mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise today in recognition of a rare event happening this Saturday at my home synagogue of Beth Tfiloh in Pikesville, MD. At what is the largest Modern Orthodox Synagogue in America, with over 1,200 members, we will install only the fourth senior rabbi since the founding of the congregation in 1921. prgtoken In Judaism, a rabbi is a leader or teacher. ``Teacher'' is the literal translation of the word. He or she is a spiritual guide for the community through spiritual learning and religious exploration. Our rabbi is an integral part of all life-cycle and congregational events. prgtoken Rabbi Chai Posner was selected by a unanimous vote of the members of the Beth Tfiloh congregation as the next spiritual leader of our synagogue in September 2019, just before the pandemic transformed our world. While his official installation will take place on Saturday, March 5, Rabbi Posner officially became the senior rabbi of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and dean of the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School on January 1, 2022. prgtoken Originally, from Brooklyn, he has been a member of the Beth Tfiloh clergy since 2010 and is often described as ``wise beyond his years.'' Rabbi Posner represents the next generation of leadership in our community. He has a keen understanding of where the community has been and where we are heading. prgtoken In a recent interview with local Jmore Baltimore Jewish Living, he described the legacy he has taken on: ``One of the main reasons that Beth Tfiloh has been so successful is we have stayed true to our mission but have also adapted to the changing world around us. Rabbi Samuel Rosenblatt, Beth Tfiloh's founding rabbi, was committed to tradition, modernity, Israel, education, children and women's inclusion. All of those look different today than they did 100 years ago, but it's astounding to see that we are still committed to all of these same principles.'' prgtoken The other part of this spiritual transition, along with Rabbi Posner, is Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, who held the position of senior rabbi for 43 years. He will serve in the position of rabbi-in-residence through December 2025. prgtoken What can I say about Rabbi Wohlberg? He has been a friend and a counselor, a leader and guide for Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Baltimore over the course of four decades--for my family and me as well. prgtoken Through his legendary sermons and community involvement, his moral leadership has inspired generations of community leaders. For 40-plus years, he has led our community through the most joyous and most painful moments in our lives, and everything in between. Through it all, he maintains, ``we are supposed to serve God in joy.'' prgtoken As for those sermons--on every topic imaginable and then some--they stand as a legacy to Rabbi Wohlberg's love of scripture, his faith, and the world as a whole. In one such sermon, he shared ``It is said that actions speak louder than words. That may be so
Introductory Statement on S.J. Res. 40
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise today to introduce a resolution that affirms the importance of our compact of free association with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and apologizes to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on behalf of the U.S. Government for the United States' nuclear testing program. I am thankful to Senator Markey for joining me in this resolution as we seek to strengthen the ties between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. prgtoken After freeing what are now the Republic of the Marshall Islands from Japanese control during the Second World War, the United States was entrusted with administering the islands as a part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Under the trusteeship, the United States was charged with promoting self-government and the economic and educational advancement of the islands. The trusteeship also obligated the United States to protect the health of the inhabitants of the trust territory. prgtoken President Harry Truman reaffirmed the United States' ``special responsibility'' for the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands when he reassured the United Nations that the people of the Marshall Islands ``will be accorded all rights which are the normal constitutional rights of the citizens under the Constitution.'' prgtoken In many ways, the Government of the United States failed to live up to that special responsibility. From 1946 to 1958, the United States conducted 67 thermonuclear tests in the Marshall Islands. The tests contaminated at least 11 of the Marshall Island's 29 atolls. These tests destroyed their land and led to their displacement. Nuclear testing also exposed the Marshallese to radioactive fallout, contributing to increased cancer rates, birth defects, and other serious health conditions. The nuclear testing program has caused irreparable harm to the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. prgtoken That harm and our collective failure to live up to our nation's responsibilities have similarly failed members of the Armed Forces and civilian contractors that were tasked by our government with cleaning up nuclear waste in the Marshall Islands. In the 1970s, the United States sought to clean up Enewetak Atoll, where the United States conducted over 40 nuclear tests. In an effort to contain radioactive material on Enewetak, members of the prgtoken Armed Forces and civilian contractors constructed the Runit Dome, an unlined nuclear waste containment structure that stores approximately 110,000 cubic yards of radioactively contaminated soil and debris. Thousands of servicemembers were exposed to radiation and nuclear waste as they worked to clean up Enewetak Atoll. prgtoken To this day, those servicemembers remain ineligible for health benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs that other ``radiation-exposed veterans'' receive. I am thankful to Senators Smith and Tillis for their leadershi
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2022--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-3-1

reserving the right to object. First, very quickly, let me make a few final points about Senator Risch's comments. prgtoken Senator Risch says that this isn't a partisan exercise. It is. The bill that Senator Risch is talking about was introduced by only s. It was introduced with no notice to . There was a big showy press conference in which only s were there. In fact, the introduction of this bill was a messaging point for s to announce that they were no longer negotiating with . prgtoken And so I appreciate that Senator Risch often is working very industriously with , but in this case, it is a partisan bill. Only s support it. prgtoken And offering it today is not helpful to the process because it had no chance of passage. Instead, today, we should be working on getting additional funding to the Ukrainians. prgtoken President has requested our help, has requested Congress to step up and provide humanitarian assistance and more lethal assistance to Ukraine. Right now, with the time that we are spending arguing over a bill that is supported only by s that is never going to pass this body, we could be using that time to come together around a bill that can pass, that will pass. prgtoken So that is why there is anger on our side about this exercise. There are these moments in American history and world history where our focus should be on unity, where our focus should be on coming together and finding what we can do together; and, instead, the piece of legislation that was just offered was a bill that was specifically introduced to highlight the position in contrast to the administration. prgtoken As for Senator Barrasso's bill, it suffers from the same problem, which is it separates us from Europe. It separates us from our allies. prgtoken There is a lot of wisdom on the side of the aisle, but it mystifies me why so many of my friends who know so much about Russia don't understand that Putin's primary objective is to break NATO into pieces, is to smash the European Union, is to create tensions and fissures within the transatlantic alliance, right? prgtoken Putin sees the greatest catastrophe of the last 100 years as the breakup of the Soviet Union, and he blames the United States and the West for that breakup. So, while the invasion of Ukraine is part of his process of remedying that grievance, the real crown--the real cherry on top for Vladimir Putin--is the splintering apart of NATO and the United States from Europe. Now, we almost got there during the administration. Relations were never worse; threats of pulling out of NATO or refusing to honor our article 5 obligations. prgtoken I would argue that this invasion is happening in part because the administration made clear that there wasn't going to be a natural disintegration of the transatlantic alliance, and so Vladimir P
TRIBUTE TO CAITLYN KNOWLES, BELLA DONOHUE, AND EMMA SUGHRUE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-3-1

I am honored to recognize Caitlyn Knowles and Bella Donohue of Exeter and Emma Sughrue of Brentwood as February's Granite Staters of the Month. This trio led the Exeter High School girl's hockey team in organizing this year's ``Stick it to Stigma'' game, an initiative to promote discussions around student mental health and show teenagers that they are not alone. prgtoken Exeter High School's first ``Stick it to Stigma'' game was in 2017 and is now an annual tradition for the community to raise awareness about students' mental health. The event is in partnership with Connor's Climb, an organization that provides suicide prevention education to young people in New Hampshire. prgtoken After last year's event was downsized due to COVID-19, team captains Caitlyn, Emma, and Bella wanted this year's event to bring the community together in a big way and to help reduce the stigma around mental health. prgtoken The trio promoted the event to their classmates and shared the word both in school and over social media. The incredible size of the crowd on game day was evidence of their hard work in bringing people together and raising awareness about mental health. prgtoken Spectators participated in a Chuck-a-Puck fundraiser to compete for raffle prize money, mingled with new and old friends, and cheered on the teams. Parents, students, and former players also wore buttons and t-shirts with messages of support to raise awareness around mental health, and shared information with one another about mental health resources. prgtoken Caitlyn, Emma, and Bella are working to address mental health challenges and share the message that ``it's okay to not be okay,'' a phrase that their coach often tells them. These young women showed enormous leadership in organizing an event that helped bring their community together, all the while shining a spotlight on one of the most important issues facing young people today. They exemplify the Granite State spirit of tackling an issue head on to help others, and I commend them for their efforts.
HONORING DR. PAUL FARMER
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise today to pay tribute to a brilliant doctor and a pioneer of global health, Dr. Paul Farmer, who sadly passed away last week. prgtoken Dr. Farmer dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of others. prgtoken As co-founder of Partners in Health alongside Dr. Jim Yong Kim and Ophelia Dahl, he forever altered our understanding of the fight against global poverty and how to care for those in need. prgtoken In his mission, ``To Repair the World,'' that is his book, he brought his unique and innovative brand of compassionate care to fight HIV in Haiti, tuberculosis in Peru, Ebola in Sierra Leone, to name just a few, while helping transform public health outcomes in Rwanda. prgtoken At the Harvard Medical School, he inspired a generation of aspiring doctors to pursue careers in global health. prgtoken Personally, it was a privilege to see his saintly work firsthand on our congressional delegation visit to Haiti in prgtoken 2015 after the earthquake. We visited one of his initiatives to address the needs of orphan children. prgtoken May it be a comfort to his wife, Didi, and their three children that Congress, the country, and the world join them in mourning this visionary hero.
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2022--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-1

this evening, the Ukrainian Ambassador, Oksana Markarova, will be the honored guest of President in the State of the Union Address. Yesterday, we hosted the Ambassador for a meeting with almost 25 Senate colleagues. It was a meeting I won't soon forget. prgtoken Her country, Ukraine, is facing a barbaric, unprovoked military assault from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The images and the stories are heartbreaking and infuriating--more than 600,000 Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries; brutal destruction, leaving people without homes or power during the winter; and Russian shelling of residential neighborhoods. We are witnessing innocent lives callously taken and uprooted. prgtoken This is a photo from yesterday's Washington Post. It shows a paramedic in Ukraine desperately trying to save this man's young daughter. She had been a victim of Vladimir Putin's shelling in her country of Ukraine. She did not survive. prgtoken Why is Putin doing this? Because his own petty grievances and warped nostalgia for the dark days of the Soviet Union have taken control. In his twisted mind, an entire innocent nation of 44 million Ukrainians must be attacked and occupied at any cost. prgtoken There is another reason he is trying to end Ukraine as we know it. He cannot bear to have a free and independent nation on his border because it shows to the people living in Russia the stark contrast of democracy versus despotic rule. prgtoken This morning, the Human Rights Council in Geneva met. When Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov began his speech, 100 diplomats all rose and walked out in protest of Russia's war on Ukraine. All of NATO and nearly the entire world are united in outrage at Russia's aggression. prgtoken Mr. Putin should think about the infamy of his legacy. For years, he has poisoned and suppressed his own people. Now he is trying to destroy an entire nation, killing this little girl and who knows how many other innocent people. Mr. Putin will not win this war. And every day, every hour that Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, he is harming his own people and ensuring that he leaves a legacy of shame. prgtoken What is also remarkable about the meeting yesterday with Ambassador Markarova was the determination and courage she and her fellow Ukrainians are showing against Putin. She explained to us that Ukrainians are peaceful people, but they will fight. prgtoken They will participate in the negotiations, but they won't surrender. And they will fight until the Russians leave. Quite simply, the Ukrainians might be outmatched by the Russian military, but they will not be defeated by it. prgtoken Here is one of the many acts of courage and defiance in recent days. In Odessa's historic Brodsky Synagogue, performers sang a moving 19th century version of the ancient Jewish hymn ``Adon Olam''--now a prayer for an end to the invasion. prgtoken And the world is on Ukraine's side--with rallies of
HONORING MICHAEL HARDAT AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Michael Hardat, a financial coach and youth advocate at the Financial Empowerment Center's Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, as Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Michael is a Lifelong resident of the Des Moines metro area and a recent Iowa State University graduate. From a young age, Michael recognized that he and his family lacked the financial resources that others had. As a result, Michael began going to the Children and Family Urban Movement's programs. These programs made all the difference for Michael and helped him embrace the spirit of community support and betterment. Knowing he wanted to give back to the community, Michael began working with the Financial Empowerment Center. In his role, he has a direct hand in helping families make informed financial decisions and plan for a brighter future. During the pandemic when many families faced even greater struggles, he spoke out about how Iowans receiving the Child Tax Credit could most effectively use those funds to create positive outcomes. prgtoken Michael has been with the Financial Empowerment Center at Evelyn K. Davis since 2018. The organization helps connect people to career goals as well as achieve financial stability through job development, career coaching, workforce training, and financial education. Many of these free services have made all the difference for our neighbors in Des Moines. Michael is also still active with the Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM) as an adult advocate. The non-profit strives to support the potential of Des Moines youth and families through educational success, healthy Living, and community engagement. Michael firmly believes in CFUM's ability to lift up the community. He began publicly advocating for the program when he was still in high school and remains passionate about how individuals can come together to help one another, regardless of where they come from. prgtoken As we celebrate Black History Month, it is my honor to recognize Michael Hardat for the amazing work he is doing for families in greater Des Moines. Michael's selfless approach and dedication to helping others succeed are some of the many reasons he is a shining example of what it means to be an Iowan and a good neighbor. I will continue to fight in Congress to ensure every American has access to quality financial education and quality community programs. It is my pleasure to name Mr. Hardat Iowan of the Week.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-3-1

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 639, 409, 411, 693, and 694; that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate resume legislative session.
HONORING SUNNY BRYANT FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise today to honor 8-year-old Sunny Bryant from Houston, Texas. prgtoken Some hometown heroes, like Sunny Bryant, might be too young to work and are certainly too young to even have a driver's license, but they inspire millions of people across our Nation. prgtoken Sunny Bryant is a transgender girl who, like her transgender community, is currently experiencing fear and anxiety due to politically motivated attacks sparked by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his anti-trans actions. prgtoken Governor Abbott recently directed State officials to investigate parents who support their trans children with gender-affirming healthcare, describing it as child abuse. This measure not only goes against the opinions of medical experts, but it intentionally strikes fear in the transgender community for political gain. This is appalling. prgtoken But like hometown heroes across the country, Sunny is strong and resilient--and she has got some missing teeth as you can see in the photo, . prgtoken Sunny Bryant, from my home district in Texas, will be my virtual State of the Union guest. I am truly honored that she will be joining me today.
HONORING LEANNE KIM DO
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent, Leanne Kim Do, from Seattle, Washington. prgtoken Today, on the day of President 's State of the Union Address, we celebrate the bold and progressive accomplishments that have bolstered our economy and served as a critical lifeline for families and small business owners across our nation. I am proud to have worked alongside President to enact the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, two landmark pieces of legislation that invest in our communities and create good paying jobs for Americans. prgtoken Leanne, a writing skills teacher and working mother of three young children, was a direct recipient of the Child Tax Credit and is a testament to the real differences these payments have made in the lives of Americans. Both Leanne and her spouse, Nathan, uplift the brilliance of marginalized communities in their work but neither were provided with paid family leave to welcome their third child into their family. The Child Tax Credit payments allowed them to take much needed time off without worrying about how they were going to pay their bills or having to leave their cause-driven professions for higher pay. prgtoken This past year we have made critical investments in vaccine distribution, rental and nutrition assistance, grants to small businesses, and funding for schools and child care facilities. It is imperative that we keep this momentum up and continue to deliver for families, like Leanne's, across our Nation.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3967, HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-3-1

today, thousands of veterans struggle with the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances during their training or deployment. Congress has an obligation to provide these men and women with the resources, including healthcare services, they need to live with dignity. prgtoken The Honoring our PACT Act fulfills this duty by streamlining VA processes to receive care for toxic exposure-related illnesses, reducing the burden on all veterans. It also takes preemptive measures to ensure that the VA conducts research to track and identify emerging toxins. This will ensure that we are proactive in our efforts to safeguard the health of future veterans. prgtoken I am particularly pleased that this bill includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which gives our servicemembers the opportunity to seek compensation for exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. prgtoken For decades, marines and their families stationed at this base unknowingly consumed, bathed in, and used water containing harmful chemicals and industrial solvents. As a result of their service, many veterans and their family members now suffer from serious medical conditions, including cancer and birth defects. prgtoken For years, North Carolina law prevented these individuals from seeking relief in court. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act rights this wrong, bringing long overdue justice to affected veterans. prgtoken The Honoring our PACT Act also creates a registry of veterans exposed to PFAS, or forever chemicals, from use of fire extinguishing agents in military installations. I proposed an amendment to this section with my colleague from North Carolina, Representative Rouzer, which will require the Department of Defense to study additional sources of PFAS exposure on military bases and make recommendations to expand eligibility for toxic exposure benefits accordingly. I am grateful that this amendment was made in order. We owe our Nation's veterans an immeasurable debt for putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom. prgtoken , I commend the rule and the underlying bill.