mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO STEVEN FIORE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-11-14

I am honored to recognize Steven Fiore of Atkinson as October's Granite Stater of the Month. This Halloween, 17-year-old Steven set up an elaborate haunted house to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his late grandmother. prgtoken A Halloween enthusiast from a young age, Steven has collected various Halloween props, from fog machines to animated creatures, over the years. His grandmother, who he was close with, was one of the main contributors to the collection and would gift him props for Christmas. prgtoken After Steven's grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's in 2021, he decided to honor her memory by bringing his passion project to life. Utilizing his props and decorations, Steven set up a hair-raising haunted house for the weekends of October 21 and 28, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association. prgtoken I especially admire Steven's creativity and drive in setting up a haunted house that has also brought together the Atkinson community and am glad that more guests will experience the thrills of the haunted house. By taking a difficult situation--experiencing the loss of his grandmother--and turning it into a positive force for helping others, by raising money for the Alzheimer's Association, Steven exemplifies the Granite State spirit, and I am proud to recognize his efforts.
Midterm Elections (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-11-14

last week's midterm elections reconfirmed something that has been clear for a number of years: When it comes to politics and to policy, we are a closely divided nation. prgtoken For the third straight election, our closely divided nation saw a closely fought election go all the way down to the wire. And as the dust settles, for the third straight time, the American people have chosen a very closely divided government. prgtoken Though several races for the House of Representatives remain uncalled, it appears the likeliest outcome would mean the American people have put a stop to 2 years of ' disastrous one-party government and placed the House in hands. prgtoken Senate s have spent 2 years working to check and balance reckless policies; it will be an outstanding thing for the country to have a set of new reinforcements arriving on the other side of the Capitol. prgtoken Now, while this election underscored some of our country's close divisions, it also highlighted areas where the people are speaking overwhelmingly with one voice. The American people are not divided over what ' reckless policy decisions have done to our economy and to their families' budgets. Exit polls show three-quarters of voters say the economy they are facing is ``poor'' or ``not good.'' prgtoken Americans are not divided over whether the current trends in inflation, crime, open borders, and drug addiction are acceptable outcomes for the greatest country in the history of the world; everyone knows they are not. prgtoken And Americans are not especially closely divided about whether they want President to keep governing like he has been or actually change course. At this point in their presidencies, every one of the last 13 Presidents dating back to Truman had higher approval ratings than the administration. prgtoken One State where ' policy failures have hit especially hard is the State of Georgia. Georgia families have seen cumulative inflation of 14.7 percent since January of 2021. Both of their Senators cast the deciding vote to rubberstamp the spending that made that happen. Now households in the Peach State are paying a hidden ic inflation tax that adds up to thousands of extra dollars per year. prgtoken The nationwide breakdown in law and order has hit Georgia hard as well. The city of Atlanta now has per capita rates of homicide and assault that are even actually worse than Chicago. prgtoken And the people of Georgia saw their State attacked, called racist, called Jim Crow 2.0 by the sitting President of the United States, and boycotted by major corporations over a voting law that just facilitated--listen to this--historic ballot access, record turnout, and low wait times for Georgia voters. prgtoken So where do Georgia taxpayers and small businesses go to get their money back after the liberal smear campaign that led to the boycotts? But the day after th
RECOGNIZING OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-11-14

for a record-breaking 13th consecutive year, Old Dominion Freight Line has been named the number one National LTL Carrier for Quality. prgtoken , this is a tremendous feat, and one that underscores how this company has maintained a commitment to excellence since its inception in 1934. prgtoken Not only is Old Dominion a force to be reckoned with in delivering freight, both domestically and internationally, but it is also an economic driver in North Carolina. prgtoken Congratulations to Old Dominion and its countless dedicated employees. The work you do around the clock helps the world keep its promises.
REMEMBERING ADA MARKITA FISHER
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise today to remember a friend and a great North Carolinian, Ada Markita Fisher, who unexpectedly died on October 7, 2022. Ada was 74 years old and only a few weeks away from her 75th birthday. prgtoken As a young African-American woman, she was a trailblazer. After completing a degree in biology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro--UNCG--she went on to become the first Black female to earn a medical degree at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health. She was also the first Black UNCG alumna to complete a medical degree. Additionally, she completed her masters in public health at Johns Hopkins University's School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1981. prgtoken After completing her medical degree, Ada chose to return to North Carolina to provide medical care to an underserved community and lead programs for victims of substance abuse. She spent some of her career in the private sector, but most of her life was dedicated to helping people who were struggling and ultimately making a positive difference in her community. prgtoken I met Ada 15 years ago when I began my political service in the North Carolina General Assembly. From the first time I met her, I was inspired by her courage, focus, and plain talk. She was a lifelong . She was dedicated to the party of Abraham Lincoln, and she did not hesitate to challenge anyone from across the political spectrum who threatened the principles of personal liberty, individual responsibility, and social justice. prgtoken Although I met Ada after she retired, she never seemed to slow down. She traveled across the State advocating for common sense ``prescriptions'' to the challenges we faced. She became the first African-American to be elected National Committee--RNC-- committeewoman for North Carolina. Ada was known for her letters. Some were focused on policies she was promoting, and others were focused on challenging policies she did not think were helpful. Whether or not you agreed with her opinion, you had to respect the thoughtfulness and the work she put into them. prgtoken When Ada wasn't working on public policy, she was focused on her family. Ada never married, but she adopted two sons who blessed her with two grandchildren. She also had three siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She adored her family, and they adored her. prgtoken I attended Ada's funeral last month, and I was honored to speak at her memorial service. While I was considering what I should say, it occurred to me that I had never written a letter to Ada, so I decided to write a letter to her and deliver it at the memorial. I wished that I had sent it long before her passing, but I hope she enjoys it nonetheless as she reads it in heaven. prgtoken Dear Ada, I'm sorry I am just now sending you this letter, but I hope it finds you well in the Kingdom of Heaven. I regret that I haven't had the opportunity to
VETERANS DAY
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-11-14

our Nation recently celebrated Veterans Day, one of the most sacred days on our national calendar. Across the land, grateful Americans paid tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedom throughout our history. prgtoken Today, nearly 20 million Americans hold the title of veteran. That includes almost 110,000 men and women in my State of Maine, one of the highest percentages in the country. It is estimated that some 48 million patriots have served in uniform since our Nation's founding. Among them is a very special group of more than 3,500 heroes who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action. Although more than 160 years have passed since the medal's inception, its foundation of courage and sacrifice have remained constant. prgtoken More than 100 Mainers have earned the Medal of Honor. In observation of Memorial Day last May, Emily Burnham of the ``Bangor Daily News'' authored a fascinating story profiling four of them. I am delighted to insert her inspiring story into the Congressional Record and to recap briefly the heroism she described. prgtoken Early in the Civil War, fisherman Andrew Tozier enlisted in the 2nd Maine Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Gaines Mill in Virginia and captured. After being released by the Confederates, he joined the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. prgtoken At Gettysburg, he was the Regiment's color bearer. During the decisive stand Chamberlain led at Little Round Top, Sergeant Tozier stood at the center of the regiment with the regimental flag tucked in his right elbow while he used the rifle of a wounded member of the color guard to return fire on the attacking Confederates in defense of his comrades. prgtoken After the war, Mr. Tozier was adrift and fell into a life of crime, stealing cattle and other property. When he was arrested, Chamberlain, then Governor of Maine, took Mr. Tozier and his wife into his home and helped him turn his life around. In addition, Gov. Chamberlain, a Medal of Honor recipient himself, recommended Andew Tozier for the medal for his bravery at Little Round Top. Veterans helping fellow veterans remains an American tradition. prgtoken Before World War II, Edward Dahlgren worked as a seed potato inspector in Maine's Aroostook County. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 and served with the 36th Infantry Division. On February 11, 1945, in France, Sergeant Dahlgren led the rescue of a unit surrounded by German forces, repeatedly attacking enemy positions alone and capturing nearly 40 prisoners. His Medal of Honor citation credits his ``bold leadership and magnificent courage'' for repulsing an enemy attack and saving an American platoon from great danger. prgtoken Charles Loring of Portland distinguished himself in both World War II and the Korean war. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces and flew 55 combat missions as a fighter pilot. In Dece
TRIBUTE TO DAN AND SANDI DAVIS
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-11-14

today I honor and pay tribute to Dan and Sandi Davis. The Davis' have selflessly dedicated more than 40 years of their life to ministry through the United Pentecostal Church. In October of 2022, the Davis' celebrate 20 years of pastoral stewardship at First Pentecostal Church in Baton Rouge, LA. prgtoken Dan and Sandi met while attending college at Jackson College of Ministries, in Jackson, MS, and married in 1977. Pastor Davis became a licensed minister by the United Pentecostal Church International in 1976 and served in a number of ministerial positions at churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Michigan. prgtoken In 1989, the Davis' moved their family to Jena, LA, to lead the Shady Grove United Pentecostal Church. In 2002, after 13 years at Shady Grove, Dan and Sandi moved to Baton Rouge to begin their ministry at First Pentecostal Church of Baton Rouge. There, they have since faithfully served the congregation of First Pentecostal Church and the Baton Rouge community. prgtoken I met Dan when I was running for my first political office. He didn't know me from Adam. But from the get-go he was encouraging me, as he encourages everyone. I met Sandi through Dan and through them met others such as Bishop Tenney and his ``Tennyisms.'' We have had great conversations regarding music and life. They regularly send notes, text messages, and messages through others to pick up my spirits. They do this for me; they do it for everyone. It is the ministry they have had for 40 years. prgtoken Joining the First Pentacostal celebrating these 40 years of ministry are Dan and Sandi's two daughters, Mandi Davis Hartzell and Heather Davis Dean; two sons-in-law, Ryan Hartzell and Chantry Dean; and three grandchildren; Ava Dean, Aidan Hartzell, and Zane Hartzell. prgtoken It is truly an honor and a privilege to commemorate the Davis' 20 years of ministry at First Pentecostal Church in Baton Rouge. I am blessed to have them as friends.
GARY JAMES FLETCHER POST OFFICE BUILDING
Ronny Jackson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Mr. Gary Fletcher. prgtoken Gary Fletcher embodied everything it means to be a west Texan: hard work, God-fearing, and service oriented. He lived a life of service before self, with a steadfast commitment to his family, his country, and his community. prgtoken He was an Amarillo-born hero who joined the U.S. Army in 1968. He served his country in the worst of times, during the Vietnam conflict, providing lifesaving medical care to countless young men who would have never returned home otherwise. prgtoken He was decorated for his service with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. prgtoken Mr. Fletcher later returned home to the Texas Panhandle and built a successful career as a banker and rancher and was a well-respected citizen in his community. prgtoken He was also an active member of the Washington Avenue Christian Church and a longtime volunteer for organizations like the United Way and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. prgtoken He left behind an incredible legacy that will be carried on by his loving family, and now he will be forever memorialized through today's congressional action. prgtoken I humbly ask my colleagues to vote in favor of my bill to officially name the U.S. Post Office in Canyon, Texas, the Gary James Fletcher Post Office Building.
Midterm Elections (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-11-14

election day has come and gone, but there is still quite a bit of uncertainty about what the next Congress will look like, particularly in the House of Representatives. prgtoken As final ballots are being counted in a number of States, there is a lot we still don't know. But here is what we do know: We know that will maintain a razor-thin majority in the Senate, and I emphasize razor thin. In a few weeks, Georgia voters will head back to the polls to determine whether will hold 50 or 51 seats. prgtoken We won't know the result of that race until December 6 at the earliest. Now, suffice it to say, this is not the result I would have hoped for. Like all of my colleagues, I have heard firsthand about the pain and frustration families have felt due to ' policies. Their runaway spending habits have fueled inflation. Their open border policies have ushered in the largest migration crisis we have ever witnessed. The epidemic of fentanyl deaths is compounded by the and ic open border policies. Their anti-police, soft-on-crime rhetoric has harmed public safety, and their detached-from-reality energy policies have sent gas prices soaring and undermined our national security. prgtoken Best I can tell, our ic colleagues still don't have a plan to address any of those issues. It has become an exercise in finger- pointing, and the latest scapegoat is now the former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus. Even if the White House and congressional --even if they did have a plan, it doesn't look like there is much appetite for action. prgtoken If s had won the majority, these issues would have been at the top prgtoken of our list, but, unfortunately, we came up short this time. I know many of my colleagues are eager to have a frank discussion about the path forward for our party, and it is essential that we do so. prgtoken We need to ensure that in 2 years our policies and our message will resonate with the voters. So I agree with the need to have a frank, meaningful conversation--debate even. We shouldn't be afraid of spirited debate in the U.S. Senate. After all, debate about what our message should be and what our priorities should look like, that is essential. prgtoken Those discussions will begin tomorrow, and I hope there will be plenty of time to listen to one another and then to work toward consensus on a clear, concise, and impactful plan of action. prgtoken In terms of what to expect from our ic colleagues, I don't expect much to change. Given that Senator Manchin and Senator Sinema-- given their strong support for the 60-vote threshold for the Senate to act, I believe that will remain firmly intact. If the majority leader tries to go nuclear--as he has threatened to do time and time again-- and blow up the rules of the Senate, he simply doesn't have the votes. That is the good news. prgtoken The
TRIBUTE TO JOHN R. CYR
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. John R. Cyr, the inaugural recipient of the NCRPC's Lifetime Public Service Award. prgtoken The North Central Regional Planning Commission--NCRPC--was formed in 1972 following the establishment of planning and development districts through executive order of the Governor of Kansas. The NCRPC serves 12 rural counties in Kansas, with the mission of advancing rural Kansas through comprehensive planning and development services. In 1980, the U.S. Economic Development Administration designated the NCRPC as an Economic Development District--EDD--which established the commission as the regional leader in economic and community development. prgtoken In 2022, the NCRPC established its Lifetime Public Service Award, to be presented to John R. Cyr on November 10, 2022. Mr. Cyr has not only been instrumental in the founding and growth of the NCRPC, but has been a leader in regional planning, economic development, and rural community revitalization. Henceforth, this award will be presented annually to distinguished north central Kansans who most exemplify the lifetime commitment to strengthening our rural communities. prgtoken The establishment of this prestigious award, and the recognition of Mr. Cyr as its inaugural recipient will serve not just as an ongoing tribute to those that have given so much to better their communities but also as an inspiration to people of all ages to public service and strengthening our rural communities. prgtoken I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John R. Cyr for a lifetime of public service, as well as honoring his work to advance rural communities in Kansas.
METROPOLITAN AREAS PROTECTION AND STANDARDIZATION ACT OF 2021
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-11-14

I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. prgtoken , S. 1941 will provide transparency into the Office of Management and Budget's work in the area of statistical standards. This bill does not restrict OMB from continuing its work keeping important statistical standards up to date. Instead, it provides transparency into future revisions of core-based statistical area standards. It also provides visibility into use of such standards in Federal domestic assistance programs. prgtoken I once again encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and .
VETERANS DAY
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-11-14

in 1945, a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, AL, recognized the need for a day to honor all veterans. He led the petition to then-Army Chief of Staff Dwight Eisenhower for a national veterans day and organized the first veterans day parade in Birmingham on November 11, 1947. prgtoken In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially establishing ``Veterans Day.'' President Eisenhower said, ``Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.'' prgtoken It is fitting that the ``Father of Veterans Day'' was an Alabamian, symbolizing a longstanding tradition among our residents to recognize and show appreciation for our veterans and servicemembers. Every year, we continue this tradition of pausing to recognize our veterans--past and present. prgtoken Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is a sacred gift, and it is not free. Some endured unthinkable battles and hardships so that we can live in peace. Most have relinquished their autonomy, moving themselves and their families across the country and around the world, with little to no notice, spending holidays and major life events separated from loved ones. prgtoken And all joined willing to lay down life and limb for their country. Alabama is home to more than 400,000 of these heroes, and today, I will be recognizing seven of them for their sacrifices to make our country safer. They embody what it means to be a member of our Armed Forces-- but also what it means to be an American. Their service did not end when their time in the military did; they are investing in their communities even after taking off their uniforms. Each of them chose to use their experiences to uplift those around them. If you ask them about their heroic actions or how they have contributed to making a difference in others' lives, they will humbly tell you it has been their honor to do so. prgtoken I am proud to recognize their military service and the unique ways they are investing in our communities, like SGT Chris Amacker of Slapout, AL, a prgtoken gun truck commander in the Army's 465th Transportation Unit, where he moved ammo and equipment during the Iraq war. He faithfully carried out his duty, traveling more miles for his unit than any other driver during his time. His military service was cut short after suffering brain and spinal injuries following an explosive attack on his unit. prgtoken Sergeant Amacker spent more than a year in an Arkansas rehabilitation facility, relearning how to walk and talk. But you wouldn't guess that Sergeant Amacker had been through so much from his positive outlook and passion for helping others lead meaningful lives. He considers himself blessed to be alive and doesn't regret his decision to join the Army. prgtoken Today, Sergeant Amacker is actively involved in his community and several veteran