mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to talk about a real-life Cinderella story that occurred at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Basketball State Championship. Despite an enrollment of just 93 students--one of the smallest high schools in the State--the Frank Hughes School Lions roared past the competition to become runners up in the Division I Class A tournament. The grit and determination of this team earned the praise of basketball fans across Tennessee--and for good reason: In the first three games of the playoffs, the team trailed their opponents by up to 19 points, only to come out victorious. prgtoken Described as the town's ``heartbeat,'' this team was the pride of Clifton, TN, which was evident at the State tournament. The darlings of the competition, Frank Hughes School had not qualified in 40 years. As the players took to the court, every person and business in the city rallied behind them. When they finished as State runners up and accepted their trophy, the fans roared in a reception only fit for champions. A journalist remarked that the State tournament had emptied the town of Clifton. prgtoken This success story is a testament to the incredible schools and small communities in Tennessee that are the heart of America. The Frank Hughes Lions showed that grit, determination, and no excuses will get you far in life. I congratulate the Frank Hughes Lions and the city of Clifton on a great year, and I look forward to their continued success.
EXPANDING PUBLIC LANDS OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCES ACT
Ryan K. Zinke (Republican, MT) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6429, the EXPLORE Act, for a lot of reasons. prgtoken One is that while I am from Montana, I don't have cattle or I don't have a ranch or helicopter, but I am John Dutton with a hat. prgtoken This legislation, and I am glad to see it is bipartisan because some things should be bipartisan in our country, and our public lands and outdoor experience is that. prgtoken I grew up in Montana, but things have changed. When I grew up there, there wasn't any problem with public access. There was plenty of land. There wasn't a lot of people, and you could go where you wanted. prgtoken Today, it is a lot different. A lot of people are moving in, and we have new strains on our legacy that we inherited. prgtoken I inherited a lot of what Teddy Roosevelt gave us, but it was a different time. Now, there are different strains, and we have to work to manage the next 100 years of what our experience is. prgtoken Inscribed on the Roosevelt arch which marks the entrance to Yellowstone National Park is the phrase: ``For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.'' That is the enabling act of why we have the park system we do, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. prgtoken I am proud to add to it the Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act because in order to meet this goal, there are certain provisions we need a little help with; especially in gateway communities because the gateway communities themselves are challenged in infrastructure and housing. prgtoken How do you attend to the millions of visitors when you are a small town and you rise and fall in population so dramatically? prgtoken What this bill does, it makes sure that issues such as housing, infrastructure, and park access are managed and that local communities have a say. prgtoken Sometimes Washington forgets that there are local communities outside the Beltway, and when you are in Montana or a long ways away from Washington, on issues that involve the park and involve the communities, local communities should have that say. prgtoken , I urge my all my colleagues to support this act that is bipartisan and in the best interest of this country. This should be unanimous or near unanimous. I might also add, this has been well- managed by my friend from Arkansas and the gentlewoman from New Mexico.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-4-9

. I want to thank my good friend from North Dakota Senator Hoeven for his leadership on this issue. Under normal circumstances, we would have been celebrating the passage of a new farm bill by now. Unfortunately, we are not there yet, and our farmers continue to face far from normal circumstances. But we are making progress, and I am committed to meaningfully addressing the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. prgtoken Alongside bolstering the title 1 reference prices, maintaining and improving crop insurance is at the top of the list for my farm bill priorities. But more importantly, these are the top priorities of farmers across the country. prgtoken The first of many farm bill listening sessions I have participated in started with a roundtable in Senator Hoeven's home State of North Dakota. The takeaway from that event has been echoed across the countryside and in meetings throughout Washington: We need more ``farm'' in the farm bill. prgtoken This next farm bill must update the risk management tools farmers and ranchers need to succeed in order to reflect the nature of the challenges under which they operate today. Here is the reality: Producers are experiencing unprecedented challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and historic volatility in the farm economy, all of which are predicted to even get worse. prgtoken A producer from Minnesota told me recently that record high input costs, coupled with declining crop prices, would mean that she would have to harvest a record yield just to break even. That is not a scenario farm families want to pass on to the next generation. prgtoken Historic inflation, rising interest rates, a record trade deficit, devastating natural disasters, and global disruptions will make it more difficult for our farmers to succeed in the years to come. And with an outdated farm safety net, described by a Texas farmer as 2 inches above the concrete, agriculture is left wondering what level of crisis is necessary to compel Washington to act. prgtoken I commend Senator Hoeven's leadership in introducing the FARMER Act and proactively addressing the needs of farmers and ranchers who have asked for improvements to the Federal Crop Insurance Program. prgtoken The FARMER Act includes critical components to modernizing the farm safety net for producers across all regions and all commodities. From wheat in North Dakota to cotton in Georgia, to peaches in New Jersey, corn in Illinois and Colorado, to apples in Vermont and soybeans in Ohio, producers in every State could reap the benefits of more affordable crop insurance options. prgtoken The strength of this approach is underscored by the endorsement of over 20 grassroots organizations representing the voices of farm families from across the country. prgtoken We can pass a farm bill that strengthens title 1 and title 11, while also making improvements across every other title and meet our shared goals. prgtoken This isn't an either-or decis
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND HONORING THE SERVICE OF MURDERED NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICER JONATHAN DILLER
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-4-9

, Mr. D'Esposito, not only for today's Special Order but for a lifetime of service and sacrifice on behalf of the people of the city of New York and his own community. He knows firsthand the sacrifice that men and women in law enforcement make every day, and by the way, by extension the sacrifice their families have to offer in that service. prgtoken Today, I certainly rise in support and recognition and extend my love and prayers to the family of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller. We heard some powerful words from his widow reminding us how absolutely important it is that we establish policy that protects men and women in law enforcement in the State of New York but also across the country. Too many are passing policies that make the job of law enforcement that much more dangerous, undermining the ability to provide for public safety. prgtoken We have to remember that Jonathan Diller was killed senselessly by a man who had previously been arrested 21 times--21 times in the State of New York--21 times. prgtoken I want to speak specifically to New York State's cashless bail policy and some of the laws that have come out of Albany, New York, that have made law enforcement that much more difficult, and sadly, have made this particular tragedy--the loss of Officer Diller--a sad story that gets told and retold across New York. prgtoken Since the establishment of cashless bail in New York, New York State's criminal justice system has acted as a revolving door for repeat offenders. What New York has done is instead of taking the smart way of ensuring judicial discretion, the ability to evaluate risk, and by the way, giving local law enforcement the ability to intervene with the appropriate tools to de-escalate and to end recidivism, New York threw that all out. prgtoken The State of New York instead established a policy that emboldens criminals. prgtoken Now, the response from leaders in Albany, New York, and some across the country is that crime is on the decline. They point to arrest statistics as a suggestion that somehow crime is going down. prgtoken In places like New York arrests aren't being made. Why? Because small business owners on Main Streets across the State, in neighborhoods in New York City, they know not to even bother calling in many cases because the law enforcement community is unable to respond to even the simplest of crimes, and because of that they consistently see the escalation of crime. Those who are committing lower level offenses sooner or later are committing higher level offenses and maybe even taking the life of a law enforcement official, and then it is too late. prgtoken , 21 times that person was arrested and released before killing Officer Diller 21 times this criminal justice system had the ability in the State of New York--if it only had the backing of policymakers--had the ability to intervene and to protect Officer Diller and the 20-plus victims that came
COMMEMORATING THE WARSAW MASONIC LODGE'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise to commemorate Warsaw Masonic Lodge No. 73 F.&A.M in Warsaw, Indiana, as they prepare to celebrate their 175th anniversary on May 30, 2024. prgtoken Since its founding in 1849, the Warsaw Masonic Lodge has played an integral role in the Kosciusko County community. As a fraternal organization, the Warsaw Masonic Lodge is dedicated to the kind of values that all of us should espouse: respect for history, duty to country, a desire to serve others, and a commitment to forge a better future. prgtoken As the oldest institution still in existence in Warsaw, Indiana, the Warsaw Masonic Lodge has stood the test of time and made significant and long-lasting contributions to the social and cultural life of Warsaw and all of Kosciusko County. prgtoken This is above all a testament to quality of its members and the men who have walked through the Lodge's doors over the years. The Warsaw Masonic Lodge and organizations like it do much to contribute to the health of our communities in northern Indiana, and for that I am extremely grateful. prgtoken I join many other Hoosiers in wishing the Warsaw Masonic Lodge a very happy 175th anniversary and many more successful and active years ahead.
NOMINATION OF ANN MARIE McIFF ALLEN
Mitt Romney (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to offer my full support for Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen--a native of my home State--to serve as United States District Court Judge for the District of Utah. prgtoken Judge Allen has had an impressive career as a prosecutor, public defender, private civil attorney, and general counsel for Southern Utah University, and she currently serves as associate presiding judge on Utah's Fifth District Court. prgtoken Furthermore, she has used her skills and talents to serve the community as a trustee of SUU, a commissioner on the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, and a Rotarian. She earned her law degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and, like me, studied English at BYU for her undergraduate education. prgtoken Judge Allen's record and qualifications make it clear that she is exceptionally qualified to serve on the Federal bench. She is an exemplary jurist and I have no doubt that she will serve our State and country with honor and integrity as a district court judge. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to confirm Judge Allen as United States District Court Judge for the District of Utah.
Vladimir Kara-Murza (Executive Session)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-4-9

time is running out. Time is running out for Vladimir Kara-Murza. prgtoken I was just at an event across the street with Vladimir Kara-Murza's wife Evgenia and their children. It was a bipartisan meeting of House and Senate Members and interested citizens. We all agree Secretary of State Blinken must secure the release of this U.S. permanent resident and Russian political prisoner, Vladimir Kara-Murza, before it is too late because, as I said, time is running out. prgtoken In the spring of 2022, Mr. Kara-Murza spoke the truth about Russia's evil invasion of Ukraine. The Putin regime responded by arresting Mr. Kara-Murza and sentencing him to 25 years in jail for speaking the truth. prgtoken Only a corrupt regime would make it a crime to express an opinion to speak the truth. But that is what Vladimir Putin has done. He has arrested an innocent person and put him in jail for speaking the truth. prgtoken It has been a year since I led a bipartisan group of 81 lawmakers in an appeal to the Secretary of State--this same Secretary of State Blinken. It was the first anniversary of Mr. Kara-Murza's imprisonment. We urged the administration, on a bipartisan, bicameral basis, to label Vladimir ``unlawfully and wrongfully detained.'' prgtoken We asked for that designation because that title is more than just words under the statute. It would prioritize Mr. Kara-Murza's case at the State Department, and it would unlock new tools for our negotiators to act with speed and success to get him released. And he needs that speed. prgtoken Since we last wrote the Secretary about Mr. Kara-Murza, nothing has changed; nothing has changed, that is, except his decreasing health and increasing danger. prgtoken Mr. Kara-Murza's family has grave concerns that he may not survive much longer. So we are talking about the life of this permanent U.S. resident. Before this prison term, the Russian dictator, Putin, had tried twice to assassinate Mr. Kara-Murza by poisoning him. He was indeed poisoned. And although Vladimir survived each attempt, the efforts succeeded in weakening his body. prgtoken And then when Alexei Navalny recently died mysteriously in a Russian prison, Mr. Vladimir Kara-Murza became the most prominent imprisoned democracy advocate still alive in Russia. The target on his back has now grown bigger, so it is all the more important that Vladimir be freed. prgtoken This week we reach the second anniversary of Mr. Kara-Murza's incarceration. This week, I am leading dozens and dozens of my congressional colleagues in another bipartisan, bicameral request to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. I encourage even more Members to sign on to this letter before we send it to the Secretary later this week. prgtoken For 2 years, despite the danger, despite the imprisonment, Mr. Kara- Murza has not been silenced. He refuses to be silenced. Every so often, from behind prison bars, he is able to tell the world his thoughts through
COMMUNITY RECLAMATION PARTNERSHIPS ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-4-9

the balance of my time for closing. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6233. This commonsense legislation streamlines abandoned mine recovery efforts and provides an alternative pathway to abandoned mine restoration without the use of government funds or the imposition of additional fees on an industry that is operating today with the highest environmental standards. prgtoken Further, this bill has bipartisan support and passed unanimously out of the Committee on Natural Resources in December of 2023. As Mr. LaHood mentioned, it previously passed out of committee in the 116th and 117th Congress and was passed by the House in the 115th Congress. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to come together again today to support smart, efficient legislation that is good for the taxpayers' bottom line, the environment, our States, and our communities. prgtoken I thank Congressman LaHood for his work to bring H.R. 6233 to the floor, and .
TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM DAVIS
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to honor Captain William Davis of Joplin, MO, for his service to the State of Missouri. prgtoken On March 8, 2022, the Joplin Police responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of the Northpark Crossing Shopping Center. As he attempted to flee, the perpetrator sadly killed Corporal Benjamin Cooper and Officer Jake Reed. The perpetrator shot at Captain Davis and Officer Rick Hirshey as they pulled up to the scene, seriously wounding Officer Rick Hirshey. Amidst these devastating events, Captain Davis courageously intervened to stop further harm. prgtoken It is because of Captain Davis's selfless action that this murderous rampage was stopped before further losses could be incurred. Captain Davis's bravery in the face of danger prompted him to be recognized as Public Safety Officer Hero of the Year in 2022. This nationwide celebration, hosted by the First Responder's Children's Foundation, is dedicated to first responder heroes who risk their lives every day in service to our communities. prgtoken Captain Davis is truly a Champion of Missouri. I am grateful for his commitment to keeping our communities safe and his willingness to face the dangers that arise. I wish him the best as he continues to grow in his career as a captain in the Joplin Police Department.
Bidenomics (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-4-9

if I were to choose a title for the remarks which I plan on making here briefly, I would call the title of these comments ``The Case of the Vanishing American Paycheck.'' prgtoken Over the last few years, inflation has walloped family budgets. As we all know, prices have grown; they have grown again and grown some more, forcing people in Texas and all across America to scrimp and save just to try to get by. They have cut the number of trips to their favorite restaurant. They've made budget-friendly swaps at the grocery store by trading for less expensive items--maybe the store brand rather than your favorite brand. They have scrapped family vacations in favor of more affordable staycations. In many instances, they have had to make hard decisions between two competing, important expenses. For example, a couple of years ago, nearly 45 percent of Texans said they had to cut spending on basic necessities, including food and medicine, in order to pay their energy bill. prgtoken Polls continue to show that Americans believe they are even worse off today than they were 4 years ago, and it is easy to see why. Inflation is what has caused this basic shrinking of the great American paycheck. Real wages have fallen. Nominal wages seem to have gone up, but because of inflation, you actually have less purchasing power than you did 4 years ago. People who once lived comfortably are now living paycheck to paycheck. prgtoken Our colleagues on the Joint Economic Committee recently analyzed economic data to determine just how much inflation is costing the average American family each month. They found that the average household in Texas is spending $1,000 a month more today than they did in January of 2021 when President was sworn into office--$1,000 a month. prgtoken economics, which, apparently, the President is so proud of that he has named his economic policies after himself-- economics is costing Texas families more than $1,000 more each month, or $12,000 in a year. On a monthly basis, that is up more than $200 from a year ago-- more than double the monthly inflation from 2 years ago. prgtoken Since President took office, he and the leaders of his administration have tried to downplay the impact of inflation, but the American people aren't buying it. After all, the President gets to live in free government housing, otherwise known as the White House. He gets a nice fat paycheck each month. The President and the upper classes in America--the elites--are doing just fine. This kind of inflation doesn't change their lifestyles one bit; but for average Americans, it has a very real and negative impact. prgtoken For example, last week, the Wall Street Journal took a look at what $100 could buy 4 years ago in the grocery store and compared that to what those same items would cost today. Four years ago, this grocery run would have cost you $100. This includes many of the common items
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-4-9

I want to say thank you to the ranking member on the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Boozman. And I am especially proud to be here with the Senator from the great State of North Dakota, Senator Hoeven, and support our FARMER Act. prgtoken Crop insurance is the backbone of every farm bill. When I talk to producers back home, they tell me crop insurance is their first, second, and third priority. It is important not just to producers, but it also helps stabilize groceries on the other end by having a prgtoken good, constant supply by allowing the farmer to plant next year's crop after Mother Nature strikes. It helps keep those prices down at the grocery store as well. prgtoken You know, I am often asked why crop insurance is so important. And I want to quote the late President John F. Kennedy when he summed up the plight of the farmer pretty well. This is what President Kennedy said: The farmer is the only person in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways. prgtoken Look, our input costs are driving the value of our crops up, and thus the cost of crop insurance is going up along with it. Unfortunately, commodity prices don't reflect that. Instead, we are seeing an alltime drop in farming income--year over year drop that we have seen in decades. prgtoken But the FARMER Act truly puts ``farm'' back in the farm bill with a reasonable cost. It helps take on this added burden of crop insurance, which, again, allows the farmer to plant next year's crop and makes us the most single most important program at USDA. prgtoken I am proud to be here today urging that this body pass the FARMER Act--perhaps included on the farm bill would be a good place for it as well--to protect the economic security of rural America and keep food prices stable for American consumers. prgtoken I am happy to yield back to the Senator from North Dakota.
RECOGNIZING DANIEL PRITZ
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-4-9

I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions of one of my constituents, Daniel Pritz, who serves as a volunteer Board Member for the local non-profit, Brooksville Main Street. These outstanding volunteers put in hundreds of hours while running their businesses and organizations. prgtoken They have all come together for a common cause--to serve the community by bringing much-loved events to downtown Brooksville. Each of these board members have servant hearts, and their dedication and commitment to our community is impressive. Part of what makes our country so great is the willingness of ordinary Americans to go above and beyond to selflessly give back to others. prgtoken Volunteerism is one of the cornerstones of our society and part of the fabric that unites us. prgtoken It is clear that Daniel Pritz and fellow board members have made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for their service.