mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BOB GILES AS THE 2022 TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I would like to honor a constituent of mine who was recently recognized with one of the highest honors in his industry. prgtoken Robert ``Bob'' Giles, Chairman and CEO of Giles Automotive in Lafayette, LA, was named the 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year during the National Automobile Dealers Association's awards ceremony in Las Vegas. This is the most prestigious honor that a franchised automobile dealer can receive. prgtoken The award celebrates franchised new car and truck dealers for exceptional business performance and outstanding community service. Mr. Giles was chosen among a field of 47 dealer nominees and was selected by a panel of judges from the Tauber Institute at the University of Michigan. prgtoken Mr. Giles is a second-generation automobile dealer owner, having followed his father who owned a Ford dealership in Denison, TX. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1976, Mr. Giles joined his father's dealership and became sales manager at the age of 24. Today, thanks to his leadership, Giles Automotive now comprises five dealerships in two Louisiana cities, Lafayette and Opelousas, along with another dealership in El Paso, TX. prgtoken Giving back to the community has been one of Mr. Giles' foundational principles through the Giles Gives Back program, which assists local organizations like the Acadiana Community Heroes campaign. Mr. Giles also helped launch the Giles Essential Errand Running Service, which assists elderly and immunocompromised individuals with the delivery of essential goods, food, and pharmacy items. prgtoken Mr. Giles has also been actively involved in many other organizations including the Outreach Center, which provides shelter and support for homeless individuals in the Acadiana area. He has helped raise more than $500,000 to support the organization's efforts. prgtoken Mr. Giles was nominated for this award by Will Green, President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the citizens of Louisiana's 3rd District, I congratulate Mr. Bob Giles on being named the 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year. I thank him for his selfless work to support our local community, and I wish him and his family and team at Giles Automotive continued success and a prosperous future.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF RENEE SPAAR
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2022-4-18

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Ms. Renee Spaar and recognize her for the tremendous work achieved in the Odessa community. Renee loved her community and would stop at nothing to help the people within it. She truly was an amazing person to work with and a pioneer in education for the Odessa School District and school districts throughout Lafayette County, Missouri. prgtoken Her career began after graduating from Southwest Missouri State University in 1982 at The Odessan, where she would go on to develop the Newspapers in Education program. Through this program Renee was able to link real-world experiences to the classroom, promote lifelong learning, and develop reading habits by advancing the use of a newspaper in the classroom to promote literacy for kids across the Odessa area. Additionally, she was one of the founding members of the Odessa Outreach, an organization created to help serve and fund local non-profits in the area who need assistance. Renee's life will be remembered for her passion for education and outstanding work for everyone in her city. She always found a way to overcome any difficulties she faced in her long, dedicated career to service, and in doing so remained positive no matter what. prgtoken Renee was loved by many and in return loved all that she encountered. She was described by her peers as always having a bright smile on her face, a joke to tell, and uplifting for those who needed it. She was an enjoyable person to be around and would light up every room she walked into. We should all strive to be as happy, loving, and gracious as Renee was in her admirable 61 years of living. She will be deeply missed, but her long-lasting impact and legacy will live on for years to come. I would like to offer my condolences to all that knew Renee and her loving family and remember her for the outstanding work she did for the Odessa community. May her memory be a blessing.
HONORING THOMAS PEEK ROZIER, JR. AS HE RETIRES AFTER 42 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Jake Ellzey (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-4-18

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Thomas Peek Rozier, Jr as he retires after 42 years of distinguished service in keeping the lights on for the people of Texas. A graduate of DeSoto High School, Tom started his career as a member of the Right-of-Way Crew for Texas Power & Light in 1980. The following year, Tom graduated from climbing school and scaled his way up--both literally and figuratively--to become a senior lineman in 1984, which happened to be the year Texas Power & Light became Texas Utilities Electric Company, later known as TXU and now Oncor. For the next 22 years, Tom proved to be a trusted employee of TXU, rising to the ranks of senior electrician and patrolman and managing several substation crews. A humble kid from Greenville, Mississippi, who--in his own words--``crammed 12 years of school into 14,'' Tom never saw himself reaching the heights that he did. Luckily, his superiors recognized his potential and encouraged him to seek a position in the Transmission Grid Management (TGM) Division in 2004, where he has worked ever since. Tom's decades of experience as a lineman and patrolman have been invaluable for TGM and allowed him the opportunity to serve the very crews he dedicated so much of his life to. Madam , on behalf of the people of the 6th Congressional District and the State of Texas, it is an honor to recognize Tom for his many years of hard work and to wish him the best in his retirement.
INTRODUCTION OF THE BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS JURY DUTY EXCLUSION ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Breastfeeding Mothers Jury Duty Exclusion Act of 2022, which would allow breastfeeding mothers summoned for jury service in federal court or in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to be excused from service for the period they are breastfeeding upon the individual's request. The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, and breastfeeding mothers should not be deterred from breastfeeding by jury service. prgtoken The District of Columbia Home Rule Act prohibits the D.C. Council from enacting any law relating to title 11 of the D.C. Code. Title 11 governs jury service. Therefore, this bill is necessary to provide this exclusion for both the federal and D.C. courts. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CAPTAIN JAMES H. PATTON, JR.
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of United States Naval Captain James H. Patton, Jr. Captain Patton passed away last year on September 27, 2021, at his home in North Stonington, Connecticut. I have had the distinct pleasure of connecting with Captain Patton over the years and can personally attest to his distinguished character, major contributions to policy conversations on our nation's submarine force, and participation and care for his local community. prgtoken Born on January 6, 1939, to James H. Sr. and Suzanne Patton in Norwood, Massachusetts, James had the spirit of a New Englander through and through. Due to his shrewd and strong character, it was no surprise that James went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1960. Upon graduation, James immediately set sail on his military career, dedicating the next 25 years of his life toward faithful leadership within our nation's Navy. It was during these years that he became an incredible bank of knowledge with respect to our nation's submarine force, serving on five nuclear-powered attack submarines, two ballistic-missile submarines, and commanding the USS Pargo. By the time of his retirement from the Navy, his merited service had earned him the rank of Captain as well as several accolades, including the Legion of Merit and the National Defense Service Medal. prgtoken Captain Patton's dedication to the strength of our nation's Navy was never intended to end with his retirement from the military. Upon his departure in 1985, our region became lucky enough for Captain Patton to discover North Stonington as a place to call his permanent home. As a newfound resident, Captain Patton would go on to leverage his extensive experience with the Navy and found his own advocacy firm, Submarine Tactics & Technology, Inc. It was through this medium and his several published materials that Captain Patton championed advancing the narrative on investing in our ``Silent Service,'' directly contributing to our region's existence as a manufacturing powerhouse as well as the position of naval strength which we continue to benefit from to this day. prgtoken As a resident of North Stonington, Captain Patton made sure his outgoing personality also enriched his local community. For instance, he was not only a member of but a valuable contributor to the Naval Submarine League, North Stonington Lions Club and the Education Foundation. Truly, it was always in his nature to lend a helping hand. prgtoken Madam , as the representative of eastern Connecticut, I cannot think of a citizen more outstanding than Captain James H. Patton, Jr. The quarter of a century dedicated to serving our nation is commendable by itself, but James continued to demonstrate exceptional civic duty even upon his initial retirement. Our entire southeastern Connecticut community continues to mourn his loss to this day. I find gratitude in the fact that his surviving family has stood s
INTRODUCTION OF THE KIMBERLY VAUGHAN FIREARM SAFE STORAGE ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I am pleased to introduce the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act. This legislation takes important steps to keep our children and our communities safe from unsecured firearms. prgtoken On May 18, 2018, Kimberly Vaughan was among eight students and two teachers who were shot and killed at Santa Fe High School in Texas. Thirteen others were wounded. The shooter was a 17-year-old who brought a shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol from his home to commit this heinous crime. Neither weapon was stored securely and placed the lives of all these students in jeopardy. prgtoken Sadly, school shootings like the one that occurred in Santa Fe have become horrifyingly familiar. In 80 percent of school shootings involving a shooter under 18 years old, the gun was taken from the home of family or friends. Some of these shootings may have been prevented if the weapons were securely stored and made inaccessible to minors. Unsecured firearms also increase the risk of unintentional shootings and suicide. prgtoken On average, eight children are killed every day by improperly stored or misused guns. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if parents keep firearms in their home, all firearms should be locked, unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition. However, only 3 of 10 adults in households with children report storing all guns unloaded and locked up. It is estimated that 4.6 million prgtoken American children live in a home with at least one unlocked, loaded firearm. prgtoken The Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act encourages responsible firearm storage to make our communities safer. This legislation would require the Department of Justice to establish and publish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage. It requires a label or notice on most firearms at purchase that says, ``Safe Storage Saves Lives'' and includes the website where the Department of Justice's best practices can be found. It also requires Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to have compatible safe storage devices available for purchase for every handgun, rifle, or shotgun that they sell. The bill authorizes $10 million in grants every year for 10 years to state, local, and tribal governments to distribute safe firearm storage devices. Finally, this legislation incorporates the Prevent Family Fire Act, authored by Congressman Mike Levin, which establishes a 10 percent tax credit to FFLs for safe storage devices sold for up to $400 to encourage the sale of these devices. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in keeping our children safe from unsecured firearms by supporting this important legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE BARRATT
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Joe Barratt. prgtoken Throughout his life, Joe's compassion, kindness, and creativity were evident to all who knew him. He had a passion for music and was a talented musician. Joe played cello for Concord High School's orchestra, taught himself how to play guitar, and was a talented songwriter and producer. His other interests included astrology and spending time with his friends in Todos Santos Plaza and Civic Park. An animal lover, Joe also enjoyed helping his mother, Leslie, walk dogs on the weekends. One of their favorite traditions was to stop at IHOP afterwards and Joe would indulge in the red velvet pancakes. prgtoken Joe had an extraordinary ability to help others feel accepted and cared for. He was welcoming and warm to kids that needed extra love and kindness. He has been described as a ``shepherd amongst the misfit kids at school''. prgtoken Tragically, Joe was killed in a hit-and-run accident and passed away on February 11, 2020. He is survived by his mother and father, Leslie and Joe Barratt II. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and outstanding character. Please join me in honoring the life of Joe Barratt.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CSM (RET.) IOAKIMO ``NIKO'' FALANIKO
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I rise to remember the life and service of Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Ioakimo Falaniko from my home district of American Samoa. CSM Falaniko passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the age of 67. prgtoken CSM Falaniko served his country as a combat engineer for over 30 years, entering the Army in 1976 and retiring in December of 2008. prgtoken His assignments included: Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Lewis, Washington; as well as several tours in Germany, Korea, and Iraq. prgtoken He was the Senior Instructor for the Sapper Leader Course at Fort Leonard Wood, a demanding 28-day training regimen and the premier leadership course for combat engineers. After retiring from military service, he was a consultant and Training Supervisor for the IED Division of Counter Explosive Hazards Center on Fort Leonard Wood. prgtoken His awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (10th Award); Army Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4); Overseas Service Ribbon (4); Army Service Ribbon; Ranger Tab; Sapper Tab; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Drill Sergeant Badge; French Commando Badge; Canadian Parachutist Badge; and German Bronze Marksmanship Badge. He also was awarded the DeFleury Bronze and Silver Medal of the Army Corps of Engineer. prgtoken CSM Falaniko and his family are a Gold Star Family; his son, Jonathan Falaniko, was tragically killed in action of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. CSM Falaniko was buried with his son, at Arlington National Cemetery on April 19, 2022. May these father and son heroes rest in peace.
HONORING JASON BOUDREAUX, JALEAHA JOSEPH, AND SHONTENAISHA MANUEL AS 2022 C-SPAN STUDENTCAM COMPETITION WINNERS
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I would like to honor three constituents of mine who were recently recognized as winners of the C- SPAN StudentCam documentary competition. prgtoken Jason Boudreaux, Jaleaha Joseph, and Shontenaisha Manuel, students at College Street Vocational Center in Lake Charles, LA, were chosen as first prize winners in the Central region. The students were tasked with explaining how the federal government impacts their daily lives, and they competed against thousands of other participants across the nation. prgtoken Jason, Jaleaha, and Shontenaisha's documentary, ``FEMA's Impact on Our Lives in Southwest Louisiana,'' was powerful and moving. The students highlighted the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Laura and Delta and shared their personal experiences with FEMA as their families sought to recover. Their stories and experiences are those shared by many families across Southwest Louisiana. However, despite the devastation to our community, the students also showcased the strength and resilience of Louisiana's citizenry. prgtoken I commend these students for their hard work, determination, and exemplary storytelling abilities. prgtoken They crafted a powerful narrative that told the story of Southwest Louisiana and thoughtfully explained FEMA's role in our recovery mission. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the citizens of Louisiana's 3rd District, I congratulate Jason Boudreaux, Jaleaha Joseph, and Shontenaisha Manuel on their achievements in the C-SPAN StudentCam documentary competition. I thank them for sharing their stories, and I wish each of them great success in the future.
CONGRATULATING ELDON HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAMS 1980 TO 1996 INDUCTION INTO MSHOF
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Missouri's Third District Eldon High School Volleyball teams from 1980 to 1996 in my home district for being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. This accomplishment is not one to be taken lightly and reflects the Eldon community dedication to youth athletics and the sport of volleyball. prgtoken Their induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to the impact Eldon High School Volleyball has made on high school sports in Missouri. One of the best eras in Missouri high school sports history running from 1980 to 1996 with an astounding 14 district titles in this span of time and eight straight final four berths also winning the Class 3 state title in 1991. Eleven different players received AllState recognition and Coach Ann Gulshen has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Famer. prgtoken You likely will not find a team more deserving of this tremendous achievement. The impact it has made on high school sports in Missouri cannot go unnoticed. prgtoken Madam please join me in congratulating Eldon High School's Volleyball teams from 1980 to 1996 for being inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
HONORING MICHAEL J. PERRY FOR FORTY YEARS OF SERVICE AT SUNY CANTON
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-4-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Michael J. Perry, known to his students as ``Poppa Mike,'' for 40 years of diligent service to SUNY Canton. prgtoken Mr. Perry joined the SUNY Canton family in 1976 and served the students until his retirement in 2016. From Bookstore Manager to Executive Director of the College Association, Mr. Perry held many roles that established his supportive presence on campus. He was a member of the Canton College Foundation as well as both the Eastern and National Associations of Auxiliary Services. Upon retirement, Mr. Perry served as Town Supervisor for the Town of Hermon from 2020 until 2022. He remained actively involved with SUNY Canton by keeping score at their basketball games and advocating for student success. prgtoken Students remember Mr. Perry as a strong advocate for their well-being and a major cultivator of their college experience. Many credit him for inspiring their passion for student leadership. For years, he organized the famous hot air balloon rides on Family Weekend and helped create numerous scholarships and enrollment opportunities. His colleagues will remember him as a unique and quick problem solver that helped their school thrive throughout many pivotal periods. prgtoken Mr. Perry is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren, all who will undoubtedly carry on his legacy of service and encouragement. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to honor and remember Michael Perry for his four decades of dedication to the students and communities of the North Country.
TRIBUTE TO THEODORE ``TED'' BORNSTEIN
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-4-25

I rise today to honor my friend, Theodore ``Ted'' Bornstein. Ted recently announced his well-deserved retirement, after a long career as a vital and vigorous public servant and advocate. prgtoken In the late 1970s, Ted began his work in Washington, DC, establishing and overseeing the State of Missouri's DC office, and led it for more than 6 years on behalf of Governors Joe Teasdale and Kit Bond. He later shifted to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as chief of staff to Representatives Cecil Heftel and Les Aspin. After Representative Aspin's confirmation to be Secretary of Defense under then-President Bill Clinton, Ted served as the director of the Defense Reinvestment Task Force. prgtoken Following his time in the Department of Defense, Ted returned to Capitol Hill to serve the people of Wisconsin as chief of staff for former Senator Herb Kohl. As Senator Kohl's chief of staff, he led legislative outreach strategies and programs and oversaw the operation of several offices of more than 40 staff. He later departed Senator Kohl's office and joined the firm of Foley & Lardner, LLP, where he will retire as a partner this year. prgtoken Ted's experience on Capitol Hill and the executive branch have made him a valuable asset to clients across a wide breadth of interests. He has successfully assisted clients in areas ranging from congressional investigations to defense policy and appropriations, as well as tax policy, healthcare, and governmental ethics. prgtoken Outside of his professional work, Ted is a cofounder of the influential Wisconsin Group. This group brings together Wisconsin- connected professionals in business and public policy to meet regularly on issues of importance. His efforts on this front have been invaluable to many bipartisan achievements of the Wisconsin congressional delegation. prgtoken I am pleased to recognize Ted's long career in public service and advocacy, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-4-25

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.