mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL DARYL BOHAC
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-7-6

I rise today to honor Major General Daryl Bohac, the Adjutant General of the Nebraska National Guard, on the occasion of his retirement after serving in this position since July of 2013 and as an Air Force officer for 35 years. As the Adjutant General, he is the senior military officer for the more than 4,500 Army and Air National Guard personnel serving in the state of Nebraska and during his tenure, the Nebraska National Guard deployed over 1,300 Soldiers and over 2,000 Airmen for worldwide combat and peacekeeping missions. prgtoken General Bohac is a visionary leader who successfully garnered more than $45 million to modernize and enhance the National Guard in Nebraska to meet and sustain future requirements by constructing a new vehicle maintenance facility in North Platte, Nebraska, a new multi- mission Readiness Center in Bellevue, prgtoken Nebraska, and new barracks in Mead, Nebraska. prgtoken General Bohac and the Nebraska National Guard's disaster response capabilities were tested most notably when a state of emergency was declared following a ``bomb cyclone'' that hit the state in March of 2019, causing severe blizzard conditions in the western panhandle with extreme thunderstorms and historic flooding in the east. More than 450 Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen executed 113 flood-related missions, the most significant disaster response operation in state history. In the wake of the 2019 historic floods, he successfully advocated for more than $43 million in funding to rapidly reconstruct the decimated facilities at Camp Ashland in record time, while also rebuilding the levee to be more robust and resilient to future floods. prgtoken On the heels of this historic disaster, the Nebraska National Guard was called upon to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic and response. The National Guard partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center in providing Camp Ashland facilities as an initial housing location for 57 Americans evacuated from Wuhan, China. Further, Major General Bohac worked with the Governor, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other state agencies to set up a State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate and manage COVID-19 emergency actions in Nebraska, directing Soldiers, Airmen, and Emergency Management civilians in response planning, mobile testing teams, personal protective equipment distribution, food bank support, and housing accommodations. prgtoken I thank General Bohac for his many years of sacrifice and service to our Nation and the state of Nebraska. We owe him a debt of gratitude we can never repay for his impactful leadership and achievements that will be felt for many future generations.
CONGRATULATING CORPORATE IMAGE ON THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-6

I rise today to recognize a Tennessee business as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Corporate Image in Bristol, Tennessee. prgtoken For three decades, Corporate Image has been a leading provider of public and media relations services to businesses on the local, regional, and national levels. They have assisted countless companies establish and grow their brand identity, develop effective communications strategies, and increase their visibility. The company's commitment to quality has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their reputation and achieve long- term communications success. The team at Corporate Image has steadily delivered exceptional results, and their dedication to their clients has been unwavering. prgtoken Corporate Image has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of businesses in today's environment. They have embraced new technologies and innovation, while also maintaining a focus prgtoken on the core principles that have guided their business for 30 years. As we celebrate Corporate Image's 30th anniversary, we should take a moment to reflect on the contributions this company has made to the business community. prgtoken I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Jon Lundberg and his entire team at Corporate Image. Their hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence have been key to their success, and they have certainly set an example for other businesses to follow. Their willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies will ensure that they remain a leader in the marketing industry and continue to thrive for years to come. prgtoken I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Corporate Image team on their 30th anniversary. I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-10

now, on the Senate July work period, as the Senate gavels back in, our North Star remains unchanged: to build on our historic work over the past few years to strengthen our economy, make life better for the American people, and do it in a bipartisan manner whenever possible. prgtoken A little over a month ago, both parties came together to avert a catastrophic default on the national debt, while agreeing on spending levels that will keep our country and our economy strong. prgtoken This month, the work of funding the government will continue. It won't be easy but must get done with good faith and bipartisan work. I am pleased so far that this process is moving along in the Senate through the Appropriations Committee, through regular order, in a bipartisan way. And we will do everything we can to ensure that it remains that way. prgtoken In another act of bipartisanship on something equally significant, the Senate will move forward on the annual National Defense Authorization Act so we can keep our country safe, support our friends in Ukraine, outcompete China, and give our troops the pay raise they rightfully deserve. prgtoken I thank Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker for moving the NDAA through the Armed Services Committee last month. I hope that we can move quickly on it here on the floor in July. prgtoken These two areas--Appropriations and the NDAA, the Defense Act--are prime examples of the kind of bipartisan work we want to see in the Senate and which I have worked with my colleagues to foster. prgtoken We also need that bipartisanship on other issues too--to reduce the cost of insulin prescription drugs, to hold bank executives accountable, to modernize Federal aviation programs, to reauthorize the farm bill, to make progress on safe banking, and outcompete the Chinese Government. prgtoken And, of course, every one of these issues requires bipartisan cooperation. Getting there won't be easy, but we are going to do everything we can to make them happen because every one of them will benefit the American people, and, of course, we will also need bipartisanship to prepare for the radical transformations that AI will unleash in the coming years. prgtoken Tomorrow, the Senate will have the first-ever classified all-Senators briefing from the Department of Defense and intelligence community on AI and how it affects our national security. prgtoken Our briefers will include Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence; Kathleen Hicks, the Deputy Secretary of Defense; and other top experts from our Defense and intelligence Agencies. prgtoken We are still in the early stages of understanding AI's role in our national security. So this briefing will be critical for Senators to learn more about how we are using AI to protect our country; also, how it is being used by our adversaries; and what we can do to make sure that we maintain our advantages. prgtoken And we have no time to waste. Our a
HONORING THE LIFE OF SANDRA BLAUVELT
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-10

I rise today in memory of Sandra Blauvelt, who passed away at the age of 81 on April 18, 2023. Sandra was a beloved member of the community and devoted public servant. prgtoken Born in 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio, Sandra, fondly known as Sandy, grew up the youngest of 7 children. An ambitious and intelligent young woman, she attended Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, where she served as the president of her high school class, won junior skating championships, and was admitted to Wellesley College. Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Gerrit Blauvelt, and they traveled across the country with their growing family while he finished medical school. After 2 years in the Navy, the family moved from Virginia to Larkspur, California where Sandy quickly began her decades of service to the Larkspur community. prgtoken At the old Larkspur-Corte Madera school, Sandy organized parents and community members to volunteer at a new after-school enrichment program, sharing their personal passions and skills with students. Her community organizing skills assisted Joan Lundstrom in becoming the first woman elected to the Larkspur City Council in 1971. She also helps to raise funds for the acquisition of a section of Northridge as open space in 1977 and ran the successful campaign of Hal Brown for Marin County Supervisor in 1984. After his election, Sandy served as his aide for many years. prgtoken Sandy dedicated decades of service to Marin County, including as the founding President of the Larkspur Community Foundation, 42 years on the Larkspur Park and Recreation Commission, and as a longtime member of the Marin Conservation League. Her contributions earned recognitions and she was deservedly awarded Citizen of the Year in 2005 by the City of Larkspur. prgtoken Along with her political savvy, Sandy was known for her dedication to friends, family, and neighbors and for her active role as a grandmother. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on through the positive impact she had on her community. prgtoken Sandy was predeceased by her husband Gerrit and is survived by her daughter Molly Blauvelt, son Andy Blauvelt, grandsons Jonny and Sam Rank, granddaughters Sophie and Alice Blauvelt, and dozens of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. prgtoken , I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Sandy's family and friends and in expressing deep appreciation for her decades of public service in her community.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-10

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
RECOGNIZING KEVIN KLINKENBERG FOR OVER TWO YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-7-10

I rise today to acknowledge the service of one of the New Coalition's most exceptional staffers, Kevin Klinkenberg. Kevin recently left the Coalition to begin his tenure as a Senior Advisor and Congressional Liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). I can truly say that HHS and all Americans are lucky to have him in this role. prgtoken In his 2 years with the Coalition, including my tenure as Chair of the New Coalition, Kevin proved himself to be an invaluable asset who shaped our policy work and outreach efforts. From health care and trade to immigration, Kevin's work was exemplary. We would not have been able to accomplish all that we have without Kevin's presence on our team. prgtoken Kevin also led the New Dems' outreach work, forming critical relationships with important stakeholder groups, from labor to the business community. His commitment to expanding the reach of the New Dems has positively impacted each of our nearly 100 members, including me, and his work will continue to benefit the Coalition long after his departure. prgtoken Kevin has not only contributed to the Coalition through his superb work but also through prgtoken his kind and collaborative spirit which is known to all those who had the privilege of working with him. Although we are sad to see him go, we know that Kevin will excel in his new role, and I wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESTROOM ACCESS ACT OF 2023
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-7-10

today, I introduce the Restroom Access Act of 2023, which would require retail establishments to provide individuals with medical conditions requiring immediate use of a restroom, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, access to employee-only restrooms when such establishments do not have public restrooms. Individuals would have to present a Department of Labor- issued identification card certifying such a medical condition. prgtoken Individuals with certain medical conditions need immediate access to a restroom. When public restrooms are not available, these individuals may experience uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. As long as there are no safety concerns, which this bill addresses, these individuals should be able to use employee-only restrooms. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JIM HOUCK
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-10

I rise today to honor the life of Jim Houck, a beloved journalist and Central Valley resident. prgtoken Jim Houck was a remarkable journalist whose spirit and dedication to the truth have left a deep mark on the field of journalism. Jim was not only a journalist; he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a friend to many. His career spanned an impressive 60 years, during which he fearlessly pursued the truth, never shying away from holding the powerful accountable. prgtoken Jim's journey in journalism began while he was still in high school in Bakersfield. From those early days. he developed a passion that never wavered throughout his career. He worked for esteemed publications such as the San Francisco Examiner, the Dallas Morning News, and the Baltimore Sun, where he honed his skills as a reporter and editor. Jim's tales of his time in San Francisco during the 1960s and '70s were legendary, capturing both the vividness and hilarity of his experiences. prgtoken In 1998, Jim joined the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register, where he served as the city editor. He was a champion of public service journalism, earning 4 Gruner Awards for his outstanding coverage of critical issues--ranging from violations of open meeting laws to corruption scandals. Jim firmly believed in the public's right to knowledge and dedicated himself to ensuring that his readers were well- informed and empowered. prgtoken Jim's contributions extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a mentor and a friend to many and was admired and respected by those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His determination to uncovering the truth inspired his colleagues and instilled in them the same dedication to their craft. Jim's storytelling skills were legendary, and it was not uncommon for fellow journalists to gather around his desk, captivated by his tales of covering high-profile cases or his adventures in journalism. prgtoken Beyond his devotion to journalism, Jim was also a passionate fan of baseball, particularly the San Francisco Giants. He found joy in sharing the victories and defeats of his beloved team with his fellow fans in the newsroom, engaging in good-natured banter with those who supported the Los Angeles Dodgers. prgtoken Jim's commitment to seeking the truth and holding those in power accountable serves as a beacon of inspiration for all journalists. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. As we honor his memory, let us remember the lessons he taught us, the stories he shared, and the unwavering commitment he had to the pursuit of truth. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Houck for his commitment to journalism and his community. May we never forget his legacy and continue to be inspired by his story.
CELEBRATING WILLIE ANN HUFF
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-10

I rise today to honor Willie Ann Huff, who on July 15, 2023, will celebrate her 90th birthday. Mrs. Huff is the daughter of the late Sarah and Willie Vinson, and the eldest of 11 children. prgtoken Willie Ann Huff has 5 children of her own, Gloria, the late James Vinson, Edward, Timothy, and Debra. She is also the grandmother of 12, the great-grandmother of 30, and has 4 great-great grandchildren. prgtoken Mrs. Huff is known for many things and one of them is her pineapple- coconut cakes, her gift giving spirit that she shows to all, and hosting the best Christmas parties and cookouts for her entire family. She is also known for her sharp sense of style, with the hats, furs, and suits to match her signature purses and Cadillac. prgtoken Above all else, Willie Ann Huff is a brave fighter, surviving multiple bouts with cancer. I hereby take official note of the joyous occasion of Mrs. Willie Ann Huff's 90th Birthday and invite all citizens to join me in wishing her the happiest of birthdays.
U.S. SUPREME COURT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-7-10

. Now on another matter, last month, the Supreme Court wrapped up its productive term by deciding some especially consequential decisions in favor of equal protection and Executive restraint. In response, Washington offered a fresh example of just how profoundly they misunderstand the Court and its role in our government. prgtoken The President, who has flirted with calls for Court packing, warned ominously that a coequal branch was ``not a normal court.'' The ic leader who threatened Justices by name from the steps of the Court branded it as ``MAGA.'' And this month, the Judiciary Committee will attempt to force the Court to restructure itself in the name of ``ethics.'' prgtoken But for all the ' breathless fearmongering, the record of the Supreme Court's latest term tells a very different story. By the numbers, the Court remains as ideologically diverse and unpredictable as even passing students of our Constitution know it was designed to be. prgtoken Nearly half the cases the Court heard this term produced a unanimous outcome. It ruled overwhelmingly in both directions--striking down union thuggery and declining to stop the administration's open border policy. prgtoken By contrast, just 9 percent of cases were decided 6 to 3, with each of the -appointed Justices in the majority. The exact margin liberal commentators use to claim that the Supreme Court is irredeemably polarized actually decided fewer than 1 in 10 cases this term. This is the institution our colleague from New York likes to call a MAGA Court. Really. prgtoken Here is the reality: In case after case, the exceptionally qualified Justices Washington have spent years vilifying continue to prove their strength and independent jurisprudence. prgtoken Justice Barrett was just as likely this term to vote with Justice Kagan as with Justice Thomas. Let me say that again. Justice Barrett was just as likely this term to vote with Justice Kagan as with Justice Thomas. Justice Kavanaugh was more likely to vote with Justice Kagan. And the Court's two most conservative Justices, Thomas and Alito, voted together less frequently than liberal Justices Sotomayor and Jackson. prgtoken The Supreme Court is not in crisis when it refuses to reliably and predictably advance ' priorities. The Court is not in crisis when it puts the text of our law above politics. The Supreme Court is a coequal branch of government, and it should continue to do its job.
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-10

back in May, I was in Shelby County to visit with 100 members of the Tennessee National Guard. They were heading off on yet another deployment to the southern border. prgtoken These are some of the bravest and most capable people that you will ever meet. Tennesseans depend on them to keep us safe during natural disasters, to rescue lost hikers in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and to defend the country from our adversaries overseas. Yet there they were on their way to what many would call a war zone in their own country to do the job that refuses to do. prgtoken They shouldn't have had to go, but they went because they knew that no matter who was to blame for all this chaos, our Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement needed help controlling it. prgtoken When I think back on my conversations with those servicemembers, I can't help but notice the stark contrast between their focus on service and sacrifice and the administration's lack of regard for the welfare of this country. prgtoken Over the past several years, the relationship between the American people and their government has changed, but not for the better. At the beginning of 's term, they were just baffled by what they were seeing. All they could do was shake their heads in disbelief. But as the months wore on, that disbelief gave way to genuine fear that this President was digging a hole that they wouldn't be able to claw their way out of no matter how hard they worked. prgtoken As it turns out, those fears were well-founded, and now, 3 years into this administration, that fear has given way to outrage because this President has made it abundantly clear that when it comes to pursuing his radical agenda, he simply doesn't care whom it hurts. prgtoken The President may be happy to ignore the mess he has made, but Tennesseans don't have that luxury. If they ignore the problems they see, they suffer real consequences. If local law enforcement officers just ignored the drugs flooding into their communities, even more people would die from fentanyl overdoses and drug-related crime. prgtoken Every year, I meet with local leaders in each of our State's 95 counties, and the conversation turns to the border crisis every single time. It is an unmitigated disaster, and they just don't understand why the President refuses to do something about it. prgtoken If you talk to law enforcement in East Tennessee, they will tell you that they are recording record levels of drug seizures. What they once would apprehend in ounces they now measure in pounds. prgtoken Chief Jason Owens at the Border Patrol gave a ``week in review'' from June 22 to 29. Here is some of what they apprehended. They know they had 28,339 apprehensions. They also had an additional 6,100 ``get- aways.'' They apprehended 116 pounds of marijuana, 50 pounds of fentanyl, and 2,056 pounds of cocaine. Where does much of the drugs that are coming across with t