mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE HILLIARD ART MUSEUM
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I rise today to congratulate the Hilliard Art Museum on being awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. This accreditation offers an industry stamp of approval to the museum, recognizing the hard work of the Hilliard Art Museum team and the support of the Lafayette community. prgtoken The Hilliard Art Museum opened its doors in 2004. Since its beginning, Hilliard has offered immersive art education to all who visit. Students, families, and art enthusiasts come to the museum for informative collections and breathtaking galleries. prgtoken The Hilliard Art Museum was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums on November 18, 2022, after being vetted for multiple years. The accreditation process includes collections, organization, and educational assessments. With the American Alliance of Museums accreditation, Hilliard will have greater opportunities to grant funding and new opportunities to borrow art pieces from other museums and collections. prgtoken Congratulations to the Hilliard Art Museum team for this recognition of their dedication to serving the community through art education.
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-12-6

it is a great honor for me to come to the floor tonight to commemorate the 81st Annual National Bible Week, a week in which we celebrate the tremendous influence of the Bible on the freedoms we enjoy today in America. prgtoken In 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the week of Thanksgiving to be National Bible Week, on the eve of World War II. In the years since, every President has issued a national proclamation, as have many governors and mayors. prgtoken The Bible has had a profound impact on my own life as well. When I was an 18-year old freshman at the University of Kansas, I was approached by some people who asked me if I knew what was in the Bible. I said I believed I knew what it was all about; however, I had never read any of it for myself. prgtoken The only honest thing I could do at that point was to read it for myself. So when I read the gospel of John, I ended up discovering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who became my Lord and Savior. prgtoken In that gospel, He said, ``I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.'' prgtoken So we recognize the Bible's powerful message of hope. We cherish the wisdom of the Bible. We acknowledge its profound role in the founding of our country; and we thank God for providing this holy book. It has truly been, as it says, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. prgtoken We are here, in keeping with tradition, to recognize National Bible Week. prgtoken , we have a number of fellow Representatives from all across this great country of ours who want to comment on National Bible Week, on the importance of the Bible to them, to their districts, and to the country. prgtoken We will go now first with Mr. Robert Aderholt, and then continue down the list in the order that people arrived here. prgtoken , from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).
NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I thank Congressman Lamborn for leading this important Special Order. prgtoken , I rise today in honor and celebration of National Bible Week. prgtoken For multiple millenniums, the Bible has served as God's revelation to His creation, providing an account of His divine plan. The future hope of glory through the gospel of the Word of God renders guidance to us so that we have the hope of eternal life offered by His grace through faith. prgtoken The Bible is also the very reason we can live freely in the United States of America. More than 400 years ago, settlers bound together in search of the New World to escape religious persecution and establish a free government. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers wove the Word of God into the very fabric of our Nation, with the Bible playing a critical role in the unity and success of these wise men as they forged a future that is free. prgtoken As John Adams once said: ``The Bible contains the most profound philosophy, the most perfect morality, and the most refined policy that ever was conceived upon Earth.'' prgtoken It is because of these men that our Lord and Savior's guidance has been key to the preservation of our Republic. prgtoken Now, more than two centuries later, I pray this body uses God's Word as our guiding light. Because a government whose foundation is built on God and His Word is a government that will have peace, freedom, and liberty.
TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-12-6

on November 5, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honored Dolly Parton as part of their 2022 class of inductees. Anyone familiar with Dolly's path to official ``rock star'' status will remember that, when she discovered the Rock Hall was considering her for a nomination, she declined. She told them she felt she hadn't earned the right to say yes. prgtoken Never has such universal outrage sprung from such universal admiration. Country fans had no time for humility. Rock fans weren't having it either--although, to be fair, humility and rock `n' roll go together like oil and water. Even people who aren't fans of Dolly's music said that surely she was worthy of any honor bestowed by an organization whose mission is to ``engage, teach, and inspire through the power of rock & roll.'' prgtoken By my estimation, this may have been the first time in history that a debate over a nominee to the Rock Hall has not devolved into a debate over what rock and roll is and who should and should not attempt to create it. I will not attempt to define it here today, but suffice it to say that, in six decades and over the course of more than 50 studio albums and 3,000 songs, Dolly discovered the genre's secrets and mastered them all. prgtoken Twenty years ago, Dolly famously mused, ``If somebody said, `You're prgtoken going to have to do one or the other. You're going to have to give up your music or you're going to go back to being poor,' I would go poor, totally broke, and start over and do my music. That's how much I love it.'' prgtoken On behalf of all Tennesseans, I thank you, Dolly, for giving so much of yourself to us. The world is a better and richer place because of your music, and we love you for it.
REMOVING MILITARY VACCINE MANDATE
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-12-6

thousands of members of the military have terminated their service for our country because of the COVID military vaccine mandate. prgtoken Thousands more have chosen early retirement, and thousands have not enlisted. Recruitment is down. Our national security is suffering because of this. prgtoken It is time to treat the men and women of our military who have signed up and pledged their lives to defend this country with the respect they deserve. It is time to get rid of the COVID vaccine mandate for the military. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 3860, would do that. I introduced it in June 2021. Since then, we have garnered over 90 cosponsors for that bill. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues, as they consider the language of the National Defense Authorization Act this week, to include the language of H.R. 3860 to protect the brave men and women of our military.
TRIBUTE TO JUDITH ADAMS
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-12-6

today I wish to honor the retirement of Judith Adams from the Alabama State Port Authority after 28 years of impactful service. Judy has played an integral role in the growth and development of the Port of Mobile, which has been one of my greatest legislative priorities. Without Judy, the Port of Mobile would not be what it is today. I would be remiss to not formally thank her for all of her hard work. prgtoken In July of 1990, Judy was hired by John Dutton, then director of the State dock system of Alabama, to work on media relations and serve as the port's representative in legislative efforts. Four years later, Judy was named the official liaison between the Federal Government and the Alabama State Port Authority, overseeing the transfer of the Navy homeport to the port. prgtoken Following her success in that role, Judy was promoted to superintendent at Middle Bay and ran the Theodore Operations. She continued to prove herself a viable asset and climbed the ranks again in 2002 to become manager of media relations. prgtoken She was a key facilitator of multiple economic development projects, including landing APM Terminals in 2008, which has been a catalyst for skyrocketing activity at the port. She also oversaw teams that recruited Aker Solutions ASA, Berg Spiral Pipe Corporation, and the ThyssenKrupp projects to Mobile. In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Judy led community outreach efforts that resulted in a successful Record of Decision for the port's harbor deepening and widening program. prgtoken Serving the State of Alabama with such depth of knowledge, Judy's final role as the senior vice president of internal and external affairs oversaw everything she had accomplished in her wide-ranging career with the Alabama State Port Authority. With Judy's significant involvement, the Port of Mobile has become the fastest growing gateway for containerized cargo in the United States. prgtoken Since joining the port in 1990, Judy has worked with four U.S. Senators, four Members of Alabama's First Congressional District, eight Governors, four mayors, and countless county commission, city council, and State legislative officials. prgtoken Judy has earned recognitions from GulfShipper for her outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence in international trade and transportation and the U.S. Marine Corps for her help with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's ``Training in an Urban Environment Exercise (TRUEX) XXXVII'' conducted at Middle Bay Port. prgtoken A graduate of Louisiana State University and previous chair of the American Association of Port Authorities Public Relations Committee, Judy currently serves on the board of directors and executive committee of the National Waterways Conference, Alabama Germany Partnership's board of directors, Partners for Environmental Progress, and the Coosa- Alabama River Improvement Association. prgtoken Judy Adams helped shape a more pro
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIE GOHMERT
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-12-6

Louie Gohmert is just as popular among my constituents in Virginia as he is among my esteemed colleagues' constituents from Texas. prgtoken Louie was one of the first Members of Congress to come and support me in my district when I started this journey 3 years ago. He literally drove through the night to come down to Virginia to help a fledgling, aspiring Congressman down in the Fifth Congressional District of Virginia. prgtoken Louie since I have gotten here has been an example of courage. As a freshman, I quickly observed him being willing to go to the microphone time and again, not only to challenge the other side but even to challenge our side when he felt they were wrong or weren't living up to the ideals that we promised to live up to for our constituents. prgtoken I have admired him for his character and testimony on a personal level, his love for our Lord, his love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. prgtoken Louie Gohmert is one of those people you meet here in Congress who is the same here in person as he is on TV when folks watch him. I am proud to learn from and serve with this true courageous, conservative warrior. prgtoken I am proud to call Louie a friend on a personal level. He will be missed. Even in his leaving this Congress, he is leaving in a courageous, selfless act, because he could have stayed here as long as he wanted to, to represent his district. But he loves his beloved State of Texas, and in a tremendous act of courage he took personal risk in leaving this body. prgtoken He has had a lifetime of service. He was an Army Captain, a Texas district judge, Chief Justice of the Twelfth Court of Appeals of Texas, and has spent 18 years of courageous, conservative service here in Washington. prgtoken Thank you, Louie. I admire you, love you, and I am proud to call you a friend. God bless you.
Tribute to Roy Blunt (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-12-6

I want to thank my good friend Senator McConnell for his comments this morning, and I have reserved some time this afternoon for what would be my official farewell address in the Senate. prgtoken But as it relates to our leader, Mr. McConnell, he and I were whips-- when I was a whip in the House, he was a whip in the Senate. We met every week. We have had a long and close relationship. I am grateful for his advice, his friendship, and his comments today. Thank you.
ONE FINE TEXAN: LOUIE GOHMERT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-12-6

the House is losing many fine Members at the end of this session, and I wish them all well. There is one retiring Member I want to say a few words about today. prgtoken That Member is my good friend, Louie Gohmert. prgtoken Louie and I came to Congress in the 109th in the year 2005 in a relatively small class. But that class had five fine Texans, three of whom have already retired. prgtoken Louie Gohmert has been a great friend and an extremely dedicated patriot and Representative. He has been actually a great friend to all people in this body. He is kind and gentle. He is very serious also about the work that is done here. prgtoken I know he has often been frustrated by the actions of both the House and Senate, but he has continued to work diligently to make our country and, indeed, the entire world better. prgtoken The highest compliment I think I can pay him is that he is a good man who has always sought to do good. prgtoken Our country has been blessed by Louie Gohmert throughout his life, and I am sure he will continue to do good. prgtoken , I will miss Louie, but will pray that God will continue to bless him, Kathy, and his daughters.
Tribute to Roy Blunt (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-12-6

we will be losing several members to retirement at the end of this year, including my friend Roy Blunt. prgtoken Roy and I have served together for the majority of my time in the Senate, and I also served with him for several years in the House of Representatives. prgtoken We started in the House at the same time, and we became friends right away. Our wives have become friends as well through the years, and it has been a joy over the years to host Roy and Abby in South Dakota, along with their son Charlie, and to visit them in Missouri. On a personal level, I am going to miss Roy a lot, and the Senate prgtoken as an institution is going to miss Roy as well. prgtoken Roy is someone who aspires to be involved in doing the hard things. And throughout his congressional career, he has put himself forward for positions where he can make a difference. prgtoken He became chief deputy whip just 2 years after becoming a member of the House, and he was elected majority whip just 4 years later, winning the position earlier in his career than any member in Congress in eight decades. prgtoken It has been a similar story in the Senate where Roy was elected vice chairman of the Conference in his first year. In 2019, he became chairman of the policy committee which plays an important role in providing members and staff with the resources they need on the issues. And he has done that while serving as the top on the Senate Rules Committee. prgtoken Roy has always been committed to doing the big things, but he is also very solutions-oriented and very clear-eyed and practical about what is achievable in a place where it is hard to get things done. prgtoken He has a saying: Never announce publicly what you won't vote for. What he means by that is that you shouldn't back yourself into a position where you can't support a good compromise. While it is not always possible to get everything you want, you shouldn't let that stop you from doing as much good as you can. prgtoken Roy has done a lot of good during his time in Congress, and one of his lasting legacies will be the bipartisan achievements in the healthcare space, including his efforts to help create and expand the certified community behavioral health clinics program to improve access to mental health care and championing medical research. The facility housing the NIH's Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias is actually named after Roy in honor of his longtime work to support dementia research. And, of course, no mention of Roy's legacy would be complete without mentioning his stalwart advocacy for the people of Missouri. prgtoken I am going to miss Roy, and the Senate will miss Roy, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve together, and I am happy he will have more time to spend with Abby and his children and grandchildren. prgtoken Roy has made a lasting impact here in the Senate, and I look forward to seeing his n
Inflation (Executive Calendar)
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I want to talk a few minutes today about inflation, but I don't want to just talk about the problem; I want to talk about the solution as well as Congress's role. I don't need to tell the American people--and I certainly don't need to tell my colleagues--about inflation. prgtoken The inflation we are experiencing today is the highest since 1982, and it really is ravaging the American people. It is gutting them like a fish. prgtoken Depending upon which experts you believe, the inflation rate right now is about 8 percent. Most Americans will tell you viscerally they feel that it is higher. Every time they go to the grocery store, they feel like prices have gone up 8 percent. prgtoken And I don't really want to debate or discuss the causes too much. prgtoken There are basically two types of inflation. There is what is called demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation. prgtoken Inflation is just basically too much money chasing too few goods. If you restrict the supply of the goods, that is called cost-push inflation. If you keep the supply of the goods constant and raise demand for the goods, that is called demand-pull inflation. prgtoken And the truth is, our current inflation is a direct product of both cost-push and demand-pull. prgtoken I do think--well, I know that the U.S. Congress had to spend more money than we would have liked to deal with the pandemic, but I also believe that once the pandemic was over and the economy was recovering, we kept on spending and all of that spending was stimulatory or stimulative and all of that spending did add to inflation. Once again, too much money chasing too few goods. prgtoken Since the 1950s, we have had roughly 10 periods of inflation--some very high inflation, some more moderate--but 10 inflationary periods, if you will, in which government decided we need to reduce the rise in prices. We need to reduce inflation. prgtoken Most people remember the inflationary period of the 1980s--I know you do, --but there have been 10 inflationary periods. And normally what we do to deal with inflation--we talk about Federal Reserve. And we know the Federal Reserve, to get prices down, raises interest rates. prgtoken Well, why does the Federal Reserve do that? prgtoken It does that to slow the economy. prgtoken Well, what does that mean? How do you measure slowing the economy? prgtoken Well, here is the dirty little secret that we all don't talk about much: When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to slow the economy, I will tell you how they measure it, they measure it in jobs, and they measure it in the unemployment rate. prgtoken And, in effect--I am not being critical of them. The Federal Reserve is doing its job. But what the Federal Reserve does when it raises interest rates to slow the economy, they are trying to throw people out of work. They are trying to throw people out of work. prgtoken Now, I made a few notes. Right now, the unemployment rate i
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIE GOHMERT
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-12-6

I thank the gentleman for speaking. We are going to give the two gentlemen here a chance to express their love for one another. prgtoken , I have watched Louie Gohmert for a long time. So much could be said about him. So much has been said about him; some of it is even true. Having Louie for one of my very good friends gives me status. You know, I had a friend in the fifth grade that gave me the measles, and this is a lot better deal, let me just tell you that. Louie has got a great sense of humor. He is a great patriot. He is a great Christian. We all know that. prgtoken We have seen him stand for our biblical values time and time and time again. Maybe it sounds a little archaic or a little corny, I don't know, but I think of Roosevelt and his great speech. And it is called ``The Man in the Arena'' because, , it does apply to Louie Gohmert. He is in our arena. He is our fighter. I remind folks President Roosevelt said: ``It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles; or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. ``The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph''--at the best, Louie Gohmert--``the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly . . . '' prgtoken My good friend, Louie Gohmert, has not failed, will not fail. prgtoken The President went on: `` . . . if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.'' prgtoken Someone who is heavily involved in a situation that requires courage, skill, or tenacity as opposed to someone sitting on the sidelines and watching, and the President went on. prgtoken I will tell you that nothing has discouraged Louie Gohmert. Nothing has laid him down in the defeat of dust as President Roosevelt described it. He has been a tireless fighter. Louie, you and I have been through a lot of battles. We have seen a lot of things. Some of the things we just shake our heads at, but ultimately, we know who is in control. prgtoken We know that you have done the Lord's bidding. We know that you fought the good fight. We know that you have endured until the end. We know that you have been a sterling example of what President Reagan called a light on a hill. I forget exactly how he said it, but you are one of those points of light--I think President George H. W. used that analogy--that the rest of us Members in Congress could learn from, that people watching on TV on C-SPAN and out in America could learn from. You