunger and improving food security around the world. I deeply believe in the core values of this nutrition program because, as a teacher, I saw with my own eyes that hungry kids don't learn. prgtoken It is one of the greatest investments Congress can make. By providing at least one nutritious meal per day to vulnerable children in schools across the world, we are also investing in their development and their education. Beyond these children and their families, we also continue to support U.S. producers. prgtoken During my time as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, I traveled abroad to many countries as an ambassador for education. While abroad, I learned the degree to which other countries look to us to lead the way for food security and childhood nutrition. I was greeted by numerous children on the African continent who thanked me as the American teacher for all of the American programs. prgtoken Our international food aid programs are not just an exercise of good will. They are absolutely critical to communities protecting themselves from the devastation of food insecurity. It is our moral obligation to ensure that we contribute to the food security of the global community--particularly children, pregnant women, and new mothers-- whenever possible. prgtoken I have been a proud supporter of McGovern-Dole funding during my time in Congress, and I will continue to do so. I urge my colleagues to vote for this in support of the House Resolution.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-12-13

on December 12, 2022, I missed rollcall vote No. 387, confirmation of Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves, of Delaware, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit due to my attendance at an event back home in Oregon that required me to fly back on a later flight. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted yea. prgtoken An expert in corporate law during her time as a corporate litigator in private practice, Justice Montgomery-Reeves has served as a Delaware State court judge since 2015. She has blazed a trail as the first Black woman to serve on both the Delaware Supreme Court and Delaware Court of Chancery. A jurist who has earned a reputation for fairness, consideration, and consensus-building, Justice Montgomery-Reeves has participated in thousands of decisions and authored more than 300 opinions since joining the bench. prgtoken Justice Tamika R. Montgomery-Reeves is imminently qualified and will do an exemplary job for the people prgtoken of Delaware and the people of the United States on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
TRIBUTE TO DEAN SEIBERT
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-12-13

in 1986, when much of Central America was embroiled in armed conflicts in which hundreds of thousands of people, overwhelmingly civilians, were killed, a group of parishioners from the Franconia, NH, Congregational Church established Americans Caring Teaching Sharing--ACTS. They traveled to Honduras to support peace and justice through community development, beginning in the small subsistence farming village of El Rosario in the highlands of northwestern Honduras. prgtoken Since then, ACTS has become a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization involving hundreds of volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours to ACTS' mission of improving the lives of people in rural Honduras through community projects focused on basic healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, education, agriculture, and economic diversification. ACTS is governed and sustained by volunteers. Teams travel to Honduras several times a year, for a week or 2, to help move the projects forward. prgtoken Over the years, the program has expanded to include about a dozen communities surrounding El Rosario. ACTS has developed a close working relationship with the villagers, who are the visionaries for progress. The villagers set the priorities and perform much of the labor. ACTS volunteers provide the technical skills, guidance, material resources, and hands-on help. The result has been a successful example of sustainable, community development in one of the most neglected, impoverished parts of the country. prgtoken In addition to the Honduran communities in which ACTS supports projects, it has developed partnerships and associations with many U.S. and Honduran organizations, institutions of higher education, and foundations. prgtoken I mention this to provide context and to highlight the extraordinary dedication and leadership of Dean Seibert, long-time resident of Norwich, VT, and professor emeritus at the Geisel School of Medicine, who has been affiliated with ACTS for over 20 years and led the organization for most of that time. He has visited El Rosario as team leader over 30 times. This year alone Dean traveled there three times. Some might find that remarkable, since Dean celebrated his 90th birthday in August. To those who know Dean, it wasn't remarkable at all. His enthusiasm and dedication are indefatigable. prgtoken Dean has long had an interest in community development and the challenges of providing healthcare to people of different cultures and traditions. He has worked with the Tohano O'odum, Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo tribes in the American southwest, and he provided care to flood victims in the Mosquito Coast area of Honduras after Hurricane Mitch, to war refugees in Albania, Kosovo, and Liberia, to earthquake survivors in Pakistan and Haiti, and to flood victims following the Indonesian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. He received the Albany Medical College Alumni Humanitarian Award and the Geisel School of Medic