mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Robert J. Dole (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-12-6

this week marks the 80th year since FDR delivered his ``Day of Infamy'' speech. That was in a joint session of Congress. FDR told the Nation that the United States of America was under attack. Besides that attack, Pearl Harbor changed the course of history, including the future and fortunes of a young man from Russell, KS. prgtoken Today, I come to the floor with a heavy heart. I am here to pay tribute to my best friend in the U.S. Senate. Yesterday, Senator Dole passed away at 98 years of age. prgtoken For 35 of those years, he served Kansans here in Congress. He also was the second longest serving Senate leader. When Iowans first elected me to serve in the Senate, Bob Dole took me under his wing. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. He treated me like a brother. Even when we disagreed, he treated me with respect. We shared conservative, Midwestern values. Those values steered us to champion fiscal discipline, American agriculture, rural healthcare, and limited government. prgtoken From humble beginnings, the three-sport athlete at the University of Kansas left his field of dreams. He left them behind to enlist and serve his country. Near the end of World War II, he was called to serve on the front lines in the northern mountains of Italy. prgtoken From the Great Depression to the ``greatest generation,'' Senator Dole was battle-tested to tackle whatever life threw at him. During his Presidential campaigns, he got to know my State of Iowa very well, just like almost every Presidential candidate does. Bob loved my State of Iowa. He won the Iowa caucuses twice. In 1988 and in 1996, I was proud to join him on the campaign trail and crisscross the State, visiting as many Iowans as possible in as many of our 99 counties as possible. I think he earned an honorary nickname as Iowa's third Senator. prgtoken On the campaign trail, it was often my job to introduce Bob Dole, so I am going to tell you about some of those introductions and about how, maybe, sometimes I screwed them up, but it was all with the intention of honoring my friend and fellow Senator, a person who I thought would make a very good President of the United States. prgtoken So I would start out these meetings by telling the story about the day he nearly lost his life on the battlefield. I wanted to show how this young soldier from the Kansas prairie led a platoon of mountain troops to flush out the enemy--far, far afield from serving chocolate malts at Dawson's Drug Store in Russell, KS. prgtoken To illustrate his grit, his courage, and his resiliency, I explained how a then-21-year-old soldier belly-crawled across a mountain valley, under heavy artillery, to secure what I thought was Hill 15--or was it Hill 13? prgtoken Then Bob Dole would chime in--kind of interrupt me--with some witty remark. More often than not, I flubbed the name of that hill in my introduction of this Presidential candidate to the voters of Iowa.
Remembering Robert J. Dole (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-12-6

it is hard to believe it has been 25 years since Senator Dole took leave of the Senate. It is even harder to believe he passed away this past weekend, not because it comes as a shock to say goodbye to an elder statesman at age 98 but because our colleague was still so energetic, so involved, and so forward-looking right through to his final months. prgtoken If you didn't know Bob Dole, if you just read a summary of his impressive Senate career, his leadership tenure, his Presidential campaign, he might sound like a man of contrasts. prgtoken On one hand, our friend from Kansas preached conservative values-- personal responsibility and fiscal discipline--but this son of the Dust Bowl and wounded warrior was also laser-focused on caring for the most vulnerable, notching landmark wins on subjects from food insecurity to veterans' issues, to the rights of disabled Americans. prgtoken On the one hand, Senator Dole took pride in our Party. He rose to key roles that were necessarily somewhat partisan, first leading our Senate conference for many years and then leading a Presidential ticket. But he was also a consensus-finding legislator, an honest broker with deep friendships and working relationships that spanned the aisle. prgtoken On the one hand, our colleague was earnest, unironic, and somewhat serious--a true ``greatest generation'' midwesterner. But he also wielded a charming, disarming, and self-deprecating sense of humor, whether he was cracking one-liners, often at his own expense, or doing a joint appearance with his comic impersonator. prgtoken Allow me just one example of Bob Dole's comedic talent. prgtoken In January of 1997, just after President Clinton had defeated Bob and won his reelection, the President graciously bestowed on Bob the Presidential Medal of Freedom. prgtoken There they were, in mid-January, just 3 days before the day Bob had spent months hoping he would be inaugurated, but President Clinton would be reinaugurated instead. It was a gracious gesture and a warm event all around. prgtoken The time comes for Bob's remarks. He walks up to the podium, looks around, and he begins: I, Robert J. Dole-- prgtoken The crowd is already cracking up. do solemnly swear-- prgtoken Then a theatrical pause. Oh, sorry. Wrong speech. prgtoken Once the laughs began to die down, there came the self-deprecating punch line: [I thought] I would be here this historic week receiving something from the President . . . but I thought it would be the front door key. prgtoken The thing is, there was no contradiction in any of it, no paradox. Bob's life and career were very, very consistent. The virtues and the values that led Bob Dole to raise his right hand, enlist in the Army, and fight bravely until he could not raise that hand any longer were the same virtues and values that compelled him to raise his left hand for a different oath in the K
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I want to take a minute to thank Ranking Member Rogers for his tremendous leadership. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong support of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. Not only does this bill authorize the necessary investments to maintain our global competitiveness in the face of increasing Chinese and Russian aggression, but it takes critical steps to protect our men and women in uniform. prgtoken In particular, this bill authorizes almost $200 million in lifesaving technology to prevent Humvee rollovers. I am honored to represent Red River Army Depot where a significant portion of this work will be done. prgtoken The investment will save the American taxpayers $12.8 billion compared to the Army's original plan, and it will save countless lives. prgtoken Madam , I thank the ranking member and all of our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for their work on this, and I urge final passage of this bill.
CONGRATULATING KALAMA HIGH SCHOOL'S GIRLS SOCCER TEAM FOR WINNING THE WASHINGTON STATE 1B/2B CHAMPIONSHIP
Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican, WA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to commend and congratulate the Kalama High School's girls soccer team for winning the Washington state 1B/2B championship. Kalama, the second seed in the tournament, defeated eighth-seeded Adna on penalty kicks after their title match remained scoreless through 90 minutes. This dramatic finish helped Kalama earn its first state championship in school history. The COVID-19 pandemic limited many of our high school athletes from competing during the 2020 season, yet these individuals persevered and demonstrated adaptability and competitiveness. For the Chinooks, those attributes paid off in a big way. prgtoken Competing in prep sports is a wonderful opportunity to learn lessons in discipline, focus, team play, work ethic, and comradery. Winning a state title is a momentous achievement this team can be proud of for the rest of their lives, and I have confidence they will find success using the lessons they learned while competing in soccer. Go Chinooks.
IN RECOGNITION OF BAY LINK MANUFACTURING AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO NORTHEAST WISCONSIN
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , today I rise to extend my sincere appreciation to the Bay Link Manufacturing team at Green Bay West High School for constructing an American Flag pull-up bar for display. prgtoken Bay Link Manufacturing is a manufacturing learning lab located in West High School that is used to immerse students in real-world experiences through completing projects for local companies in the areas of welding, machine fabrication, and metals. Bay Link Manufacturing began when the Green Bay Area Public School District recognized that our future depends on creating a highly-skilled workforce to sustain our communities. In 2014, the Green Bay Area Public School District partnered with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the NEW Manufacturing Alliance to create Bay Link Manufacturing. prgtoken This outstanding program is available to .Juniors and Seniors enrolled throughout the Green Bay Area Public School District and prepares students to attend a two- or four-year college or those who enter the workforce in the field of manufacturing and engineering. Since 2014, the Bay Link students have produced a lengthy portfolio that recognizes their hard work and dedication to their craft. The Bay Link program has completed projects for companies including Georgia- Pacific, Green Bay Police Department S.W.A.T. team, Kl, and ACE Marine. I commend the Bay Link Team for the outstanding services that they have provided to the students at the Green Bay School District and to businesses throughout Northeast Wisconsin. prgtoken The Bay Link Manufacturing program provides local employers throughout Northeast Wisconsin with the opportunity to train future employees to ensure that the manufacturing sector continues to grow. The Bay Link Manufacturing program at West High School is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin. The American Flag pull-up bar they have displayed in my District Office is one step closer to fulfilling my dream of having a pull-up bar in every airport and I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Bay Link Manufacturing students for making that a reality. prgtoken Madam , please join me in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Bay Link Manufacturing team at West High School for their work on the American Flag pull-up bar and all they do for Northeast Wisconsin.
IN RECOGNITION OF CHIEF ANTHONY GALAGAZA OF THE BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Chief Anthony Galagaza on his retirement from the City of Bakersfield Fire Department after 30 years of service. prgtoken Chief Galagaza found his calling for community service and firefighting at a young age after witnessing his father serve as Fire Captain for over 30 years. Galagaza began his career as a seasonal firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management while volunteering as a reserve firefighter locally. His hard work and dedication allowed him to become a professional firefighter and eventually Fire Captain himself. prgtoken Chief Galagaza is a state certified chief officer and obtained numerous advanced training certificates throughout his career. He holds degrees in Fire Technology, Fire Science, and Business Administration. prgtoken Chief Galagaza dedicated his life to volunteerism and serving his community. He made great efforts to serve the Central Valley throughout his lifetime and has remained an integral part of the community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Fire Chief Anthony Galagaza for his lifetime of service to the City of Bakersfield, California, and congratulating him on his recent retirement.
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise in support of S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022. prgtoken Debt Bondage is a terrible crime, and many victims find themselves trapped in a perpetual cycle of forced labor and coerced debt because of it. Helping these survivors regain their livelihood is a nonpartisan issue. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Financial Services Committee held a hearing on the financing of human trafficking. We heard from powerful witnesses, including Reverend Doctor Marian Hatcher, who is a trafficking survivor. It was her story, which inspired my original bill H.R. 2332, the Debt Bondage Repair Act. prgtoken Dr. Hatcher, like too many in this country, fell victim to human traffickers. Thankfully, she was able to escape a terrible situation and restore her life. However, she struggled to reestablish herself because of her credit score, which was negatively affected by loans she was forced to obtain her traffickers. prgtoken Madam , this is how these criminals trap an individual into a cycle of victimization. Traffickers will take out loans, open businesses, and destroy their victim's credit, which forces them to remain a victim until they pay off the debt. Too often, these victims are never able to get out. prgtoken Section 6102 in the final text has the potential to help thousands of victims every year by ensuring that a consumer reporting agency may not furnish a credit report with adverse information from a severe form of trafficking. While this does not erase the terrible crimes committed against them, it will help survivors to regain their financial freedom and begin to rebuild their lives. prgtoken I will conclude by thanking Chairwoman Waters for passing my bill H.R. 2332 on suspension earlier this Congress, and for including my provision in the House NDAA base text. Additionally, I would like to thank the numerous trafficking advocacy groups and the Consumer Data Industry Association for their work on H.R. 2332. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the conference agreement.
Build Back Better Act (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-12-7

I come to the floor to join my friend and colleague from South Dakota to oppose the ' reckless tax- and-spending spree. prgtoken There are 18 days left until Christmas. So who is on the ' shopping list this year? prgtoken Well, it is the same people who are on the list every year: illegal immigrants, union bosses, professional activists, and the donor class of millionaires. prgtoken In the ' reckless tax-and-spending bill, they all get big presents from the government. The rest of America gets more spending, more taxes, more debt, and higher prices as they are already struggling and suffering under the largest, highest inflation in the last 30 years. prgtoken call the bill Build Back Better. For most Americans, it is a break-your-back bill. prgtoken In this bill, Chuck Schumer's hometown will get tens of billions of dollars to bail out their public housing authority. prgtoken likes to say, if you want to know somebody's values, he says, look at their budget. prgtoken Well, let's look at the budget that the are putting forth, because the second most expensive item in this bill is a tax break for millionaires and billionaires in New York, in New Jersey, in California, and in Chicago. prgtoken The cost of that sole component: $275 billion, which will have to be paid by the hard-working men and women in this country. prgtoken This is one of the bill's top expenses because it is a top priority for elites. Under the ' bill, the bottom 60 percent of Americans would get zero of those dollars; $275 billion to the richest of the rich. prgtoken In 2016, nearly half of the money went to just four States: California, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. prgtoken Rural States like Wyoming, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia received the lowest amounts of tax relief. want the people in States like Wyoming and West Virginia to pay for these tax cuts for the millionaires of California and New York. prgtoken Under this legislation, low-tax States would essentially subsidize high-tax States. What is this going to do to the high-tax States? Well, it will encourage them to raise State taxes, which is probably another reason that support it. prgtoken also have lots of Christmas presents in this bill for people who come to this country illegally. The Parliamentarian said can't pass amnesty for illegal immigrants in a previous version of the bill, but want illegal amnesty so badly that they are going to try all over again. prgtoken Let me remind you: This is a spending bill; it is not an immigration bill. know that they don't have the votes to pass the immigration bill that they would like to see. Frankly, they know they will never have enough votes in the Senate for an amnesty bill for illegal immigrants. So they are trying to cram it into a spending bill. are hoping th
RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT VETERAN SUICIDE
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , today I would like to bring to your attention Operation Iron Ruck, an event led by the University of Alabama and Auburn University's Student Veteran Associations to raise awareness of the critical issue of veteran suicide. Operation Iron Ruck is held every year ahead of the Iron Bowl, the classic football game where the Auburn University Tigers face off against the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. prgtoken Unfortunately, each day, twenty-two veterans and active-duty service members take their lives. To raise awareness of this tragedy, Operation Iron Ruck participants hike 151 miles from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, all the way to Auburn. Participants carry twenty-two pounds of gear to represent each of those fallen warfighters. prgtoken Once at Auburn, the items inside the rucks are then donated to Alabama State Veteran homes and to Three Hots and A Cot, a nonprofit organization committed to securing housing for veterans in need. Additionally, over $5,000 was raised this year to further support these organizations and other support groups, such as Mission 22 and the student veterans' associations of both universities. prgtoken Madam , we owe it to every American who has ever worn a uniform in military service of our great nation to honor their sacrifices and ensure that they never face a scenario where they falsely believe their last option is to tragically take their own life. As a country, may we renew our dedication to these men and women and care for those who have put their own lives on the line for our liberty and safety. Let this commemoration forever be preserved in the Congressional Record of the United States, and may the world never forget the sacrifices of these brave men and women.
HONORING TOM BLEFKO
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Tom Blefko of Lancaster, Pennsylvania for his work as the 2021 President of the Lancaster County Association of Realtors (LCAR). A graduate of Franklin and Marshall College, Tom got his start in the real estate industry in 1983 when he became a licensed realtor. From that point on, Tom quickly advanced in his career, taking on a number of new roles while closing countless real estate transactions along the way. All of the effort and hard work he put into his profession brought him to his current position as the Director of Operations for the North Pointe office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Lancaster, PA. Outside of this role, Tom uses his expertise and many years of experience to mentor others looking to get involved in the real estate business by working as an instructor at LCAR's Real Estate School. prgtoken We wish Tom all the best and thank him for his many years of service to the real estate industry in Pennsylvania's Eleventh District.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLARA BARTON
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-12-7

I rise today to celebrate Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. December 25 will be Clara's 200th birthday. prgtoken Clara is one of the most honored women in American history. From a young age she was dedicated to service and helping others. prgtoken Clara started her career in Washington, D.C as one of the first women to work in the Federal Government. She was in D.C. at the start of the Civil War, and while residents in the capital were alarmed and confused, Clara recognized the immediate need to help these newly recruited troops. prgtoken Clara spent the early days of the war collecting food and supplies for the Union Army, but she knew that, despite her efforts in Washington, there was more work left to be done. prgtoken She lobbied leaders in the government and the Union Army to give her passes to bring her voluntary services to the battlefield. From that moment on, Clara and her volunteers risked their lives heading to the scenes of battle and field hospitals to volunteer their time and deliver needed medical services. prgtoken Following her volunteer service in the Civil War, Clara visited Europe and was introduced to the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. There she learned of the Geneva Treaty, an international agreement to protect the sick and wounded during wartime without respect to nationality, and for the formation of national societies to give aid voluntarily on a neutral basis. prgtoken Clara was a woman of action. When she saw a need, she found practical ways to address it. After learning of this global Red Cross Network, Clara returned to the United States and would fight for the ratification of this treaty by the United States. prgtoken In 1881, Clara founded the American Red Cross and, in 1882, the United States would sign the Geneva Convention treaty. The American Red Cross received their first congressional charter in 1900. For 20 years, Clara would lead the Red Cross on countless service missions to towns and cities around the United States in need of emergency assistance. prgtoken , I am honoring Clara Barton because of the historic connection to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. In 1889, Clara Barton and 50 Red Cross volunteers arrived in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to help the survivors of the Johnstown flood caused by a dam break which led to over 2,000 deaths. prgtoken Today, the house that served as the headquarters of the Red Cross and Clara's mission in Johnstown still stands on Main Street. This home is a piece of history in Johnstown, and residents are in the process of restoring it. prgtoken Clara Barton continued her service to helping others up until her passing in 1912. Today, over 140 years later, the Red Cross continues its service through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners. They continue to serve those in need by mobilizing the power of volunteers in times of emergencies. prgtoken , Clara Barton's passion for service is an example