mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-9-12

after more than 25 years of service--first as an officer, then as executive director of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, LMPF--Tracie Shifflett has announced that she will retire from the foundation in September. prgtoken The LMPF is an independent, private nonprofit organization, the only organization authorized to raise funds on behalf of the Louisville Metro Police Department. LMPF supports special community programs to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve, purchase equipment and training programs, and grants for the Officers in Distress Program. prgtoken Shifflett took on leadership of the LMPF in 2016 after retiring from the Louisville Metro Police Department as a lieutenant over the training academy. The rank of lieutenant is the highest achievable rank on your merit within the department. ``I always felt our officers were like my kids,'' Shifflett said. ``I felt like my work with the Foundation was a way I could truly help them.'' prgtoken During her tenure as its leader, the foundation has grown from less than $700,000 in total assets to $2.4 million. Tracie dealt with many challenges and faced all of them with grace, love, and a great sense of humor. She has put her own life on hold many times to be there for ``her'' officers, the board, and the Louisville community. She has repeatedly set new records for fundraising at the LMPF's annual event by sharing the unvarnished truth of what officers face every day while serving. Her passion both while serving on LMPD and for the LMPF was to make sure ``her babies'' were taken care of, that they felt loved, and had the support needed to continue to make a difference every day. ``I'm especially proud that we have been able to positively impact at least 50 officer families each year that have faced injury, medical diagnosis, or other critical needs,'' Shifflett said. ``Since 2016, we have granted $1.7 million to officer families who are facing life- altering difficulty.'' prgtoken Some of the foundation's key accomplishments under Shifflett's leadership include training programs, purchasing equipment, and the Officers in Distress Program. prgtoken Tracie has partnered with many officers and helped to strengthen their bonds in the community with programs like Shop with a Cop, Gang Resistance, and Education Training. The department has also helped build and provide bedding to 100 kids in the community, purchased new bleachers for the California Community Center, and launched the Help Us Give fund. She also secured funding for seven mounted patrol horses, purchased nine K-9s for patrol work and narcotics detection, some of which went on to win the National K-9 Olympics Competition, and obtained K-9 trauma kits and K-9 protective vests for all LMPD K-9s. In her last few weeks with the foundation, she secured two Kid ID Kits for LMPD to use in the community. prgtoken Jim Ellis, chairman of the Louisville Me
Vote on Mendoza Nomination (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-9-12

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott), the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), and the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Young). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun) would have noted ``nay''.
Internal Revenue Service (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-9-12

more than a year ago, a news website by the name of ProPublica published stories that it claims are based on ``a vast trove of Internal Revenue Service data on the tax returns of thousands of the nation's wealthiest people, covering more than 15 years.'' Since then, ProPublica has continued to publish articles that appear to use data leaked or hacked from the IRS. prgtoken Despite questions from Congress and immediate expressions of concern from the Treasury Department, as well as the IRS, we don't know any more today than we did a year ago. Even though these apparent leaks of confidential taxpayer information appear to target the wealthy, not just the wealthy but all taxpayers and anyone who cares about effective tax administration should be very concerned. The fact is, until we get answers, we don't know if anyone's tax return or other information submitted to the IRS is actually secure. prgtoken At the end of the 2022 filing system, more than 145 million individual income tax returns had been filed with the IRS. Right now, we don't know if there is a current vulnerability to the IRS's systems that makes this personal information accessible within the IRS or to bad actors outside of the IRS. We do not know if a foreign nation with hostile intentions is responsible for a leak or a hack of taxpayer information or the full scope of the IRS's information that may be involved. Just because ProPublica hasn't found it politically useful to publicly disclose your private taxpayer information doesn't mean that your tax information hasn't been compromised. prgtoken As I said earlier, in June of 2021, concern was immediately expressed in the Congress and at the Treasury Department. Almost on that very day, Commissioner Rettig appeared before the Finance Committee. In fact, it was on that very day that the first story was published. prgtoken Commissioner Rettig said: I think that trust and confidence in the Internal Revenue Service is sort of the bedrock of asking people and requiring people to provide financial information, and we have, as I said, turned it over to the appropriate investigators, external and internal. prgtoken Attorney General Garland was quoted as saying: This is an extremely serious matter. People are entitled, obviously, to great privacy with respect to their tax returns. prgtoken With this level of concern expressed so quickly, now a year ago, you would expect action to have been taken quickly. If you expected that, you would be wrong. Despite several letters sent by this Senator and other Members of Congress, we don't know any more today about what happened than we did last year on June 8, when this situation began. prgtoken When testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, Secretary Yellen said: I am as anxious as you are to find out what happened. prgtoken As a strong proponent of congressional oversight--as I am--of t
TRIBUTE TO BOWLING GREEN'S GAINES FAMILY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-9-12

after five generations and 140 years of ownership, Bowling Green, Kentucky's Gaines Family has made the difficult decision to sell their newspaper, the Bowling Green Daily News. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these towering figures in Bowling Green's history, thanking them for their service to the Commonwealth, and wishing the best for their paper's success under its new owners. prgtoken The Gaineses laid down the roots of the Bowling Green Daily News in 1882 when John B. Gaines founded the Bowling Green Daily Times. At the time, the city sported several newspapers, but the Gaines family's paper quickly rose above the rest. The Daily Times later merged with its chief rival, the Bowling Green , to create a new daily called the Park City Daily News. The paper's name derived from Bowling Green's nickname, ``beautiful park city,'' given to the city in an 1892 speech by Congressman and journalist Henry Watterson. The paper dropped its new moniker after nearby Glasgow Junction, KY, rechristened itself Park City in 1938, adopting Bowling Green Daily News as its name shortly thereafter. prgtoken In the decades following, local newspapers around the country consolidated into large news media corporations. The Gaines family remained fiercely independent, though, keeping their paper family-owned and -operated despite outside pressure. They understood that, to provide the best possible coverage of life, breaking news, sports, and politics in Bowling Green, the paper had to be run by a local family with deep ties to the community. The Gaines family passed ownership down from one generation to another, and by this year, the Bowling Green Daily News was one of the oldest family-owned newspapers remaining in the South. prgtoken From my first run for statewide office until today, I have had the pleasure of working closely with the Bowling Green Daily News's editorial and news teams. Often when I visit Bowling Green, I go straight to the paper's offices to meet with members of the editorial board and the Gaines family to discuss current events in the Commonwealth. Alone among most of Kentucky's largest papers, the Bowling Green Daily News opinion pages are filled with a diversity of ideas and discourse. As a result, their editorials usually come closest to reflecting what most Kentuckians actually believe about their State and our politics. prgtoken Over the decades, I have developed a close working relationship with the Gaines family and especially Pipes Gaines, the publisher emeritus of the Bowling Green Daily News. Pipes joined the family paper full- time in 1966, following a career in the U.S. Army that included Active Duty in Korea. He has been a mainstay of the paper ever since, navigating rapid changes in the media industry and shepherding the next generation of talent into leadership roles at the newspaper, including his sons, Scott and Steve Gaines. Last year, Scott succe
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF GLEN COVE HOSPITAL
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Glen Cove Hospital on the occasion of its centennial anniversary of serving the residents of Glen Cove and the surrounding communities. prgtoken Glen Cove is my hometown. We all took Glen Cove Hospital for granted until a few years ago, when there was a possibility it would be gone. This year, as we celebrate its 100th anniversary we are grateful to everyone who has rallied to ensure that the hospital not only survives, but thrives. It is a central part of our existence and our long-term sustainability. prgtoken My mom was a operating nurse in the Glen Cove Hospital. My dad served on the Glen Cove Community Hospital Board. I was born in Glen Cove Hospital. Helene and I had our three children in the Glen Cove Hospital. We have been to the emergency room for stitches and breaks, or high fevers, or to visit loved ones who are sick, or . . . . to pay our last respects to our closest friends and family. The hospital is woven into the very fabric of our lives. prgtoken As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this indispensable and vital asset, I am recommitting myself to doing everything I can to ensure that the Glen Cove Hospital continues to be a warm, inviting, community-centered, beacon of excellence. I thank the hospital leadership both in Glen Cove and at Northwell Health, especially Executive Director Kerri Scanlon, Medical Director Dr. Brad Sherman and Northwell's President and CEO Michael Dowling. I thank the doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, maintenance workers, kitchen crew, social workers, volunteers, accountants, receptionists, security workers and everyone else who makes Glen Cove Hospital such a special part of our lives. prgtoken I would like to make special mention of one Glen Cove resident--Saul Katz. Mr. Katz is one of the visionaries that proposed the first merger between the North Shore hospital system and Glen Cove Hospital, despite the objection of other Glen Cover's, . . . like my dad. That vision, and his decades to devotion, has given us the premier Northwell Health system of today. And, not only due to Saul's vision, but also his and his wife, Iris's overwhelming and consistent decades of generosity, the Glen Cove Hospital will continue to grow as one of the jewels in the Northwell crown. The Katzs are special people, and we are fortunate that they are from Glen Cove. prgtoken As Glen Cove Hospital enters its second century, I am grateful to the hospital and its staff for being such a special part of our community and look forward to its continued growth. Here's to the next 100 years.
HONORING WWII VETERAN BOB RAMOS ON HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor Bob Ramos, a brave and dedicated World War II veteran aboard the USS Oklahoma City. As part of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ramos was an active service member for two years, earning the American Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and Honorable Discharge Button. prgtoken Born on August 23, 1921 to Spanish immigrants, Mr. Ramos grew up in Niagara Falls. He attended Trott Vocational School where he specialized and excelled in welding. Upon his graduation, Mr. Ramos found employment at a Buffalo shipyard, where he built landing crafts to support the war effort. While there, his superiors took note of his skills, leading Mr. Ramos to be scouted by Hooker Chemical to work on a secret project, which he later learned was a part of the Manhattan Project. prgtoken Mr. Ramos worked for Hooker Chemical until he was drafted into the U.S. Navy in March 1944. Sent aboard the USS Oklahoma City, Bob achieved the rank of Fireman First Class working in the boiler room. He and his shipmates were among the first to witness the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A few weeks later, Mr. Ramos was present at Tokyo Bay where the Japanese surrendered. prgtoken Following the war, Mr. Ramos was rehired by Hooker. He continued to work on projects involving atomic energy and helped with the closure of the Three Mile Power Plant after its partial meltdown. prgtoken Mr. Ramos met and fell in love with fellow Niagara Falls native, Margaret, whom he married prior to his service in the Navy. Margaret sadly passed in 2014 due to Alzheimer's disease, but Mr. Ramos fondly remembers the great times they had together and the care he provided her. Mr. Ramos is survived by his daughter, Cynthia, and his several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, all of whom he keeps in close contact with. prgtoken Now retired, Mr. Ramos spends his time baking and caring for his garden. He likes to show off his skills, frequently baking for his friends and family. For his niece's wedding, he offered to make over 1,000 pizzelles, an Italian waffle cookie, for all the guests. Mr. Ramos was also appointed chairman of the Niagara Falls Senior Council at its formation. Currently, Mr. Ramos regularly volunteers at the John Duke Senior Center in Niagara falls. prgtoken As one of approximately 240,000 World War II Veterans still alive today, we owe a great deal of gratitude to Mr. Ramos for all he has done to protect our country. Madam , we stand together today to celebrate Bob Ramos on his 101st birthday.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-9-13

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.
TRIBUTE TO THE MONTROSE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Montrose Search and Rescue Team, in Montrose, California upon its seventy-fifth anniversary. prgtoken Over its 75-year history, the Montrose Search and Rescue Team has come to the aid of citizens lost or injured in the mountains locally and statewide, and through their consistent efforts, these brave men and women have saved countless lives. prgtoken Originally called the Montrose Mountaineers, this organization was formed in 1947 by a group of Civilian Air Defense members to assist people who became lost or injured in the local mountains. The team has since extended its aid outside the Los Angeles area, traveling throughout California to help in rescue or recovery efforts. prgtoken As one of eight non-profit, volunteer rescue teams affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the team is on call 24 hours a day to rescue stranded hikers, natural disaster victims, and other individuals in need of help. Receiving many calls each year, the group is one of the most active search and rescue teams in Los Angeles County. As part of their service, team members also conduct searches for downed aircraft, rescue people stuck in tunnels, mines, and underground utility vaults, and evacuate citizens from cars which have fallen off mountain roads. prgtoken These volunteer heroes, who come from a variety of professions, serve their community without asking for anything in exchange. They search through rubble, scale cliffsides, and brave surging waters to save lives. Their selfless dedication and invaluable service provide a model for all of us and deserve recognition. prgtoken I consider it a great privilege to recognize the Montrose Search and Rescue Team, and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the team upon its seventy-fifth anniversary.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. E. MICHAEL CAMPBELL
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. E. Michael Campbell who recently retired as the Director of the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics, or LLE, in my district. prgtoken Only the fourth Director in the 50-year history of LLE, the U.S. Department of Energy's largest university-based program and home to the most powerful lasers at any university in the world, Mike's tenure was marked by significant strategic growth at LLE and distinguished service in support of the nation's economic and national security. LLE reached new highs in numbers of staff, scientists, students, external users, academic and industry partnerships, and total research funding. He bolstered and expanded LLE's international leadership in inertial fusion, high-intensity lasers and optics, arid high-energy-density physics (HEDP) research. He has been an outspoken proponent of strengthening the US's leadership in these fields throughout his illustrious career. As a natural bridge-builder and advocate for science, Mike fostered strengthened relationships within the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) community, including with the other ICF facilities, federal agencies including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, National Science Foundation and Department of Defense, academic collaborators and industry partners. Mike often joked about his eight thousand best friends, and it is an honor to be counted among them. prgtoken Dr. Campbell is an internationally known expert in fusion, high- energy-density science, high-power lasers and their applications, and advanced energy technologies. Mike helped to invent the first laboratory x-ray laser and was instrumental in establishing the National Ignition Facility and the role of lasers in HEDP research in support of NNSA's stockpile stewardship mission. He has won numerous awards including the DOE's E.O. Lawrence Award, the American Nuclear Society's Edward Teller Award, the American Physical Society's John Dawson Award, the Department of Energy's Excellence in Weapons Research Award, and the Leadership Award of Fusion Power Associates. He is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America, American Physical Society, and the European Institute of Physics. He has published over 250 articles in scientific journals and holds five patents. He received his degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and the University of Western Sydney. Beyond these achievements, Mike has an infectious enthusiasm, especially for the scientific endeavors he oversaw, as well as dinosaurs and the blues. He is also a gifted cartoonist and has depicted multiple Members of Congress among his many drawings. prgtoken Mike firmly believes in learning from history and has an amazing array of stories of previous giants of the field, always working to ensure their efforts are not forgotten but instead inspire the next generation. His pass
Nomination of Arianna J. Freeman (Executive Session)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-9-13

I rise today in support of the pending nominee, Arianna J. Freeman, who has been nominated to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. For those who may not know all the geography, that includes, under the jurisdiction of that court, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands. prgtoken Arianna Freeman has dedicated her legal career to service, especially in the Philadelphia community. After graduating from Swarthmore College and Yale Law School, Ms. Freeman returned to Philadelphia to start her legal career. After clerking for three Federal judges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, she joined the Federal Community Defender Office in Philadelphia. Through her experience in the defender's office, she has briefed over 15 appeals in the Third Circuit and presented oral argument on seven occasions, including before the Third Circuit en banc, meaning the entire court. She has submitted four briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court as well. prgtoken Her legal reputation, her intellect, her ability, and her integrity are unquestioned. I will just give you three or prgtoken four examples of what others have said about her work. prgtoken Former U.S. District Court Judge Giles wrote: Ms. Freeman has the character and intellectual attributes that will lead her to be a wonderful appeals court judge. She is discerning, open-minded, logical and is both a listener and contributor to debate and conversation. prgtoken A group of appellate practitioners from the Third Circuit wrote as follows: Arianna Freeman has the strong intellect, tenacious work ethic, and even temperament necessary to become an outstanding federal judge. Her integrity and experience will ensure that she will be ready to serve from the first day. prgtoken Third example: Given Arianna's background as a Federal public defender, perhaps most important is the praise that she has received from over 20 former Federal prosecutors. One group wrote: We are impressed by Arianna's diligence, intelligence, dedication, and integrity. It is because of her ethics and compassion, grounded in sensibility, that we are confident she will provide sound and measured opinions, while approaching each case without bias and with respect for the rule of law. prgtoken So said 20 former Federal prosecutors. prgtoken Arianna is so well respected that her nomination has garnered strong support even beyond the State of Pennsylvania, as evidenced by a letter submitted by over 30 law school professors from across the Nation who described Arianna Freeman as a ``brilliant, careful, and talented lawyer with impressive professional credentials and a strong commitment to fairness, equal justice, and the rule of law.'' prgtoken There is no doubt that Arianna Freeman's extensive legal experience, keen intellect, and dedication to the principles of fairness and equal justice