mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-2-17

the Presiding Officer from Maryland was in committee with me today and heard the President's Council of Economic Advisers talk about the economy, acknowledging that they spend every day worrying about inflation, what we do to combat inflation, everything from--we see the huge, excess profits in the shipping industry, among drug companies, food service companies--especially the meatpackers but also supermarket chains and oil companies. A big part of inflation we need to combat is because these companies understand they can raise prices because they don't have much competition. We see executive compensation continue to rise, sometimes to stratospheric levels. Who bears the burden? The burden is on middle-class and lower income families in places like Baltimore and Cleveland and places like western Maryland and southeast Ohio. And we know what we need to do. prgtoken We also know from our work in this committee that the Federal Reserve's job is to make sure that--they are the principal group in Washington, in the government, to combat inflation, the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has three vacancies and has two other nominees who are Acting Federal Reserve Governors, and we need to confirm them. prgtoken Five nominations came in front of our committee last Tuesday--5 nominations--and because of peculiar Senate rules, we couldn't act because all 12 s boycotted the committee. They boycotted the committee because one of the nominees from the Presiding Officer's home State, Sarah Bloom Raskin, even though she answered 189 questions-- questions in the committee and then 189 written questions; majority from s--she answered them all in 48 hours. She shouldn't have gotten even more questions. She has met with every Senator of either party, on the committee or off the committee, who wanted to meet with her. She has done everything that they ask of her. Yet they don't like her answers. They don't like that she believes the government has to deal with climate change. They don't like that she is going to stand up to Wall Street. So instead of just going to the committee and doing their job, voting against her, they boycotted the committee so we couldn't vote on the nomination. prgtoken So five jobs, five Governors of the Federal Reserve just sit in limbo because s aren't doing their jobs. You come here, and you vote yes or you vote no. You don't vote ``I am not going to show up because I don't like this. I am going to boycott this meeting.'' prgtoken It simply says that s have been AWOL in the fight against inflation because we need these Fed Governors in place. We need them fighting against inflation. And for s to just say ``Sorry; we are not going to go'' is simply bailing out and not doing their job. They are being AWOL in combating inflation. It is wrong for our country and wrong for our economy. prgtoken We in the majority put workers at the center
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-2-17

I rise today to pay tribute to the life and work of Karen Ferguson, the founder and president of the Pension Rights Center. Karen passed away in December. Today would have been her 81st birthday, and today also marks the 46th anniversary of Karen founding the Pension Rights Center. prgtoken Under Karen's steadfast leadership, the Pension Rights Center has been at the forefront of ensuring retirement security for all, from retirees in struggling multiemployer pension plans to women obtaining spousal shares of retirement plans to countless individuals seeking assistance through one of the center's pension counseling projects. The Pension Rights Center was Karen's gift to all of us. prgtoken Karen will be remembered for her fierce determination and tireless advocacy on behalf of workers, women, and retirees. She also possessed an unparalleled depth of knowledge on retirement law, a subject many find intimidating. The world has lost a pension superhero. I salute Karen for her decades of service. She will be greatly missed.
FURTHER ADDITIONAL EXTENDING GOVERNMENT FUNDING ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-2-17

earlier this afternoon, I made it clear I was going to put forward a unanimous consent request asking the Senate to take up and approve the nomination of Michele Taylor, to serve as the U.S. Representative to the UN Human Rights Council with the rank of Ambassador, and in just a minute and a half or so, I will make that unanimous consent request. prgtoken Ms. Taylor has an exceptional record with respect to humanitarian issues. She has served on the Anti-Defamation League, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. She has been a strong advocate for the rights of women. prgtoken I come from a family who lost relatives in the Holocaust. Ms. Taylor is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. And it is absolutely essential that we up the ante in the fight against anti-Semitism, and that is a key part of this country's diplomacy. prgtoken The reason that I am making this unanimous consent tonight is that Michele Taylor is unquestionably qualified for this important post, but there is a real time sensitivity to her nomination being cleared tonight. The regular session of the U.N. Human Rights Council begins on February 28, obviously just a few days away. It is absolutely essential that we confirm our representative now. Delaying Ms. Taylor's confirmation would obviously hinder the U.S. ability to advocate for American values and help vulnerable people who suffer under abuse and oppression around the world. And she will be able to build on some particularly important work that is going on in the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Brown and Senator Crapo, working, for example, on forced labor and other issues that involve critically important human rights questions.
RECOGNIZING THE VARINA HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the Varina Blue Devils football team for winning the Class 4 state championship title. prgtoken This title run was particularly exciting, as it resulted in Varina High School's first ever football state championship. Their victory was made even more special by the fact that the last time the Blue Devils made the championship finals in 1999, their Head Coach Marcus Lewis was on the team. prgtoken The Blue Devils' win was not earned just on the day of the game but was built on months of hard work. After a season of close victories that toughened their resolve and showed their fighting spirit, these young men closed out the championship game in style. When a last-minute interception sealed the win for Varina, the Blue Devils earned their place in our Commonwealth's history. I am certain that these young men and their championship achievement will be remembered in the Henrico community for years to come. prgtoken On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Darin Thompson, Coach Marcus Lewis, and the Varina High School Blue Devils football team for their inspiring championship season.
CONGRATULATING DEBORAH HEART AND LUNG CENTER ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Deborah Heart and Lung Center on their 100th anniversary. Deborah is a true leader for cardiovascular and pulmonary care throughout the state with a mission of providing quality care to our community and beyond. prgtoken One hundred years ago, the hospital started as a tuberculosis and pulmonary center. As advancements in antibiotics led to the eradication of tuberculosis, Deborah began to concentrate on other chest diseases. prgtoken Today, Deborah serves as New Jersey's only specialty heart hospital and has become a cornerstone of compassionate care in our region. Deborah maintains a distinguished reputation for educating the next generation through one of the largest cardiac teaching fellowship programs in the country, and consistently debuts innovative cardiac treatments through their clinical research department. prgtoken In addition to serving as New Jersey's ``safety net'' hospital, providing unparalleled care to residents of all twenty-one New Jersey counties, Deborah in its 100 years has treated 2.3 million patients from every county in the state and from 87 countries throughout the world. prgtoken From the beginning, Deborah's medical treatment was provided by a staff known for their compassion and medical excellence. At a time when millions of Americans are making the tough decisions between keeping food on the table and healthcare, Deborah has never issued a bill to one of its patients. prgtoken The work Deborah Heart and Lung Center is doing makes a real impact on the lives of everyone in our community. On Deborah's 100th anniversary, I extend my best wishes and thanks to every current and former staff member and volunteer.
HONORING KAREN FERGUSON OF THE PENSION RIGHTS CENTER
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Karen Ferguson, the President of the Pension Rights Center, and recognize her as a true champion for the rights of pensioners. Karen was a leader on an issue that is of particular importance to me; namely, the retirement security of workers, retirees, and their families. For over 45 years, Karen was significantly involved in protecting pensioners rights through the development of pension legislation in Congress, and recently I witnessed her tireless advocacy first-hand as we worked to enact the Butch Lewis Act. prgtoken An alum of Harvard Law School and Bryn Mawr College, Karen founded the Pension Rights Center. The Pension Rights Center, with Karen as president and leader, has been instrumental in advocating for and drafting new regulations and laws, including the Retirement Equity Act of 1984, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the Butch Lewis Act of 2021. prgtoken Karen was widely known and respected on Capitol Hill and testified at many congressional and regulatory hearings. She will be remembered for her passion and depth of knowledge. prgtoken I join the millions of pensioners around the country in expressing gratitude for Karen's tenacity. She will be deeply missed. I send my deepest sympathies to all who loved her, the Ferguson family, her friends, and her colleagues.
IN RECOGNITION OF SILVIA MIRANDA
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise to honor Ms. Silvia Miranda of Mesa Elementary School in Clovis, New Mexico, for her incredible commitment to New Mexico's children, schools, and community. prgtoken The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded Ms. Miranda the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award program is administered by NSF on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to recognize the invaluable contributions of exceptional K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science teachers. It is the highest honor our nation can bestow to a math or science teacher. prgtoken This prestigious award is only one of many things Ms. Miranda has achieved over her illustrious career. The award echoes the praise prgtoken offered by Ms. Miranda's administrators and colleagues who describe her as an asset and a blessing to Clovis Municipal Schools and to those whom she works with. In addition to being an experienced bilingual educator, Ms. Miranda also engages students by helping to organize the Mesa Science Fair and Spanish Spelling Bee. Her dedication and passion is the foundation for the academic and personal growth of her students both when she is their teacher and long after. prgtoken Ms. Miranda is a shining example of the passion and dedication that define our great state, and we are proud that she calls New Mexico home. I offer my congratulations to Ms. Miranda and thank her from the bottom of my heart for her contributions to the future of New Mexico-- our youth.
HONORING NASHUA FIRE CHIEF BRIAN RHODES
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the outstanding career in public service of Nashua Fire Chief Brian Rhodes. It is with great pride that I join others in honoring Brian's commitment to the City of Nashua. prgtoken Brian's career with the Nashua Fire Department was marked with many milestones and achievements. He has attended the National Fire Academy and successfully graduated from both the Fire Service Financial Management and Executive Planning programs. Brian started his career with the Nashua Fire Department in 1987. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000, Captain in 2004, Deputy Chief in 2011, Assistant Chief in June of 2015 and took over as Chief in April of 2018. In 2018, Chief Rhodes joined me in Washington, D.C. to share his work combating the opioid epidemic with Members of Congress. I appreciate Chief Rhodes unwavering commitment to serving his community and sharing his expertise with leaders from across the country. prgtoken I commend Chief Rhodes on his retirement after more than three decades with the Nashua Fire Department and on his unwavering dedication to the Granite State. Chief Rhodes also served as a State Representative from 2008 to 2014 representing Nashua Ward 3 in the New Hampshire General Court--a testament to his dedication to making the Granite State a better place. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Brian for his many years of service, and for being a part of what makes the Granite State so great. I am honored to recognize and congratulate Brian on his retirement and wish him the best of luck in the years ahead.
TRIBUTE TO SAM COHEN ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Sam Cohen on the occasion of his 60th birthday for his distinguished service over the years. Sam serves as the Legal and Government Affairs Officer of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians located in my district, where he has supported the Tribe's leadership and members for more than prgtoken a decade and a half. In doing so, Sam has become an exemplar of civic engagement throughout the Central Coast and in Washington, DC. prgtoken Sam's path to becoming a leader in our community and throughout Indian country is as unique as they come. prgtoken After graduating from the University of Arizona and University of Minnesota Law School, Sam began his career in the world of international corporate and finance law. This work took him around the world, including a two-year stint in Tokyo, Japan. Sam briefly returned to the states to pursue his LLM degree in tax at NYU before once again venturing off the beaten path, this time to the U.S. Territory of Guam. While in Guam, Sam found his calling in more ways than one. First, he came to understand and appreciate the vital role that economic development plays in providing opportunity and equity to marginalized communities. His four years working to support companies investing in Guam struck a chord, as such Sam has gone on to spend the next 25 years working on behalf of many communities that have historically been passed over and overlooked in the economic opportunities afforded to many other Americans over the generations. prgtoken Sam also met his late wife, Trina, while in Guam. They were soon married, and together raised three children, Abraham, Keanu, and Rebekah, who are all now making their own way in the world. prgtoken Shortly after leaving Guam, Sam transitioned to serving as counsel to Tribal governments, working in the states of Washington and Louisiana before moving to the Golden State. prgtoken Sam's first role in California was to serve as General Counsel to the Tule River Tribe in Porterville. His efforts there, shortly after California voters authorized gaming for Native American tribes, were critical in setting the Tule River Tribe on a path to economic success. prgtoken In 2006 Sam moved to Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara County, to take a position as Legal Officer for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. His impact was felt immediately, and he has been a trusted advisor for tribal leaders and members ever since. prgtoken I first got to know Sam during my time serving as a Supervisor in Santa Barbara County. Like many Tribal nations in California, the Chumash tribe had very little land over which to assert its sovereignty, provide a sense of community for its members, and grow as a nation. Sam's personal interactions with Supervisors, staff and other stakeholders on fee to trust issues earned him a reputation as an honest broker which led to a number of successful and important Tribal initiatives. prgtoken My relationship wit
HONORING THE OUTSTANDING CAREER OF JANE BAIRD
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the distinguished career of Jane Baird, of Haddam, Connecticut. As the Senior Director of External Affairs, Jane celebrated a major milestone on January 14th, 2022, when she officially reached 20 years of dedicated employment and leadership with Connecticut Children's Medical Center. By coordinating relationships between the CCMC and its partners, Jane has truly proved her devotion to the health and welfare of Connecticut's children, ensuring a bright and healthy future for countless youth throughout the state. prgtoken Before the outset of her career with Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Jane began with her studies at Grinnell College, graduating in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Upon graduating, Jane went on to study at Indiana University, graduating with a master's in public administration in 1993. Equipped with this robust education, Jane initially moved to and worked in Vermont as the Managed Care Administrator of the Office of Vermont Health Access for over 4 years. Jane then moved to the Vermont Division of Health Care Administration to be the Director of Quality Assurance and Consumer Protection, keeping to her tireless life-mission of ensuring those around her receive proper medical care. prgtoken In 2002, the Second District of Connecticut was lucky when Jane and her family discovered the area for their new home. Upon moving to the small town of Haddam, Jane launched her impactful career with CCMC as the Director of Government Relations. In this role, Jane was responsible for the maintenance of legislative relationships on behalf of the medical center, acting as a conduit between the medical staff at CCMC and the world of public policy. Jane approached this role with great passion, leading advocacy efforts with a wide variety of partners to promote healthcare policies that advance the growth and health of families and their children. Throughout her tenure, Jane has been an extraordinary force in the realm of Medicaid, injury prevention, and national health reform. Without Jane's leadership, I am sure that CCMC would not have had such an influential impact on the well-being of children in Connecticut and across the country. prgtoken In recognition of her hard-earned successes, Jane was promoted in 2016 to her current title of Senior Director of External Relations. Under this expanded leadership position, Jane has been instilled with a deeper connection to the promotion of healthy families and communities, taking up even greater, more creative efforts of advocacy. In doing so, she has successfully and dutifully managed communications with the medical center's many affiliates, including Hartford Public Schools and local YMCAs. prgtoken Since 2004, Jane has also been an active member of the Board of Directors at Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance in Hartford. A medium of cooperation between CCMC, Hartford Hospital, and Trinity Colleg
REMEMBERING GARY LEE GUTELIUS
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend Gary Lee Gutelius, who passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 74. We are all heartbroken by his passing because he was the friend that was always there to help and support. It didn't matter the cause or the event, Gary showed up. He understood that the best lives lived are those of service. He knew how to be a friend even in tough times. His death is a blow to our entire community, and we all need to do more for each other to try to make up for this tremendous loss. prgtoken He was born on February 12, 1948, in Warren, the second son of the late Harold and Ruth Harsh Gutelius. Gary was a 1966 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. After graduating, Gary was drafted into the United States Army in 1967, serving with the 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. During his tour, Gary took part in Operation Apache Snow, where be was wounded at the Battle of Hamburger Hill. For his meritorious service during his service, he would receive the Bronze Star medal and the Purple Heart. prgtoken After returning home, Gary would become a well-known figure in our community, especially with veterans. He would work for Packard Electric from 1970 to 2006 and serve as president of their veteran's committee for 16 years. Gary belonged to many different veteran organizations, including being a lifetime member of: D.A.V. Chapter 11, the VFW Post 1090, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 606 where he served as Senior Vice Commander, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Post 540 and the Amvets Post 290. Gary headed up the Veterans Day and Memorial Day committee for Trumbull County, as well as organized volunteers every year to decorate the veterans' graves for Memorial Day. He was also one of five individuals responsible for bringing the Vietnam Wall That Heals to Warren. Gary became a veteran services commissioner in 2013 and was honored as a Tribune Chronicle ``Community Star'' and received the Valley Legacy award in 2014. In 2018, Gary had the honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day. prgtoken He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Warren and enjoyed boating, skiing, and hunting. Gary had dreams of restoring his cherished MG car and was a financial supporter for the restoration and upkeep of the Gutelius home and museum in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. prgtoken He was predeceased by his parents, Harold Gutelius and Ruth Harsh Gutelius. He is survived by his siblings, Dan Gutelius (Pat) of Howland and Pam Swanson (Jeff) of Canfield; his girlfriend Anna Marie Rosasco of Champion; his nephew Steve Gutelius (Marissa) of Howland; his niece Beth Kant: (Adam) of Cortland; his great-nephews, Jackson and Dylan; and his great-niece Lyla.