mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-10-11

I rise today to introduce the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act. Senator King for joining me to introduce this important legislation for farmers across America. prgtoken The Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act would provide vital assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals--sometimes referred to as ``forever chemicals''-- that can bioaccumulate in bodies over time. They are traditionally found in nonstick pans, clothing, furniture, and firefighting foam and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, decreased fertility, and hormone disruption. PFAS contamination is a growing problem, and additional resources are needed to support affected communities. prgtoken In Maine, PFAS contamination affecting many different sectors, including agriculture, has been discovered over the past several years. The presence of PFAS in wastewater sludge once spread as fertilizer has prevented some Maine farms from selling their products, thus leading to significant financial hardship for these family farmers. One such farmer is Fred Stone, a dairy farmer in Arundel, ME. In 2016, Fred discovered that the milk produced on his farm contained some of the highest levels ever reported for a PFAS contaminant at that time. More recently, a dairy farm in Fairfield, ME, found PFAS levels in its milk that were 153 times higher than the State's standard. prgtoken Dairy is not the only agricultural sector affected by these harmful forever chemicals. Adam Nordell and his wife Johanna Davis, from Unity, ME, learned last year that PFAS contaminated the soil and water in their organic vegetable farm, the result of sludge spread on their land in the 1990s. Tests earlier this year showed that Adam and Johanna had levels of PFAS in their blood that were even higher than chemical plant workers who manufactured PFAS for decades and handled them daily. prgtoken Currently, USDA provides limited support to dairy farmers who have been directed to remove their milk from the commercial market. The Dairy Indemnity Payment Program--DIPP--is the only USDA program that attempts to address this problem; however, it falls far short from meeting the growing needs of all farmers in the State of Maine. Fred Stone, the farmer who first learned of contamination in 2016, has still not been compensated adequately for the contaminated cows he depopulated. What is more, this program helps only dairy farmers, excluding the farmers of other agricultural products who have had their livelihoods disrupted by PFAS contamination. While community organizations and the State of Maine have stepped in to provide some aid, USDA should do more to assist all farmers affected by these chemicals. That is what our legislation aims to do. prgtoken Specifically, the funds authorized by the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act could be used for a variety of purposes at the State level, i
HONORING THE TREVINO FAMILY FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK IN PROVIDING INCREDIBLE FOOD AND COMMUNITY AT NANA'S TAQUERIA IN WESLACO, TX
Mayra Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-10-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Alfredo and Roxanna Trevino, owners of Nana's Taqueria in Weslaco, Texas. Originally from Nuevo Progresso, Mexico, Alfredo and Roxanna immigrated to the United States and opened Nana's Taqueria in January 2010. prgtoken Since then, Nana's has become a staple in the Rio Grande Valley, serving thousands of hungry customers over the last twelve years. Roxanna, a breast cancer survivor, has continually served as a source of inspiration for all of us in South Texas as the embodiment of the Hispanic values of God, family, and hard work. prgtoken The generosity and hospitality shown by the Trevino family are second to none, and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. Their family is living proof that the American Dream is alive and well, and I congratulate them for their incredible work in the Rio Grande Valley. prgtoken I am grateful to have the opportunity to recognize this incredible family and restaurant.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-10-14

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the order that no business be conducted during today's pro forma session, it be in order for committees to report legislative business from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, and that the Senate stand in adjournment in accordance with the orders of September 29 and October 11, 2022, for previously ordered pro forma sessions.
APPRECIATION FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN THE PRESERVATION OF KETTLE CREEK BATTLEFIELD
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the preservation of the American Revolutionary War battlefield site at Kettle Creek and to thank all of those individuals involved in this effort over the years. prgtoken Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a strong advocate for preserving America's historic battlefields. I have supported numerous battlefield conservation efforts and have pushed for the preservation of the Kettle Creek Battlefield. prgtoken During the 115th Congress, I introduced H.R. 6108, the Preserving America's Battlefields Act, to reauthorize the Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants Program to ensure the successful preservation of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields. prgtoken During the 116th Congress, I introduced H.R. 306, the Kettle Creek Battlefield Survey Act. The legislation would help evaluate the significance of the Kettle Creek battlefield site and determine its suitability as a designated unit of the National Park System. prgtoken America's preserved battlefields stand as magnificent memorials to our Nation's history and the courage of those individuals who gave the ``last full measure of devotion'' to our country. People who visit these historical sites cannot help but walk away with a greater appreciation of the sacrifices necessary to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. prgtoken Congress has made significant strides in preserving the history of America. Unfortunately, too many of our Nation's founding moments, including many Revolutionary War battlefields, are slowly disappearing with the passage of time. As these places fade away, Americans become unaware that many of our Nation's defining moments occurred right in their own backyards. prgtoken Kettle Creek Battlefield will not be forgotten thanks to the dedication and hard work of so many organizations and individuals. prgtoken Located in Wilkes County, Georgia, the Battle of Kettle Creek occurred on February 14, 1779. It was a significant victory for the Patriot forces during the Southern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War. prgtoken Led by Colonel Andrew Pickens, Patriot forces made a surprise attack on a large British allied Tory militia marching toward Augusta, Georgia. Despite outnumbering the Patriot forces nearly two to one, the ensuing four-hour bloody battle resulted in significant casualties for the Tory forces. With the Tory forces fleeing the battlefield, a Patriot victory was won. This valiant effort by Colonel Pickens and his men stopped any hope of a British advance into the backcountry frontier of Georgia. prgtoken One of the notable stories from the battle I'd like to share is about an individual named Austin Dabney. Despite being a slave, Mr. Dabney was a private in the Patriot militia and served with honor and distinction until he was wounded at the Battle of Kettle Creek. prgtoken And though crippled, after the battle, he returned to servitude. Mr. Dabney's actions that day were not f
RECOGNIZING THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF THE NEW MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate today's groundbreaking of the new Monroe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This center, which combines several existing emergency organizations in one 28,321-square-foot space, will greatly assist county officials in the Florida Keys to prepare for future natural disasters in our resilient community. prgtoken Monroe County's EOC previously occupied the top floor of the Marathon Government Center. In 2017, Hurricane Irma forced EOC staff to evacuate the center just one day before it made landfall 30 miles west of Marathon, due to its lack of protections for Category 3 and above hurricanes. prgtoken The new EOC's features include a 20-foot first floor elevation, Category-5 hurricane-hardened walls, self-sustaining drinking water for up to 72 hours, and emergency power and communications systems. In addition, the location, at the west end of Marathon International Airport, is highly strategic. If Overseas Highway becomes unusable, the EOC will be able to quickly facilitate the dispersal of aid coming in through the airfield. This critical infrastructure will improve the county's emergency response capacity and ensures Monroe County will have the necessary tools to maintain resiliency and preparedness when natural disasters impact our coast. I am proud that the state and federal governments assisted the county in securing $30.2 million of the necessary funds to commence the project. prgtoken South Florida's residents face extreme weather every year, and improving hurricane resiliency is paramount. This long-overdue facility--Monroe County's first dedicated emergency operations center-- will act as the crucial hub for all future emergency responses. As a lifelong first responder who served as Fire Chief of the City of Miami Fire Department during Hurricane Andrew and Mayor of Miami-Dade County for nine years, I know firsthand how important a rapid and effective disaster response is. I applaud all the individuals and agencies who worked hard to make this center a reality, and I look forward to the speedy completion of the project.
HONORING BOB KOVACHICK FOR HIS TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE CAPITAL REGION
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Bob Kovachick for his remarkable career and well-deserved retirement from WNYT. Over his illustrious fifty-year career, Bob had a tremendous impact on all those who watched his meteorology reports across the Capital Region. prgtoken In 1971, Bob graduated from Lyndon State College in Vermont where he received his degree in meteorology. He then launched his career at the Universal Weather Service in White Plains. After his time in White Plains, he went on to gain valuable experience at WTEN in Albany and WTAE in Pittsburgh. prgtoken In 1988, Bob joined WNYT's First Warning weather team as the chief meteorologist for NewsChannel 13. This was the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship between Bob, WNYT, and the Capital Region. Over the years, Bob has become a familiar face and voice in the homes of many. His weather reports on the nightly news have helped to keep families informed, prepared, and safe for decades. prgtoken In addition to serving as WNYT's chief meteorologist, Bob frequently spoke with various organizations on the intricacies of meteorology. Bob prioritized educating and inspiring young students and would spend many days visiting schools in the Capital Region to discuss meteorology. Due to Bob's dedication to producing high quality reports, he received the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval in Television Weathercasting. He is also a professional member of both the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. prgtoken Bob is a shining light in the field of meteorology and serves as an inspiration to others in his field. He will be sorely missed on NewsChannel 13 broadcasts. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to congratulate Bob for his monumental career at WNYT and thank him for making a lasting impact on the Capital Region.
KIMBERLY-CLARK 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , 150 years ago, four young entrepreneurs--John Kimberly, Charles Clark, Frank Shattuck and Havilah Babcock--signed a partnership and invested a total of $30,000 to build a paper mill and established Kimberly, Clark & Company. Kimberly, Clark & Co.'s resulting Globe mill and its 40 employees began making newsprint on October 22, 1872. Since then, this company has invented five of the eight major consumer product categories it offers--facial tissue, paper towels, toilet tissue on a roll, feminine hygiene pads and disposable training pants. Kimberly-Clark is now a global consumer products manufacturer whose brands include Kleenex, Cottonelle, Depend, Kotex, Huggies, and Pull-Ups. Led by CEO Mike Hsu, Kimberly-Clark employs more than 45,000 people and has net sales exceeding $19 billion annually. While Kimberly-Clark now does business in 175 countries, it still has a substantial amount of its manufacturing in Wisconsin and has been an incredible community partner in the local area. Kimberly- Clark has donated tens of millions of dollars over the decades to local non-profits, as well as volunteer hours and countless product donations to help make life better for those in need. Again, congratulations to Kimberly Clark on 150 years of success. It is an honor to represent them and so many of their employees in Congress. I will continue to advocate for pro-business and pro-worker policies in Congress and look forward to seeing where this great company goes in the future.
HONORING THE 2022 WOMEN OF THE YEAR
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 2022 Women of the Year. The honorees represent some of the most outstanding and dedicated women in California's 3rd Congressional District. Nominated by their peers, these women are recognized for the integral and crucial roles they play in improving the lives of everyone in their communities. This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed and protected women's constitutional right to vote. In securing the right to vote, suffragists broke through a seemingly impenetrable barrier to women's full and equal citizenship in our country, signaling a new era of equality. Yet, even today, women still face significant barriers to their rights and liberties from pay discrimination to criminalizing women's reproductive rights. I take heart that each of this year's honorees will be a vital part of the work left to be done to realize women's full equality and rights. prgtoken The 2022 Women of the Year are: prgtoken Tracy Lahr is a dedicated and passionate teacher who has touched the lives of countless students. Several of her students took the time to write letters nominating her as a Woman of the Year, :describing her as loving, thoughtful, kind, supportive, uplifting, encouraging, and so much more. Their stories describe a woman who goes above and beyond to engage each and every one of her students, providing a supportive presence in their life as well as an inspirational force pushing them to pursue their passions and excel in school and beyond. Tracy teaches Drama, Show Choir, and Leadership classes at Lower Lake High School where students say she never stops working hard on their behalf. She encourages students to become involved in the performing arts and to grow their leadership skills. Her work makes the school a more vibrant place for every student and helps many discover new talents and interests. Tracy truly cares about the health and well-being of each of her students and makes an effort to connect with every one of them, offering support whenever it is needed. Educators play such a critical role in our communities and the lives of every young person. Tracy is an exceptional teacher who is a shining example of what it means to be a positive force in a student's life. While her school is surely sorry to see her retire from teaching, it is well-earned through her years of dedication to her students. prgtoken Jill LeVake Abruzzini is an agricultural consultant and youth advocate who is an integral member of her community. She is a third- generation member of California Women for Agriculture and has served as a representative for the involvement of young women in agriculture in a variety of capacities. After graduating college, Jill went on to become one of the youngest women Pest Control Advisers in the state. As not only the youngest but one of only a handful of women in this male- dominated profession, one of her greatest accomplishments in th
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MRS. BARABARA ELLEN PALAZZOLO MARULLO
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Barbara Ellen Palazzolo Marullo. prgtoken Mrs. Marullo peacefully passed away October 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born the third of four children on April 17, 1941, in Queens, New York to Emma and Joe Palazzolo. Four years later, her family moved back to her father's hometown of New Orleans where they remained the rest of their lives. Barbara was a devout Catholic and believed in the blessing of family. As a young girl she would often spend long moments before bed praying for every single family member before going to sleep. Her faith remained strong until her death and was a hallmark of her character and personality. But it wasn't just faith which defined Barbara, she was a talented singer. In her senior year at John McDonogh High School in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans, Barbara wrote and performed the class song for the graduation ceremony. So talented was she, that upon graduation, Barbara was offered a music scholarship to Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana, but turned it down opting to work and start a family. Though that didn't quell her desire to continue singing. And anyone who knew Barbara, knew faith, family and music defined her, and through the years she juggled all of them. prgtoken She met her first husband, Jack, in high school, and a couple of years later they married and started a family. Together they had three children, Jay, Gina and Nicolle. During this time Barbara continued singing and working with local bands as the lead singer at local music venues and clubs throughout New Orleans. prgtoken As time progressed, thoughts and feelings changed and Barbara moved on from her first marriage, and eventually met and married her second husband A.P. Marullo who brought two children of his own from a previous marriage, Joey and Anna. With their blended family in place, Barbara and A.P. had two more children together, Jude and Anthony. Through her life Barbara remained committed to her family and God, but music was never far from her heart. She continued singing in and around New Orleans, cut a few records and even performed on live TV during the local segments of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. As time passed, Barbara moved away from performing for entertainment, and combined prgtoken her love of music, and her devotion to her faith, and began singing in church. prgtoken Barbara sang regularly at her parish church, St. Peter, in Covington, Louisiana, as a cantor and choir member. She also made friends with the choir directors at the Catholic churches in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, Florida, and sang at Mass with their respective choirs during her frequent visits to the beach. Barbara remained independent and active up until her time in the hospital before her passing and will be most remembered for her God-given natural beauty, lovely singing voice, and her passion and love she had for her fam
HONORING HENRY TAMARIN
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-10-18

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of Henry Tamarin, an extraordinary labor leader and organizer. He was a special mentor and friend to me. Henry passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on August 26, 2022, at the age of 77. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. prgtoken Henry Tamarin was born in New York City, and became an organizer, union leader, and union president. He was best known for his activism and leadership in Chicago's labor movement. Tamarin, a former member of the Chicago Federation of Labor Executive Board, came to Chicago in 1999 and was elected president of UNITE HERE Local 1 in 2001. He served in this role until 2013 when he stepped aside and transitioned the local to the next generation of leaders. Before arriving in Chicago, Tamarin led UNITE HERE Local 217 in Connecticut, and UNITE HERE Local 100 in New York City. prgtoken The labor and social justice activism that he dedicated his entire life to was evident in his youth. On August 28, 1963, Tamarin and his father were witness to history as they watched Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his ``I Have a Dream'' speech at the March on Washington. Henry's son Nate said his father called it one of proudest moments of his life. prgtoken Tamarin attended Earlham College, and later the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received his degree. Tamarin organized, marched, and sat-in for peace and civil rights. After college, Tamarin lived in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury district with a member of the Grateful Dead. That bit of trivia followed Tamarin throughout his career and earned him a new level of respect and admiration from generation after generation of union staff. prgtoken Tamarin's activism and passion for working people (and his friend John Wilhelm) led him to get arrested at a demonstration in support of unionized workers at Yale University, which led to a lifetime of union work, service and activism at UNITE HERE. Subsequently, Tamarin became UNITE HERE's troubleshooter, with the union sending him to help struggling UNITE HERE locals in New England, New Jersey, New York, and Chicago. prgtoken When he arrived in Chicago, Tamarin faced his biggest challenge and found his greatest success when he transformed and revitalized UNITE HERE Local 1 by organizing a member-driven and worker-led 2002 contract fight with 7,000 hotel workers that raised the wages of housekeepers from $8.83 to $10.17. prgtoken Throughout his career, Tamarin mentored dozens of future labor leaders and activists, including Roushaunda Williams, vice president of the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board; Karen Kent, UNITE HERE Local 1's president and Tamarin's successor; and Jose Maldonado, president of UNITE HERE Local 100 in New York City. Henry was indeed a ``Street Fighting Man'' as David Moberg referred to him in his cover article published in the Chicago Tribune Magazine on February 16, 2003. Tamarin led his local unions and