mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL SECURITY ACT, 2024
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-4-23

it wasn't too long ago when s made a promise to ourselves and to the American people that before we sent another dollar, another dime, another nickel, another penny to Ukraine, we would ensure that our own house was in order, that our own country was secure, that our own border was secure, that we would pass a real border security measure. And yet here we are, months later, preparing to dispatch nearly $100 billion. If you say it slowly, you sound a little bit like Dr. Evil in the original Austin Powers movie--$100 billion to foreign countries while the security of our own homeland languishes. prgtoken House s have broken their promise and at least a critical mass of them, under the direction of House leadership, have betrayed the American people because they have gone back completely on what they--what we--promised. prgtoken Tonight, we are seeing the same movie played out on the Senate floor. This occurs at a time when about 60 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and yet Congress continues to add to a national debt that is about prgtoken to blow past the $35 trillion mark. How can we justify this to the American people as a Congress? prgtoken Are we really more concerned with the borders of a foreign country-- Ukraine--and with foreign wars around the world than we are with the safety and the security of the United States and its citizens? prgtoken This bill tells the American people that the answer to that question is an unambiguous resounding ``yes.'' Congress cares more about sending billions to wage endless war in foreign countries, cares more about this than saving our own country, especially at a time when we are being invaded. We have seen an invasion of between 8 and 13 million people over the last few years alone. That is a big deal. prgtoken We are forgetting the wise caution left to us by our first President, the Father of our Country, George Washington, who warned against entangling our peace and our prosperity with the affairs of other nations. He said: Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice? prgtoken It seems no price is too high, no weapon system is off limits. Our only strategy appears to be ``spend, spend, spend, and then spend some more,'' with little to no thought given to the consequences. It is the continuation of a lackluster approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, devoid of coherent strategy, while allocating the vast majority of its funding to Europe and the Middle East, neglecting, of course, the looming threats from China and the warnings from great national policy experts, like Elbridge Colby, who warn us, time and time again, that the same weapons that we are depleting, sending to other parts of the world, sending to Ukraine, are those that are in such dire need in Taiwan a
HONORING INDIANA STATE REPRESENTATIVE JERRY TORR
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-4-23

I rise today to honor Indiana State Representative Jerry Torr as he prepares to retire from the Statehouse after almost three decades of service. prgtoken Rep. Torr's long and distinguished service in the House has made him a legend in Indiana and has earned him the respect of the hundreds of legislators who have served alongside him over the years. prgtoken Jerry's contributions to the state of Indiana have been numerous and significant. Most notably, he was instrumental in making Indiana a right-to-work state and spearheaded the legislation that moved Indiana to daylight saving time. His work to allow Hoosiers with minor pre- existing conditions to be insured illustrates his effectiveness, but also his advocacy and concern for the people of his state. prgtoken To those who have followed Indiana politics and government for the past 30 years or so, Jerry has been a fixture. He has consistently represented the best of what it means to be a public servant. Beyond his legislative accomplishments, his leadership has been characterized by integrity and fairness. His presence in the halls of the Statehouse will be missed, but his legacy will inspire Hoosier leaders for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MIDLAND
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-26

today, I am happy to recognize and congratulate the Junior League of Midland on their 75 years of service to their community. What began with a charter membership of just 29 women has turned into a robust network of over 600 volunteer members, working on projects that greatly support the city of Midland and effectively training women to be leaders in the community. prgtoken For seven and a half decades, the Junior League of Midland has played a crucial role in developing community-oriented institutions such as the Museum of the Southwest, Teen Court, Rays of Hope, and many others. Beyond the development of these important institutions, their network of volunteers provides crucial support to the community--such as donating hygiene supplies to thousands of students in need, hosting after-school reading programs, and providing job-skills mentoring programs to survivors of domestic abuse. prgtoken The members of this organization spend countless unpaid hours working toward the greater good of the people of Midland; for that, I cannot thank them enough. I am confident that the Junior League of Midland will continue to inspire and be of service to others across the community for many more years to come. prgtoken Again, I want to congratulate the Junior League of Midland on their dedication to serving the Midland community for the past 75 years. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I am beyond proud to represent these women in Congress.
RECOGNIZING KATHLEEN COSSEY
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made to our community by one of my constituents, Kathleen Cossey. Since 1990, Kathleen, has been helping vulnerable children and has made a lasting imprint on the lives of the kids she has worked with. From 1990-2008, Kathleen volunteered 40-60 hours per week as a Guardian Ad Litem. She spent time with the kids assigned to her and advocated on their behalf within the judicial system. Since 2009, Kathleen has been volunteering with two other non-profits serving at-risk children in Citrus County, Voices for Children and Jessie's Place. Kathleen prides herself on being a consistent presence in the lives of the children she works with. She goes above and beyond in everything she does for both organizations. Kathleen is an invaluable volunteer in both organizations she serves. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. prgtoken It is clear that Ms. Cossey has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.
HONORING EULESS POLICE OFFICER JERRY LEE COOK
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today to celebrate Officer Jerry Lee Cook's retirement after 39 years with the Euless Police Department. I want to thank him for his commitment to our community and dedication to our country. Before his work as a police officer, Jerry enlisted in the US Navy in 1970 and served as an Aviation Mechanic before being honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1978. After being in the military, his training led him to Isfahan, Iran where he worked as an Aviation Mechanic for Bell Helicopter International. When he returned to North Texas, he joined prgtoken the Texas Army National Guard and became an Aviation Support Technician full-time. prgtoken Inspired by his experiences serving as an aviation mechanic and working in Iran, Jerry wanted to continue to help people which led him to a career in law enforcement. He was hired as a patrol officer by the Euless Police Department on April 1, 1985, and after serving eight years in the patrol division. Jerry was promoted to Corporal and assigned to the community services division where he taught youth the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, also known as D.A.R.E. It was during this time that Jerry developed a strong interest in computers and even taught himself how to operate them. His talents were quickly recognized by the department, and they transitioned him into the position of a computer technician in the Technical Services Division. His mechanical mind and dedication to learning the technical equipment used by law enforcement left an immeasurable impact on the Euless Police Department. prgtoken During his 39-year law enforcement career, Jerry received numerous commendations from colleagues and the community. He was presented with the W.M. ``Blackie'' Sustaire Memorial award in 1992 and 2007 in addition to winning the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. Jerry never lost his positive attitude when faced with mounting responsibilities and was always eager to share his knowledge and take the time to teach others. prgtoken It is an honor to recognize Jerry on this momentous occasion and thank him for his service to our country and North Texas.
RECOGNIZING SOUTH CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS FOR HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-4-26

small businesses continue to face major challenges due to lingering impacts of COVID-19, high inflation, and limited access to capital, and other resources. prgtoken Thankfully, in South Carolina and across the Nation, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide critical assistance to small businesses through a network of over 3,000 skilled and trusted business advisors--at no fee. prgtoken The South Carolina SBDC, led by Director Michele Abraham with a team of over 50 professionals, assisted 4,523 individuals in 2023 alone to: prgtoken Create and retain 2,355 jobs prgtoken Obtain $89.9 million in capital investments prgtoken Increase revenues by $50.3 million prgtoken Start 203 new businesses, and prgtoken Win $10.9 million in government contracts prgtoken This resulted in a net federal tax return for the jobs impacted of eight times what we invested in the program. In other words, the return on investment is stellar. prgtoken Hosted by a consortium of four universities--Clemson, South Carolina State, University of South Carolina, and Winthrop--the South Carolina SBDC serves all small businesses regardless of race, gender, location, or military status. prgtoken We are grateful for the work they do and the lives we see changed day-in and day-out.
CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF JEFFREY LEE HARPER
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today to celebrate the 70th birthday of Mr. Jeffrey Lee Harper, who made his entrance into the world on April 26, 1954 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Manchester High School in June of 1972 and stayed in the Richmond area as he continued his post-secondary education. prgtoken Jeff went on to marry the love of his life, Carole Chalkley, on September 11, 1976. Three years later their daughter, Jamie, was born. prgtoken From a young age, Jeff's athletic abilities gained him accolades on the tennis court and the golf course. He played on the high school golf team and showed off his short game by winning a Putt-Putt tournament. As a member of Meadowbrook Country Club for 25 years, he won back-to- back championships at the Walt Disney World Pro-Am Golf Classic in 2008 and 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The 2009 championship was the sweetest since it was also the year that his first and only granddaughter, Rachel Elizabeth was born. She prgtoken shares his enthusiasm for the game, and he claims full credit for her talent. prgtoken Jeff's ambition, business acumen and mathematical prowess led to a long and successful career in insulation contracting and made him revered in the industry. After many years of dedication to his firm, he retired from Old Dominion Insulation in 2014. As native Virginians, he and Carole traded in long, cold winters for sunshine and warmth and moved to the free state of Florida where they currently reside in The Villages. prgtoken Jeff is a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a loyal friend to many. He enjoys traveling to new places, listening to his favorite jazz musicians, and sipping a fine glass of wine. prgtoken , like a fine wine, Jeff has only gotten better with age. Please join me in toasting to his 70 years and wishing him many more.
HONORING THE POMEROY, OHIO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today celebrate the brave first responders of the Pomeroy Fire Department in Meigs County, Ohio, as they are being honored as the Ohio Fire Department of the Year by the State Fire Marshall and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. prgtoken The 30 members of the all-volunteer Pomeroy firefighting force have consistently demonstrated a level of training, preparedness, and dedication second to none. They've proven their commitment to excellence by pursuing advanced training, completing both in-service and multicompany training exercises, enhancing the force's efficiency, loss reduction, and ability to safeguard our community. prgtoken I cannot say enough about how much Pomeroy's Fire Department has given back to Meigs County, serving well beyond their roles as first responders--leading food drives, educating the community on fire safety and prevention, and distributing smoke detectors, among many other contributions. prgtoken I am pleased to honor the fine men and women of the Pomeroy firefighting force for their justly deserved recognition as the Ohio Fire Department of the Year. Their service makes our community, Pomeroy, Meigs County, and Ohio, a better place--and I could not be more proud. prgtoken Congratulations to them on this well-deserved award.
IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE CLAIRMONT JEROME "POPS" BARNES
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today to honor a loving husband, outstanding father, proud grandfather, distinguished non- commissioned officer, dedicated public official, faithful servant of God, and friend of longstanding, The Honorable Clairmont Jerome ``Pops'' Barnes. Sadly, Pops transitioned from labor to reward on April 14, 2024. A public viewing was held on Wednesday April 23, 2024, at Taylor Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama, and a memorial service to celebrate his remarkable life was held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Revelation Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken The second oldest of five children, Clairmont Jerome Barnes was born on June 10, 1943, to the union of the late Pauline White and the late Eugene Barnes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was reared by his grandmother, Ms. Mary J. White, a woman of great importance in his life, who significantly shaped his worldview and instilled within him the values of justice, compassion, and determination. prgtoken Pops began his life of service when he joined the Army National Guard and enlisted in the United States Army in 1977. Demonstrating his adept leadership skills, he quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1996. Following his retirement from the Army, Pops decided to secure a second bachelor's degree and begin the next chapter of his professional career of service. Desiring to use his time and skills to help those in need, Pops earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Columbus State University at the ripe young age of 57 and served countless patients as a registered nurse. prgtoken In 2004, Pops answered the call to run for public elective office. He entered the race for the District 1 seat on the Columbus, Georgia Consolidated Government Council. During the campaign, Pops took the time and effort to knock on every door in District 1, so that he could meet someone in every household he was running to represent and serve. His efforts were rewarded and he was overwhelmingly elected Councilor for District 1. Among his accomplishments for District 1 include reopening the Boxwood Park, Belvedere Park and Primus King Recreation center; leading the effort to hire 100 additional police officers, and opening a police precinct in the heart of District 1 to dramatically cut the city's crime rate. prgtoken Pops also demonstrated a steadfast passion in advocating for Veterans, seniors, and individuals with mental illness. He restarted the Tri-City Veterans Day Parade in 2010; started a senior advocacy group to help seniors maintain their benefits, and periodically hosted the ``Focus on Health'' series from the studios of CCG-TV to provide health and wellness education to all citizens in the Chattahoochee Valley area. He also launched a youth vocational training program entitled ``Opportunity to Get Ahead'' using his own funds; reformed the city's employment policy to allow the hiring of non-violent ex-
RECOGNIZING JE DUNN CONSTRUCTION GROUP'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today with immense pride to recognize and celebrate the centennial anniversary of JE Dunn Construction Group. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and contributions that JE Dunn has made in the construction industry. prgtoken Founded in 1924 by John Ernest ``Ernie'' Dunn, this company that began in Kansas City, has now stretched across various generations of the Dunn family, and has only increased their reach beyond Missouri's Fifth Congressional District as the years have passed by. With over 26 offices nationwide and being placed as the 8th overall largest contractor in the United States, this company has served its community through the principle of enriching lives. prgtoken Today, JE Dunn employs more than 1,200 people in Kansas City and 4,000 across the country. In 1964 when Ernie Dunn passed, the company was worth $1.4 million and now the company is nearing a revenue of $6 billion. The contributions in the local Kansas City area are important to job creation and sustaining economic growth as the city continues to grow and receive national and international attention. prgtoken Through JE Dunn's commitment to the local region, Kansas City began to see an increase in innovation and development in the 1960s with the development of Worlds of Fun, the Hy-Vee Arena then known as the Kemper Arena, among others. As their mission to serve others in the pursuit of building perfection continues, JE Dunn has been vital in recent developments such as the Kansas City Zoo and building the world's first ever stadium for a women's pro sports team. The impact of these investments will have a positive ripple effect on our city and community for generations to come. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing this momentous celebration and thanking JE Dunn for their contributions to the Greater Kansas City area and beyond. It is a distinct privilege to represent the JE Dunn Construction Group in the United States House of Representatives. I speak with the voice of Missouri's entire Fifth Congressional District as we congratulate them and wish them many more years of success.
RECOGNIZING NATHALIE SANCHEZ
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today to recognize Nathalie Sanchez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Nathalie has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Nathalie, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Nathalie's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Nathalie Sanchez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.
HONORING 1ST LIEUTENANT FRED ZIMRI WASHBURN
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-4-26

I rise today in memory of Fred Zimri Washburn, as the Middleborough community comes together to dedicate the 1st Lieutenant Fred Z. Washburn Bridge in his honor. prgtoken Born on October 11, 1944, to parents Margery and Zimri Washburn, Fred was raised on Fuller Street in Middleborough, Massachusetts, alongside his siblings, Margery and David. After Fred graduated from Memorial High School in 1962, he went on to receive a degree from Wenworth Institute before joining the United States Army. Fred first completed his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Fred later earned his pilot wings as a 2nd Lieutenant at the Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. prgtoken Fred was deployed to Vietnam on May 30, 1968, as an Army 1st Lieutenant in the 71st Assault Helicopter Company, where he piloted helicopters in rescue missions. Fred would write home to his mother about the feeling of reward he felt for helping to save the lives of his fellow service members. Fred's unwavering prgtoken commitment to rescuing Americans injured in combat was undeniable throughout his time bravely serving in the U.S. Army. prgtoken Sadly, we lost Fred too soon on October 2, 1968, nine days short of his 24th birthday, after his helicopter was shot down in the Quang Tin Province of South Vietnam. For Fred's bravery and sacrifice for our country, Fred's name is listed on panel 42W, line 65 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. prgtoken After Fred's family and former Middleborough classmates took note that there was no memorial for Fred in his hometown, the community came together to request that the town allow for the culvert bridge on Wareham Street to be renamed in Fred's memory. The measure was approved by the Middleborough Select Board earlier this year, and on April 24, 2024, the bridge will be dedicated in Fred's honor and named the 1st Lieutenant Fred Z. Washburn Bridge. prgtoken , I am proud to honor the life of 1st Lieutenant Fred Washburn. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Fred's siblings, Margery and David; Steve Adelman, the Town of Middleborough's Veterans Service Officer; and the Middleborough Memorial High School Class of 1962 for their work to ensure that Fred's dedication and sacrifice for his community and our country be remembered for many years to come.