mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO PASTOR CHRIS HARRIS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-24

during this week when we remember the staggering number of loved ones we have lost to gun violence, I want to acknowledge a spiritual and community leader who is working to end the terrible cycle of gun violence in Chicago. prgtoken Pastor Chris is pastor of Bright Star Church in Chicago's storied Bronzeville neighborhood and senior pastor of St. James Church in the City's historic Roseland-West Pullman community. He is a leader of creative vision, compassion, and action. And when it comes to ending gun violence, Pastor has no time for hand-wringing or finger- pointing or political scapegoating. prgtoken One of his frequent admonitions is: ``Say nothing about violence and trauma until you do something about violence and trauma.'' As one of the most passionate and charismatic leaders in our community, both his words and his actions have helped to turn lives around. Fifteen years ago, Pastor founded a nonprofit organization called Bright Star Community Outreach. prgtoken Its purpose is not simply to help heal victims of gun violence, but to prevent gun violence by treating its deep and often complex causes, including poverty, lack of opportunity, despair, and trauma. Bright Star Community Outreach does this by offering a myriad of services, from afterschool programs to job counseling, financial literacy classes, and workshops on homebuying and prgtoken entrepreneurship. As Pastor often says, ``The best violence prevention program is access to good schools and good jobs,'' the kinds of jobs you can raise a family on. prgtoken Bright Star also offers counseling and other forms of support to help heal from the trauma that is often at the root--not only of gun violence but also addiction and so many other deadly ills. And he has been at the forefront of this field, being involved in Federal grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. prgtoken Over the years, Bright Star Community Outreach has grown from Pastor and a few volunteers to now 115 employees. They are working directly with Chicago Public School students to understand their needs and experiences. I have visited their programs many times, and I am always inspired by the work they do. prgtoken And when I set out to introduce legislation to address the role that trauma plays in fueling our cycle of violence, Pastor was one of my first calls. His guidance helped shape the legislation I have worked on for nearly a decade, parts of which have become law and are funding school mental health efforts in Chicago. prgtoken Recently, Pastor decided to step back as executive director. He will remain CEO of BSCO, and he will have a bit more time to focus more on his many other duties. The new executive director of Bright Star Community Outreach is LaKreisha Kindred. She is a lifelong Chicagoan with a background in the financial industry--and a member of the famed Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. I w
REMEMBERING FRANK Q. NEBEKER
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2024-1-24

today I would like to honor the life and service of a dedicated public servant, distinguished American, and champion for veterans: the Honorable Frank Q. Nebeker. prgtoken Judge Nebeker served as the first chief judge of the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals, now known as the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. A long-time Federal judge and legal pioneer, he established the landmark court in 1988 before hearing the first case and issuing the first opinion in 1989. His work ensured that, for the first time ever, veterans had a dedicated court to hear their appeals for their earned Department of Veterans Affairs--VA--benefits. prgtoken While Judge Nebeker is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. On behalf of myself and my fellow Americans, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for his life and service to this nation. prgtoken Judge Nebeker grew up in the West. He was born in Salt Lake City and grew up in Ogden, UT, before graduating from the University of Utah and marrying his wife Lou. Together, they moved to Washington, DC, where he studied law and worked in President Eisenhower's White House. Working as a correspondence secretary, he began his career in public service that would last the rest of his life. prgtoken After serving as an attorney for the Department of Justice, he was appointed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1969. He presided on that bench until President Reagan nominated him to be the Director of the Office of Government Ethics in 1987, a position he held for 2 years. prgtoken Soon after, Judge Nebeker continued his service to this country when President George H.W. appointed him to be the chief judge of the newly created United States Court of Veterans Appeals. In this role, he was tasked with standing up this new court from the bottom up. prgtoken Judge Nebeker's sharp legal mind and unpretentious demeanor made him an ideal person to bring the court to life. He, along with many other dedicated individuals who established the court, provided an opportunity for the men and women who served our country to appeal for the VA benefits they earned for the first time ever. Many veterans live a better life today because of the judicial system Frank helped establish. prgtoken He oversaw the court until his retirement in 2000 and served in senior status on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals until 2021. While he left the court, his enduring legacy of serving veterans lived on at the U.S. Court of Appeals, where the Veterans Appeals courtroom is named in his honor. prgtoken On January 4, 2024, Judge Nebeker passed away at the age of 93 years old. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lou, his children Melia and William, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Judge Nebeker's decades of public service and commitment to serving our veterans and their families. His work will continue to benefit generations of ve
Nomination of Gretchen S. Lund (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-25

today, the Senate will vote to confirm Judge Gretchen S. Lund to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. prgtoken Born in Elkhart, IN, Judge Lund earned her B.A cum laude, from Butler University and her J.D summa cum laude, from Valparaiso University School of Law. After beginning her legal career as an associate attorney with Ice Miller LLP, Judge Lund clerked for Judge William T. Lawrence on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Following her clerkship, she served as a deputy prosecutor with the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office, where she handled cases assigned to the child support division. In 2006, she was elected to serve as the sole judge for the Goshen City Court, where she presided over criminal misdemeanors, infractions, and ordinance violations. In 2014, Judge Lund was elected to her current seat as the judge on Elkhart Superior Court 4. She presides over both civil and criminal matters and established the county's first drug court. Since joining the bench, she has presided over 27 jury trials, 489 bench trials, and approximately 28,000 cases that have gone to verdict or judgement. prgtoken The American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Lund as ``well qualified,'' and she has the strong support of Senators Young and Braun. prgtoken Judge Lund's significant courtroom experience and dedication to service make her an excellent nominee to the Northern District of Indiana. I will vote in favor of her confirmation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.
ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024, THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-25

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned to convene for a pro forma session only, with no business conducted, at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 26; further, that when the Senate adjourns on Friday, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Kolar nomination and that all time be considered expired at 5:30 p.m.; further, that the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen on Wednesday, January 31; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS REAUTHORIZATION AND IMPROVEMENT ACT
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I am thrilled to reintroduce the ``HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act,'' with Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH03). prgtoken I thank our original cosponsors for their support, as well as U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) for sponsoring the companion bill. This updated legislation would significantly increase federal funding available for affordable housing across the country to tackle the housing crisis in states like California. prgtoken With historically high housing costs, a minimum wage worker in California must work an 88-hour week on average to afford a modest one- bedroom rental at a fair market rate. No American working full-time should live in poverty or be forced into homelessness. Congress and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must support collaborative solutions to incentivize affordable housing production and rental assistance to address the drastic shortage of housing options in California and across the country. prgtoken The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is the largest federal affordable housing block grant and is HUD's flagship program to support private developers and nonprofits building new affordable housing. Since established by Congress in 1990, the HOME program has helped state and local housing agencies support a wide variety of housing needs, from financing new construction and home repairs to funding down payment and rental assistance. HOME funding is the primary federal tool available for state and local governments to build affordable rental and owner-occupied housing for low-income to extremely low-income families with private developers. Moreover, HOME is a great federal investment, leveraging $4.76 in non-federal public and private funds for every dollar in HOME funding. prgtoken Since 1992, the HOME program has supported more than 1.36 million units of affordable housing for renters, home buyers, and homeowners. In California, the HOME program has invested $5.27 billion into affordable housing across the state; built or preserved 121,727 homes; given rental assistance to 43,810 families; supported 277,318 jobs; and generated $19.2 billion in local economic development. prgtoken Despite these incredible investments, this essential program was last reauthorized in 1994 and needs critical updates to better address today's housing crisis. Our legislation would not only reauthorize the HOME program for the first time in three decades, but also make several much-needed improvements. prgtoken Specifically, our bicameral ``HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act'' would authorize $5 billion in HOME funding for fiscal year 2024 and boost the funding for the program by five percent annually through fiscal year 2028. This critical investment would reverse the chronic underfunding of the affordable housing investment program, which Congress appropriated only $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2
TRIBUTE TO LENA "JACKIE" JACQUELYN TAYLOR
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise today with a heavy heart to extend my condolences to the family and community mourning the passing of Lena Jacquelyn Taylor, affectionately known as ``Jackie,'' a caring and benevolent entrepreneur and a passionate champion for community engagement. It saddens me to say that Jackie passed peacefully in the early morning of Tuesday, December 19, 2023. prgtoken Born on June 9, 1945, in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, to the loving embrace of Thomas Bartholomew and Delta Ivory Thompson, Jackie, the youngest of eight children, proudly stood as one of ``Mama Delta's Finest.'' prgtoken Jackie's educational journey unfolded within the halls of Milwaukee Public Schools, where she assumed leadership as the cadet captain at Lee Street Elementary School. She progressed to John Marshall High School, where she became part of the inaugural class of African American students to integrate into the school. prgtoken In 1965, Jackie and Wilbert united in matrimony, fostering a family that extended beyond their own, embracing nieces and nephews as their own. The marriage may have seen its course, but the commitment to parenting and supporting their daughter, Lena Carolyn Taylor, endured. Jackie's return to education at MATC and UW-Milwaukee marked a significant chapter, guided by her exceptional counselor, Jimmy Johnstone. prgtoken Jackie's professional journey was interwoven with roles at American Motors, AO Smith, and Milwaukee Public Schools. Simultaneously, she immersed herself in her mother's business ventures, accumulating invaluable knowledge. After completing her coursework, fueled by her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, Jackie embarked on her path as a business owner, collaborating in managing a grocery store, restaurant, real estate holdings, and facilities aiding veterans and the unhoused. prgtoken Her benevolent spirit, inherited from her mother, manifested in civic engagement as an Elks Temple No. 247 member. Jackie orchestrated debutante balls, displaying dynamic leadership, providing invaluable social etiquette and moral guidance to young black women. prgtoken In the later stages of her life, she joyfully welcomed her ``darling baby boy,'' Jacques Taylor. A devout believer from a young age, Jackie's spiritual journey took a profound turn under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Thomas B. Moody at Solomon Community Temple United Methodist Church. Her commitment to Christ and the church catalyzed the establishment of The Love House in 1994, a faith-based initiative offering support to the unhoused, returning citizens and those grappling with mental health challenges. prgtoken For nearly three decades, The Love House, initially rooted in her home, evolved into a beacon of hope. Jackie's tireless efforts surpassed counseling to encompass securing employment, fostering independence, and reuniting individuals with their families and communities. Every week, she hosted a food pantry, spreading love through
CLOTURE MOTION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-1-25

as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I come to the floor to advise our colleagues about the urgency for us to take up and pass the supplemental appropriations bill that contains many important provisions, but I am going to start with the most urgent, and that is providing assistance to Ukraine to defend itself from the brutal attack by the Russian Federation. prgtoken Vladimir Putin could change the equation in Ukraine in a matter of weeks. His tanks could be rolling through Ukraine. His forces could be arresting Zelenskyy and his Cabinet. The Russian flag could be flying over Ukraine's capital. This could happen in a matter of weeks if the United States does not act. prgtoken A few days ago, I was in the White House for a meeting about this. President could not have been clearer: We are out of money to support Ukraine in this fight. Think about how that sounds to the Ukrainians fighting on the frontlines. prgtoken One Ukrainian soldier said: The guys are tired, very tired. They are still motivated, many people understand that they have no other choice. But you can't win a war only on motivation. prgtoken Ukrainian soldiers have had to ration artillery shells. One unit had to go from firing as many as 90 shells a day to just 10 to 20 shells a day. prgtoken Mr. Putin has made it clear. He is investing in a long war. The New York Times reported: Nearly a third of the country's spending next year--roughly $109 billion--will be devoted to ``national defense,'' according to a budget he signed into law. prgtoken Russian TV commentators are celebrating our gridlock. As one European Ambassador reportedly said, he can ``hear those champagne bottle corks popping in Moscow.'' prgtoken President Putin knows that if Congress does not act, he will be able to break Ukraine. If he succeeds, he will be signaling to the world that he can invade his neighbors whenever he wants to, erase the nation of Ukraine and our allies in Europe, in the Middle East, in Africa, and in Asia, and we are ourselves, the United States, will be in greater danger. prgtoken A group of NATO parliamentarians was in Washington last week, concerned about Congress's inability to pass the supplemental funding. prgtoken One of my counterparts, the chair of the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Committee, asked: Who is next? Balkans, Taiwan, Korea, the Baltics. . . . It takes years to wake up Washington, so please guys, wake up. prgtoken He is right. We need to wake up. prgtoken If Putin wins in Ukraine, he will not stop there. That is why this isn't a choice between sending funding to Ukraine or not sending funding to Ukraine. The choice is between sending American dollars to fight Putin now or sending American soldiers to fight him later. prgtoken If we want to preserve America's credibility with our allies, it is up to us. If we want to show our partners we will be there to help w
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MRS. LORRAINE EDITH GEITTMANN
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-25

I rise to celebrate Mrs. Lorraine Edith Geittmann, who passed away on January 5, 2024, in Redondo Beach, California. My friend Lori Geittmann was a remarkable person and I will miss her dearly. Lorraine Edith Geittmann was born December 11th, 1933, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, to Elmer T, and Leone E. (Allen) Geittmann. She grew up in the Ohio River town of Metropolis, Illinois. She was a 1951 Honor Society graduate of Metropolis Community High School. She won the Massac County general scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a senior reporter on the student newspaper of the Daily Illini and was elected to Honorary Shorter Board and Torch. She received her bachelor's degree in Journalism in June of 1955, and moved to California where she had family members. prgtoken In 1957, she joined the staff of the Daily Breeze Newspaper where she worked for 10 years, taking leave in 1960 to be a congressional fellow of the American Political Science Association in Washington. DC. She worked on the staff of Rep. B.F. Sisk of Fresno California, and Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine. While in Washington she attended the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. She returned to the Daily Breeze Newspaper in 1961 but left in 1967 to attend graduate school to study Political Science at California State University at Long Beach where she was a graduate assistant. prgtoken In 1969 she became a Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer and held that position for 25 years. She was the secretary of the Probation Officers union for two terms. prgtoken After her retirement in 1994, she served as a Commissioner on several Redondo Beach City Boards, and as the President of Friends of the Library. She served 5 terms as president of the Beach Cities ic Club and several years as an AD 66 Delegate for the ic Party. She also served several terms as an elected member of the Los Angeles County ic Central Committee, and a member of the executive board of the ic State Central Committee. She was a 1980 delegate to the ic National Convention. She served on a committee for the Beach Cities Health District. She also was a volunteer for several years at Torrance Memorial Hospital and belonged to Omnilore Learning in retirement from 2000 until her passing. prgtoken She was an early member of the Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. prgtoken She was preceded in death by her parents, longtime companion Robert Jones, brothers: Charles Geittmann and John W. Geittmann, sister-in-law Myrna Geittmann, nephew J. Greg Geittmann, and great nephew Shawn M. Norman. prgtoken She is survived by her niece Suzanne Lowery, nephew William F. (Karen) Geittmann, great nephew Geoffrey W. (Cindy) Geittmann, Kyle (Courtney) Howerton, great great nephew Leon and her great, great, nieces Autumn F. Norman, and Grace S. Geittmann from Marion, Illinois, along with niece Jodie L. Geittmann and nephew Rick A. Gei
S. RES. 504
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-1-25

the Senator from Vermont last week proposed to discharge the Foreign Relations Committee of S. Res. 504, his resolution to require the production by the Department of State of a report on Israel's human rights practices. prgtoken Senator Sanders' resolution is intended to serve the important purpose of ensuring robust Senate oversight of how U.S. security assistance has been deployed by the State of Israel in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions are catastrophic. However, Senator Sanders' measure as drafted is overbroad, with potentially significant unintended consequences. prgtoken Beyond its reporting requirements with respect to ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza, Senator Sanders' resolution requires within 30 days the affirmative certification by the Secretary of State that no individual unit of the Israel Defense Forces receiving U.S. security assistance over the past 5 years has committed any gross violations of human rights. The Department of State cannot feasibly undertake within 30 days the far-reaching analysis of IDF operations over half a decade that would be required to make such a certification. prgtoken The Department of State would therefore, in my view, be unable to comply with the reporting requirements in Senator Sanders' resolution, potentially triggering a mandatory cessation of U.S. security assistance to Israel before the Senate even had the opportunity to review its report. prgtoken Accordingly, I voted to table S. Res. 504.