mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE MOON LANDRIEU, A CHERISHED PUBLIC SERVANT FROM THE STATE OF LOUISIANA CELEBRATING HIS LIFE AS HUSBAND, FATHER, STATE REPRESENTATIVE, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, MAYOR, CABINET...
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , today I rise to pay tribute to a faithful and cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. It saddens me that patriarch and civil rights trailblazer, Honorable Moon Landrieu, passed away on September 5, 2022. While being a member of the ic Party and an American lawyer, Honorable Landrieu represented New Orleans' Twelfth Ward in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1960 to 1966. He later served on the New Orleans City Council as an at-large member from 1966 to 1970; elected as the 56th Mayor of New Orleans from 1970 to prgtoken 1978; United States Cabinet Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1979 to 1982 during Jimmy Carter's Administration; and judge of the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals from 1992 to 2000. prgtoken He was born, Maurice Edwin ``Moon'' Landrieu on July 23, 1930, a native of Uptown New Orleans to Joseph and Loretta Bechtel Landrieu with one older brother, Joseph Landrieu, Jr. He graduated from Jesuit High School and attended Loyola University New Orleans on a baseball scholarship, serving as a team pitcher. During his undergraduate years, Moon was inspired by the social justice teachings of the Jesuits, which exposed him to the cruelty of segregation and was elected student body president. Moon graduated in 1952 earning his Bachelor of Arts in business administration and went on to Loyola New Orleans' Law School to receive his Juris Doctor in 1954. prgtoken Upon completion of his schooling, Moon married Verna Satterlee and joined the United States Army in 1954 serving as a second lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corps until 1957, after completing his army service, Moon returned home and opened a law practice while teaching accounting classes. After being heavily involved in organizations throughout the community, Moon decided to seek public office and won a seat in the Louisiana State Legislature in 1960 representing New Orleans' Twelfth Ward. Moon relied on his teachings and upbringing as he stood in strong opposition to the onslaught of Jim Crow legislation that was being introduced. Moon went on to serve in the New Orleans City Council in 1966 and continued to combat segregation by successfully outlawing segregation in public accommodations. prgtoken He then went on to be elected the 56th Mayor of the City of New Orleans, receiving support from 99 percent of the black voters. During his tenure in office, Moon upheld his campaign promise of honesty, integrity, and respect for all people by overseeing the desegregation of city government and public facilities while encouraging integration throughout New Orleans' private businesses and professional organizations. He intentionally and strategically appointed Black New Orleanians to leadership positions within city government and transformed the economy by investing in hospitality and tourism. Moon oversaw major investments in Jackson Square and the French Quarter, the developme
DR. C.T. WRIGHT POST OFFICE BUILDING
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-9-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 5650, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16605 East Avenue of the Fountains in Fountain Hills, Arizona, as the ``Dr. C.T. Wright Post Office Building.'' prgtoken Dr. C.T. Wright was raised in a family of sharecroppers as a native of Social Circle, Georgia. He went on to graduate from Fort Valley University before earning his master of science from Clark Atlanta University and his Ph.D from Boston University. prgtoken He was a teacher and administrator, devoting much of his time to education and working for many historically Black colleges and universities, including Morris Brown College and Talladega College. In 1982, he became the president of University, the first HBCU. prgtoken Dr. Wright also focused his efforts on community service, founding the Light of Hope Institute that promotes human rights around the world. prgtoken For the last 21 years of his life, he lived in Arizona, serving as a community leader. He was chair of the Arizona Board of Clemency, president of the Fountain Hills Kiwanis Club, and president of the Arizona African Society. In addition, Dr. Wright served as a delegate for the Electoral College and met six Presidents. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. C.T. Wright by supporting H.R. 5650. prgtoken , .
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-9-13

from Minnesota who just talked about our recent visit to Ukraine, where we were able to meet with President Zelenskyy and his top officials and see firsthand what you can see on TV. But, frankly, the emotion and just the incredible courage of the Ukrainian people, when you see it in person, is much more powerful, including going to an airport right outside of Kyiv where a bunch of inexperienced National Guard troops were able to fight off a larger and very seasoned group of Russian and Chechen special operators who landed at that airport. prgtoken This was back on February 24. You may remember seeing this on television. I remember watching CNN and seeing these Russian troops landing one after another. Twenty-five helicopters came in, and they were going to use that as a staging area, as you said so well, to not just take Kyiv but take the entire country and topple the government. And this small band of National Guard troops, fighting for their family, fighting for their homeland, and fighting for freedom, as they told us, were able to instead defeat this group of highly trained Chechen and Russian special operators and turn the tide. Within 3 days, they had routed them. Thanks to their bravery and courage, they were not able to use that staging area to then go into the city of Kyiv, which is only about 30 minutes away, and be able to topple that government. prgtoken I remember we asked the commander whom we saw there, who was the commander that night when these helicopters arrived: How did you do it? Like, how could this have been possible, that you could fight off these more experienced troops and the world's third biggest army? And his response was: Because I was fighting for my family. Remember that? So we saw constantly. prgtoken Senator Klobuchar was always good about ensuring that the people of Ukraine knew that we were standing with them and that we understood the challenge they face and the fact that this is not just a fight for freedom in Ukraine but a fight for freedom that affects all of us around the world. They are the shield, really, of freedom--certainly for Europe and for so much of the rest of the world. prgtoken So I appreciate your, again, going with me on the trip. prgtoken We took the last congressional delegation into Ukraine before the invasion and now the first authorized one, I guess, after. There is so much we were able to learn when we were there because it was a time when the U.N. inspectors were coming into Zaporizhzhia. This is the biggest powerplant in Europe that Senator Klobuchar just talked about. Thank goodness they were able to get to the plant, inspect the plant, and make some changes to try to keep the plant from leaking radioactive material that has the potential to be another Chernobyl and also make a very declarative statement that you must demilitarize that zone, which the Russians still have not done. In fact, they have done just
REMEMBERING QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-9-13

the attacks of September 11, 2001, exposed the American people to a level of vulnerability we had not encountered since the Second World War. While the terrorists failed in their objective of breaking us, they were successful in forcing the rest of the world to decide if they would give in to fear and remain silent or take a stand against the violent hatred that motivated the murders of almost 3,000 innocents. prgtoken For me, the memory of 9/11 is and always will be dominated by fear for the safety of my own children. The hours that passed without hearing from them were among the loneliest of my life, and indeed, that loneliness was shared by every American who spent the next few terrible days waiting for the phone to ring. Our sense of isolation was compounded by a growing chorus of voices that blamed Americans for the bloodshed in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. prgtoken When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II broke with centuries of tradition and directed the band of the Coldstream Guards to play the ``Star- Spangled Banner'' outside Buckingham Palace just 2 days after the attacks, she did much more than make a political statement. Her small act of rebellion confirmed that the special kinship between our nations will unite us forever under a common cause of freedom. While some chose cowardice in the wake of the attacks, she recognized the anguish of a friend and offered a gesture meant only to assure us that we were not, and never would be, alone. prgtoken For more than 70 years, the Queen ruled with the same grace and dignity she afforded the American people in our darkest hour. On behalf of all Tennesseans, I offer my gratitude for her long life of service, my condolences to the royal family, and my assurances to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth that, should great need arise, there will be no need to ask for our help, for we are already standing beside you.
STUDENT VETERAN EMERGENCY RELIEF ACT OF 2022
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-9-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 7939, as amended, the Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act of 2022. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill led by Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Moore of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The base text would provide emergency protection for maintaining current GI bill payments for student veterans if a pandemic like COVID-19 hits our country again. prgtoken I am supportive of the entire package, but I am especially pleased that five proposals have been included. This bill includes Congressman Joyce's language that would extend full post-9/11 GI bill benefits to the servicemembers who have been discharged under DOD's sole survivor rules. prgtoken A sole survivor discharge is designed to protect the members of a family if they have already lost family members to military service. prgtoken This issue directly impacts Congressman Joyce's constituents, the Weninger family, whose son, Sergeant Weninger, tragically passed away in 2020. I am happy to honor Sergeant Weninger for his service to the United States and provide this benefit to his brother. prgtoken I thank his family, Congressman Joyce, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors for bringing this important issue to our attention. prgtoken Now, this package also includes text from Congressman Moore's bill that would improve the way that schools are approved for the GI bill to help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. prgtoken Recently, there has been a rise in schools abusing this benefit. GI bill fraud both takes away a veteran's benefit and wastes taxpayer dollars. This bill would make it much harder for a bad school to be approved for GI bill benefits and well before they could harm veterans. prgtoken I thank the Student Veterans of America, the VFW, and Veterans Education Success for assisting us in writing this provision. prgtoken I also thank the Office of Inspector General and Inspector General Missal for their hard work in protecting veterans by helping us draft this text. prgtoken H.R. 7939, as amended, also includes a GOP proposal that would help improve access to study-abroad programs while using the GI bill. prgtoken I thank the Student Veterans of America and other higher education groups for bringing this issue to our attention. prgtoken Another proposal in this bill would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to make it easier for military spouses to transfer licenses across the States. prgtoken This bipartisan proposal would allow spouses to transfer their State- based medical and professional license when they move due to their spouse's military orders. This is an important change that would help reduce unemployment among military spouses. I thank Congressman Mike Garcia for originally proposing this legislation, and I am pleased to see it in the list of bills today. prgtoken The bill also includes the text for H.R. 4702, originally introduced by C
Inflation (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-9-13

this morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August inflation numbers, and as every American who has been to a grocery store lately knows, August was yet another month of high inflation. prgtoken Consumer prices rose 8.3 percent last month from a year earlier, holding to a near-four-decade-high--40-year-high--inflation. And Americans are feeling the strain. prgtoken Even 1 unexpectedly expensive month can be challenging for many families, but at least it is actually and usually possible to recover from a single tough month. How are American families going to recover from the months upon months upon months of high inflation that have marked the economy? prgtoken As I said, American families are suffering. Grocery bills are out of control. Between August 2021 and August 2022, grocery bills rose at their highest rate since 1979--1979, I was a senior in high school. Even back-to-school supplies like pencils and glue are more expensive. prgtoken The National Retail Federation reported in July that households were on track to spend an average of $864 on back-to-school shopping--a 24- percent increase from 2019. prgtoken Utility bills have soared. Things have gotten so bad that approximately one out of every six households--one out of every six households in America--is behind on its utility bills. Unfortunately, considering the increases in the price of natural gas and electricity since President took office, it is not surprising. Forty percent of households--40 percent--reported having difficulty paying for their normal household expenses. prgtoken And Gallup reports that 56 percent of Americans--well over half of the U.S. population--are experiencing financial hardship as a result of inflation. prgtoken The personal savings rate has plunged to its lowest levels since 2009, and many Americans are dipping into their savings to make ends meet. Others have taken up a side job or are pulling out the credit card. Still others have been forced to rely on food banks. prgtoken As recently as Friday, President was touting his work to ``finally deliver an economy that works for working families.'' I have to say, I don't know what ivory tower the President is living in, but the economy is the very opposite of an economy that works for working families. prgtoken Working families in the economy are struggling. They are wondering how they can make ends meet. They are cutting back on groceries like meat or milk. They are cutting back on family trips or putting off necessary home repairs. They are, as I said, dipping into their savings or charging necessities on their credit cards or visiting food banks. prgtoken A recent CBS News article discussing a new Gallup poll noted: The findings indicate that the hottest inflation in 40 years is eating into the bedrock of the American economy--the middle-class--and even eroding the financial stability of more well-
HONORING JACK COLMER UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY 2022 GRADUATE
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Jack Colmer as a member of the United States Merchant Marine Class of 2022. prgtoken Colmer graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Saturday, June 18, 2022, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves. prgtoken His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to Colmer's unselfish devotion to the people of this great Nation. prgtoken The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. prgtoken South Mississippi is proud of Colmer and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire Nation, as a United States Naval Reserve Officer. prgtoken As Ensign Colmer embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, graduating from a program as prestigious as the Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken I would like to send Colmer my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion. prgtoken Semper Fidelis.
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2022
Madison Cawthorn (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-9-13

I rise and add my voice to support H.R. 7846. I thank Ranking Member Bost, Chairman Takano, and especially Ranking Member Nehls on this subcommittee for his great work on it. prgtoken I would also like to add my voice in support of H.R. 7939. I am honored to speak today in support of our military servicemembers and their families. prgtoken America's warriors are always on the move, and their spouses often change duty stations every 2 to 3 years in order to keep their families together and remain close in supporting their servicemembers. prgtoken Requiring the spouses of servicemembers to operate under entirely arbitrary tax standards prioritizes bureaucracy over bravery and undermines the support we provide our servicemen and -women. That is why I am deeply grateful for the support of many of my colleagues who joined me in introducing the important language of the Military Spouse Tax Act into H.R. 7939, the Student Veteran Emergency Relief Act, ensuring that military spouses will be able to keep their home domicile for State income tax purposes if they so choose. prgtoken This policy change provides much-needed financial stability to the families of those risking their lives in defense of our lives and liberties.
Railway Labor Management Dispute (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-9-13

this afternoon, I come here with genuine concern about the possibility of the failure to resolve a railroad labor management dispute, and I express my support for that resolution. prgtoken I represent a State, the State of Kansas, its people, America's largest supplier of wheat, and a top leader in agricultural markets of many other crops. I can tell you that a labor strike would disrupt the stability of our ag markets and could prove catastrophic to our global food supply. prgtoken At a time in which hunger is rampant around the world, again one of the last things we need is more difficulties in getting agriculture, commodities, and food to people around the globe who are looking for a meal tonight. In my State, corn, soybeans, grain, sorghum--that harvest is underway, and farmers need to be able to ship their crops by train around the country and to our ports where the grain will be sent to feed that hungry world. prgtoken In parts of Kansas facing severe drought, feed yards, places that we feed cattle, are shipping grain in from other areas of the country to feed their livestock. prgtoken Rail service is critical to making sure these producers are able to get the feed they need and to keep their livestock fed and healthy. The U.S. rail network moves critical agricultural commodities across the Nation, and a complete shutdown of the rail system would result in devastating consequences across an already weak supply chain. prgtoken The Association of American Railroads found that a nationwide rail shutdown could idle more than 7,000 trains and lose more than $2 billion a day in missed economic output. As the deadline approaches, we are already seeing the impact of contingency planning by railways, showing that a full shutdown would be totally unacceptable. prgtoken With the trucking industry and other transportation systems already at their maximum capacity, there is no alternative plan that could mitigate the losses in case of a rail transportation strike and that rail service coming to an end. prgtoken I have been in regular contact with our rail leaders, including those at Union Pacific and the Kansas City Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and I continue to urge all parties to reach an agreement. prgtoken Our constituents deserve certainty that will come from reaching that agreement. In the event that the conclusion is not reached, I will utilize my opportunities as a Member of the Senate, as a Member of Congress for congressional intervention and work to shield the impact of a rail shutdown across the Nation. prgtoken .
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JOHN W. CHAMPION
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of John W. Champion. John was born July 22, 1961, in Jackson, MS to William M. and Annette Champion. He attended Oxford High School, playing every sport he could including basketball, baseball and football. A die-hard Ole Miss Fan, John was a graduate of The University of Mississippi, earning his Bachelor's Degree and law degree. Well respected and accomplished in his field, in 1993, he was appointed Assistant District Attorney. prgtoken In 2001, John became the District Attorney for the 17th Circuit Court District, serving his community with integrity. An avid golfer, his idea of a relaxing afternoon was a day spent on the course with good friends. John loved Italian food, but enjoyed the meal most when it was shared with his family and friends. A family man at heart, he treasured any opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. John was preceded in death by his father, William M. Champion and his cousin, Dr. Lynn Johnston Stavely. prgtoken John is survived by his mother, Annette Johnston Champion of Oxford, MS; daughters, Brittney Champion and her wife, Courtney McCullar of Senatobia, MS and Kelli Champion of Atlanta, GA; sister, Laura C. Hall of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Brittani Champion and Zofia Champion; three nieces, Sara Hall, Annette Hall, and Grace Hall; and one nephew, Jackson Hall.
STUDENT VETERAN EMERGENCY RELIEF ACT OF 2022
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-9-13

I thank the chair and the ranking member for their leadership. prgtoken , there are a number of bills here that pertain to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs' jurisdiction. I support a number of those bills--maybe not a couple of them. I certainly appreciate that we are having them down here. prgtoken As many people know, the House Freedom Caucus and a number of my other colleagues have simply been raising the issue that we should debate, amend on different issues. We should have a different conversation about how the floor operates so we continue to require roll call votes on a number of bills that might otherwise pass by voice. But in doing so, it is not a statement necessarily always on the content of the legislation in question. We will be making some roll call votes here this afternoon, but I just wanted to make sure, as a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I make clear my support for a number of these measures, which will obviously be clear in the roll call vote later.