mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LET'S HAVE A DEBATE
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-20

I want to commend my colleagues who have been down here on the floor of the House of Representatives for the most part of the last hour talking about the importance of defending life, those infamous--or famous or important words, I should say, in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken Nothing can be more important than this body focusing on defending life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and my colleagues' focus on life, as we sit here now 49 years removed from a Supreme Court decision taking out of the hands of the people and putting it into the hands of unelected judges' decisions, about the beginning of life, when life begins, the important reality of a people defending life. prgtoken What is controversial about defending life? prgtoken It is a question for this body. prgtoken What is controversial about defending life when we talk about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and when we talk about living on this Earth while God gives us the precious time we have here? prgtoken What are we going to do with that time? prgtoken Are we going to live free? prgtoken Are we going to be able to pursue happiness? prgtoken Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: one might wonder here now 1 year into the current administration, the administration, whether the average American would say that he or she is free to pursue happiness. prgtoken Are we free? prgtoken Are we free to pursue happiness when, in fact, just a few miles away--and, frankly, a few thousand feet--from this Chamber where we are right now, restaurants are being chastised and pursued by the Government of the District of Columbia representing this area that forms our Nation's Capitol because those restaurants may not believe that it is in their interest or the interest of the people whom they serve to be checking papers and to be checking so-called vaccine passports or vaccine passes? prgtoken One restaurant in particular over on H Street--which was one of the early restaurants on H Street as it was revitalizing--has been fined, berated, and harassed by the Government of the District of Columbia for wanting its doors to be open and not wanting to harass its patrons. They want them to use their own free will to make a decision about what is in their interest. They don't want to live in a republic where you are forced to show papers to walk about and to engage in society, to freely move about and engage in commerce. prgtoken The very heart of the kinds of ideas that the Founders meant and what Jefferson meant when he penned pursuit of happiness is that we not allow a government through tyrannical policies to interfere with our pursuit of happiness: our ability to go have a business, our ability to go out and take care of our family, our ability to move about and to engage in commerce, our ability to create wealth and opportunity for our children and our grandchildren, to be able to get healt
REMEMBERING WILLIAM J. WOOD
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-1-20

. Madam , my wife Roxanne, the Wilson family, and I would like to express our condolences to the family of William J. Wood. He, his late wife, Nancy, and his daughter, Lou, have been greatly appreciated civic and business leaders of the Midlands of South Carolina. With Eastman Chemicals, Midlands Technical College, and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, the Kennedy Family has provided innumerable people with meaningful jobs. I am grateful to include in the Record his obituary in fond remembrance. William J. Wood (June 23, 1937-January 16, 2022) Obituary of William J. Wood William Jerry Wood, of Lexington, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at his home. The son of the late Oscar Benjamin and Faye Hooper Wood, Mr. Wood was born in Commerce, GA, started his career at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN, and made Lexington his home for more than a half century. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. As a young man, Mr. Wood's family moved around Appalachia. During this period, Mr. Wood's father was following his calling to serve Baptist congregations around the region, as a minister. His father also owned a dry cleaning business, in which the entire family pitched in. At the age of 18, Mr. Wood started his career at Eastman in Kingsport, TN, where the family had settled. Mr. Wood devoted more than four decades in leadership and management to Eastman Chemical Company. With the exception of his family, Mr. Wood did not take more pride in anything than his work. He left an indelible mark on the company and its employees, many of whom continue to pass down the lessons they learned working with Mr. Wood. He taught a Machine, Tool, Technology class to local technical college students for more than 15 years. The Midlands Technical College Life Skills Center is named in honor of Mr. Wood. Since opening in 2014, the center has helped Midlands Tech students prepare for life after school by honing essential skills needed to start a career. The father of Lou Wood Kennedy, Mr. Wood embraced life in the Midlands of South Carolina when he relocated his family here, in 1965, as he continued to grow in management at Eastman. Mr. Wood was active in community endeavors, such as service organizations like the Lions Club, hobby-focused clubs, such as the Antique Car Club of America South Carolina Chapter, and in the Baptist church. His daughter, beaming with pride, called Mr. Wood the greatest man she has ever known, and he loved watching the role she plays in making her own mark today on the community he chose as their family home. Mr. Wood met his wife, Nancy Thomas Wood, as a teenager. They dated as students at East T
HONORING THE CAREER OF BERTHA HENRY
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-1-21

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the tremendous career and meaningful work of Bertha Henry, Broward County Administrator. prgtoken Broward County is a sprawling and culturally diverse metropolitan coastal community in the heart of South Florida, spanning from the ocean to the Everglades, with 1.8 million residents in 31 municipalities. Ms. Henry's commitment to Broward County's families and businesses has been extensive, impressive, and inspiring. prgtoken Bertha Henry graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in Government and Business Management, and a master's degree in Public Administration. One of her fondest memories was watching her parents smile with pride to see their daughter graduate with a master's degree, particularly since neither of her parents were able to complete their education. Ms. Henry's can-do attitude has guided her and served her well, both personally and professionally. prgtoken Her professional career in public service includes her native City of Miami, Florida, Dayton (Montgomery County), Ohio, and Broward County, where she was named County Administrator in 2008. prgtoken Under Ms. Henry's leadership, Broward County has received numerous awards and recognitions. Some highlights include Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport being ranked third on the list of best large airports in the country; receiving the Smart Growth Partnership Excellence Award for a safe, convenient, and sustainable transportation system; being awarded the Keep America Beautiful President's Circle Award for exemplary performance in building and sustaining vibrant communities; and Broward County's Port Everglades receiving the Port of the Year and Best Domestic Departure Port Award. prgtoken Bertha Henry is a selfless, compassionate, and devoted public servant whose commitment to our community is exemplary, and I am proud to call her my dear friend. I wish her a heartfelt congratulations on her retirement and am grateful for her invaluable work to improve the lives of those in Florida's 23rd Congressional District, Broward County, and beyond.
RECOGNIZING MARCH FOR LIFE 2022
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-1-21

. Madam , today, I recognize the thousands of faithful and devoted students from central and west-central Illinois and around the country who are participating in this year's March for Life celebrations. The March for Life began in Washington, DC, as a small demonstration and has since become the largest pro-life event in the world. prgtoken I am proud to represent Catholic schools in my district, like Peoria Notre Dame High School, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, and Bloomington Central Catholic, as they continue to show unending and unwavering support for the pro-life movement. I am honored to recognize the efforts of pro-life advocates across the 18th District who have prgtoken worked tirelessly to protect unborn infants and provide necessary support and resources to pregnant mothers. prgtoken On this 49th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, we must continue to pursue a national culture that promotes and protects life for all individuals. The right to life is a human right, and it is critical that our current and future generations work towards a pro-life future. Students, such as the ones that I represent in the 18th District, continue to play an integral role in fighting for the lives of the most vulnerable. prgtoken As we aspire for a world where every life is celebrated and protected, I want to commend the support for pro-life values in my district and the annual support of March for Life celebrations across the country.
HONORING BROOKE CURTIS AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-1-25

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Lewis Central's 3rd-grade teacher Brooke Curtis as Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Inspired by the teachers she had growing up in Griswold, Brooke always wanted to teach. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Iowa and got her prgtoken master's from Concordia in early education. She began teaching a unique program to the Council Bluffs school district known as Transitional Kindergarten, or T-K as she calls it. prgtoken Transitional Kindergarten is an amazing program that accepts 4 years and older who might not be ready for kindergarten. T-K is a wonderful opportunity to give children structured learning and development before entering kindergarten. Brooke says for many parents, they face a difficult choice when they have a child who isn't quite ready for school. As a T-K teacher, she worked with our youngest students to prepare them with the social, emotional, and educational skills. prgtoken Teaching T-K is how Brooke met Stacey Kuehn, who nominated Brooke to be Iowan of the week. Stacey was in the Harley-Davidson showroom, ready to buy her retirement motorcycle when her phone rang--she needed to become the caregiver of her two granddaughters. prgtoken Brooke met Stacey and her granddaughters when they enrolled in her class. Brooke told Stacey she could call her and that Brooke would do anything to help. She kept that promise. Brooke began helping out with childcare and offering support, and helping these two girls grow. And that's why I wanted to honor Brooke Curtis as Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Even though Brooke assures us that all her fellow teachers and school administrators would do the same, I know that Brooke puts everything into being a teacher and helping her kids. ``Teachers are givers,'' she said, ``and while I know we can't pour from an empty cup, sometimes I still try.'' She means there are days, especially over the last year, where she gives everything she has to her students. It was hard on her, and her family. prgtoken Brooke and her fellow teachers in the Council Bluff school district have been teaching A&B schedules during the pandemic, where half their students were online and half in the classroom. ``It's not a skill I wanted to learn,'' she joked. prgtoken It has never been harder to be a teacher than right now. That is why I am proud to support legislation that invests in teacher retention, teacher mental health, more funding for our schools, and supporting our K-12 families. Teachers like Brooke should remind us all that investing in our teachers is really an investment in our children. prgtoken Madam , Brooke's dedication to her students and commitment to teaching future educators ensures our kids in Iowa are in excellent hands. It is my honor to name Brooke my Iowan of the Week.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL ELECTIONS HOME RULE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-1-25

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Special Elections Home Rule Act. This bill would give the District of Columbia complete authority to set the date of special elections for local offices, like other jurisdictions. This bill simply removes a D.C. Home Rule Act limitation on the District that is not only inconsistent with the self-government granted by the Home Rule Act, but is also counterproductive. prgtoken This bill follows legislation we got enacted in 2012 that gave the D.C. Board of Elections (``Board'') more flexibility to set the date of special elections for local offices to maximize voter participation. Although we sought complete authority for the District over the scheduling of special elections, the 2012 law, the District of Columbia Special Election Reform Act, did not include this home-rule principle. D.C. should have complete authority over a matter that is unrelated to any other congressional district and has no relevance to Congress. prgtoken The Home Rule Act originally required the Board to hold special elections on the first Tuesday occurring more than 114 days after a vacancy and allowed the Board to schedule special elections on the same day as the next general election if that election occurred within 60 days from when a special election would otherwise have been held. This inflexibility led to special elections being held on religious holidays and forced the District to hold a special election separate from an upcoming general election, costing the District hundreds of thousands of dollars. The 2012 law requires the Board to hold a special election on a Tuesday occurring between 70 and 174 days after a vacancy. prgtoken This bill is an important step to perfect home rule for the District. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING ROBERT WINKLER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a notable public servant within my district, Robert Winkler. After serving his community as a Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and Building Inspector for twenty-four years, Robert ran for office and was chosen by the Borough of Penndel to be their Mayor. prgtoken Throughout his twelve year tenure, Mayor Winkler worked diligently to improve the borough and the quality of life of all its citizens. Through his relationships with other elected officials at every level of government, as well as business owners and industry executives, Robert improved the delivery of municipal services. He increased communication between residents and businesses through the establishment of a semi-annual newsletter. Through his office, Mayor Winkler actively coordinated community events such as holiday parades, the Penndel Borough Community Day, and food drives. His work did not go unnoticed: not only was he re-elected three times, but Robert was also honored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs as Mayor of the Year in 2019. prgtoken Today, I am proud to recognize Robert Winkler as an exceptional man of proven leadership who never wavered in his commitment to serving our community and country. We are incredibly grateful for Robert's decades of public service and the positive impact that he has had on his beloved home of Penndel and the entirety of our Bucks County community.
HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPION PAUL NELSON
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-25

. Madam , I would like to recognize one of my constituents from back home in Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Paul Nelson. prgtoken Mr. Nelson's commitment to the Erie and surrounding communities has existed for decades. He began working at Waldameer Park and Water World at the age of 11 and took over the park in 1965. His loyalty and tireless efforts have positively impacted not only the people of Erie, but those who visit. Mr. Nelson is truly a Community Champion and should be honored with highest regard for his dedication and commitment.
IN RECOGNITION OF DEE MARTIN-SPALLONE
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dee Martin-Spallone as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious George Award. prgtoken Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, alongside the Blair County Chamber, present this award to a community member whose tireless volunteer effort do not go unnoticed, despite their ceaseless humility and modesty. Dee Martin-Spallone has been selected for her embodiment of hard work and dedication without desire for acknowledgement. Dee founded the National Organization First Book in Blair County, as well as Angel Feet Ministry, to ensure that children in need have access to new socks, shoes, and books. Further, she personally creates and sells products to raise money for the Roaring Spring Community Library, and directly works with the Altoona Area School District to provide mentorship and guidance to our community's youth. prgtoken On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Miss Martin- Spallone for their tireless efforts.
IN RECOGNITION OF CAPTAIN MARK BERGSTROM
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the exemplary work of Captain Mark Bergstrom as he retires after a life of service in the United States Marine Corps and as a Police Officer at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. During his over 30 years of service to our nation and the University of North Texas Police Department, he has been a committed leader in his community. prgtoken Mark started his life of service in the Marine Corps in 1987. He served as Battalion Communications Chief Billet in the 2nd Battalion 14th Marine Regiment. He received numerous awards while serving including the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1993. prgtoken While completing college classes, Captain Bergstrom joined the UNT Police Department in 1994 as a part-time Community Service Officer. In 1996, he graduated from UNT with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Strategic Management and was hired full-time as a police officer. During his career, Captain Bergstrom has worked and served as a supervisor in every UNT Police Department division. He earned his Master Peace Officer License in 2006. prgtoken Throughout his career at the UNT Police Department, he bas been recognized numerous times for outstanding service. His awards include Police Commendation, Supervisor of the Year, UNT Staff Contribution Award, and most notably, a Lifesaving Award. prgtoken On the morning of September 28, 2015, Captain Bergstrom saved a young lady in mental distress from being struck on I-35. He observed her wandering back and forth across the multi-lane highway narrowly missing being hit several times. Several vehicles had to take evasive action at high rates of speed to avoid striking her. Thanks to Mark's quick effective response, he was able to detain her safely and remove her from the roadway with no injuries or accidents. prgtoken Captain Bergstrom has devoted over 35 years to serving and protecting his country and community. For more than three decades, he has put strangers' safety above his own, and we are indebted to him. I am deeply grateful for his service to our nation and community, and I wish Captain Bergstrom and his family the best in his retirement.
RECOGNIZING WWII VETERAN DWIGHT BARR ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Carbondale, Illinois, resident Dwight Barr's 100th birthday. Dwight was born to parents Wes and Blanche Barr on January 21, 1922, in Akin, Illinois. He grew up playing on his family's farm with brothers Robert, Bill, and Ed. Dwight enlisted in the Army during World War II, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 63rd battalion of the 11th Armored Infantry Division. On June 6, 1956, Dwight married Maxine Chapman and the couple planted their roots in Carbondale. They had four children; David, Mary, Danny, and James. They were later blessed with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dwight currently spends his days reading, spending time with his friends at the Voyage living center, and keep up with his family. Madam , please join me in honoring Dwight Barr on his milestone 100th birthday. On behalf of Southern Illinois, I thank him for his service to our nation and happy birthday.
HONORING BROOKE BARNARD FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-28

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Brooke Boyer Barnard for her exemplary dedication and service to our nation. Since 2007, Brooke has worked for the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, most recently as the Professional Staff Member overseeing significant funding for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. prgtoken Brooke is a proud native of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and is the daughter of Gary and Cathy Boyer. She earned a bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Virginia and a master's degree in Public Policy from George Mason University. prgtoken Brooke started her career in 2003 as a Budget Analyst for the United States Army. In 2007, Brooke transitioned to begin her storied career with the House Appropriations Committee. Over the course of her time on the committee, Brooke has overseen a wide range of accounts for the Department of Defense. As one of the most seasoned and trusted staff members, Brooke has played a key role in some of the most important decisions relating to the Department of Defense over the past 15 years. Over the past six years, Brooke directly oversaw all procurement and research, development, testing, and evaluation accounts for the Departments of Navy and Marine Corps. With her insights and deep understanding of these programs, we, as a committee, were able to make informed decisions to keep our nation safe. Simply put, we are better off because of Brooke's tremendous service. prgtoken In January, Brooke accepted an exciting opportunity with a leading defense company. While I am disappointed that she will no longer be on our staff, I am looking forward to seeing the great impact she has in shaping how industry can successfully partner with the Department of Defense. prgtoken Over the years, I have come to know Brooke as an honest broker and a friend. My prgtoken colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee are extremely grateful for her contributions to our important work. I look forward to the day we can finally convince her to return to us. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Brooke for her service to our country, and we wish her all the best as she continues her service to the United States.