mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING RICARDO PERRY AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Laborers Local 177 Journeyman Ricardo Perry as Iowan of the Week. I am especially proud to recognize Ricardo, a recent graduate of the Iowa Laborers' Education and Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program, during the 2021 National Apprenticeship Week. prgtoken This annual observance offers Americans an opportunity to reflect on how Registered Apprenticeship Programs are critical for creating jobs, bolstering the economy, addressing workforce challenges, supporting communities, and providing equitable opportunities for men and women to succeed. Folks from different backgrounds and at different stages in their careers can engage in these programs to gain skills, make a career change, or get a competitive edge in their industry. Registered Apprenticeship Programs, in Iowa play a key role not only in filling our states talent pipeline, but also in helping keep families here as they establish roots in the areas where apprentices are working and learning their trade. prgtoken Ricardo Perry is a wonderful example of how a Registered Apprenticeship Program can benefit an individual, their industry, and the community where they settle. Ricardo recently graduated from the Iowa Laborers' Education and Training Fund Registered Apprenticeship Program to become a Journeyman. He went through a three-year journey of on-the-job work, training hours, and mentorship to become a Construction Craft Laborer. prgtoken The pathway for an apprentice can be grueling; no two days are the same, you're constantly presented with challenges, and standards and technology are ever-evolving. While the journey was difficult, Ricardo quickly earned a reputation as an extremely hard worker, skilled laborer, and uniquely positive presence. His colleagues knew him to excel in training and could always rely on him to look at the bright side of any challenge. Their respect and admiration for Ricardo is immediately apparent, and his work ethic, skill set, and strong Iowa values will no doubt benefit the greater Des Moines area for years to come. prgtoken There are many reasons I was proud to vote for the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) earlier this month, one among them being the huge opportunity the bill provides for states like Iowa to train the workforces required to undertake initiatives like building out broadband infrastructure, repairing our roads and bridges, and much more. We're going to need more skilled workers than ever before, and robust Registered Apprenticeship Programs to adequately prepare them for the work at hand. prgtoken That's why I was grateful for the opportunity to host United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in Iowa earlier this year. During his visit we met with brothers and sisters in labor, many of whom graduated from Registered Apprenticeship Programs, to hear about filling the jobs pipeline in our st
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , I want to begin at an odd place. I don't want to discourage people from voting for this bill, but on the vaccine mandate issue, I want to make very clear that I heard a lot of things that were supposed to be done in this bill; none of that was done in the bill. We don't have anything in the bill which tells the military what they can or cannot do in terms of punishing people for refusing to meet the vaccine mandate, as a starting point. We certainly don't have anything in the bill that says natural immunity can count. prgtoken We do have language in the bill that says that the military should take a look at how the vaccine mandate could be--sorry. It is not in the bill; it is in bill language, which is a different thing. It says you can look at how the vaccine mandate is affecting recruitment and retention, and that is fine. prgtoken But all that other stuff, Madam , for those of you who are listening and thinking I may have lost my mind, I have not. We did not support that and did not do that. prgtoken That minor point aside, this is an outstanding piece of legislation that is truly bipartisan. There are a lot of small, little things here and there. But, again, the big picture is everything we do in this bill and everything that you heard, Madam , from primarily the chairs and ranking members of our subcommittee, an exhaustive list of all the provisions that are so important in making sure that we meet our obligations on national security, defense, and supporting the men and women who serve. It is a ton of work to figure out those policies, and it has never been, in my view, more important during my time in Congress. prgtoken As we have heard, we have these threats that are out there. They are real and as complex as they have ever been. Then also, we have the rapid pace of technology and innovation that is changing what is necessary to provide adequate deterrence and to provide adequate defense on a minute-to-minute basis. prgtoken The most crucial thing in our ability to meet our national security objectives is: How quickly are we going to innovate? How quickly are we going to adapt? prgtoken We are not innovating and adapting quickly enough right now, and there are a whole bunch of provisions in this bill to help push the Pentagon in the correct direction, to help make sure we give them the help they need or, in some cases, the push they need to adopt the technology that is going to move us in a better direction. prgtoken We also have a lot in this bill to help improve competition and to deal with some of the very painful cost overruns that we have seen on programs like the KC-46 tanker, programs like the F-35, and a whole series of other issues. prgtoken We introduce competition, and we introduce ways to make sure that we take advantage of technology because every time I see a cost overrun-- and the is uniquely positioned to understand this.
Unanimous Consent Requests (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-12-7

I rise in support of the nomination of Rufus Gifford to be Chief of Protocol with the rank of Ambassador. prgtoken Rufus, a native son of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, transitioned to a career in public service after a very successful career in the private sector. prgtoken In 2013, President nominated Rufus to be U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, and he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. prgtoken In Copenhagen, Rufus was the headliner in a reality TV show, ``I Am the Ambassador.'' The show's innovative approach to public diplomacy gave Danish viewers, particularly young people, an all-access pass into the life of a U.S. Ambassador and the U.S. diplomatic presence in the country. In a country of just 5 million people, 200,000 Danes tuned in to see how the U.S. Ambassador advanced his country's core interests. One Danish viewer said that ``it is the type of show you would watch with your mother-in-law, and she would say, oh, he is a lovely man, that Rufus Gifford.'' prgtoken Rufus's effusive personality makes him the perfect choice for this new role as Chief of Protocol. In Copenhagen, Denmark, Rufus opened the Ambassador's residence to thousands of visitors. As Chief of Protocol, he will once again play host to foreign dignitaries at the White House and Blair House. His hand will be the first outstretched to greet a Prime Minister, President, or Monarch at a time when diplomacy is most needed. prgtoken Ambassador Gifford was unanimously confirmed by this body in 2013 and was prgtoken unanimously reported out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 4 months ago. I ask unanimous consent that Ambassador Gifford once again earn the support of the full Senate and be confirmed as Chief of Protocol with the rank of Ambassador. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nomination: Calendar No. 320, Rufus Gifford, of Massachusetts, to be Chief of Protocol, and to have the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service; that the nomination be confirmed; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order on the nomination and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong support of the National Defense Authorization Act. I begin by congratulating and thanking Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers, as well as my counterparts on the CITI Subcommittee, Ranking Member Banks and former Ranking Member Stefanik for their bipartisan collaboration in helping to craft a national defense bill for the 61st consecutive year. prgtoken Thanks to the work of my subcommittee, this legislation includes a significant increase in early-stage research. Our research enterprise has always ensured our technology superiority. It is how we won the space race. Today, as the battlefield expands into cyberspace and outer space, we find ourselves facing a more aggressive Russia and China. I am proud that Congress has unlocked funds for hypersonics defense, directed energy, quantum computing, machine learning, and biotechnology so that we never send our war fighters into a fair fight. prgtoken Madam , I am most proud that this bill includes many recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, including funds to accelerate the deployment of new technology to the war fighter. I am also proud that in our first year as a subcommittee, the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems, we have made significant investments in our cybersecurity forces, set a course for improved cybersecurity governance within the Department, and continue to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. prgtoken The NDAA also fully funds key national security platforms, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs. I thank the Rhode Islanders who build our Nation's submarines and make our country safer. Finally, this bill funds installation resilience projects to address the ongoing threat from climate change. prgtoken These achievements would not have been possible without the work of my subcommittee staff and personal staff. prgtoken I thank Michael Hermann, Josh Stiefel, Troy Nienberg, Payson Ruhl, Caroline Goodson, and Juliann Hitt, and former staffers Bess Dopkeen and Caroline Kehrli. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan commitment to national security.
80TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOR
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-12-7

December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which thrust the United States of America into World War II. I rise today to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed at Pearl Harbor and throughout World War II to defend our liberty and freedom. prgtoken The attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 servicemembers and civilians and injured a further 1,178 people. Today, as we commemorate this anniversary, I want to share the story of the Barber brothers of New London, WI: Navy Fireman 1st Class Malcom J. Barber, 22; Navy Fireman 1st Class Leroy K. Barber, 21; and Navy Fireman 2nd Class Randolph H. Barber, 19. prgtoken The three Barber brothers all enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940, and together joined the crew of the USS Oklahoma as firemen, which was anchored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, the USS Oklahoma sustained multiple direct hits and capsized. Malcom, Leroy, and Randolph all died, as did 426 other crewmembers who were on board. Eventually, their remains were recovered, but could not be identified and were buried as unknown remains at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, HI. prgtoken Six years ago, the remains of 388 individuals were exhumed from the cemetery as part of a program launched by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency--DPAA--which eventually was able to identify 355 individuals and allow their remains to be returned home. This past June, nearly 80 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of the brothers were finally identified and returned home to New London. On September 11, 2021, the Barber brothers were buried with full military honors in their hometown of New London. prgtoken I am pleased that the brothers are finally home, and I am grateful for the work of those at the DPAA who worked to ensure that as many families as possible could receive closure and bring their family members home to rest. As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, I reflect on the service and sacrifice of 320,000 Wisconsinites who served in World War II and honor their contributions in defense of our Nation today and always.
HONORING COMMANDER DAVID H. MILLNER
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor an essential member of our team that worked to receive vulnerable Afghans when they arrived in Albania, Commander David Millner. prgtoken Commander Millner has served our nation honorably as a Navy officer for 19 years. In 2007, while attending the Naval Postgraduate School, he was recognized with the Admiral B.R. Inman Award for outstanding contribution to the field of maritime intelligence. He currently serves as the Senior Defense Officer and Attache at our Embassy in Tirana, where he's responsible for liaising between our armed forces and his Albanian counterparts, which was instrumental as we coordinated the arrival of our group of Afghan refugees. prgtoken Simply put, the success of our mission depended on tireless commitment and devotion to the cause. Commander Millner spent long hours alongside Ambassador Kim to ensure that everything would proceed smoothly. He was there, on the tarmac, to help receive our group of evacuees when they first landed on Albanian soil. For his hard work and commitment during our mission, I am forever indebted to him. prgtoken As a career naval officer, Commander Millner would tell you that it's essential that prgtoken when we ask our allies to fight for us, it comes with the understanding that we will be there for them when they need it too. It's why he would tell you that his work to receive and shelter Afghans is simply our way of upholding the American handshake. We stand krah per krah, or side to side, with them, no matter the mission or the challenge. prgtoken Madam , I rise to honor Commander David Millner for his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new life. For representing the best of our nation as he worked and for working around the clock to expedite requests and assist those who were in danger of losing life and limb,--may they stand as a tribute to his dedicated service when the moment called for it most.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-12-7

I rise today to speak about an issue of vital importance involving the U.S. attorneys. prgtoken Each of the 93 U.S. attorneys serves as the chief Federal law enforcement officer within his or her jurisdiction. U.S. attorneys prosecute the full spectrum of criminal cases brought on behalf of the United States, from hate crimes to human trafficking, to gang violence, to cyber crime, to narcotics, to financial fraud, to terrorism. The list is long, and the violations of the law that are alleged are serious. prgtoken The position of the U.S. attorney is nearly as old as the Nation itself. In fact, the position has existed since the First Congress. President George Washington signed into law the law that created these attorneys in the Judiciary Act of 1789. prgtoken Given the critical role that these U.S. attorneys play in bringing justice to those who violate Federal criminal laws, it is hard to imagine that any Member of this body would obstruct efforts to confirm these law enforcement officials. Doing so could threaten public safety and puts at risk millions of Americans' security. prgtoken It is also a stark departure from what has happened before. The last time the Senate required a rollcall vote on a U.S. attorney nominee was 1975. Forty-six years have passed without the request for a rollcall vote on a U.S. attorney. For decades, the Senate has confirmed U.S. attorneys by a voice vote or unanimous consent after they have been considered in the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken Listen to this: During the administration, 85 of President 's U.S. attorney nominees moved through the Judiciary Committee in the Senate. Of those 85, the Senate confirmed every single nominee by unanimous consent without even requesting a record vote. I might add just for the record, I believe one nominee was held for 1 week so that a question could be answered about his background. That is the only thing that I can recall where they even slowed down the process during the administration. Certainly, it was within our power as to stop and require a vote, but we didn't. Yet now there is a objection to holding a voice vote on five U.S. attorney nominees: Greg for the Central District of Illinois, Clare Connors for Hawaii, Zachary Cunha for Rhode Island, Nikolas Kerest for Vermont, and Philip Sellinger for New Jersey. prgtoken Several of these nominees have been held up for weeks--weeks--by this objection. Why, you ask, is there an objection to these five nominees? There must be something wrong with their records. Well, let's take a look. prgtoken Greg is a personal friend of mine. I practiced law with him in Springfield, IL. He spent nearly three decades as assistant U.S. attorney in the Central District of Illinois. That includes my hometown. He has tried over 50 cases to verdict and held a number of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney's Office. He serves on the
MOTION TO DISCHARGE
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-12-7

I rise today to oppose the joint resolution of disapproval on the sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia, which are being used to defend against armed drone attacks from the Houthis. prgtoken I think everybody in this body well knows that I carefully consider every arms sale that comes before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for review. Arms sales are a critical tool of foreign policy that can help bolster alliances while keeping Americans and our partners safe. prgtoken However, we have to ensure that our arms sales policies adhere to our core values, including respect for human rights and human dignity. It is for that very same reason that I, along with a series of my colleagues here, introduced the Safeguarding Human Rights in Arms Exports Act--or the SAFEGUARD Act--to make the protection and promotion of human rights a core statutory principle in our arms sales export and monitoring process. prgtoken This legislation would enhance our collective oversight of all arms sales to countries that abuse human rights, and I hope it receives consideration in this body and in the House soon. prgtoken Now, my colleagues may well remember in 2019 and 2020, that when I truly believe an arms sale undermines our American values, our national security, or when 22 sales are notified under false ``emergency'' pretenses, for example, I will not hesitate to use the tools we have to stop those sales. In fact, that is exactly what we did in this body when I came to this floor and led that effort, in conjunction with others. prgtoken Beyond these extreme measures, the committee carefully consults with the State Department and others on the ground to fully understand how weapons will be used. prgtoken We have all known for years that there is no military solution to the devastating and tragic conflict in Yemen. Indeed, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed my bipartisan Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act in 2019, which would have halted certain arms sales, stopped refueling, imposed accountability on the people involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and sought to end the suffering of the Yemeni people. Unfortunately, the full Senate failed to act. prgtoken Make no mistake, the Saudi-led coalition bears the brunt of the responsibility for the devastation in Yemen. Yet I, along with most Members of this body, have always supported the use of weapons systems in defense of civilian populations. prgtoken I wish to remind my colleagues that the administration has largely suspended sales of many of the offensive weapons the administration was all too happy to sell to the Saudis. However, there is no denying that the Houthis have been increasingly deploying more sophisticated weapons, particularly armed aerial drones, to target civilian populations in Saudi Arabia, and let's not also forget that we have 70,000 American citizens living in Saudi Arabia. prgtoken The weapons up for discu
Recognizing Delaware Day (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-12-7

234 years ago today, the State of Delaware became the first State to ratify the Constitution. For 1 whole week, Delaware was the entire United States of America. And we opened it up, and 49 other States have joined us since then. For the most part, I think it has turned out well. prgtoken But the preamble to the Constitution didn't say that we are going to form a perfect union when they adopted it all those years ago. They said, ``in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . ''--acknowledging that we are not perfect, haven't gotten it right, and we may never get it right. prgtoken But today, we take a big step--or perhaps we can take a big step towards making our Union a bit closer to perfection. prgtoken The Constitution lays out a balance of powers that certain responsibilities fall on the executive branch--the President--and certain responsibilities fall on us; and, of course, the courts have responsibilities of their own.
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-12-7

. Madam , we have now required racial and gender data collection for NJP. We also are providing better access to mental health. prgtoken In the end, when servicemembers serve so do their families. This bill delivers on our commitment to them and to the military families. It also honors the memory of Specialist Guillen and others like her who have been killed, as well as the tens of thousands of survivors living with the scars of sexual assault. prgtoken Madam , I thank Josh Connolly, my chief of staff; Brian Collins; Chuck Jackson, my fellow. I also thank the committee staff, Ilka Regino, Hannah Kaufman, Dave Giachetti, Ranking Member Mike Gallagher, and a special thanks to Chairman Adam Smith, who has worked so closely with me in making sure we got to this point.