mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND PATRIOTIC SERVICE OF MARION E. WRIGHT
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Marion E. Wright. On January 5, 2022, Marion peacefully entered the gates of glory and is survived by his sister Ula Defenbaugh, his six children and their spouses, fifty-seven grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. prgtoken Marion was born on June 26, 1921 to Noel and Lorena Wright in Parsons, Kansas. While stationed in Sioux City, Iowa with the United States Army he was joined in marriage to his wife Marcella (Durgan) Wright on August 8, 1943. From July of 1942 to December of 1945, Marion faithfully and patriotically served his nation which was in the midst of the Second World War. Not only did he serve as a Military Policeman but, he was also deployed to Europe in 1945 where he was a Gunner on a halftrack and a Tank Operator. Marion would fondly recall meeting Jimmy Stewart who was training to fly B-52s in Sioux City. On his return home from deployment in Europe, Marion crossed the Atlantic on the famous troopship, The Queen Mary. prgtoken At home after the war, Marion could be found working the field, restoring antique furniture, or joyfully attending to the needs of his beautiful wife and children. Marion had a career at Kustom Electronics where he worked in the shipping department. As a member of the American Legion, he remained close to many of his brothers in arms in the years after the war. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Marion E. Wright's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam , I extend my personal condolences to the Wright family for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest the soul of this great American.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1836, GUARD AND RESERVE GI BILL PARITY ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4673, ENSURING VETERANS' SMOOTH TRANSITION ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , spoken like my good friend from Colorado, Mr. Perlmutter--who I really insist that he remain in this body for his astuteness and his way of analyzing--might I just take a quick moment to say that the schools of America are open. But today, the hospitalization rate for omicron is the highest ever since we have had COVID-19. prgtoken And so I believe that school superintendents, teachers, parents, and others--like Madam --are making decisions for our children to be in school but also to be safe. prgtoken Madam , I move on these two very important legislative initiatives, H.R. 1836 and H.R. 4673. I thank the gentleman from Colorado. I thank my good friend who has served in the United States military from Pennsylvania. I thank him for his service as well. prgtoken Madam , I rise enthusiastically on this legislation for a number of reasons, but more importantly, I have worked extensively with the Guard, particularly the Texas National Guard. We in Texas can sometimes be called disaster alley as it relates to hurricanes and tornadoes, as it relates to COVID-19. And alongside of us on those battles, if you will, saving lives have been the National Guard. We are grateful for their service. They are citizen soldiers. prgtoken I think we don't acknowledge that what the Guard is is individuals who put on the uniform, leaving being a bus driver or a teacher or a mechanic, lawyer or doctor; and in doing so, they sacrifice and leave their families. So I am excited about H.R. 1836 by Mr. Levin because right now in terms of education, it is Active Duty, those individuals in active military service, including full-time training and annual prgtoken training. But H.R. 1836 will expand the eligibility criteria to include those training in full-time National Guard duty. They are on the front lines. prgtoken In my hospital during COVID-19, it was the Guard that came as nurses and support systems when we were literally overwhelmed with patients. It is the Guard that is coming back again to be able to help us now that we are also at the peak. Texas Children's Hospital seeing more sick COVID-19-impacted children in their history, the Guard is vital. prgtoken And I would just say that this is not about data. It is about the lives of our Guard. And I want to move to say how important it is to get our young soldiers on to the healthcare system under the bill of Mr. Takano as quickly as they come out. It is not about data, it is about saving lives. prgtoken And that leads me to Governor Abbott's untimely and wrong policies in Texas. I will be seeking an official investigation from the department in Washington, the Secretary of Defense and the Pentagon.
KEEPING HOMES SAFE AND WARM
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , temperatures this week in Buffalo and western New York are in single digits. prgtoken My community has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. Keeping these homes safe and warm is expensive. Failing to do so can be life threatening. prgtoken This year, Congress approved $876 million in additional Home Energy Assistance Program funding for seniors and families in New York to afford energy. The infrastructure bill goes further, providing a historic $3.5 billion nationwide for weatherization. This funding means that old houses will better withstand extreme weather as well as supporting green energy jobs. prgtoken But we can't stop there. We must do more. This Congress must enact the renewable energy provisions in Build Back Better so entire neighborhoods in my community can be retrofitted for long-term resilience. I urge the Senate to enact these provisions now.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN MADDEN
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , it is very evident from the tribute today across the aisle, and across California, that we grieve Coach Madden's loss, but we have all tremendously benefited as a country because he so humbly coached, and because when he interacted with everyday Americans, he treated everyone with respect, and he treated everyone the same. prgtoken So to the Madden family, we grieve with you. And to Coach, rest in peace, to a great coach. prgtoken Madam , .
Guantanamo Bay (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-1-11

20 years ago today, a C-141 Starlifter made its final descent toward a naval base in the Caribbean. As the plane landed, two white schoolbuses waited on the apron, together with a swarm of military humvees and a large contingent of armed soldiers. prgtoken The plane door opened, and the passengers were offloaded. Heads shaven, legs shackled, the passengers were removed from the plane one by one, each wearing the same identical outfit: a fluorescent orange jumpsuit, a matching ski cap, and earmuff-style noise protectors. Some were also wearing blackout goggles over their eyes to completely deprive them of any sentient experience. prgtoken This was the scene as the first 20 detainees were hauled off to Guantanamo prgtoken Bay 4 months to the day after September 11 and the hideous terrorist attacks. prgtoken That afternoon, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld assured the public and made a statement. Listen to his words carefully. This is what the Secretary said: We do plan to, for the most part, treat [the detainees] in a manner that is reasonably consistent with the Geneva Conventions. prgtoken , that Orwellian double-talk kicked off a 20-year saga at Guantanamo Bay, a chapter in American history that it is time to close. prgtoken As we now know, the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay was deliberately created to avoid the requirements of the Geneva Conventions and other time-honored treaties that America used to brag about being party to. In the words of one senior official in the administration, Guantanamo exists ``in the legal equivalent of outer space.'' The facility was designed to be a legal black hole, where detainees could be held incommunicado, beyond the reach of laws, beyond public scrutiny, and subjected to torture and unspeakable abuse. It is where due process goes to die. prgtoken Perhaps the most shameful lie surrounding the creation of Guantanamo's detention facility was that it would help deliver justice to the families of the thousands of Americans who died on 9/11. prgtoken In March 2002, then-President delivered a speech before Congress where he promised that the terrorists who attacked America on 9/11 would ``not escape the justice of this nation.'' Yet, two decades later, the families who lost loved ones that day are still awaiting justice. The case against the alleged 9/11 coconspirators has not been resolved. In fact, it has not even gone to trial 20 years later. At this very moment, those terror suspects are sitting in cells in Guantanamo without any resolution in sight. prgtoken Think about how the world has changed since September 11, 2001. Osama bin Laden has been hunted down. The war in Afghanistan, our Nation's longest war, is over. Four Presidents--four different Presidents--have presided over the facility at Guantanamo Bay. But despite all these changes and all this history, one tragic truth remains: Ameri
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1836, GUARD AND RESERVE GI BILL PARITY ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4673, ENSURING VETERANS' SMOOTH TRANSITION ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I would just respond to my friend from Oklahoma, as well as the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Obviously, they have some issues with their school systems if this is the problem that they are bringing up. prgtoken In Colorado, schools are open. I can tell you that my wife, Nancy, is pretty stressed because COVID is still around and the teaching ranks have been hit by COVID. There is a lot of stress on teachers, but the schools are open. prgtoken Maybe those gentlemen need to talk to their school boards. In Colorado, we believe in local control. In Colorado, we have kept these open. prgtoken I would just suggest to the gentlemen to take a look at their own school boards instead of having some national standard that they want to create here about keeping schools open, because they are open. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Reschenthaler mentioned something about the economy. Let's talk about the economy. Let's start with the stock market. prgtoken The stock market is up 10,000 points since took office. Madam , 10,000 points. Do you know what that means? It is $1.4 billion per point. It means the stock market is up $14 trillion in 1 year under . Since lost, the stock market is up $14 trillion. prgtoken If that weren't enough, let's talk about how many jobs have been added since won and lost. Madam , 6.2 million jobs have been added in the last year. prgtoken Wages have increased by 4.7 percent, at levels we haven't seen for decades. prgtoken We had the sharpest drop in unemployment since won and lost, over the course of the last year, down to 3.9 percent. prgtoken The stock market is up. Jobs are up. Wages are up. My friends are complaining about the economy. Well, they have to complain about something, so that is what they want to complain about. prgtoken Madam , .
THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , last week a fire in Philadelphia killed 12 people, including 8 children. While our city mourned, just days later, a fire in New York killed 17, including 8 children. prgtoken These two events have at least three things in common: a high loss of life, an extraordinary number of children killed, all in public housing overcrowded with families who cannot afford to move. prgtoken Too many families are in this position because of our Nation's housing crisis. We say we need affordable housing, so let me speak plainly. We need more housing, affordable public and private housing, that families with low income can actually afford. prgtoken In the Philadelphia area, there are tens of thousands of people on waiting lists that are nearly a decade closed or years long. prgtoken We in Congress have a role to play. In the Build Back Better Act is $150 billion to repair and restore existing housing and to build more public and affordable private housing. That will be a powerful start. prgtoken As the Senate stalls, more families are in danger. It is time this House, and their house, helps others find theirs.
HONORING STEVE EDWARD MARCHESE FOR HIS 29 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , I rise as Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and on behalf of the Members of the Committee, and its staff, to pay tribute to Steve Edward Marchese as he retires after 29 years of Federal service. Steve began his career with Senator Alan Dixon before eventually serving my former colleague Representative Sidney Yates as his Appropriations Associate. Steve left Congress moving over to the State Department before coming home to the Appropriations Committee, where he has spent the last 15 years. prgtoken During his service to the Committee, he spent four years as professional staff on the State and Foreign Operations (SFOPs) Subcommittee. He eventually became the SFOPs Clerk and remained in that role for 10 years. During this time, Steve provided vital counsel to Members, which led to responsible investments through the SFOPs bill that made the world better, safer, and healthier while improving the security of generations throughout the world. He also spent considerable time and effort in compiling an anthology of the SFOPs bill that is an invaluable resource to the SFOPs subcommittee members. prgtoken When I became Chair of the Appropriations Committee a year ago, Steve moved over from SFOPs to serve as the Legislative Branch Clerk. Steve undoubtedly thought this would be a break from world conflicts, but instead found himself at the subcommittee's helm, deeply involved in the aftermath of the January 6th attack. Madam , Steve did not disappoint and brought his trademark dedication to a suddenly critical position. Steve was instrumental in crafting the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond to January 6th Appropriations Act. As the Legislative Branch Clerk, Steve's hard work and dedication was very much appreciated and a great service to Congress and democracy. prgtoken I speak for myself, and I am sure other Members and his colleagues, when I say we will miss Steve after he retires from Federal service this week. prgtoken I am excited for what the future holds for Steve and wish him, his wife Cathy, and daughters Audrey and Julia all the best. Congratulations on an outstanding career. His country thanks him for his hard work.
RECOGNIZING DAVE WILLIAMS FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO AGRICULTURAL BROADCASTING
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dave Williams for his two decades of service to the Pennsylvania agricultural community as a farm broadcaster, owner of the Pennsylvania Farm Country & American Farm County Radio Network, and producer of Pennsylvania Country Roads TV. In February 2021, he received the 2021 Gerald W. Reichard Impact Award from the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and he received the Barn Raiser Award at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's 71st Annual Meeting on November 16, 2021. prgtoken Dave was born in Wayne County, Pennsylvania and raised on a five- generation family farm in Cherry Ridge. At age twelve, he took over a herd of 30 dairy cows and was active in 4-H. Dave then joined the military, and, after his service, he helped manage a 5,000-acre cattle ranch in Texas. With his late wife, Melba, he leased a 50-acre mule farm while working in the oil drilling business. prgtoken When he returned to Wayne County, he worked as a fleet manager in the trucking industry while returning to his agricultural roots on the weekends, farming and raising sheep and cows. He was named the president of the Pocono Mountains Antique Farm Association, doing shows at local fairs. prgtoken In the fall of 1998, Marilyn Shaffer of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, who was a fellow member of the antique machinery club, asked Dave to do a radio show for Honesdale's radio station. Dave pitched his idea for a radio show that would not only target farmers and their concerns but also the consumers who buy and eat the food. The station gave Dave the green light, and his first show featured Leroy Van Dyke, a popular country singer, as his initial guest. The show would go on to host state and federal legislators, governors, and state agricultural officials. prgtoken One of the highlights of his program is the ``heartland stories'' from farmers themselves, and Davie shares his own stories of growing up on and managing his family's farm. Dave is especially skilled at building a rapport with farmers and encouraging them to use their voice and the radio show platform to share their successes and concerns, helping consumers understand the agricultural process. prgtoken Dave joined the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau first as an officer and later as state director, and he served as a state delegate to the American Farm Bureau Association, through which he met Orion Samuelson, host of U.S. Farm Report, who told him he needed to be a National Farm Broadcaster. Dave then joined the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), and later hosted Samuelson on his show. After connecting with Pennsylvania Cable Network at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, he was invited to have his own show on the network which reaches an audience of 3.5 million. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Dave for his storied broadcasting career. His work has contributed immeasurably to the visibility of the agricultural community both in Pennsylvania and across the country, and I am gratef
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MENTORSHIP MONTH
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-1-11

. Madam , as chair of the Congressional Youth Mentoring Caucus, I rise to recognize National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the impact of mentoring and raise awareness about the critical need for caring adults to become mentors, as our youth face the often-overwhelming challenges of our time. prgtoken One-third of young people in the United States don't have a meaningful connection with adults outside their homes, and the pandemic has only made it harder for them to call on caring adults for support. prgtoken Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my adult life, allowing me to participate in the personal and professional growth of scores of young people. I am fortunate to be able to continue that mentoring with some of the best and brightest young people in my district through our Congressional Youth Cabinet, where high school juniors and seniors in my district, on a monthly basis, explore the policy and government issues facing our community and our country. prgtoken I urge all adults to think about how they can serve their communities and the next generation by becoming a mentor, whether through sports, career exploration, school, or faith-based programs.
HONORING SENATOR HARRY REID
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-1-11

I rise today to pay tribute to Nevada's longest-serving Senator, Harry Reid, who passed away on December 28, with his beloved children: Lana, Key, Josh, Leif, and Rory; and his devoted wife of 62 years, Landra, by his side. My condolences and prayers are with them all and with the countless people whose lives he has changed, his friends, staff, and all of those in the great State of Nevada. prgtoken This tribute could be about Senator Reid being the most consequential Senate majority leader in modern history. It could also be about how Senator Reid was the true embodiment of what it meant to be battle born, a boxer as a young man who never backed down from a good fight for the least among us. prgtoken It could be about the story of his American Dream, rising out of severe poverty in Searchlight, Nevada; hitchhiking 40 miles to school; working as a Capitol Police Officer to put himself through law school, to becoming one of the most powerful political leaders of our time. prgtoken It could also be about his legislative accomplishments, such as the Affordable Care Act, which gave millions of prgtoken Americans access to affordable healthcare, saving our economy during the Great Recession, taking on Wall Street, or making sure that Nevada would not become the Nation's nuclear waste dumping ground. prgtoken However, I want to focus on Senator Reid's role in advancing women in politics. prgtoken In Nevada, Senator Reid is known for his quiet yet sometimes curt demeanor; his incredible, strategic mind; and his work ethic beyond compare. prgtoken He built a team, known as Team Reid, that has roots throughout this Capitol, throughout Nevada, and throughout this country, which will have an impact long beyond his life. prgtoken There is no doubt that Senator Reid was a visionary when it came to politics. His vision in making sure that women had a runway into politics has left an indelible mark. prgtoken Within his own legendary team, women occupied the most senior posts. At the same time, Senator Reid recruited and mentored women up and down the ballot. It is no surprise, therefore, that Nevada became the first State to have a woman-majority State legislature. We have a woman- majority supreme court, as well as a woman-majority congressional delegation, with two female Senators, Cortez Masto and Rosen. prgtoken Harry Reid's devotion to Landra is legendary. Perhaps it was her enormous role in his life and his utter respect for her as a partner that seeded his unspoken yet strong commitment to women's leadership. Maybe it was the role that his mother played, raising him out of extreme poverty in Searchlight, Nevada. Whatever the motivation, the results speak for themselves. prgtoken Growing up in Searchlight, Harry Reid was given a nickname, Pinky. I am not sure what it referred to, and I actually don't think he particularly liked it. But as Senator Reid lies in state in our Nation's Capitol this week, this woman, who benefite