mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-11-4

I rise to join Chairman Leahy in calling on our colleagues to negotiate a final agreement on fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills. Just as we need to complete work on the National Defense Authorization Act--a position I have prgtoken been urging repeatedly on our leadership--we need to complete work on the appropriations bills. They are complementary, to say the least, and they have to be done. prgtoken Under Chairman Leahy's leadership, have put forth a responsible top-line number and subcommittee allocations that address our defense and nondefense funding needs alike. The defense funding levels in the appropriations bills are consistent with the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act bill that we passed in the Armed Services Committee in July. prgtoken I would like to point out that the defense spending level in the Senate NDAA bill, which is pending floor action, was set by an amendment offered by my colleague, the ranking member, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, and supported by every on the Armed Services Committee. I was pleased to work with Senator Inhofe and to cosponsor the amendment, which provides an additional $25 billion in funding for specific items, most of which are unfunded requirements submitted by the services and the combatant commands. prgtoken But s put all this good work and all this good will we built up and established in the NDAA process in jeopardy if they force us into a yearlong continuing resolution by refusing to negotiate on the 12 appropriations bills. prgtoken A yearlong CR would be shortsighted and damaging to our national defense. prgtoken First, defense spending will be about $36 billion lower than the levels set out in the Senate's NDAA and appropriations bills. prgtoken I must also point out that, following our lead, the House Armed Services Committee passed a bill with the same top line--an additional $25 billion. That was brought to the floor of the House. It passed. In fact, an amendment to reduce the funding was defeated. prgtoken So there is a strong bipartisan commitment to vigorously fund the Department of Defense, and if we do not do that, if we fall into the trap of a CR, as I have indicated, we will be taking money away from the Department of Defense. prgtoken Second, we will be tied, as Senator Leahy pointed out, to funding priorities from a year ago even though circumstances have changed remarkably. As he pointed out, we have funding in last year's legislation that would provide support to Afghan forces who have been dissipated by the events of August. We would have a situation where there were significant amounts of money intended to assist Afghan security concerns that could not be effectively used and would detract from the current needs that we have. prgtoken Third, a CR would prevent DOD from effectively modernizing and reinventing and reinvesting in its programs. Since new starts--new programs--aren't
TRIBUTE TO DR. KRISTINA M. JOHNSON
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-11-4

I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Kristina M. Johnson and celebrating her investiture as the 16th president of The Ohio State University. As an alum of the university and longtime friend of the Ohio State community, I know the investiture of a president is a significant milestone in the life of this land-grant university. prgtoken Since The Ohio State University was founded in 1870, the institution has been guided by 16 presidents, each of whom has left a lasting mark on the history of the university. Since taking office as president on August 24, 2020, Dr. Johnson has already begun to make an impact at Ohio State. She has worked to be an inclusive leader and advance the university's mission to uplift lives through academic and research excellence. prgtoken Dr. Johnson has close family ties to Ohio State and Ohio. Her grandfather graduated from Ohio State in 1896, played right guard on one of the early football teams, and was a member of the Tesla Club. Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served in numerous leadership roles at prestigious institutions for higher education, most recently as chancellor of the State University of New York. And she has been a public servant, serving as Under Secretary of Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Johnson is married to Veronica Meinhard, and it has been a pleasure to get to know them and discuss the work we can do together to support Ohio students. prgtoken With Dr. Johnson's more than 30 years of experience and leadership, the future of Ohio State is indeed bright. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating this momentous occasion for this university, which is so important to the central Ohio community and to our State. Connie and I wish Dr. Johnson, Veronica, and the entire Buckeye Community well as they embark on this journey together.
DIVISIVE MERGER AT JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-4

a jury instructed Johnson & Johnson to pay $5 million in damages to Patricia, a retired teacher with two children and four grandchildren. One month later, she died, at age 61, of mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. prgtoken Thirty-five-year-old Christina was a preschool teacher studying for her master's degree when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. In 2019, a jury awarded her $26 million in her case against Johnson & Johnson. prgtoken Gail was 36 years old when she collapsed on her kitchen floor. She was diagnosed with mesothelioma and has prgtoken undergone six rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and major surgeries. Two days into her 2019 trial, Johnson & Johnson struck a deal to pay her damages. prgtoken These women, all Californians, are just a few of the now over 40,000 women who want Johnson & Johnson to help cover the millions of dollars in medical expenses they have racked up in their fight against cancer caused by asbestos exposure. prgtoken Before we knew asbestos caused cancer, men who inhaled asbestos dust in mines and in industries like shipbuilding got mesothelioma cancer. For decades, women who didn't work in those jobs, but were diagnosed with mesothelioma, wondered how they could have been exposed. prgtoken Like asbestos, talc is a naturally occurring mineral that must be mined. During that process, talc can be contaminated by asbestos. prgtoken The 40,000 women all diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers all used Johnson & Johnson baby powder for decades on their children and on themselves. The main ingredient? Talc. prgtoken Johnson & Johnson sold its iconic baby powder for 60 years, despite their own internal documents showing that their executives, scientists, doctors, and lawyers all knew that some bottles were laced with asbestos. prgtoken In 1976, Johnson & Johnson assured the FDA that no asbestos was ``detected in any sample'' of talc produced between December 1972 and October 1973. What it didn't say, what it didn't tell the regulator, was that at least three tests by three different labs found asbestos in the powder, in one case at levels reported as ``rather high.'' prgtoken Internal documents confirm that Johnson & Johnson willfully misled consumers about the safety of its baby powder. prgtoken In a memo to managers, a Johnson & Johnson executive explained that the company's policy of countering negative research about the dangers of talc: ``Our current posture with respect to sponsorship of talc safety studies has been to initiate studies only as dictated by confrontation.'' ``The principal advantage for this operating philosophy lies in the fact that we minimize the risk of possible self- generation of scientific data which may be politically or scientifically embarrassing.'' prgtoken In this 2013 markup of a statement for Johnson & Johnson's website, you can see that Johnson & Johnson's legal team advised the company against claiming that: ``Our tal
ISABELLA ROSE DORIAN MEMORIAL
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Madam , Isabella Rose Dorian was born in Houston, Texas, on October 8, 1941, to Mannis Dorian and Annie Cormier Dorian. Isabella's parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, leading her to become the first member of her family to pursue higher education. Isabella attended Texas Southern University before transferring to and graduating from the University of Texas--Medical Branch in Galveston (``UTMB'') with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy. prgtoken With encouragement from her uncle and Godfather, Louis Dorian, Isabella began her career as a physical therapist by serving those in need in the Fifth Ward community. Isabella rejoiced in her work, taking pride in helping patients recover in ways they scarcely could have imagined when they received their initial prognosis. While working at the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Isabella reunited with a onetime college suitor, Eugene Edwards, who had become a pharmacist. The pair married in 1976 and would go on to raise two daughters, Valerie and Ananda. Isabella and Edward instilled their shared values of hard work and service to others in Valerie and Ananda. Isabella's daughters pursued careers in television and filmmaking, as well as law and public service, each making her immensely proud. prgtoken Isabella is survived by her daughters, Valerie and Ananda Edwards; her granddaughter, Dylan Rose Beavers; her niece, Shandra Mason; her great-niece; her great-nephew; her brother-in-law and a loving community. Isabella's passion for service and education were an inspiration to all who met her. She will be dearly missed.
PROTECT OLDER JOB APPLICANTS ACT OF 2021
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Madam , Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 356. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Axne (Spanberger) Babin (Nehls) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Boebert (Van Drew) Bowman (Tlaib) Cardenas (Gomez) Cawthorn (Nehls) Doggett (Raskin) Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA)) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Gosar (Greene (GA)) Jayapal (Pocan) Khanna (Auchincloss) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Meeks (Kelly (IL)) Meng (Jeffries) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Rush (Underwood) Sires (Pallone) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (Jeffries) Swalwell (Gomez) Waltz (Salazar) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Young (Joyce (OH)) Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Keller
IN RECOGNITION OF NORTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER JANIS SCHACHTER
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Janis Schachter, a dedicated and passionate educator at Northport High School. Janis Schachter is a leader and innovator in the academic discipline of News and Media Literacy. As a journalist and Social Studies teacher, Janis uses her talent and professional knowledge to engage young people in learning about the essential role of journalism in protecting our freedoms, and their shared civic responsibility to be active and informed participants in our democracy with civility and mutual respect. prgtoken Through her affiliation with the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University, the Law Youth and Citizenship Program of the New York State Bar Association, and Project PATCH, the Law and Civic Education Program of the Northport--East Northport Union Free School District, Ms. Schachter has provided training in News and Media Literacy to hundreds of teachers in the United States and around the world. prgtoken On September 15, 2021, Janis Schachter was recognized with a prestigious international teaching award by Global Youth & News Media which awarded her their Silver Prize for excellence and leadership in the field of News and Media Literacy. Her excellence as a teacher is also evident in her recognition as ``Distinguished Social Studies Educator'' by the New York State Council for the Social Studies. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Janis Schachter for her invaluable contribution toward education as she continues to empower young people and fellow teachers with the knowledge, skills, and values that sustain and support our democracy.
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MERCED COLLEGE'S LOS BANOS CAMPUS
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor Merced College's Los Banos Campus on its 50th anniversary. This phenomenal educational institution has been providing the students of Los Banos and the Central Valley with a high-quality educational institution for 50 years. prgtoken In 1971, Merced College President Lowell Barker alongside founding Dean Ted McVey decided to begin providing full-time education services to student in a rented facility. From there, the campus eventually moved to a plot of 10 acres of land donated by resident Richard Menezes in 1982. prgtoken They began the process of setting up their new permanent campus after a land donation from Larry and Georgeann Anderson in 2002. Finally, in 2007, the current Los Banos Campus opened its doors for its students, and has continued to provide a wide range of courses to assist students in their path towards a degree or transfer. prgtoken The Los Banos Campus also provides a great selection of career technical education courses that, in as little as six months, can prepare students to enter directly into the workforce. In addition to this, the campus continues to expand its use and implementation of various technological resources for its students to ensure they are set up for success. prgtoken For the students of Los Banos, this educational institution serves a vital role in providing robust opportunities, while ensuring that these individuals can have access to these experiences right in their own hometown, thus reducing significant barriers to their success. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Merced College's Los Banos Campus on its 50th anniversary. Its service and contributions to the State of California and the San Joaquin Valley will always be celebrated.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2021 DEARBORN, MICHIGAN VETERAN OF THE YEAR STEPHEN FLETCHER
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Stephen Fletcher of Dearborn Heights, Michigan on the occasion of being named Veteran of the Year by the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council. His contributions to our community and to our nation are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Raised in Michigan, Mr. Fletcher's interest in serving his country was sparked by his family's legacy of service. His great-grandfather served during World War I, his father served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and his older brother served in the Army and Marines. In high school, he decided to take courses with the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. prgtoken Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, then military occupational specialty training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he graduated top of his class. He served overseas in Okinawa, Japan and at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, retiring from the Marines at the rank of corporal. He served from 1981 to 1986. prgtoken After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Mr. Fletcher once again felt the call to serve his country. Though he couldn't rejoin the Marines, in July 2014 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he remains today. A familiar face in active military and veteran groups in Metro Detroit, he served as commander of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council in 2017. Additionally, Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Marine Corps League 152 and the American Legion Post 364. prgtoken Despite his numerous commitments, he still finds time in his busy schedule to give back. Mr. Fletcher is most proud of his work with the Missing in America Project that helps give forgotten remains of veterans a proper burial. Three days a week he volunteers at the Freedom Center at Detroit Airport and assists in creating online memorial profiles for those killed in action on Together We Served. Each year, he helps at various local events including at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light Up the Night walk that he attends in honor of his father who had leukemia. He is someone who knows the true meaning of public service. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stephen Fletcher on this well-deserved commendation. He has honorably served this country throughout his exemplary military career. I join with Stephen's family, friends, and colleagues in thanking him for his continued service to our community and our Nation.
HONORING THE CAREER OF CHIEF BRETT MAHONEY
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor the outstanding, distinguished career of Police Chief Brett Mahoney of Waterford, Connecticut. After more than 26 years of diligent service to the town of Waterford, Chief Mahoney ``pulled the pin'' and retired on October 29, 2021. He was sent off at a well-attended retirement ceremony where the department and town officials took the opportunity in heartfelt remarks to remember Chief Mahoney just as he is: a highly talented, good-natured community member and a dedicated public servant. prgtoken As a native of nearby Westbrook, Connecticut, Brett steered his drive and focus toward bettering Connecticut from an early age. He placed high value in obtaining an education, graduating with a bachelor's in English Literature from Central Connecticut State University. Upon obtaining his first degree, Brett eagerly began his work in Connecticut law enforcement with a brief stint at the East Hampton Police Department before starting his nearly three-decade-long journey with Waterford Police in 1995. In his first few years as a Waterford patrol officer, Brett distinguished himself within the department by dutifully serving on task forces with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. His valuable contributions to the force were rightfully recognized by the department as he rose through the ranks to Sergeant in 1999 and then to Lieutenant in 2005. During his time as Lieutenant, Brett committed himself to advancing his law enforcement education, graduating from the FBI National Academy in 2012 and returning to Central Connecticut to earn a master's degree in Criminal Justice. His work with the FBI is something I particularly appreciate, since my father Robert Courtney who spent his retirement years in Waterford served in the FBI during World War II in its Manhattan office. prgtoken In October 2015, Lieutenant Mahoney was promoted to Waterford's Chief of Police. It was not just his accomplished background that produced this promotion, but also his obvious leadership qualities. As Chief, Brett led the department with compassion for his community and commitment to ensure the department's success by modernizing and enhancing its members' capabilities. Chief Mahoney strengthened community engagement by integrating 21st technology into the town and department. During his time as Chief, Brett became chairman of the town's Information Technology Committee and oversaw the department-wide rollout of body cameras for all Waterford officers, building upon an already existent brand of transparency with the community. prgtoken Brett's transformational leadership extended far beyond the department. Chief Mahoney utilized the department as a stalwart supporter in community outreach efforts like the Waterford Youth and Family Services 2020 Turkey Drive and breast cancer fundraisers for Waterford-led foundations. Chief Mahoney also initiated one of the fi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise in support of the Build Back Better Act that is before us today, a package of legislation that I believe ranks alongside the New Deal and the Great Society in its impact. prgtoken We must pass this legislation. It delivers a once-in-a-generation investment in children, families, and caregivers, and, finally, a scale of investment in combating climate change that cannot wait. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act expands and improves the child tax credit, the biggest cut in taxes for working families with children, a groundbreaking and transformative policy that I have been fighting for nearly 20 years. I am proud that families with children under 6 receive $300 a month, and children 6 through 17 receive $250 a month. It is a lifeline for the middle class, and it lifts over 50 percent of children out of poverty. It allows us to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic. It is Social Security for children. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act adds to this with a first-time investment in childcare that guarantees that its costs will not exceed 7 percent of income. I am so proud that this package includes paid family and medical leave, which finally responds to the needs of workers and their families so that they can take time off to care for themselves or for a loved one when they are ill. prgtoken We have an opportunity to build the architecture for the future for working families in this country. Working and middle-class families across the United States are counting on us to build a better and a stronger America.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF HISTORY OF TOLEDO CHAPTER ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Toledo Chapter of Zonta International. The members of the chapter are gathering on Saturday November 6, 2021 to celebrate this milestone event. prgtoken Two years after the formation of Zonta International, on November 25, 1921, Toledo women joined forces to form the Zonta Club of Toledo. Those early founders, leading professional women of the day, carried forth the organization's vision as a women's service organization that would advocate for policies ensuring gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls, reduce the incidents of violence against them, and empower women and girls to reach their full potential. prgtoken To that end, in its century of service the women of Zonta Club of Toledo have led the way in efforts to promote the development of women while providing planning, financial and volunteer support to numerous initiatives. Zonta has assisted the Area Office on Aging Kinship Navigator program, Bethany House shelter, YMCA Storer Camps and YWCA battered women's shelter, purchased HIV/AIDS test kits for Plan Parenthood, raised awareness regarding human trafficking and domestic violence, provided scholarship opportunities and offered volunteer support to a variety of services in our community and globally. Through one hundred years, the members of the Zonta Club of Toledo have continued to build the organization into one of excellence and inspiration. prgtoken Zonta's mission is to improve ``the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women through service and advocacy'' while ``working for the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a global fellowship of Zonta members.'' As one of the oldest chapters, the Zonta Club of Toledo serves this mission well and its members truly reflect Zonta's efforts to promote ``justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.'' prgtoken Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel prize laureate and Pakistani activist, said ``When the whole world is silent even one voice becomes powerful.'' Throughout a century of service, the women of the Zonta Club of Toledo have united many and varied voices into one powerful voice and in the process are changing the world. Onward Zonta, for the next hundred years.