mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING JESSICA MIER
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor my staff member, Jessica Mier, who left my office on June 4, 2021. prgtoken Jessica Mier has served as my Deputy Chief of Staff in San Diego for the better part of 2021, helping me set up my office and leading my district staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken After graduating from California State University, Sacramento in 2006, Jessica began her long career in public service--first in higher education, then through an internship in a Member of Congress's legislative office. prgtoken Her summer internship made an extraordinary impact on her, and led her to pursue her next phase of service as a staff member for elected officials. Over the last 15 years, Jessica has worked for a U.S. Senator, four House Members, and a City Mayor in many different capacities. For the past four years, Jessica has led the district office of the 53rd Congressional District. prgtoken We have been so fortunate to rely on Jessica's breadth of knowledge and connection to the communities she loves and has represented for so long. Her focus has always been on the constituents she serves and making sure their needs are met or exceeded. Though she has managed to do so much for her communities over the years, her humility will never let her take credit. prgtoken Jessica's biggest accomplishment comes not in the form of professional achievements or awards--though she has many--but in the indelible impact that she has had on anyone lucky enough to work with her and under her supervision. While Jessica may be leaving our office, her work will live on through the public prgtoken servants and leaders she has mentored and molded. prgtoken Through her new position with the House, she will train many more public servants throughout the United States. prgtoken I am proud to rise today to recognize Jessica Mier, and to thank her for her outstanding contributions to the lives of our fellow San Diegans.
NOMINATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-14

on a separate issue, the Senate voted on a bipartisan basis to invoke cloture on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the DC Circuit. Today, the Senate will confirm her to that post. prgtoken Judge Jackson is the first of many circuit court nominees whom we will confirm during this Congress. Given her credentials and record on the bench, she is a nominee who deserves the support of Senators on both sides of the aisle. I would like to take just a minute to highlight why she is such an outstanding choice for the DC Circuit. prgtoken The importance of the DC Circuit cannot be overstated. This is what another Illinoisan, President , said about the court: ``The D.C. Circuit is known as the second highest court in the country, and there's good reason for that. The judges on the D.C. Circuit routinely have the final say on a broad range of issues involving everything from national security to environmental policy; from questions of campaign finance to workers' rights. In other words, the court's decisions impact almost every aspect of our lives.'' prgtoken Thankfully, in Judge Jackson, we have a nominee who will be ready from day one to serve justice as a member of the DC Circuit. prgtoken Judge Jackson was born here in Washington, DC, and raised in Miami, FL. Her parents, public school teachers at the time of her birth, gave her a lifelong appreciation of learning and the law. They also instilled in her a dignity and grace that was on full display, as the Presiding Officer knows, when the judge appeared before the Judiciary Committee in April. prgtoken A champion high school debater, Jackson later attended Harvard and Harvard Law School before embarking on what can only be described as a star-studded legal career. prgtoken She clerked on the Federal District Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and for Justice Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court--a strong resume in and of itself. She has also worked at several prominent law firms, handling both trial and appellate work. prgtoken But her true calling has always been public service. In the early 2000s, Judge Jackson worked as special counsel on the U.S. Sentencing Commission and later served as a Federal public defender in Washington, DC. This experience inspired President to nominate her to serve as Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Sentencing Commission. In the Senate, her nomination received unanimous support. prgtoken A few years later, Judge Jackson came before the Senate again when President chose her to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia--once again, she was confirmed with unanimous support. prgtoken Looking at the arc of Judge Jackson's career, I am struck by how much time she spent focusing on the issue of criminal sentencing--an issue deeply important to me and, I believe, many other colleagues. prgtoken From the Sentencing Commission to the Office of Federal Public Defender, t
HONORING KRYSTAL HAMLIN
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2021-6-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor a tenacious and ambitious community advocate, Ms. Krystal Hamlin. prgtoken Krystal has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to serve others. Krystal is a native of Vicksburg, MS. She graduated from Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work; and obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. Krystal strives daily to live by this motto: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. prgtoken Krystal has worked as a Mental Health Therapist with Medgar Evers Home Solution and she worked in several advocacy roles with the Vicksburg Child Abuse Prevention Center. Krystal has provided court advocacy services to numerous victims of domestic violence locally and surrounding areas throughout the state of Mississippi. Krystal has served as an interim counselor at Haven House Family Shelter, where she provided individual and group counseling to residents and transitional residents. In 2017 and 2018, she collaborated with the Vicksburg Police Department (``Beverly Prentiss' Victims' Empowerment Program'') to educate members of the community. In 2019, Krystal helped organize a community event ``Taking Steps against Domestic Violence,'' that brought awareness to domestic violence related issues in Warren County, where over one hundred participants were present. Also, she has been a panelist in several domestic violence related discussions. prgtoken Krystal Hamlin currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Haven House Family Shelter. Throughout the past 4\1/2\ years she has assisted numerous victims of domestic violence obtain protection orders, file charges against abusers and most importantly, she has dedicated a considerable amount of time advocating for victims. Krystal has passionately advocated for laws at the MS State Capitol, in turn MS House Bill 1386 and MS Senate Bill 2680 were both passed into law. She has provided training to faith base leaders and its members, local Head-Start Centers, Warren County Youth court and Department of Human Services staff. Most recently, she was a presenter at the 15th Annual Guardian Ad Litem training; her topic of discussion was ``Understanding Domestic Violence and the effects it has on Victims and Children.'' Krystal facilitates the Community Coordinated Response Team in Warren County. prgtoken Krystal received the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV) 2021 Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Award presented by Attorney General's Office. prgtoken She loves life and helping others see the power they possess. Krystal loves spending a great deal of time with her 3-year-old son, Larry. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Krystal Hamlin for her passion and dedication to others and desire to make a difference in the community.
CELEBRATING PROFESSOR EDMUND W. GORDON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-6-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Professor Edmund W. Gordon, who was born on June 13, 1921. Professor Gordon is an extraordinary professor of psychology whose career work has heavily influenced contemporary thinking in psychology, education, and social policy. Professor Gordon's research and initiatives have focused on the positive development of under-served children of color, including advancing the concept of the ``achievement gap.'' prgtoken Professor Gordon grew up in a highly segregated area of North Carolina to parents who encouraged the importance of schooling. He received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Howard University, and went on to pursue a PhD in psychology at the Teacher's College at Columbia University. prgtoken In 1956, after working with mentor and friend W.E.B. DuBois, Professor Gordon was commissioned by President Lyndon B. Johnson to help design the Head Start Program, aimed at providing early childhood education and family services to under-resourced families. After six months working on Head Start, Professor Gordon and his team had built a program to serve nearly half a million children. Professor Gordon also conducted research that would later be used to prove to the Supreme Court that school segregation had harmful effects on children. Professor Gordon strongly advocated the importance of understanding the learner's frame of reference in the development of education action plans. prgtoken Professor Gordon is the John M. Musser Professor of Psychology, Emeritus at Yale University, Richard March Hoe Professor, Emeritus of Psychology and Education and Founding Director of The Edmund W. Gordon Institute of Urban and Minority Education (IUME) at Teachers College, Columbia University. prgtoken From July 2000 until August 2001, Professor Gordon was Vice President of Academic Affairs and Interim Dean at Teachers College, Columbia University. Professor Gordon has held appointments at several of the nation's leading universities including Howard, Yeshiva, Columbia, City University of New York, Yale, and the Educational Testing Service. He has served as visiting professor at City College of New York and Harvard. prgtoken Currently, Professor Gordon is the Senior Scholar and Advisor to the President of the College Board where he developed and co-chaired the Taskforce on Minority High Achievement. prgtoken As a clinician and researcher, Professor Gordon explored divergent learning styles and advocated for supplemental education long before most scholars had recognized the existence and importance of those ideas. From 2011 to 2013, Professor Gordon organized and mentored the Gordon Commission, bringing together scholars to research and report on the Future of Assessment for Education. prgtoken Professor Gordon has authored 18 books and more than 200 articles on the achievement gap, affirmative development of academic ability, and supplementary education. He has b
UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNING THE RECENT RISE IN ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT TARGETING JEWISH AMERICANS, AND STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY ANTISEMITISM
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-6-14

I rise today as cochair of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, which just relaunched this week with over half the Senate as Members. I am speaking out because Jewish-Americans and Jews across the globe are in danger. prgtoken They are in danger because we are experiencing a worldwide surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes and violence. In communities across America, Jews have been threatened, they have been verbally accosted, and brutally assaulted. prgtoken Anti-Semitism has long been the canary in the coal mine of hatred. History teaches us that when anti-Semitism takes hold, democracy itself is imperiled. This issue has reared its ugly head in recent years, particularly in the past month. prgtoken According to the ADL, anti-Semitic incidents in May were double what they were during the same period last year. Over the past few weeks, we have seen horrendous attacks on Jewish communities. In New York, fireworks were hurled at a crowd of Jewish-Americans. In Los Angeles, Jewish diners were attacked. prgtoken One response I saw to a recent desecration of a synagogue in Arizona has stuck with me. The response said ``the amount of Jewish hate isn't shocking. The silence is.'' prgtoken Those who committed these egregious acts wanted to send a message. They wanted to say that Jews have no place here. And it is critical that we send a clear and forceful message back. We must ensure that our elected leaders, and s, are resolute in affirming that there is zero tolerance for anti-Semitism. prgtoken We must honor the words of George Washington, who wrote to the Jewish community of Rhode Island in 1790, that America ``gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,'' which is why I urge the Senate to immediately take up my bipartisan resolution condemning the recent anti-Semitic incidents, unconditionally and unequivocally. prgtoken I am calling on leaders to take specific steps--specific steps--to address and prevent them, including having the President nominate and the Senate confirm a qualified Ambassador to monitor and combat anti- Semitism, fully implementing my bipartisan Never Again Education Act to advance Holocaust education, having agencies improve their collection of anti-Semitic hate crime data, and sufficiently funding the Nonprofit Security Grant program to protect houses of worship and community centers from violence. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Lankford and his staff for their work in helping to pass this resolution, which currently has 74 cosponsors. prgtoken , as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 252.
OFFERING SYMPATHY
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-14

. Madam , I rise as a fellow Texan to offer my deepest sympathy to my fellow congressional colleagues in the Austin area, to the local officials, and to all of those who suffered the brutality of the mass shooting in the last couple of days--14--and my deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased loved one, who mourns today. prgtoken Out of respect for his family, I will just simply say we mourn him, and we are saddened by his loss. prgtoken Madam , in Texas, the Governor just signed a permitless gun bill. All statistics suggest that this provides for a shopping spree of guns. prgtoken It is important for three things to happen for our Nation to raise its voices against gun violence and to begin to pass sensible gun safety laws, including my legislation for gun storage, universal background checks, closing the Charleston loophole, to prevent ghost guns, and banning assault weapons. prgtoken At the same time, we must raise up the specter of mental health services. But most of all, as I chair the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, we must raise our voice against violence and actually deal with it and try to cease it. I believe America must do this.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-6-14

we had interesting news in Vermont this morning. Our Governor, Governor Scott, announced that we have reached 80 percent immunity--vaccinations--and so the State will, in effect, reopen. prgtoken Now, I mention this because, right from the beginning, I have worked closely with our Governor. We have tried to show no partisanship in this. I am a ; he is a . We are both, first and foremost, Vermonters. prgtoken And restrictions were put in place. Efforts were made to vaccinate. I know my wife Marcelle and I went to some of these vaccination centers. We had everybody from Vermont National Guard to veterans groups, to schools, to nurses who were volunteering all over those places. prgtoken And everybody would line up, and they would say: ``I am scheduled for 9:20. I will be there at 9:10,'' and they just went through, and people wanted to get the vaccination. prgtoken It meant some hardships while it was going on because a lot of our businesses could not open or had to open just in limited ways. prgtoken But--but they kept at it, and we all worked together to help with aid to the State during the COVID time, and I was proud of what I might be able to do, but I am mostly proud of the Vermonters. They set politics aside; they set partisanship aside; and they said: How would it make us a safer State? prgtoken So I just thought I would note that, all my trips back home, all the times I joined with the various people--Dr. Levine, our chief physician in Vermont, and the Governor and others, our Lieutenant Governor, Molly Gray--all of us worked together, and it has paid off. prgtoken And I must admit, when I go home this weekend, this coming weekend, I am going to walk off that plane with a bigger smile than I usually have. prgtoken I always have a smile coming home to the State where I was born, but this weekend it is going to be an especially big smile. prgtoken .
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DON L. TAYLOR
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-6-15

I rise today to honor the memory and celebrate the life of Don L. Taylor, a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and a friend, who peacefully passed away at age 88 on April 16, 2021, surrounded by his family. prgtoken Don was active in many civic and service organizations and wore many hats throughout his lifetime. He served honorably as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was a longtime member and past president of the Waukesha Rotary Club. He spent his leisure time writing historical fiction set in Waukesha. He also had many other interests and, as many Wisconsinites do, Don enjoyed many trips to his family cabin up north in Wisconsin. prgtoken Don was a staple in the Waukesha community due to his involvement in the Waukesha State Bank. Don succeeded his father, Carl, as president and CEO of the Waukesha State Bank, a role he held for 25 years, from 1969 to 1994. Don is credited with modernizing the operations of the bank and computerizing operations in 1968, one of the first banks to do so. In 2004 Don's son, Ty Taylor, became the third generation of the family to serve as president of the bank. prgtoken Don will also be remembered for his deep involvement in politics. He served as chairman of the Waukesha County Party for 30 years, from 1979 to 1989, and again from 1993 to 2013. Don was one of the early pioneers in Waukesha to help grow the conservative movement, and his efforts cannot be understated for their lasting impact today. Don was recognized for his organizing capabilities by being selected to chair and co-chair President Ronald Reagan's 1968, 1980, and 1984 Wisconsin campaigns. prgtoken Above all else, Don Taylor was first and foremost a man of faith. He was a devoted Christian who lived his values through his everyday work and his family life. prgtoken Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carol. He is also survived by prgtoken children Wendy, Scott, Jenifer, and Ty; 10 grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and his sister, Velma Geraldson. prgtoken On behalf of Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District, it is my privilege to celebrate the life and legacy of Don L. Taylor for his unparalleled contributions and impact on our community. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Don's family and those who were lucky to call him a friend.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-6-15

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Undersheriff George Skuletich of Butte-Silver Bow County as Montanan of the Month for his steadfast service to the Butte community for more than 40 years. prgtoken George started as a detention officer at the Butte jail on June 5, 1981, and later was appointed as a Butte police officer in June of 1985. Since that time, he has served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, DARE officer, school resource officer, SWAT officer, and patrol captain. He was instrumental in the design and building of the Law Enforcement Center as well as the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. George has served as Butte-Silver undersheriff since January of 2013. prgtoken George embodies the heart of a Montanan and the public service and dedication of a Montana law enforcement officer. Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester has said if he had to go through a door, not knowing what was on the other side, he would take George with him because he would never leave a fellow officer behind, no matter how bad things got. There is no higher compliment. prgtoken George has responded to nearly any type of incident you can think of, from aircraft crashes to bomb threats, and his calm and respectful demeanor has proven him to be a valuable leader. George truly cares about the Montanans he has served. On behalf of a grateful Butte community, I want to thank George for his service to the great State of Montana, and I wish him a peaceful and relaxing retirement.
FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE COORDINATION ACT
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , I want to first thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for bringing this important bipartisan legislation to the floor. prgtoken H.R. 2016 would begin the critical process in working to consolidate the overlapping disaster response programs that delay disaster assistance for citizens in Miss Gonzalez-Colon's district, as well as in my district. prgtoken Mississippi has withstood flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes over the last 2 years, and many of these response efforts are still underway today. This is no fault of the Federal agencies that are tasked with responding, but it is, instead, the product of overlapping programs that result in duplicative assessments that delay the recovery process. prgtoken This bill would establish a Federal working group to help identify a more streamlined approach to helping Americans respond to natural disasters. prgtoken This commonsense approach to solving delays in Federal disaster response would help expedite recovery and give Americans confidence in the Federal response. prgtoken I appreciate Congresswoman Gonzalez-Colon's leadership on this issue, and I ask my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.