mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO CHERYL A. HICKMON
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2022-2-1

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated community servant, mentor, and advocate for social justice and economic empowerment. Cheryl A. Hickmon, the 27th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc transitioned from this life on January 20, 2022. She left a legacy that enriched the lives of women and girls globally and uplifted African American communities particularly. prgtoken Cheryl A. Hickmon, was a native of Hartford, Connecticut. She was born on May 11, 1962, to the late Dr. Ned Hickmon and Consuella Anderson Hickmon. She was a graduate of my alma mater, South Carolina State University, where her leadership journey in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began when she was initiated through the Alpha Xi Chapter in 1982. She became president of the Alpha Xi. Chapter (1983 to 1984) and South Atlantic Regional Representative (1984 to 1986). After graduating from South Carolina State, Cheryl Hickmon returned to her hometown, where she joined the Hartford Alumnae Chapter and eventually became Chapter President (2009 to 2013). prgtoken She remained actively involved in the Sorority for 39 years and held numerous elected and appointed positions at the national, regional, and local levels; most recently being elected as National President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. prgtoken Professionally, Cheryl Hickmon was a licensed Clinical Laboratory. Technologist and worked in the Reproductive Medical Laboratory for more than 30 years. She was most recently employed at Montefiore's Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Health in Hartsdale, New York, a division of the Montefiore Medical Center and a teaching hospital of the Albert Einstein: College of Medicine. She supervised the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories for Andrology and Endocrinology. Cheryl Hickmon was highly skilled and experienced in the specialties of Andrology and Endocrinology. One of her greatest joys was assisting couples with the gift of children. prgtoken Cheryl Hickmon served her community in various ways; the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, the National Brotherhood of Skiers, and was a member of St. Monica's Episcopal Church. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Outstanding Accomplishments and Achievement Award from South Carolina State, the ``100 Most Influential African Americans in the State of Connecticut'' by the Connecticut Chapters of the NAACP, and the Citizen of the Year Award from the Tau Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. prgtoken She is survived by her older brothers Ned and David Hickmon, a host of other family and friends, and the entire membership of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Cheryl Hickmon agree that she embodied integrity, grace, and an unselfish, giving spirit. prgtoken Madam , I ask you and my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of Cheryl A. Hickmon, a woman
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN BELARUS
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-2-1

today, the Senate will consider S. Res. 345, legislation I authored with Senator Roger Wicker to bring attention to the people of Belarus and their pursuit of democracy. Since Alyaksandr Lukashenka egregiously stole the Presidential elections in 2020, we have witnessed a continued crackdown on the people of Belarus, who are being denied their basic human rights. After unjustly claiming victory, Lukashenka responded to peaceful, pro- democracy protests across Belarus with violence and oppression, throwing thousands of Belarusians in jail. prgtoken In May last year, his regime forced a commercial airliner flying between two prgtoken European states to land in Minsk so his security forces could arrest a journalist and his partner, an action for which the U.S. has charged four Belarusian officials with hijacking. Then last fall, his regime exploited vulnerable migrants by bringing them to Belarus and forcing them at gunpoint across the border into the European Union, leading several countries to declare a state of emergency. prgtoken These abuses are demoralizing to the Belarusian people, who keep up the fight to bring Lukashenka to account for his egregious behavior. But now, we are witnessing a new level of desperation by Lukashenka, who is supporting Putin in his campaign of aggression against Ukraine. He has endorsed Putin's agenda and invited Russian troops for major military exercises on Belarusian soil. Lukashenka has effectively given Putin permission to use his own country for a training ground to undermine a sovereign nation. prgtoken As Lukashenka supports Vladimir Putin's efforts to destabilize the democratically elected government in Kyiv, at home he has proposed a constitutional referendum that would allow him to stay in office indefinitely. prgtoken Indeed, life under Lukashenka is perilous. Today, there are more than 1000 political prisoners in Belarus, 1000 people imprisoned because of the insecurities of one man. I welcome the recent statement from the Department of State bringing attention to the ill treatment of these prisoners. And I call on the Lukashenka regime to release these prisoners without conditions and abide by their commitments to human rights as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. prgtoken Lukashenka has ruthlessly attacked independent media in Belarus, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which he declared an extremist organization. Anyone who subscribes to RFE/RL can be arrested and jailed. RFE/RL's journalists who reported on the 2020 elections have been harassed, detained, arrested, and stripped of their credentials. prgtoken I want to highlight the stories behind the names of these journalists. They have been arrested and torn from family and friends indefinitely, simply for doing their jobs to shed light on the truth. prgtoken Ihor Losik was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December after a lengthy, closed door trial. An
Supreme Court Nominations (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-2-1

since the time John Jay was inaugurated as the first Chief Justice, only 115 individuals have been chosen to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Out of these 115 Justices, only 5--only 5--have been women. Only two--only two--have been African Americans. Only one--just one--has been Hispanic. And to date, never--never--has an African-American woman sat on the highest Court in the land. prgtoken Soon, President will have an opportunity to make the Supreme Court look more like America by nominating the first Black woman in U.S. history to serve as a Justice. Every single Member of this Chamber, regardless of party, should embrace the President's commitment to make sure that our courts--and especially the Supreme Court--better reflect our country's diversity, and nominating a Black woman as Justice is a long overdue step toward achieving that goal. prgtoken Past Presidents, from Eisenhower to Johnson to Reagan, were clear about their intentions of nominating historic and barrier-breaking individuals to the Supreme Court. President 's commitment to nominate a Black woman is a continuation of that important effort. prgtoken And once President announces his nominee, I intend to have the Senate move quickly so we can fulfill our constitutional duty to advise and consent and, ultimately, confirm the President's pick. We will have a fair process but also a quick process so that the work of the Supreme Court continues uninterrupted. prgtoken If our democracy is to prosper in the 21st century, the American people must have confidence that our Federal courts will faithfully adhere to the solemn principle of ``equal justice under law.'' The more our judges reflect our Nation's vibrancy and rich diversity, the more effectively they will be able to administer equal justice. prgtoken And make no mistake, a more balanced, more diverse judiciary has been one of the Senate ' top priority in our work with the administration. Over the past year, we have worked at a record pace to confirm the most judicial nominees in the President's first year since the time of Ronald Reagan, and we have done it with nominees who bring diversity in their backgrounds, their life experiences, and professional expertise--something that didn't happen, really, in a large way until this year. prgtoken One day, I hope the barrier-breakers of today will be closer to the norm of tomorrow. We want more women to sit on our courts, especially the Supreme Court. We need more people of color, more public defenders, more civil rights lawyers, more children of immigrants to sit on our courts to reflect the broad diversity that America is and will continue to be. In fact, it will continue to grow. prgtoken The more Americans look at our courts and see people who look like them and come from the same backgrounds and share similar experiences, the better off our justice system and our democracy shall be. And nowhere else is t
CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-1

climate change presents an existential prgtoken threat to our environment, our economy, and our future. That is one of the reasons I was so proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, a generational investment in clean energy jobs and technology, like solar. prgtoken This investment is critical for the communities I represent, which are already working to advance clean energy technologies at home in Illinois. Just last week Mundelein, Illinois, was awarded the Department of Energy's SolSmart Silver award for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for communities to utilize solar energy. prgtoken We owe it to our families, communities, and future generations to create climate change solutions. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, that is exactly what we are doing.
APPLAUDING PINELLAS PARK HIGH SCHOOL FOR THREE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINS
Charlie Crist (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-2-1

. Madam , I am honored to congratulate the students, teachers, and alumni of my home district's own Pinellas Park High School for winning the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Florida's 13th Congressional District. This will be Pinellas Park High School's third winning submission to the Congressional App Challenge in only five years--the most for any school in Florida's 13th District. prgtoken Since our first Congressional App Challenge in 2017, the students of the Pinellas Park High School STEM Club have submitted highly original and technically sophisticated apps addressing the needs of the culturally-diverse communities I'm honored to represent. Helmed by their dedicated STEM teacher, Lafrance ``Joe'' Clark, this club has proven time and again the power of hands-on STEM instruction, collaboration, and teamwork. prgtoken Over the past five years, the winning teams of Pinellas Park High School have created apps that address a host of issues facing our community. From large challenges like those confronting Pinellas Veterans transitioning to civilian life, to smaller but still important ones like the lack of accessible information on teen skincare, these students have used technology to tackle the tough problems they see in the world around them. This year's winning submission, Healthy Minds, is no exception--providing a platform for teens experiencing mental health challenges to access health providers, resources, and expert information. prgtoken As the Representative for Florida's 13th Congressional District, I want to congratulate our 2021 Congressional App Challenge winners-- Trudy Kwok, Jenna Nguyen, Gabriel Moreno, and Rashonda Fayson. Under the leadership of the excellent Mr. Joe Clark, they are doing their STEM club, school, and community proud.
SPECIALIST MATTHEW R. TURCOTTE POST OFFICE
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-2-1

I rise today in support of S. 566, legislation to rename the United States Postal Service facility in Slatersville, Rhode Island, the Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte Post Office. prgtoken A fallen soldier from North Smithfield who gave his life in service of his country, Specialist Matthew Turcotte was tragically killed during a training accident in 2017 when he was only 20 years old. An exceptional young man who exemplified the utmost commitment to serving his community and his country, Matthew's service continues to make all Rhode Island proud. prgtoken Matthew, a lifelong North Smithfield resident eager to serve his country, enlisted in the U.S. Army while attending North Smithfield High School, where he was cocaptain of the football team and a member of the track and field team. prgtoken After his graduation in 2015, Matthew enlisted as a specialist and began his military career at Fort Benning. During his 2 short, enlisted years, he earned numerous awards for his service, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. prgtoken Matthew's superiors in the military described him as a tremendous soldier who exemplified selfless service to our military and our Nation. He was deployed to Kosovo in 2016, and following his return, married his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Megan. prgtoken In August of 2017, Matthew was killed during a live-ammunition training exercise at Fort Carson in Colorado while serving with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division. prgtoken As we prepare to dedicate this post office in Matthew's memory, I am thinking about his father, Raymond; his mother, Liza; his wife, Megan; his sisters, Kayla and Paige; and all his extended family and loved ones. prgtoken , let us never forget the enormous debt of gratitude that we owe to not just Matthew and his family, but to all military families across the country who support the brave men and women who defend our Nation and often shoulder the pain of unimaginable grief and loss. prgtoken The decision to live one's life in service of others is never an easy one, and Matthew's commitment to a vocation of service represented the very best of our Nation and Rhode Island. For his patriotism, for his love of family and community, and for his dedication to the principles we as Americans hold dear, we salute Matthew and dedicate this post office in his honor. prgtoken I know that Matthew's legacy will continue to inspire our community in North Smithfield and all Rhode Islanders. prgtoken The dedication of this post office is an enduring expression of our gratitude for his service and a permanent reminder of his sacrifice. We know that Matthew's legacy and the impact he had on those who knew and loved him will far outlast anything we do or say, , but it i
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-1

there is a photograph that we have all seen: six battle-weary victorious marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima. It is one of the most iconic photos of World War II. prgtoken It was taken 77 years ago this month. Among those six brave marines was a coal miner's son from western Pennsylvania. His name was Sgt Michael Strank. At 25 years of age, he was the oldest of the six flag raisers. The men in his rifle squad idolized him. One of them said: ``He was the kind of Marine you read about, the kind they make movies about.'' prgtoken Sergeant Strank used to tell his men: ``Follow me and I'll try to bring you all home safely to your mothers.'' prgtoken One week after he raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, Michael Strank was killed in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was the first of the six flag raisers to die. prgtoken Today, he is buried among America's heroes in Arlington National Cemetery, but that is not the end of the story. prgtoken In 2008, a Marine security guard based at the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia discovered that Michael Strank was not a natural-born U.S. citizen; he had received his citizenship through his father when his father became a U.S. citizen in 1935. So where was this marine's marine born? He was the first child born into an ethnic Ukrainian family in what is now Slovakia. Like my own mother, who was born in Lithuania, Michael Strank came to America with his mother as a toddler, as soon as his father could save the money for their passage. prgtoken Those who were there that day on Iwo Jima will remember that a loud cheer went up from thousands of marines when they saw, finally, that red, white, and blue of the U.S. flag flying over the highest peak on that island. They knew that that day, in the war between freedom and tyranny, freedom had won. prgtoken Today, almost 80 years later, the battle between freedom and tyranny continues, and one of its new flash points is Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have made it clear: They want to be free and independent. They want to chart their own future. They want to choose their own leaders through elections that they conduct. prgtoken This is the future that more than 92 percent of Ukrainians chose in a referendum in 1991, after Ukraine declared its independence from the crumbling and corrupt Soviet Union, but Russian President Vladimir Putin--the old KGB agent--refuses to acknowledge Ukraine's right to exist, its right to independence, and its right to self-determination. prgtoken For almost 100 days, from November 2013 to January 2014, the Ukrainian people waged a ``Revolution of Dignity'' to force from office a corrupt, Russian-backed, puppet President--and they won. In retaliation, Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine and installed a Russian-friendly government. This forceful occupation of parts of Ukraine by Russia marked the first time, the first time since World War II ended, that one nat
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF LEONARD WARE
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the rich life and distinguished career of Leonard Ware. Leonard was born on January 19, 1928, in Everett, Washington, and died at his Palo Alto home on December 19, 2021. With him at his death bed were his wife Jeanne, and his dog Jake. prgtoken Leonard Ware earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and his law degree from Syracuse University in 1953. He was a member of the honorary legal society Phi Delta Phi. prgtoken Leo served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington from 1953 to 1955, and was a member of the Palo Alto Planning Commission from 1965 to 1968. He was a member of the Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, Washington State and American Bar Associations. He was also a member of the State Bar of California and the California Trial Lawyers Association, as well as the Palo Alto Club and the Bohemian Club. prgtoken Based on a handshake in 1969, Leo and his friend John Freidenrich established their law firm which became known as Ware Fletcher and Freidenrich. The firm prospered, merged several times and was eventually acquired by the global firm of DLA Piper. prgtoken Leo went to Mississippi in the `60s to register Black voters and was a staunch supporter of civil rights laws. He was an original investor in Embarcadero Media, on the original board of University National Bank and Trust, and with his wife, was a strong supporter of many non-profit organizations. prgtoken Leo loved spending time at his ranch in Morgan Hill where he raised animals and grew grapes, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him. prgtoken Leo leaves his wife of 62 years, Jeanne, and his daughters Laura and Pamela, his son Lincoln, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His daughter Jennifer predeceased him. prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in extending our condolences to Leonard Ware's family, and in honoring Leo for the excellence of his life, his work and his countless contributions. We are a better community and a stronger country because of him.
JOHN R. LEWIS POST OFFICE BUILDING
Nikema Williams (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-2-1

I rise today in support of H.R. 5577, legislation that I introduced to rename the main post office on Crown Road in Atlanta after my mentor and predecessor, a friend to many of us, Congressman John Robert Lewis. prgtoken Giving the Fifth Congressional District's main United States post office Congressman Lewis' name is a proper, lasting tribute to the life of a civil rights hero. And to have the people's House take this bill up on the first day of Black History Month could not be more fitting. prgtoken Congressman Lewis was a Freedom Rider, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the conscience of the Congress. prgtoken The sacrifices Congressman Lewis made paved the way for me to even stand before you today as a Member of this body. prgtoken Congressman Lewis was a natural leader, and nearly 2 years after his passing, his mere memory has united over 360 cosponsors to honor his life and legacy by designating the John R. Lewis Postal Building. prgtoken As I reflect on the power of over four-fifths of this body coming together to honor the life of Congressman Lewis, I can only imagine the good we could do by coming together in the same numbers to advance what Congressman Lewis called the beloved community; the good we could do by standing together, fiercely defending the civil rights that Congressman Lewis put his life on the line for; the good we could do if we all said something, did something, whenever we see something that is not right; the good we could all do if we heeded the words in Congressman Lewis' final essay ``to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.'' prgtoken While it speaks volumes that so many of us have united to commemorate Congressman Lewis, it would shout to the heavens where Mr. Lewis could hear us if we united with the same energy in the spirit of justice and moral obligation. prgtoken As we look at the trying times that our country is facing, let us not only honor Congressman Lewis with the post office. Let us channel Congressman Lewis every day in Congress. Let's make sure today's passage of H.R. 5577 is only a starting point for our work ahead in his honor.
THE GREAT EXPERIMENT
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-2-1

from the sweeping Green Mountains to the shores of the iconic Lake Champlain, one need look no further than Vermont to find the beating heart of America. To this day, communities across Vermont are welcoming refugees from around the world and most recently from war-torn Afghanistan. It is our history as a nation of immigrants that make these United States, as George Washington put it, the Great Experiment. prgtoken But with each passing moment, it seems this simple foundation of our Nation is under attack. Nationalism is on the rise and, with it, the threat that bedrock principles of our democracy are threatened. The strength of our Nation rests not in what divides us, but in what unites us. By sharpening the division, we edge toward authoritarianism, as Vermonter Haviland Smith wrote earlier this month in his column, ``Rural Ruminations.'' prgtoken Another of our great Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, so clearly said, ``A house divided cannot stand.'' Those words, now nearly 164 years old, are as true today as ever. prgtoken I would invite everyone to read Haviland's recent column, and I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record. prgtoken Its observations, and importantly the questions he pose, deserve thoughtful consideration.