mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO MARK KELLAM
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise today in memory of a constituent of mine, Mark Kellam, who passed away on September 27, 2022. Mark was one of my district's preeminent newsmen--a veteran chronicler and good government watchdog, but most importantly, a neighbor, mentor and friend who fiercely loved his community and was deeply kind. prgtoken Mark was born in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Josephine and James Kellam, and from the very beginning appeared destined for a career in storytelling. At Tri Junior Senior High School, he excelled in just about every expression of the narrative form: as a theater kid, a prizewinning speech competitor, and editor of the yearbook. While his talents and passions varied widely, his callings ultimately coalesced around a bachelor's degree in journalism, which he obtained from Indiana University in 1984. prgtoken After more than a decade of reporting for his hometown paper and throughout the Midwest, Mark's yearning for adventure drew him westward to Chino, California. It was in California that Mark met the love of his life, Jeffrey Waack, and in 2004 Mark moved to West Hollywood to be with him. This cultural capital in my district was the setting for their many beautiful years together, including spending time in landmark establishments like Micky's, the Revolver Video Bar, and Basix. The latter is where Mark proposed to Jeff, and as soon as same- sex marriage became legal in California in 2008, they were wed at Kings Road Park. prgtoken As a new Angeleno, Mark quickly rose through the ranks of esteemed local publications like the Los Angeles Daily News and the Los Angeles Times Community News, where he was the city editor for the Glendale News-Press and Burbank Leader leading a team of reporters and editors, and mentoring many young staff who came through its doors. Most recently, he took the helm locally for the Outlook News Group. It was during these times that I got to know and talk with Mark often, and came to appreciate the intense kindness and heart he applied to his craft. Journalism--especially local journalism--is a hard business, but Mark made it seem effortless despite the hours he spent behind the scenes bringing countless stories to life. prgtoken Though his journalism career was legendary, so too were his pursuits of those many talents and passions acquired in his youth. Mark was a renowned karaoke singer, a longtime member of the L.A. Wranglers country dance group, and a wonderful playwright whose work was produced in New York, Dayton, and Indianapolis. He loved cats, the ocean, and traveling with Jeff and their friends. prgtoken Mark's legacy will live on through his masterful stories, as well as those of the many young reporters he mentored over the years. And it will live on through all those whose lives he touched with his unwavering warmth, humor, and heart. prgtoken Madam , I ask all Members to join me in offering my sincerest condolences to Mark's husband, Jeff, and hi
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO WILLIAM LEUCHTENBURG, EMINENT HISTORIAN
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and work of Professor William (Bill) Leuchtenburg, who celebrated his 100th birthday on September 28 and will be feted by his friends in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the hometown we share, this weekend. Bill is a distinguished scholar, devoted educator, and friend and counselor to many, including myself. prgtoken In fact, reading Bill's ``The Perils of Prosperity, 1914-32'' as an undergraduate 62 years ago helped attract me to completing a history major at UNC-Chapel Hill. In the 1980s, I assigned successive editions of ``In the Shadow of FDR'' to my classes in American Political Thought. In the meantime, I had gotten to know Bill personally through his fellowships at the National Humanities Center and his assumption-- after a distinguished 30-year career at Columbia University--of a Kenan professorship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. prgtoken Bill won the Bancroft Prize and the Parkman Prize of the Society of American Historians for ``Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal, 1932- 1940.'' with Samuel Eliott Morrison and Henry Steele Commager, he took the two-volume ``The Growth of the American Republic'' through two editions. He dealt with key aspects of the Roosevelt era in ``The Supreme Court Reborn: The Constitutional Revolution in the Age of Roosevelt'' and ``The FDR Years: On Roosevelt and His Legacy.'' His published articles range from ``The Needless War with Spain'' to ``Court Packing Plans,'' ``Jimmy Carter and the Post-New Deal Presidency,'' and ``The Boston Red Sox, 1901-1946.'' prgtoken Bill's long, varied, and impactful bibliography earned him his first Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Prize for distinguished writing in American history of enduring public significance, awarded by the Society of American Historians. But the printed record only begins to reveal Bill Leuchtenburg's impact on America's self-understanding and public life. By virtue of his effervescent personality, boundless energy, and strong ethic of civic engagement, Bill's range of activities and their impact are remarkable even for a 100-year life span. His political engagements go back to the 1940s, when he was a state director for the Americans for ic Action, field staff for the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and an organizer for Richard Bolling's first campaign for the U.S. House. In 1987, he joined Walter Dellinger and John Hope Franklin in testifying against Robert Bork's appointment to the Supreme Court. He served over many years as an election analyst and commentator on presidential inaugurations for national networks. He has advised and appeared in many of Ken Burns' acclaimed documentaries on topics including the Civil War, the Roosevelts, the Vietnam War, National Parks, baseball and country music. prgtoken When Bill's international colleagues honored him at Cambridge University upon the 30th anniversary of ``Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal,'' they entitled th
HONORING MAGGIE SALINAS
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor Maggie Salinas, a native of Kingsville, Texas, who served her community for over 70 years. Ms. Salinas was a member on over two dozen boards and committees that helped the people of Kingsville across many different areas of life. prgtoken In 1951 at the age of 17, Ms. Salinas was the first and youngest Hispanic woman hired by Kleberg County. She started her career with the Kleberg Welfare Department as a social worker, helping people achieve independence. In April of 1957, she worked with county officials and automotive industry experts to get the ``Safety Belt'' Seal adopted which certified seat belts. She later moved on to work for Duval County as a social worker, all the while helping Nueces County administer the polio vaccine and tuberculosis screenings. prgtoken Ms. Salinas has sponsored 4 Girl Scout troops and served as a member of the Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Board. She has served as the Chairwoman of the Kleberg County Historical Development Board since 1999, preserving the rich history of South Texas. In 2005 she received a Local Committee of Honor Award from the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives Centro Alameda, the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texas Cultures and was recognized for her participation with ``Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement'' from the Smithsonian U.S. Traveling Exhibition. prgtoken Ms. Salinas currently serves as the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Engineering Department Advisory Committee Chairwoman. As Chairwoman, she works with Texas A&M University-Kingsville engineering professors and students to compile information for the Calle Siete Project. This data will be utilized in potential economic revitalization and tourist opportunities of the historic Kingsville area, establishing a cultural zone. One revelation from the Calle Siete Project was the unveiling of the ``Los Kinenos Trail''. The Los Kinenos Trail honors the King Ranch Kinenos who played a role in founding the historic King Ranch. Her dedication to community and culture is seen in her founding role of ``La Posada'', a Christmas tradition event, in 1990, her work redesignating over 80 historical streets in La Colonia Mexicana to include their original names, and her instrumental role in the restoration of the Mother Julia Chapel and Museum. prgtoken A true humanitarian, Ms. Salinas has planned and led fundraising events for the National Kidney Foundation. American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. She was also awarded the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate Leadership Award in recognition of volunteer service in a leadership role and expanding role of the American Heart Association--to name one of many awards she has been honored with. prgtoken Madam , Ms. Maggie Salinas is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to the development of the Kingsville community. Her legacy will have a lasting im
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF UT HEALTH SAN ANTONIO'S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of UT Health San Antonio's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). For decades, GSBS has led our nation in educating future biomedical professionals. Please join me in recognizing its extraordinary achievements. prgtoken Since October 21, 1972, GSBS has produced more than 4,000 graduates who are working worldwide in academia, the sciences, and other key industries. The school offers 21 academic programs and serves students from across the nation, with a particular focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds and economically-disadvantaged groups. GSBS programs are designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and scientific inquiry in the pursuit of educating students in contemporary areas of the biomedical sciences. prgtoken GSBS faculty work on cutting-edge research in areas such as cancer, heart disease, and neurogenerative disorders. GSBS is one of only 11 institutions with National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Doctor of Dental Surgery/Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy combined degrees. prgtoken Madam , UT Health San Antonio's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is a pillar of our extraordinary community. GSBS will continue to remain at the forefront of scientific exploration. I congratulate GSBS on their 50th anniversary year. I look forward to seeing the many great things GSBS and its students will accomplish in the years to come.
HONORING YADIRA SANCHEZ FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , Yadira Sanchez is currently serving as the executive director of Poder Latinx and is a co-founder of the organization, which focuses on civic and social justice and is dedicated to building a sustained progressive voting bloc of Latinxs in prgtoken key states while strengthening the political power of the Latinx community. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Yadira grew up in a mixed-status home and learned about the inner workings of her community's upward battle. Her passion to advocate for families like hers led her to champion the work she is doing today in Florida and beyond, being a fierce advocate for economic, environmental, and immigrant justice. prgtoken Poder Latinx launched its efforts in 2019 in Orlando, Florida, and today has operations in four states. Since 2019, Poder Latinx has knocked on doors across Central Florida for voter registration and mobilization efforts, hosted community events and information sessions on economic, environmental, and immigrant justice, and tailored a culturally and language accessible message to inform and mobilize Central Florida's Latinx community. Most recently, the organization opened a second office in Central Florida located in Kissimmee to expand accessibility to the Latinx community. Yadira's steadfast commitment to Central Florida is present through all of the programs Poder Latinx executes. prgtoken Yadira earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and her master's degree from the George Washington University. She previously served as the development director for Mi Familia Vota, where she helped raise over $20 million and expanded strategic partnerships with major organizations to increase year-round civic participation efforts within the Latinx community. She was also proud to support the Fast for Families campaign for immigration reform during her time in the immigration department at the SEIU.
CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES' BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign and the important work that the initiative has done. prgtoken In 1992, Evelyn H. Lauder co-created the pink ribbon and launched The Campaign with prgtoken the goal of a breast cancer-free world for all. The initiative has inspired hope in millions of Americans and has helped save countless lives. prgtoken The Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign has, in conjunction with the Estee Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation, dedicated more than $108 million to support research, education, and medical services. This includes more than $86 million in funding for medical research grants through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Campaign has also helped to improve the early detection of breast cancer, which is essential for treatment. Since 1989, increased use of early detection and more effective treatments have caused the breast cancer death rate in the U.S. to fall by 41 percent. prgtoken Despite these gains, the work of The Campaign is still needed, as breast cancer continues to affect millions of people around the world every year. In 2022, it is estimated that 287,850 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, and 43,250 women are expected to lose their lives. In Western New York, it is estimated that more than 1,450 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. prgtoken Institutions in Western New York continue to lead in the field of breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo continues to be one of the top- ranked cancer treatment centers in the world, with breast cancer survival rates higher than national outcomes. prgtoken I applaud the work that the Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign has done in America and Western New York. It is more important than ever that we remain committed to making strides toward a breast cancer-free world.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF AMIGOS BLOCK WATCH
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-10-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Amigos Block Watch, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month. prgtoken Amigos Block Watch was formed by a group of community members in Phoenix who work together to minimize crime in their neighborhoods. For 25 years, Amigos Block Watch has hosted community meetings where individuals can voice their concerns or questions, helping provide resources from community action officers and keeping the Phoenix City Council informed. Amigos Block Watch also hosts events that bring the community together, building a more inclusive city. They are also active in using their social media to promote educational and work opportunities for residents, while continuing to encourage those in prgtoken the area to get involved and stay updated on impactful safety issues. prgtoken For so many years, Amigos Block Watch has been ensuring everybody feels safe in their community. They have lived up to their message of ``One Neighborhood, One Family''. Their community efforts continue to provide free resources and support to those in need, and they continue to advocate for the members of the community while never backing down from the fight to create neighborhoods where all feel safe. prgtoken I would like to again congratulate Amigos Block Watch on their 25th anniversary. I hope Phoenix has this incredible organization for decades to come.
HONORING JENN RIGGS AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Jenn Riggs, founder of Wander Women Iowa, as Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Jenn was born and raised in Iowa in a family with a real love of the outdoors. As a child, her family would take day trips to explore Iowa's many parks and recreational areas. Her grandmother worked at a state- run rest area educating visitors about Iowa's outdoor spaces and tourism opportunities, and Jenn would join her on the job. All of these experiences bestowed in Jenn a deep appreciation of Iowa's natural beauty and a drive to spend more time outside. prgtoken Prior to founding Wander Women, Jenn worked as a sustainability coordinator at the Des Moines Area Community College's Urban Campus in Des Moines and helped students set up various sustainability efforts. One of her favorite projects was the establishment of a half-acre food forest on campus in the heart of Iowa's largest metro area. She and the students involved learned about permaculture as the project developed, and today the half-acre forest boasts fruitful apple trees, different perennial food sources, and more. prgtoken The idea for Wander Women was years in the making. After many conversations with friends and community members and receiving a plethora of good guidance, Jenn officially made the leap into small business ownership when she founded the company in 2018. It's only grown since then. prgtoken Wander Women Iowa connects, guides, and empowers women through all- inclusive camping and hiking trips throughout Iowa. The goal of the business is to help women find community in the natural world and with one another in lasting, meaningful forms, It also empowers women by building confidence and learning important skills from other women within the outdoor recreation world, which is typically very male- dominated. Jenn also hopes bestowing a love of Iowa's natural wonders and outdoor recreation will help retain more young families in the state. prgtoken Jenn believes there is power and magic when women gather, and is dedicated to creating a path to the outdoor world for everyone. The ladies participating in Wander Women trips come from all walks of life, gather in the woods without technology or preconceived notions, and can simply be themselves while fully immersing in nature and the experience. It's been transformative for participants, many of whom have since become involved in other initiatives like volunteering and advocacy, have stayed connected to other women in the group, and have taken their friends and family members to these wild spaces to share their joy and appreciation. prgtoken The success of Wander Women is remarkable. The small business started with nine trips its first year, and has since grown to 44 trips planned for this year between backpacking trips, paddling trips, and educational courses across the state. Jenn brought on a co-owner, Kerri Sorrell, and they now have
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-10-11

in three criminal cases pending in Federal district court in the District of Columbia and arising out of the events of January 6, 2021, the prosecution has requested testimony from Senate witnesses. prgtoken In the ongoing trial of Stewart Rhodes, the alleged founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, and four codefendants, the prosecution has requested testimony from Virginia Brown, formerly a Senate Chamber assistant, operating under the authority of the then-Secretary for the Minority of the Senate and the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate. In that role, Ms. Brown was a witness to the charged events. Then-Secretary for the Minority Myrick and Senate Sergeant at Arms Gibson would like to cooperate with this request by providing relevant testimony in this trial from Ms. Brown. prgtoken In two other cases arising out of the events of January of 6, 2021, against Jeremy Groseclose and Melody Steele-Smith, in which trials are scheduled to begin on November 14, 2022, the prosecution has requested testimony from Daniel Schwager, formerly counsel to the Secretary of the Senate, concerning his knowledge and observations of the process and constitutional and legal basis for Congress' counting of the electoral college votes. The prosecution has also sought testimony, if necessary, from Nate Russell and Diego Torres, custodians of records in the Senate Recording Studio, which operates under the authority of the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, to authenticate Senate Recording Studio video of that day. Senate Secretary Berry and Senate Sergeant at Arms Gibson would like to cooperate with these requests by providing relevant testimony in these trials from Messrs. Schwager, Russell, and Torres, respectively. prgtoken In keeping with the rules and practices of the Senate, these resolutions would authorize the production of relevant testimony from Ms. Brown in the Rhodes case, and from Messrs. Schwager, Russell, and Torres in the Groseclose and Steele-Smith cases, with representation by the Senate legal counsel.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-10-11

the National Defense Authorization Act is the most important bill we pass every year--and especially the most important bill we pass for our troops. This year is no different. prgtoken Some may disagree with me, but let me point you to an old document not too many people read anymore, called the Constitution; it tells us what we are supposed to be doing here: defending America. prgtoken This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I know my colleagues share in my desire to get this bill passed. I am particularly eager to get this bill passed because, as you all know, it is my last NDAA to shepherd through the Senate, and there has been a lot of them at this point. prgtoken Specifically, I want to take a moment to recognize my good friend, Jack Reed. We are both Army veterans and understand that the most important thing we do all year is the NDAA, where we work to get the troops what they need to do their jobs and make sure they are taken care of. I don't think there are two closer friends than Jack Reed and myself here in the Senate, and I am proud to have worked on my last defense bill alongside him. prgtoken This bill is truly a bipartisan, comprehensive product. We have already agreed to more than 70 bipartisan amendments in the manager's package of amendments, and those numbers don't include the hundreds of provisions written by Members that are already in the bill. prgtoken It is easy to forget what brings us together around here, but the National Defense Authorization Act is a bill we must put aside our differences and pass every year. We are about to enter the 62nd year of passing the NDAA with far-reaching, bipartisan support. prgtoken Senator Reed, the Armed Services Committee, and I, we worked hard to make this a bipartisan bill--in the base text, in the committee mark, and now with this manager's package of amendments authored by many Members of the Senate. prgtoken We are one step closer to getting this product to the finish line and making sure our military is provided for in the coming years. prgtoken I can't think of one thing we have come together to pass for over 60 years straight other than the NDAA. It truly is remarkable. prgtoken s for their contributions, I look forward to our continued debate on this important bill--the most important bill we will do all year.