mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF REID'S ORCHARD
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-4-18

I would like to recognize a beloved family business, native to Kentucky, that celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Reid's Orchard started in a similar fashion to most entrepreneurial success stories in this country: an immigrant who journeyed to America in search of a better life for himself and his family. Allan Reid left his little village in Scotland in 1873, setting up shop in New York City with his two brothers in the tobacco industry. Allan started out bookkeeping, but the young and ambitious Scot quickly realized that it wasn't bookkeeping or tobacco that interested him, it was prgtoken peaches, which he found wildly outpaced the quality of fruit available back in Europe. prgtoken Allan soon left New York City to set up a peach and apple orchard in Daviess County, KY--where the business is still run today. His orchard quickly became a well-run enterprise and a leader in agricultural production and technology. In admirable fashion, Allan gave back to his community in more ways than just his delicious fruit. This peach pioneer would go on to serve two terms as a Kentucky State Representative and play an instrumental role in the construction and expansion of roads throughout this region of the Commonwealth. Allan's sons, Robert Reid, Jr and John, would later join the family business with this same sense of community until Allan's great-grandson, Billy, would enter the business and form Reid's Orchard, as it is known today. prgtoken Since taking the helm, Billy has brought the orchard to new heights, expanding his family's business into a successful year-round operation, a popular community-gathering point, and a local staple of Owensboro. Today, Reid's Orchard caters to Kentuckians across the Commonwealth, offering a wide array of delicious produce and seasonal favorites that include apples, cider, strawberries, flowers, pies, pumpkins, and my personal favorite, peaches. My staff will tell you, amusingly, that peach-picking season is a highly anticipated event for me. Every August, I look forward to sampling Billy's peaches. prgtoken To the delight of many, the orchard's success has allowed the family to expand beyond its farm business. Each year, the orchard puts on an annual summer festival, hosting some of country music's biggest names-- an impressive feat for a family-run business in Western Kentucky and a further testament to Reid's widespread popularity. For 37 years straight, the orchard would also host its popular Apple Festival. In fact, this festival is so popular locally that the Owensboro community plans to carry on the tradition each fall. prgtoken When it is not hosting popular community events, Reid's Orchard regularly welcomes families who have traveled far and wide to pick produce in the orchard, learn about farm life, and let their kids roam free across its 250 acres. prgtoken Billy's impressive stewardship of the family business and commitment to his local communi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 734, PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS ACT OF 2023, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 42, DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA...
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-18

I rise in support of the rule which provides consideration of legislation to protect women and girls in athletics, and the resolution to curb the reckless anti-cop, pro-crime policies being carried out by the D.C. Government. prgtoken I would be remiss to not point out the irony that my colleagues across the aisle have twisted themselves into a knot trying to malign a bill that seeks to protect a fair playing field for prgtoken women and girls, a historically marginalized group, but it is telling about how far out of the mainstream some of these policies have become. prgtoken Ensuring that biological female athletes can compete fairly and honestly with other biological female athletes is the epitome of common sense. For the self-described party of science to ignore the biological realities between men and women is convenient and willful ignorance. prgtoken What kind of message do we want to send to our young female athletes who work hard putting in the time, sweat, and tears into their sport only to find out that they lose a competition because the deck has been knowingly and purposefully stacked against them? prgtoken It is just plain wrong. prgtoken Achieving notoriety and fairness in female sports has come a long way over the last several decades in this country, but there is still a very long way to go. This bill would take us a half century backwards. prgtoken Everyone should have a right to compete in sports, but it can't come at a cost of trampling on the rights of women and girls to compete fairly. prgtoken I am proud to support this legislation that protects the original intent of Title IX: to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that respects the realities of natural biology and protects fair opportunities for women and girls to compete and to win. prgtoken Additionally, I would like to share my support for H.J. Res. 42. As a member of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, I was present to question the leadership of the D.C. Council about the latest efforts to vilify and defund the police.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE...
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-4-18

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , the administration's definition of ``waters of the United States'' under the Clean Water Act is an onerous, burdensome, and ambiguous rule that is going to create even more issues for hardworking farmers, builders, small businesses, and property owners throughout the Nation. prgtoken While the President claims that the rule is going to help advance infrastructure projects, economic investment, and agricultural activities in his veto message, this simply is not the case. Instead, this costly, overreaching rule favors radical environmentalists at the expense of infrastructure, agriculture, and economic growth and those who depend on these activities. prgtoken Last month, Members from both parties in the House and Senate came together to stand up for everyday Americans by rejecting this flawed rule. Today, we have the opportunity to do so again. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to override the President's veto and vote in support of H.J. Res. 27, and . prgtoken The previous question was ordered.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-4-18

I am delighted that the Senate is proceeding to consideration of the Fire Grants and Safety Act. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation, which my colleague from Michigan, Senator Peters, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, and I have introduced, is cosponsored by our fellow congressional Fire Caucus chairs: Senators Murkowski, Tester, and Carper. Our bill would extend critical FEMA fire prevention programs, some of which are set to expire at the end of this fiscal year. prgtoken , your State of Vermont and mine are a lot alike. Firefighters are critical to the safety of our communities, whether they are small or large. prgtoken Firefighters across Maine and the country courageously serve their communities. Recognizing their commitment in 2000 and 2003, I helped create FEMA's firefighter grant programs as part of a bipartisan effort to ensure that firefighters have the adequate staffing, equipment, and training to do their essential jobs as effectively and safely as possible. At that time, I was the chair or ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. prgtoken The Fire Grants and Safety Act would reauthorize four critical firefighting and emergency services programs: the U.S. Fire Administration, which provides training and data to State and local fire departments, as well as education and awareness for the public; the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, known as the AFG, which helps to equip and train firefighters and emergency personnel; the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program, which provides resources to carry out fire prevention education and training; and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program, better known as the SAFER Program, which helps our local fire departments recruit, hire, and retain additional firefighters. prgtoken Since October of 2020, fire departments across Maine have received just under $12 million from the AFG and SAFER grant programs. These critical investments in local, rural fire departments supported replacements of decades-old fire engines and obsolete breathing apparatuses. They also allowed for the hiring of additional firefighters, thus helping to ensure that Maine communities continue to provide excellent public safety services to our residents. prgtoken I have visited many of the fire stations around the State, and I have seen firsthand the difference these Federal grant programs make in improving the safety of our firefighters who risk their lives to protect ours. Many of the fire stations in Maine are decades or even a century old. They need updated equipment. They need better breathing prgtoken equipment. They need better fire engines. That is the purpose of many of these programs. prgtoken They also are helped by these programs in getting a sufficient number of firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Fire chiefs across the State of Maine tell me of the critical importance of these progra
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL WILLIAM V. WENGER
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-4-18

it is my privilege to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of COL William V. Wenger on the occasion of his receipt of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the National Eagle Scout Association. Colonel Wenger has lived a life of honor, faith, and service. He is a patriot who has made America a safer and better nation. prgtoken Colonel Wenger served in the U.S. Army for more than 42 years, commanding American soldiers across the country and around the world. He served in the Gulf war, helped reestablish order in Los Angeles after the Rodney King riots, and provided military support to law enforcement after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. prgtoken In 2000, Colonel Wenger retired from the military, only to return to Active service after the September 11 terrorist attacks. He then volunteered for two tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he worked to bring stability, security, and the rule of law to lands haunted by terrorism. Among other contributions, he trained Iraqi and Afghan police and led counter-IED training efforts to save the lives of his fellow coalition soldiers and police. prgtoken Throughout his military career, Colonel Wenger demonstrated extraordinary tactical, strategic, combat advisory, and logistical leadership abilities. He consistently volunteered for difficult assignments, overcame daunting challenges, and relentlessly pursued excellence. He is precisely the kind of clear-eyed, tough minded, mission-oriented leader that every soldier should aspire to become. prgtoken In the civilian world, Colonel Wenger has earned distinction as a manager, trainer, author, business leader, and professor of business, history, and military science. He is husband to Robin D. Wenger and father to two sons, John Paul and Patrick. prgtoken He is also a committed philanthropist who participates in his local Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Knights Templar, among other civic organizations. He is a U.S. Army Reserve ambassador and a leader of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, which supports our Reserve servicemembers, their families, and their employers. The ESGR recently awarded Colonel Wenger its highest award, the prestigious James Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award. prgtoken More than any other civic organization, however, Colonel Wenger has demonstrated an exceptional, lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America. He joined the Boy Scouts in 1954 and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1963. He has since served in senior positions in the organization, including being elected the chief of the Tribe of Tahquitz. While serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he devoted much of his limited free time to support the development of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in those nations. For his work, he will receive the highest honor bestowed by Scouting on April 23--an honor well earned. prgtoken A nation is only as good as its people. America is not made great by
PAYING TRIBUTE TO DELAWARE COUNTY SHERIFF RUSS MARTIN
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-18

today, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend, Delaware County Sheriff Russ Martin, who officially retired this week from his post as Delaware County Sheriff after nearly 34 years of dedicated public service in law enforcement. prgtoken Sheriff Martin first began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher while attending Bowling Green State University. He later became a police officer for the city of Delaware and then served 8 years as the city's chief of police. prgtoken In 2012, he was first appointed to the Delaware County Sheriff. As Delaware County Sheriff, he added police body cameras, restored the department's cold case unit, and advocated for life-saving equipment to empower citizens and to support first responders. prgtoken Fitting for a man who teaches courses on leadership and ethics, Sheriff Martin's own legacy is one marked by compassion, integrity, and devotion. prgtoken On behalf of Ohio's 12th Congressional District, I wish Sheriff Martin the very best as he embarks on new adventures, alongside his loving family as a grandfather, father, husband, volunteer, and champion for law enforcement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-4-18

. I will be very brief. To my colleague and good friend Senator Schumer, I want to let you know that 99 Senators agree with what you said about Senator Feinstein. We all hope--I am the ranking member of the Judiciary. She is a dear friend, and we hope for her speedy recovery and return back to the Senate. prgtoken But with all due respect to my colleague Senator Schumer, this is about a handful of judges that you can't get the votes for. I have been a pretty consistent vote in the Committee on the Judiciary in a bipartisan fashion. I understand you won the election and we lost. I want to make sure we process judges fairly. prgtoken The reason this is being made is to try to change the numbers on the committee in a way that I think would be harmful to the Senate and to pass out a handful of judges that I think should never be on the bench. prgtoken With that in mind and with all due respect to Senator Feinstein, I object.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-4-18

I come before the Senate this afternoon to address the disturbing matter of Vladimir Kara-Murza and to call on the State Department to act and act decisively now on behalf of Mr. Kara- Murza. prgtoken Vladimir Kara-Murza is a courageous Russian leader and outspoken opponent of the dictatorship of President Putin there in Russia and a leader in the democracy effort in his home country of Russia. prgtoken Many colleagues, myself included, know Vladimir Kara-Murza personally. I admire him. I consider him a friend. Other Senators will remember who Mr. Kara-Murza is after I remind the Senate of his history. prgtoken Mr. Kara-Murza was the right-hand man of the late Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. I say the late Russian leader because he was assassinated within the shadows of the Kremlin in 2015, after a career of courageous, outspoken opposition to the dictatorship in Russia. That was Boris Nemtsov. prgtoken His assistant and right-hand man, Kara-Murza, was just this week sentenced to a 25-year prison term in Russia, having already served 1 year in prison for the simple offense of speaking out on behalf of freedom and democracy in Russia. prgtoken Over the years, Vladimir Kara-Murza has spoken up against President Putin's invasion of Ukraine. He has spoken out against the suppression of human rights in Russia. prgtoken He has worked with members of Congress. He has worked with Senator Cardin. He has worked with Senators like me and with former Senator John McCain. And he has been instrumental in getting us to pass and getting the administrations to sign important human rights legislation, like the Magnitsky Act, which has now been signed by 35 or more countries internationally, to crack down on those individuals within a dictatorship regime who have benefited from the violations of human rights. prgtoken How has Mr. Vladimir Kara-Murza paid for this offense of speaking out on behalf of democracy and freedom? He is the one who has twice been poisoned by the Putin regime--on two occasions. And they fumbled it twice. Now they have a third chance to kill him, and it may be that, unless the State Department acts quickly, the Putin regime may finally get their wish and see the obituary of Vladimir Kara-Murza. prgtoken His life is in danger now. Because of his previous poisonings, both of which he recovered from, he has suffered already from polyneuropathy. After a year in prison, he has lost 40 pounds. He has lost feeling in both of his feet now and is losing the feeling in one of his arms. That is the situation he finds himself in, the week when he was sentenced to a 25-year prison term simply for speaking out on behalf of freedom. Even under Russian law, a statutory scheme that none of us would approve of--even under Russian law--a diagnosis such as this would lead to the release of any prisoner, but not, apparently, for Vladimir Kara-Murza. Predictably, the Russian courts have violated their own
A BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-4-18

I rise in support of legislation I am introducing today: A balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This is the first bill I am introducing as a Member of Congress, and it is because I believe we need to get our fiscal house in order as it is the issue of our time. prgtoken For the first time ever, we risk passing off to our kids and grandkids a country with fewer opportunities and less freedoms than the ones we inherited, and our out-of-control debt is the reason why. prgtoken What was a problem a decade ago is quickly becoming a full-blown crisis. We didn't get into this mess because anyone thinks that the path that we are on is sustainable. We got here because Congress has lacked the political will to do anything about it. That is why we need to fundamentally reform how this place operates in order to get the outcomes that Americans deserve. prgtoken States across America are required to balance their books. In Indiana, we make responsible spending choices and exercise fiscal discipline every single day. It is high time we brought that same Hoosier common sense to Washington, and a balanced budget amendment is the way to do it. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support my legislation and join me in the fight to restore fiscal responsibility.
CELEBRATING APRIL AS FAITH MONTH
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-4-18

today, I rise to commemorate Faith Month. prgtoken As a member of the Christian faith, I see this month as a time to reflect on my own faith journey. As an American, it is time to celebrate the foundations of religious liberty that our country is built upon and the resulting prosperity that it has brought. prgtoken Our country is home to over 150 million Christian believers. Now more than ever, these Americans are under threat as their beliefs are labeled bigoted, their places of worship are attacked, and their religious protections are diminished. prgtoken Founding Father John Adams once said: ``Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion.'' I agree. In a world increasingly hostile to people of faith, America must remain a refuge for those looking to worship God without fear of state reprisal. prgtoken Proverbs 29:2 says: ``When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.'' prgtoken Let us govern in a righteous manner and protect our fellow Americans' freedom to practice their faith as they choose.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 734, PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS ACT OF 2023, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 42, DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA...
Erin Houchin (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-4-18

it is this last letter from Virginia's attorney general that makes an important point. I am quoting directly from the letter, ``Unfortunately, due to the proximity of our communities, D.C.'s crime problem has become Virginia's crime problem.'' prgtoken What happens in the Nation's Capital certainly has consequences for our neighboring communities, but I would also argue that it has consequences across the country. The decisions made here often affect decisions around the country and in other major cities. prgtoken Therefore, we must think carefully when we review legislation that would allow outside groups to target individual officers and make it more difficult for those officers to do their jobs. We certainly don't want that to catch on. prgtoken D.C as of this month compared to last year, has had total crime rise 23 percent, seen homicides increase by 31 percent, and sexual abuse crimes rise a staggering 84 percent. prgtoken Why we would be trying to implement measures alienating law enforcement officers is beyond me. We should be doing everything we can to show law enforcement officers that we stand with them, especially in areas where crime is on the rise and out of control. We should make it easier, not harder, for them to do their jobs. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this rule, our female athletes, and police officers here in the Nation's Capital and around the Nation. prgtoken , .