mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF AUTOMOTIVE COLOR & SUPPLY CORP.
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate northeast Indiana-based automotive and industrial paint supplier and distributor Automotive Color & Supply Corporation for 70 years of business. prgtoken Richard Byers, Sr acquired part ownership of the company and began to operate the business shortly after its founding in 1951. Richard attained full ownership of the company in 1970, and the Byers family has owned and operated Automotive Color as a family business since. prgtoken Automotive Color has established itself as one of the leading automotive and industrial paint and supply distributors not just in the Midwest but throughout the United States. Paint from Automotive Color is used on race cars, commercial and private aircraft, spacecraft, ocean vessels, movies and TV show sets, and more. prgtoken At a time when American industry is in convalescence from the coronavirus pandemic, this historic milestone is even more extraordinary. prgtoken Hoosiers are thankful for and proud of Automotive Colors' contributions to northeast Indiana and the country. This record is testament to the exceptional service and quality they have provided, and will continue to provide, for generations.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF NATHANIEL STONE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam I rise today in celebration of the life of Nathaniel Stone. He was a beloved educator and community leader and he will be deeply missed by the people of North Mississippi. prgtoken Nat was born on February 17, 1930, to Cleve Hopkins and Miona Stone in Tupelo, Mississippi. He and his brother Louis stayed in the area and attended George Washington Carver School. He joined the United States Army and served in the Korean war before playing baseball in the Negro American Leagues with the Chicago Blacksox and the Memphis Redsox. He later earned his Bachelors degree at Mississippi Industrial College and Masters of Elementary Education School Administration at Jackson State University. prgtoken Mr. Stone was known primarily as an educator. He began his career in Kosciusko before relocating to Tupelo. He was the principal at Green Street Elementary and later Milam Intermediate School. When the school district integrated in 1970, Mr. Stone worked as a liaison with the black community. He inspired countless students, many of whom went on to pursue careers in education. prgtoken Mr. Stone is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Clytee Stone, and is survived by his children; Debra, Nathaniel, and Gwendolyn. prgtoken Mr. Stone was a beloved member of the Tupelo community and will always be remembered as an inspiration to countless students.
IN RECOGNITION OF NED CRAFTS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise to congratulate Ned Crafts on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. prgtoken The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal prgtoken rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Crafts in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Crafts for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.
HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ AFRICAN AMERICAN THEATER ARTS TROUPE
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the achievements of the University of California, Santa Cruz African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT) to enrich student life at UC Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz community by providing a space for expression and empowerment. This year, AATAT is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its founding in 1991, AATAT has been a steward for theater arts by fostering performing arts, providing a space for community and expression, and furthering cultural enrichment. prgtoken The creation of this organization at UC Santa Cruz was not without challenges. AATAT began without a budget, dedicated space, or theater amenities. With the guidance and tireless work of founding instructor Donald Williams, AATAT was able to grow over the years into a full theater production troupe that performs, inspires, and uplifts thousands of people each year. prgtoken The artistic and generous spirit of AATAT goes beyond the stage. AATAT strives for inclusivity by making their performances free and accessible to all UC Santa Cruz students. The group's sense of duty has led them to work with high school students across California, tutoring an average of 2000 students each year. In the spirit of uplifting others, AATAT has been able to provide over $100,000 in scholarships through the years. prgtoken Madam , it is my pleasure to recognize the history, dedication, and contributions of the UC Santa Cruz African American Theater Arts Troupe. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the UC Santa Cruz African American Theater Arts Troupe as an exceptional group of community and artistic leaders on the central coast of California.
IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE JAMES KANDREVAS' 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE 28TH DISTRICT COURT
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Judge James Kandrevas on the occasion of his retirement after serving 30 years as the 28th District Judge in Southgate, Michigan. His significant contributions to the Southgate community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Judge Kandrevas grew up in River Rouge and as a young man, he worked as a steelworker on Zug Island. This experience encouraged him to pursue a degree from Wayne State University. In 1970, he earned a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. After passing the bar, he was a litigator and served as Southgate's city attorney, eventually serving as Southgate's Municipal Judge from 1973 to 1979. He became Mayor of the City of Southgate in 1983 and remained in that role until 1990. During his time as Mayor, he stabilized city employee pensions, established a center for senior citizens, and expanded recreation programs. prgtoken In 1990, Judge Kandrevas was elected Judge of the 28th District Court and has served five consecutive six-year terms. During his tenure on the court, he has made an impact on the lives of many. Judge Kandrevas is known for his administration of special courts for drug abusers and military veterans with emotional and personal problems. He has also directed special operations that include counseling, mentoring, rehabilitation, recovery, and treatment as an alternative to jail sentences. His court has helped many veterans and civilians turn their lives around when they have found themselves in trouble with the law. Although he is retiring, Judge Kandrevas' time in the courtroom is not yet done--he will be allowed to remain on the bench as a visiting judge. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge James Kandrevas for his exemplary 30 years of public service. He has effectively served Southgate and the state of Michigan in his role as the 28th District Judge. I join with Judge Kandrevas' family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.
Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-2-22

I rise today to support the nomination of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.S. Representative to the United Nations, the Security Council, and the General Assembly of the United Nations. prgtoken Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's impressive career in public service makes her uniquely and eminently qualified for this role. For over 35 years, she has served this country faithfully and ably, under both ic and administrations, in senior Senate-confirmed positions such as Ambassador to Liberia, Director General of the Foreign Service, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. prgtoken Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield understands at her core that foreign policy is about forging connections and building relationships. So I have no doubt that what she calls her personal brand of ``gumbo diplomacy,'' which emphasizes connecting with others to solve problems, will be of tremendous service to the United States at an institution like the United Nations, where personal relationships matter a great deal. prgtoken Our country is truly fortunate that the Ambassador has agreed to return to public service, especially at this critical moment. We face an array of formidable challenges, both around the world and at the U.N that demand someone with her skills and commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, and anti-corruption. prgtoken Over the last 4 years, the United States has accrued more than $1 billion in peacekeeping arrears, tried to pull out of the World Health Organization in the middle of a pandemic, undermined international protections for women, girls, and LGBTI individuals, defunded or cut funding to key agencies like the U.N. Population Fund and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and pulled out of the Paris climate agreement. prgtoken Meanwhile, China and other authoritarian countries have filled the vacuum left by our absence. We must regain U.S. leverage and influence at the Security Council, where Russia and China prgtoken have used their veto powers and ability to bully nonpermanent members to stymie the Council's work. prgtoken They have shielded abusive regimes, like the criminal dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, and the government of Burma, which committed genocide against the Rohingya. prgtoken Our loss of influence at the Security Council under the administration was on full display in the disastrous attempt to extend the U.N. arms embargo on Iran, where the United States could muster only one other vote of support on the Council--one other vote-- including some of our most longtime allies: Germany, France, Great Britain, to mention a few. It was an embarrassment, an embarrassment. prgtoken Meanwhile, China has increased its role and activities at the United Nations and in other international organizations and has worked to pervert and distort the core values that make the U.N.'s work so important, especially the U.N.
IMPEACHMENT
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-2-22

1 year ago, I said upon the conclusion of President 's first impeachment trial,``Unchallenged evil spreads like a virus,'' and that acquittal would lead to worse behavior. The events of January 6--seven dead, the first siege of our Capitol in over 200 years, the disruption of the peaceful transfer of power--are the direct result of that first acquittal. I voted to convict because seven needlessly died and hundreds were injured by a former President's egregious lies. So many risked all to protect us. The least we can do is protect them by voting to condemn and thus prevent behavior that should never be repeated.
HONORING KYLE REOGAS OF HALEYVILLE, ALABAMA
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-2-22

. Madam , it is my honor to offer a congratulations to the retiring police chief of the city of Haleyville, Alabama, Kyle Reogas. prgtoken The city of Haleyville is where I was born, grew up and is my current residence and Chief Reogas has served our community as chief for 29 years. In fact, Chief Reogas has been with the Haleyville Police Department for a total of 34 years. prgtoken On Monday, May 4, 1992, then Haleyville Mayor W.G. Campbell and the city council, appointed Reogas as the chief of police. prgtoken On that night of his appointment, Reogas said ``I appreciate this opportunity to serve Haleyville as its police chief, and I will do the job to the best of my ability.'' The fact that Reogas has served in this position for almost three decades is a testament to the fact he has lived up to that promise. prgtoken During the past 29 years, Chief Reogas has seen a lot. Some of it good, but of course in his line of work, he has also seen a lot of bad. One of the biggest challenges he and his department faced was tornado damage that occurred to Haleyville as part of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak across Alabama. prgtoken But as Chief, he and his officers have always strived to turn the bad situations into the most positive outcomes possible and to always serve the citizens with integrity. Under his leadership, the Haleyville Police Department has achieved this year after year. prgtoken Chief Reogas is married to Joyce Reogas. They have two daughters, Meshia and Jennifer. prgtoken Again, I want to congratulate Chief Reogas on his well-earned retirement. I wish him all the best in the years to come in the next chapter of his life.
RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF BRAD GOODROAD
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-2-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Fire Chief Brad Goodroad for his 27 years of service with the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue. prgtoken Chief Goodroad's career with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue began in 1994. He served as a firefighter for seven years before transitioning roles to a fire apparatus operator. Chief Goodroad went on to become captain, battalion chief, and finally, division chief, a position he has held since 2017. prgtoken During his remarkable career, Goodroad led SFFR's health and safety programs for 10 years and helped the department achieve re- accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence in 2019. In recognition of his dedication and initiative, Goodroad was awarded the 2020 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. prgtoken Despite the many challenges the city of Sioux Falls has faced in recent years including major flooding and a tornado, under the leadership of Goodroad, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue has maintained an ISO rating of 1, the highest score possible for how well a city is protected by its fire department. prgtoken I commend Chief Goodroad for his outstanding record of service, hard work, and leadership. I extend my deepest congratulations to Brad Goodroad on his well-earned retirement. I am thankful for his contributions in keeping the community of Sioux Falls safe.
TRIBUTE TO STEVE GILMORE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-2-22

for nearly 50 years, Steve Gilmore has been making his mark on the city of Ashland. As an educator, a parks commissioner, and finally as a mayor, his contributions to northeastern Kentucky have shaped a legacy anyone could be proud of. Today, I would like to recognize this incredible public servant and wish him well as he begins a richly deserved retirement. prgtoken Steve got his start in public service at 29 as a member of the local parks board. In the following years, he led the renewal of Ashland's public spaces, pushed for the repainting of its iconic bridges, and helped champion a major renovation of the riverfront. In 1978, prgtoken Steve made his first run for the city commission. Time and again, the people of Ashland put their trust in him. In 2002, Steve became the city's mayor. He made history soon after as the first Ashland mayoral candidate ever to run unopposed. prgtoken I would like to mention one of Steve's accomplishments in particular. Over the years, Ashland has taken tremendous advantage of its geography and scenic beauty on the banks of the Ohio River. I had the opportunity to work with Steve about a decade ago to revitalize downtown Ashland and to make a dramatic investment into its river heritage. With more than $10 million in Federal funding I brought to the project, Steve and his team created an impressive new venue right on the water. Now, the Veterans Riverfront Park is a center for recreation and entertainment across the region. I am especially proud of their decision to dedicate the park to the men and women who sacrificed to protect our country. prgtoken Steve ended his first stretch as mayor with remarkable success. Then, he took on a new challenge as superintendent of Ashland Schools. He accepted the responsibility to keep making a difference for his city not just today, but for years into the future. Thousands of students and graduates continue to benefit from his leadership. prgtoken When it came time to close the book on his career as an educator, Steve knew he had more to give to his beloved city. In 2016, he was reelected to the mayor's office. With a team of city commissioners and devoted public servants, Steve began once again steering the community toward growth. He continued renovating the face of Ashland and making it a destination for visitors and employers. prgtoken Steve plans for a retirement filled with spending more time with his family doing the things they love. Perhaps he will take a few more trips down to the river along the newly dedicated ``Steve Gilmore Way.'' He has certainly earned it. On behalf of the Senate, I would like to express my thanks to Steve for his decades of service and leadership in Kentucky.
IMPEACHMENT
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-2-22

just minutes after the attack of January 6 began, I said it was not only unpatriotic, it was un-American. I do not need to be convinced that what happened on that day was the disgraceful work of a treasonous criminal mob. But seeing images of that attack stirred up anger in me, anger that our Nation was embarrassed in the eyes of the world by our own citizen; anger that Capitol Police officers that my family and I know personally had to deal with these low-lives; anger that janitorial and food service staff I have gotten to know--many who came to America to get away from countries with political violence--had to clean up the mess left behind by these cretins. prgtoken But, if we have learned anything this week, it should be how dangerous it is to allow anger to influence actions. prgtoken The lead House Manager argued today that this trial isn't about Donald prgtoken , that it was about our country, and that those who refuse to vote to convict are condoning the actions of a violent mob and failing to defend the honor of our Capitol and the people who work here. This is a ridiculous and insulting argument. prgtoken Impeachment is not a way of sending a message or taking symbolic action. Impeachment exists for one principal reason: to remove from office an officeholder guilty of wrongdoing. And claiming that anyone who doesn't vote to convict someone no longer in office is the equivalent of supporting a criminal mob is nothing but hyperpartisan politicians masquerading as highminded prosecutors trying to smear their political opponents. prgtoken The Senate does not have the constitutional power to convict a former official, and even if we did, we should be very reluctant to use it. In the 244-year history of our Republic, we have never convicted and disqualified a former official in an impeachment trial. Doing so now would create a new precedent, and it would weaponize impeachment in a way we will come to regret. prgtoken The day will come when a future Congress, one with a new majority in the House filled with new Members elected on the promise of holding accountable leaders of the opposite part, will give in to these passions and impeach a former official. The Senate will then find itself conducting a trial of that former official, a trial justified by the precedent we are asked to set here today, and a Senate tempted to convict by the tantalizing opportunity to disqualify that official from future public office. prgtoken My fear of creating dangerous precedents is not new. Two years ago, I was accused by some in my party of being a traitor because I opposed using an emergency declaration to fund a border wall that I supported. I warned then that a future ic President would do the same thing to fund a Green New Deal. And now, just 2 years later, leading are calling for that very thing. prgtoken The lead manager admitted today that, for the and their enablers worki
Budget (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-2-23

I come to the floor to talk about the $1.9 trillion spending bill that is under consideration before this Congress. prgtoken As President has said repeatedly, if you want to know someone's values, look at one's budget. Well, that is what we are doing, because I believe that President is right. If the American people want to know the ' values, all we need to do is look at the budget. The are making clear what they stand for. It seems that they are standing for teachers unions and job-crushing mandates on American businesses. The s stand for ending the pandemic, for getting people back to work, and for getting kids back to school. The differences could not be more clear. prgtoken The Senate has debated the ic budget--we did it a couple of weeks ago--and we voted on many amendments. Every Senator had a chance to propose and make some changes to the budget that was brought forth. Every single Senator went on record on a number of amendments and items related to the budget for the United States of America. Now we know where we stand. prgtoken I introduced an amendment that had to do with energy production in my home State of Wyoming. Wyoming feels like we are being targeted by President because of his ban on oil and gas exploration on public lands. You know, those projects are a major source of jobs in my home State. They fund our schools, our roads, our bridges, our teachers, our students, and additional services for working families. prgtoken My amendment would provide funding for our public schools--schools that have been punished by this ban announced by President . That amendment on this floor received 98 votes out of 100. It got the support of every single in the U.S. Senate, so I am grateful for my colleagues for that support of the amendment to protect our students and our schools and our teachers. Yet I have to say that by voting for my amendment, the 98 people in this body--specifically the --are admitting that there is a problem created by the actions of President . They are admitting that President 's Executive order, signed on the day he was inaugurated, is hurting families all across the country. prgtoken So, to my ic colleagues, keep working with us to address the needs of the Nation. Stand up to these overreaching, radical proposals by the administration. On issue after issue, that really has not yet happened. prgtoken Many of my colleagues, on this side of the aisle, offered good ideas that the refused to support. Senator Blunt introduced an amendment to reopen America's schools. Now, that is an idea that science has supported for months. Every voted yes. Every voted no. I have yet to hear one of my ic colleagues make the case for keeping the schools closed; yet that is how they voted when it came to the budget. Just like President Bi