mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ENDING FORCED ARBITRATION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT OF 2021
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 4445. This is the way the legislative process should work. This started with a victim of sexual harassment, Gretchen Carlson, who stepped forward and brought a cancer within an organization to light, and did it in a courageous manner. Then my colleague, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, took on this cause and wrote a good piece of legislation. prgtoken But what she did was even more important. She was open to suggestions and often adopted suggestions to make this the very best legislation that it could be. And my friends, Congressman Matt Gaetz and Morgan Griffith, worked alongside her and worked on our side of the aisle to make folks aware of the need for this legislation. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4445 because, one, it empowers rape victims to make a choice between arbitration and going to court. It also makes sure that sexual predators are held accountable. And finally, it puts corporations on notice that if they don't clean up their act, they are going to have a big problem. There is no more sweeping an issue like this under the carpet. This is something that corporations are going to take seriously, and they are going to change their conduct as a result of a possible change to their bottom line. prgtoken This bill gives Members a choice to support rape victims or rapists. I choose to support the rape victims, the survivors of a terrible ordeal, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
REMEMBERING DEWEY DeWITT
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-2-7

through a legendary broadcasting career spanning more than seven decades, Maine's Dewey DeWitt was the ``Voice of Aroostook County.'' Dewey passed away on January 5 at 99 years of age, but his voice and his contributions will never be forgotten. prgtoken As a native of the county, a longtime fan, and a friend, I offer my deepest condolences to his family. In this time of sorrow, I am sure they will find comfort in knowing how much Dewey meant to so many. prgtoken Dewey first went on the air in 1950, the year a radio station began operations in Houlton, the Shiretown of Aroostook County. When a television station began broadcasting from Presque Isle a few years later, Dewey was the first person seen by viewers. prgtoken Like many others in Northern Maine, I grew up listening to Dewey. From interviews with public officials to the daily news to high school basketball, he kept us informed. prgtoken Indeed, the hallmark of Dewey's career was his devotion to local sports, especially high school basketball. It is estimated that Dewey called the play-by-play of more than 3,000 games over the years. prgtoken Every sportscaster has that one indelible memory that stands alone. For Dewey and me, it was a memory we shared with people throughout the region. In 1969, when I was a student at Caribou High School, our boys' basketball team won its first-ever State championship on a last-second shot by Mike Thurston from beyond midcourt. I was at that exciting game, but it was Dewey's voice that brought that thrilling moment to listeners across Maine. More than a half-century later, Dewey could still recall that game and that shot in vivid detail. prgtoken Although Dewey retired from daily broadcasting some years ago, he remained active with a frequent show on WHOU radio called, ``Talk of the Town.'' Whenever I visited Houlton, I loved stopping to see Dewey for a chat. prgtoken Dewey's interviews were a shining example of how it should be done. He was always informed and insightful, with a keen understanding of how national issues affected the people in his audience. In our most recent interview, in October of 2021, he asked probing questions about border security, the appropriations process, our national debt, and pandemic recovery, among other important topics. prgtoken Dewey DeWitt's work was recognized by the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame's Legends of the Game, and the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. But I know that the tribute that meant the most to him was the affection people throughout Aroostook County will always have for him. I join them in celebrating his remarkable life and in recognizing him for a voice that brought us together as a community.
BACK THE BLUE
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , the woke left have stood idly by as rabid criminals have embarked on an all-out assault on our police officers. Rather than standing up for the brave men and women of law enforcement--the very ones who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe--they have bent over backwards to the most radical fringes of the progressive movement that actively works to defund, disarm, and disband our police departments. prgtoken The result? Under 's first year as President, police officers have seen a historic spike in violent crime against them. prgtoken In 2021 alone, there were 346 officers shot in the line of duty resulting in 63 deaths. prgtoken Police officers were victims to 103 ambush-style attacks, which increased 115 percent over the prior year. prgtoken The FBI reported a 48.7 increase in 2021 of officers' killings, both on-duty and off-duty, totaling 73 deaths from firearms, vehicles, knives, and other personal weapons. Believe it or not, those numbers represent the highest number of law enforcement officers who were intentionally killed since the terror attacks of September 11. prgtoken Last week, House Homeland Security Committee s stood up to demand the Department of Justice open a Federal investigation into these egregious spikes in crime against our police officers. prgtoken President , his administration, and the who maintain a stranglehold on Congress must find the courage to break with the radical liberals who want to defund, disarm, and disband our police and show up with unprecedented support for our officers in blue. prgtoken I, for one, am proud to back the blue. Thank you to our officers for all the work and your sacrifices. Know that the s in this Chamber stand with you and have your back.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-2-7

. It makes no sense to make a name for yourself creating secure devices for Western users but to then turn around and go out of your way to make the devices in the hands of the world's most vulnerable people less secure. prgtoken The time has come for us as a country to decide what matters more: preserving this toxic entanglement with China or preserving life and liberty and the democratic ideals that make us so fortunate to begin with. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to consider joining me and Senator Blumenthal in support of the Open App Markets Act to protect competition, to protect consumers, and to protect those basic human rights that the world's most powerful corporations have decided should take a backseat to access and profit. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO DR. EILEEN LANGDON
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-2-7

I rise today in recognition of Dr. Eileen Langdon of Johnston County, North Carolina. Following more than 30 years working as a distinguished veterinarian at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in Smithfield, Dr. Langdon is retiring. prgtoken In the words of Dr. Langdon, she ``felt called to serve the ones in our world who seemingly have no voice. The ones who need an advocate.'' As a devoted Christian, God's plan led her to Auburn University where she received her degree in veterinary medicine in 1986. prgtoken She joined the Willowrun Veterinary family and healthcare team as an associate veterinarian in 1990 and became a partner at the practice in 2007. Dr. Langdon is cherished by her colleagues. Her many years of hard work and expertise, without a doubt, have built a lasting legacy of exceptional service, as well as mentorship to other women in the profession that will provide a lasting influence. prgtoken Though she will be retiring from Willowrun with a tremendous record of achievement, she will be moving on to do what she loves, working full-time on the family farm with her husband and three children. The Langdon family farm is a third generation farm in the McGees Crossroads community--a family I know quite well--not all that far from my own family's farm. Like all of our wonderful farm families, preserving natural resources is always their top priority as they grow crops and livestock. prgtoken In addition to her veterinarian career and working on the family farm, Dr. Langdon served for 10 years as a member of the Johnston County Board of Health. She has been an active church member, and she has received recognition as a Paul Fellow through the Rotary Club of Central Johnston County for her years of service to the community. Dr. Langdon and her husband are also inducted members of the Johnston County Agricultural Hall of Fame. prgtoken I commend and thank Dr. Langdon for her many years of service to our community, State, and country. May God continue to bless her path and that of the Langdon family. Tribute To The Honorable Craig Olive
ARGENTINA'S ONE BELT, ONE ROAD INITIATIVE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-2-7

while the administration, the media, and many in Congress beat the drums of war for Ukraine, there is a far more significant threat to our Nation accelerating rapidly close to home. prgtoken Argentina, a critical nation and economy in the Americas, has just lashed itself to the Chinese Communist Party by signing on to the One Belt, One Road Initiative. prgtoken The cost to China was $23.7 billion, a mere fraction of a rounding error when compared to the trillions of dollars our country has spent trying to build democracies out of sand and blood in the Middle East. prgtoken China buying influence and infrastructure in Argentina to collaborate on space and nuclear energy is a direct challenge to the Monroe Doctrine, and far more significant to American security than our latest NATO flirtation in the plains of Eastern Europe. prgtoken China is a rising power. Russia is a declining power. Let us sharpen our focus so that we do not join them in that eventual fate.
BACK THE BLUE
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me and for hosting this Special Order. I would be here to speak in support of the men and women in law enforcement regardless. prgtoken Tonight, I come to the House floor to honor two local heroes: Officers John Painter and J.J. Jefferson, who were killed in the line of duty last week while responding to reports of a suspicious individual at nearby Bridgewater College. Their funerals this week will be overflowing with members of the community, the campus, law enforcement, and members of government and civil officials, all of whom loved these two heroes. prgtoken Officer John Painter dedicated his life to public service. Prior to becoming a campus police officer at Bridgewater, Painter served in the United States Air Force and the Army National Guard. He spent time as a deputy sheriff in King George County, and he was a member of the Grottoes Police Department for 18 years before retiring as chief in 2018. prgtoken Painter was known as a loving family man with a great loyalty to his friends and community. Those who knew him say that his devotion to others could not go unnoticed. prgtoken Like Officer Painter, Officer J.J. Jefferson committed his life to protecting and serving others before coming to Bridgewater College in 2018. Jefferson began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a patrol officer with the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office prior to spending 12 years as national reconnaissance officer in Chantilly, Virginia. Jefferson then served as a sergeant with the Shenandoah University Department of Public Safety during which time he was awarded the James B. Wilkins Award for his proactive security initiatives. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Jefferson is remembered for his boisterous laugh and endearing smile. prgtoken Known as the dynamic duo, the two officers were the closest of friends with Officer Painter even serving as the best man at Jefferson's wedding. prgtoken Students describe the officers as family and said the pair ``really cared about all of us--all of us.'' prgtoken Painter and Jefferson made it a point to connect with those they were tasked with protecting, embedding themselves into the community by eating lunch with students, hanging out with them at campus gathering spots, and offering words of wisdom to those they interacted with. prgtoken Officers Jefferson and Painter gave their lives to protect students on campus, and our community is forever grateful for their sacrifice. Their efforts surely prevented even greater loss of life, and the dynamic duo's actions will never be forgotten. prgtoken The Bridgewater community mourns their tragic passing, and our prayers remain with their families in this difficult time. prgtoken Tonight, we remember the words in John 15:13: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. prgtoken Rest in peace, Officers Painter and Jefferson. prgtoken God bless.
PUTIN AGGRESSION CATASTROPHIC TO RUSSIA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , Putin continues threatening military aggression against Ukraine, now over 100,000 troops, which would only enrich Putin cronies and oligarchs, and which would be catastrophic for the people of Russia. A Putin invasion would result in needless and horrific loss of both Ukrainian and Russian lives. prgtoken Having returned from a recent delegation to Kyiv, I saw firsthand the courage of the people of Ukraine for independence. prgtoken Putin should know that both parties in America are united in support of the Ukrainian people. NATO is also unified as Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised today. prgtoken I am grateful that has changed course to reinforce the policies of sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. prgtoken Putin aggression against Ukraine must be deterred for the benefit of the people of Russia and the people of Ukraine. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from a safe haven in Afghanistan to America.
ENDING FORCED ARBITRATION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT OF 2021
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I heard some of my friends on the other side of the aisle say no one wants this legislation. Nothing could be further from the truth. The survivors of sexual assault and harassment want this, and we should listen to them. prgtoken H.R. 4445 would restore access to justice for victims of sexual assault or harassment who are currently locked out of the court system due to forced arbitration clauses. These clauses are everywhere. They block survivors from making their stories known, having their day in court, and prevents them from holding their abusers accountable. prgtoken Some of the stories we heard during this hearing were horrific of the kind prgtoken of abuse and assault and demeaning behavior, and those predators knew that they were protected from being held accountable because there were forced arbitration clauses often accompanied with provisions that kept those proceedings private. prgtoken So this private system forces survivors into a process, this forced arbitration, that is not like a court system. There is no discovery. There is no judge or jury. There are no requirements that they follow laws passed by the Congress or the State. And when you, as I said, combine that with nondisclosure agreements, it silences the survivors of sexual harassment and assault. Plain and simple. This bill will end it. prgtoken Predators rely on that silence. As long as their actions are hidden, they are free to act with impunity, and we heard evidence that is in fact what they do, over and over and over again. This bill will end that. prgtoken Madam , I thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who has made this her life's work since she got to Congress. This bill will help millions of survivors who have had the conduct that they have complained about unaddressed and unanswered and kept quiet, and it will end that practice. prgtoken We heard testimony about the founder of Invisalign and the CEO of Afiniti, who actually started an arbitration, invoked the clause, because he knew that would keep the proceedings secret and his abuse would go unaccounted for. This is disgraceful. prgtoken Madam , this should be a unanimous vote. Everyone should want to put an end to this practice. I urge you to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4445.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF VICE ADMIRAL ROBERT D. SHARP
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the service and accomplishments or Vice Admiral Robert D. Sharp and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. prgtoken A Veteran of the war in Afghanistan and the Gulf War, Vice Admiral Sharp bravely served our country during a highly decorated 34-year career with the United States Navy--receiving two bronze stars, the Legion of Merit award, two Defense Superior Service medals, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Additionally, Vice Admiral Sharp's incredible leadership earned him the Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor award for excellence in instruction, the U.S. Army's Knowlton Award for Military Intelligence, the Rear Admiral Edwin T. Layton leadership award, and the Naval Intelligence Foundation award for excellence in operational intelligence support to the Fleet. prgtoken Beyond his many personal, unit, and campaign awards, Vice Admiral Sharp's service included operational deployments with USS Ranger (CV61). Carrier Air Wing 2 embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) and Carrier Group 2 embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Additionally, in April 2016, Vice Admiral Sharp was tasked with serving as Commander, Office of Naval Intelligence and Director, National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office. prgtoken In February 2019, Vice Admiral Sharp began serving as the seventh director of the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA). Under his leadership, the department worked diligently to collect, analyze, and distribute geospatial intelligence that decision makers, military service members, and first responders needed to stay safe and get the job done. prgtoken I think Vice Admiral Sharp would agree that--even beyond his own incredible service and personal achievements--he is most proud of the relationships he built and the future leaders he guided and shaped during his decades of service. In my role on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Armed Services Committee, I was lucky enough to work closely with Vice Admiral Sharp, where it was clear he not only worked incredibly hard and with the utmost honor but left a lasting impression on every person he met. prgtoken Vice Admiral Sharp's many years serving our country in combat zones, keeping American servicemembers safe, and responding to national security threats before they strike epitomizes what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty. I congratulate Vice Admiral Sharp on his retirement and thank him for his service to our country.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-2-7

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
HONORING CONGRESSWOMAN SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
Nikema Williams (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-2-7

. Madam , I often say that I am operating in an institution and system that was not designed by or for people who look like me. Today, however, I celebrate a pioneer who wanted to change the system so that it would work for all the people-- Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. prgtoken I stand proudly on the shoulders of the first Black woman in Congress. She entered Congress ``unbossed and unbought'' and brought this energy to each of her seven terms. She paved the way for me to be here as the first Black woman to represent the people of Georgia's Fifth District in Congress. prgtoken We are the next generation of Black excellence because of Shirley Chisholm. As we face trying times, we must remember that we stand on the brink of progress. The courage of Shirley Chisholm paved the way for Black women in Congress to fight for a future that our children can believe in: prgtoken Voting rights regardless of our ZIP code. prgtoken Lasting investments in our HBCUs. prgtoken The Black Maternal Health Momnibus to end the Black maternal mortality crisis. prgtoken The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to end police brutality. prgtoken My Abolition Amendment legislation that will close a loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment and truly end slavery in America. prgtoken As we reflect on how far we have come this Black History Month, I am looking forward to the future we are building together because of the path set by Congresswoman Chisholm. prgtoken However, we have a long way to go. The halls of Congress are full of portraits and statues of mostly men, while depictions of women are scattered here and there. Images of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and Rosa Parks remind me of the imbalance of women lining the halls, and I am determined to change that. prgtoken May we always remember Congresswoman Chisholm for her tenacity, her boldness, and her guts. That is what we will need to ensure that our story continues.
TRIBUTE TO SECRETARY OF THE SENATE SONCERIA ANN BERRY
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-2-7

serving in the U.S. Senate for as long as I have, I have seen dedicated, talented staffers come and go from my team. Some come to my office fresh out of college, spend some time, and move on to other opportunities or to further their education. Some have come to stay for years. And others join my team, already seasoned veterans of the Senate--and leave for higher office. prgtoken So is the story of my dear friend, Sonceria Ann Berry, the 34th Secretary of the Senate, and my former deputy chief of staff. It was with great pride when, on March 1, 2021, I administered the oath to Ann as she became our own Madam Secretary. And it should come as no surprise that Ann brought to the esteemed position decades of experience in the Senate. A seasoned professional who has seen changes in leadership through the Congresses, Ann has counseled and mentored, quite literally, hundreds of staffers young and old. Her appointment as the Secretary of Senate was a source of great pride for me, and I am sure the other Members for whom she worked, including Senator Carper and former Senator John Edwards, as well as the late Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Howell Heflin, share that pride. prgtoken Secretary Berry is a 1978 graduate of the University of North Alabama, where she earned her bachelor degree in education. She recently returned to the University of North Alabama to deliver the fall commencement address. I found her words inspiring to the new graduates she addressed and instructional for those embarking in postgraduate life. prgtoken I would like to ask unanimous consent that Secretary Berry's commencement remarks be printed in the Record.