mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING CONGRESSIONAL ART WINNER MATTHEW PACIULLO
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-6-20

I rise today to congratulate Matthew Paciullo, a student at South Central High School in Pitt County, and the winner of North Carolina First Congressional District Artistic Discovery Contest. prgtoken Matthew, who won first place, took inspiration from his father, Zachary, whose love of rock music led to the creation of this remarkable masterpiece titled, ``Liberty.'' prgtoken Through his artistic work, Matthew transformed recycled Styrofoam into a creative piece that captures the spirit of liberty. prgtoken I commend all the participants for their outstanding work and contribution to the artistic landscape of our community because it fosters creativity and self-expression. prgtoken Together, let us continue to support and nurture the next generation of artists who inspire creativity and enrich our Nation. prgtoken , I congratulate Matthew and all competition winners. They rock.
HONORING THE CAREER OF BOB HAMMERSCHMIDT
Eric Burlison (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-6-20

I rise today to honor the distinguished career and celebrate the retirement of Bob Hammerschmidt, my constituent in Springfield Missouri. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Hammerschmidt for his exceptional 49-year career in banking and finance, and especially his 35 years of service to Commerce Bank. Mr. Hammerschmidt's unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his tenure at Commerce Bank has had a profound impact on the financial community of Southwest Missouri. prgtoken From his early days as a young professional to his current position as Chairman of Commerce Trust Co Mr. Hammerschmidt has consistently demonstrated his expertise and integrity to the benefit of countless businesses and individuals in our community. prgtoken At the young age of 28, Mr. Hammerschmidt became the youngest bank president in the history of the state of Arkansas. After serving the first 13 years of his career in Arkansas, Missouri was lucky to gain Mr. Hammerschmidt's talents in 1988, and we have been blessed by his knowledge and experience ever since. prgtoken As Mr. Hammerschmidt prepares to celebrate his retirement with Commerce Bank after 35 years, it is my privilege to honor him in this way, and to represent him here in Washington, D.C.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-6-20

with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representative Mike Simpson, we honor an outstanding Idahoan and great American, Robert S. Jackson, Jr for his service to our country, fellow veterans, and community. prgtoken Robert ``Bob'' Jackson is an Idaho native who spent many years in the U.S. Navy, serving throughout the world on various aircraft carriers that traveled to Vietnam, Libya, Lebanon, and locations for Desert Shield/Storm. His numerous awards throughout his career include Sailor of the Year three times, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Silver Wreath with six stars, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. prgtoken Following his retirement in 1992, he found ways to assist local veterans, particularly with his administrative and organizational skills. He is well-respected in the State veterans community and has helped a number of projects advance smoothly with his input and expertise. His list of efforts is long and includes leadership positions with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, State Convention posts, and MC responsibilities. He is also a proud father of four daughters and one prgtoken son and husband to Jennifer, who also volunteers with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. In 2009, Bob's military service, commitment, and sacrifice were honored with the 2009 Spirit of Freedom Award. prgtoken Bob, like so many of his fellow veterans, did not stop serving others long after his military service ended. He has demonstrated again and again his devotion to our country and others through his admirable actions. Despite overwhelming health challenges, he continues to show us all how to face difficulty with courage and honor. It seems deeply fitting that folks are gathering just after the Fourth of July to honor this remarkable American, as he served nobly for so many years to protect the freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day. Bob, our hearts are with you as we thank you for your admirable service to our country and our great State.
PFC. JUSTIN T. PATON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLINIC
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-6-20

I thank all my colleagues for getting involved in this relevant and timely bill. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 3672 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Indian River, Michigan, as the ``Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.'' prgtoken It is an honor for me to lead this legislation to rename the VA care facility in the hometown and the final resting place of a young man who embodied the ethic of service above self as he gave his last full measure of devotion for our Nation. prgtoken Justin Paton was born and raised in northern Michigan and graduated from Inland Lakes High School in the year 2000. Feeling called to serve, he enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq on October 31, 2006. There, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Delta Company and was named one of the unit leaders. prgtoken In February 2007, at the age of 24, he was killed in action in Iraq when his patrol came under intense sniper fire north of Baghdad. prgtoken Private First Class Paton was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his sacrifice and heroism. prgtoken He is interred in the Ohioville Cemetery, just down the road from the Indian River VA clinic opening later this year that I am confident will bear his name. prgtoken Naming the Indian River CBOC is one small way to honor Justin and his family's sacrifice. His legacy is beyond deserving of the designation that we are seeking today. prgtoken I sincerely thank Pfc. Paton's family for all of their support. I thank the local leaders in Indian River and Tuscarora Township, who have been key in our efforts; the Michigan veterans service organizations for backing this bill; and the entirety of my Michigan delegation colleagues, who have come together in a bipartisan manner to cosponsor this bill. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3672.
Nominations (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-6-20

Senate continue to dutifully advance the administration's radical nominees. prgtoken This week, the Senate will decide whether to give yet another leftwing lawyer a lifetime appointment to the Federal bench: Natasha Merle, who is an activist lawyer with a penchant for staking out extreme and inflammatory positions that are thoroughly divorced from reality. For example, she attacked widely popular election integrity measures, claiming ``it's inconsistent to denounce White supremacy but not repudiate voter ID laws.'' prgtoken Alongside the self-proclaimed ``wild-eyed leftist'' just confirmed to the bench last week, Ms. Merle went after the State of Alabama for daring to verify the identities of people who cast ballots in elections. Meanwhile, Ms. Merle has found time to attack what she calls ``unfounded yet repeated public assertions that there is a widespread lack of respect for law enforcement'' and criticize efforts to promote law and order as ``an illegal attempt to advance a false narrative that law enforcement was being attacked.'' prgtoken Well, , President 's first year in office saw the largest number of law enforcement deaths in the line of duty in 20 years. But Ms. Merle doesn't appear to like grappling with facts that don't suit her narrative. Normally, a record like this would be shockingly disqualifying, but under the administration, it is not an outlier. It is an essential qualification. prgtoken Unfortunately, the President's affinity for radical nominees applies to folks already on the job as well. Last week, on the EPW Committee rammed through the nomination of Jeffery Baran to another term as Commissioner at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Mr. Baran already has an extensive record as the NRC's resident liberal obstructionist. While his colleagues collaborate on regulatory frameworks that encourage safe and efficient energy production, this nominee prides himself on being a stick in the mud. prgtoken Even leading climate activists understand that Mr. Baran's dedication to hindering nuclear development ``harm[s] the environment in the process.'' They know that reducing carbon emissions means embracing safe nuclear energy. Mr. Baran, however, does not. prgtoken At every opportunity, this nominee has opposed commonsense efforts to revise regulations and keep pace with the smaller and more affordable nuclear technologies of the future. He has shown that his blanket antinuclear approach is both a tired relic and an active obstruction to American prosperity. prgtoken So no wonder even some Senate are thinking twice about rubberstamping Mr. Baran's nomination. I would urge each of our colleagues to oppose it.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER RESOLUTION RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Anna Paulina Luna (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-6-20

pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I seek recognition to give notice of my intent to raise a question of privileges of the House. prgtoken The form of the resolution is as follows: prgtoken H. Res. 521, censuring Adam Schiff, Representative of the 30th Congressional District of California. prgtoken Whereas, the allegation that President colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 Presidential election has been revealed as false by numerous in-depth investigations, including the recent report by Special Counsel John Durham, which documents how the conspiracy theory was invented, funded, and spread by President's 's political rivals; prgtoken Whereas, Representative Adam Schiff, who served as ranking minority member and then Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives (the ``Intelligence Committee''), occupied positions of extreme trust, affording him access to sensitive intelligence unavailable to most Members of Congress; prgtoken Whereas, for years, Representative Schiff abused this trust by alleging that he had evidence of collusion that, as is clear from reports by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, and Special Counsel Durham, never existed; prgtoken Whereas, for years, Representative Schiff has spread false accusations that the campaign colluded with Russia; prgtoken Whereas, on March 20, 2017, Representative Schiff perpetuated false allegations from the Steele Dossier accusing numerous associates of colluding with Russia into the Congressional Record; prgtoken Whereas, once again abusing his privileged access to classified information, Representative Schiff released a memo justifying the accuracy of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant application on associate Carter Page, of which was later found by Inspector General Horowitz to have 17 major mistakes and omissions, providing FISA Court Presiding Judge Rosemary Collyer to state unequivocally that the Federal Bureau of Investigation ``misled the FISC''; prgtoken Whereas, as ranking minority member and Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Representative Schiff behaved dishonestly and dishonorably on many other occasions, including by publicly, falsely denying that his staff communicated with a whistleblower to launch the first impeachment of President ; prgtoken Whereas, as part of his impeachment efforts, during a hearing on September 26, 2019, Representative Schiff misled the public by reading a false retelling of a phone call between President and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; prgtoken Whereas, on March 28, 2019, every member of the Intelligence Committee signed a letter calling for Representative Schiff's immediate resignation as Chairman; prgtoken Whereas, Representative Schiff hindered the ability of the Intelligence Committee to fulfill its oversight responsi
Inflation (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-6-20

for almost 3 years now, the American people have watched the administration and their ic allies in Congress burn through trillions of dollars of their hard- earned money. prgtoken Early on in the administration, when one of their radical proposals made its way to the Senate floor, I would hear from Tennesseans wanting to know whom the expected to actually pay the bill for these programs. But as time has gone by, the confirmed, as they have every time they have been in power, that their plan was to keep squeezing taxpayers for as much money as possible, for as long as possible. Indeed, the Federal Government has a ceaseless, nonending appetite for taxpayers' money. prgtoken I don't think I have to tell you how discouraging this is for Tennesseans. It is confirmation that their President knows what is happening to them but he just does not care. They are in pursuit of a goal. They see this as a means to an end. prgtoken Now, when I am at home in Tennessee, as I was this weekend, people don't ask me where all the money went because they know the have wasted it on handouts and Green New Deal schemes--trillions of dollars down the drain. All they want to know is when is this going to stop. prgtoken They can't plan ahead. They can't save for special occasions. Even something as simple as a holiday cookout has slipped out of reach for so many families. Independence Day is coming up, but what should be an exciting time for everyone has turned into a source of stress because, in 1 year--1 year--the price of a bag of chips, up 7.9 percent; ice cream and popsicles, 8 percent more; potato salad will cost 7.1 percent more this year, and that is only accounting for the cost of the potatoes. Hot dogs and hamburgers have gone up, but when you account for the almost 16-percent hike on ketchup and mustard, a 9.4-percent hike on lettuce, the 13-percent hike on pickles, and a ridiculous 12.5- percent hike on the bun to put it all on, you can cross your main course off the menu also. prgtoken There is no reason why a meal like this should suddenly be out of reach of many families, but it is, and it is not just due to the price of the hamburger bun. That is just something that really is adding insult to injury. prgtoken Since became President, grocery prices have increased 20 percent, which is something every single person serving in Congress has seen in action. You cannot deny this. Any trip to the grocery store tells the story. prgtoken Energy bills have gone up 36 percent since and the took power. Rent is up 15 percent; clothes, 12 percent more. A tank of gas is up 51 percent, and a used car to put that gas in is going to cost you 33 percent more today than it did last June. prgtoken To counteract all of this, the Fed has raised interest rates at the fastest pace since the 1980s, which has in turn destroyed access to consumer credit and made it
RECOGNIZING CAMP BARNABAS
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-6-20

I rise today to recognize and celebrate the work being done by Camp Barnabas in Purdy, MO, a remarkable organization that provides summer camp opportunities for individuals with disabilities. prgtoken Founded in 1994, Camp Barnabas has compassionately transformed the lives of nearly 100,000 individuals with special needs. When I had the opportunity to visit Camp Barnabas, I saw the tremendous amount of care and professionalism their staff exhibits to ensure that every camper gets to experience summer camp just like every other kid. Their ministry in Southwest Missouri touches countless lives and inspires positive experiences in an environment where everyone can thrive, no matter what hand life has dealt them. prgtoken As they undergo a ribbon cutting soon for their new water park, the camp will be offering another unique opportunity for these campers to have an incredible summer and make amazing memories. This new water park is designed to make sure individuals of all abilities can participate and includes an intentional space for sensory relief, a lazy river, splash pads, adaptive slides, and several wheelchair accessible features. prgtoken I ask my Senate colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the incredible work from Camp Barnabas and share in their excitement as they unveil their new water park features to provide more amazing summer camp experiences for their campers.
RECOGNIZING FAMILY HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-20

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Family Health Chiropractic of Sanborn, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Dr. Stacy Carlin founded Family Health Chiropractic in 2008 following her graduation from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. The original location for her practice was in Waterloo, which she began after Dr. Carlin and her husband Patrick moved to Cedar Falls following graduation. In 2018, Patrick became the Hartley-Melvin Sanborn School District superintendent. Dr. Carlin opened the Sanborn location that year and traveled between the two locations until June 2019 when she sold the Waterloo practice. Family Health Chiropractic continues to operate at the former Vander Haag Museum building in Sanborn. prgtoken Dr. Carlin is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association--ICPA. In 2012, she became a certified specialist in pediatric and pregnancy care following 200 additional hours of training through the ICPA's Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics--CACCP-- and Webster Certification. Throughout her 15-year career, she has treated patients of all ages, including patients as young as newborns. Family Health Chiropractic is also a dedicated member of the Sanborn Chamber of Commerce and active in the O'Brien County community. Family Health Chiropractic hosted a ``Cookies with Santa'' event at the Sanborn Community Center and sponsored ``Safe Kids Day'' at the Sanborn Fire Station in 2022. The O'Brien County Economic Development Corporation spotlighted Family Health Chiropractic in September 2022 for their dedicated service to continuing economic growth in the county. prgtoken Family Health Chiropractic's commitment to providing care to patients of all needs in Northwest Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate Dr. Carlin, and the entire team at Family Health Chiropractic for their continued dedication to the field of chiropractic medicine in rural Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
RECOGNIZING CARL BOLCH, JR. FOR HIS SERVICE TO RACETRAC, INC. AND THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-20

I rise today to recognize and honor one of Georgia's finest business leaders and an outstanding individual, Carl Bolch, Jr Executive Chairman of the Board of RaceTrac, Inc. prgtoken Throughout his career, Carl has been a pioneer in the convenience retail industry, driving innovation and redefining convenience for millions of consumers. During his more than fifty years with the company, Carl helped RaceTrac grow from 100 stores in two states, to more than 780 stores in 12 states with over 10,000 employees--and today, RaceTrac is the second largest privately held company in Georgia and the 22nd largest in the United States. prgtoken Carl joined RaceTrac, his family's business, after earning a degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Business and a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, moving through various roles until he served as CEO and now continues as Executive Chairman of the Board. prgtoken Beyond RaceTrac, Carl has also left his mark on the convenience store industry through his service as President of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Convenience Stores. prgtoken It has also been Carl's mission to give back to his community. He served as a 25-year member of the Atlanta Rotary Club's Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors for Camp Sunshine, a Georgia-based organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with cancer. Carl also serves on the Patient Council for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and is a pivotal reason RaceTrac and its guests have contributed more than $7 million to the organization over the past decade. prgtoken Additionally, Carl and his wife, Susan, have made significant contributions to education, including founding the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law. A father of five--all of Carl's children have served RaceTrac in different capacities over the years, including Carl and Susan's two daughters, who currently lead the company's day-to-day operations, and their son, who serves on the Board. prgtoken Carl Bolch, Jr. is an inspiration to us all. His contributions to society will have a lasting impact. I am honored to represent him in Congress. Please join me in recognizing and celebrating his achievements.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-6-20

I rise today to recognize Keaton Winn of Ollie, Iowa, for being promoted to the San Francisco Giants' major league roster. Keaton attended Pekin High School in my district where he was a standout baseball, basketball, and football player. He then took his talents to Iowa Western Community College where he earned first team all-conference honors as a freshman pitcher. prgtoken Keaton was drafted by the Giants in 2018 and spent his next years working through their minor league system. He had a breakout season in 2022 before finally getting the call to the major leagues on June 12 of this year. He made his first appearance 1 day later, throwing four innings and becoming the first Giants pitcher to earn a save in his major league debut. prgtoken Keaton's accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and exceptional skills on the baseball diamond. He serves as a shining example for young athletes across Iowa who aspire to play their sport at the highest level. Every State is a Border State