mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIFERETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION OF NEW BEDFORD
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-5-24

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Tifereth Israel Congregation of New Bedford, Massachusetts. prgtoken As the Jewish population of New Bedford grew in the 1920s, so did the need for a new synagogue. On November 17, 1921, the Tifereth Israel Congregation was chartered and has continued to serve the Greater New Bedford area for over 100 years. The original Tifereth Israel Synagogue still stands at 42 South Sixth Street; however, in 1966, during a two- week celebration, elders of the congregation moved sacred Torahs to the newly constructed synagogue on Brownell Avenue with over 800 people attending the dedication ceremonies. prgtoken Today, the Tifereth Israel Congregation remains a pillar of the community offering a variety of programs, including Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes, the Minyan Breakfast Club, the United Youth Program, as well as the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood and Men's Club. The Tifereth Israel Congregation--currently led by Rabbi Raphael Kanter, who has served as the congregation's spiritual leader since 1997--is known for being a kind and welcoming place of worship, promoting the message of respecting all, even when beliefs may differ. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor the 100th anniversary of the Tifereth Israel Congregation. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking them for their invaluable service and wishing them all the best in the many years to come.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO DESIGNATE THE FACILITY OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE LOCATED AT 400 SOUTHERN AVENUE SOUTHEAST IN WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AS THE ``DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA...
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-5-24

. Madam , I rise today to introduce a bill that would name the post office at 400 Southern Avenue SE in the District of Columbia as the ``District of Columbia Servicemembers and Veterans Post Office.'' prgtoken While it is important that our country honor all servicemembers and veterans, our country owes a special debt of gratitude to D.C. servicemembers and veterans, who serve or have served their country without voting representation in Congress or full local self- government. It is remarkable that they serve a country that denies them basic democratic rights--rights they have often been sent overseas to defend. prgtoken D.C. residents have served in every war since the Revolutionary War. There are approximately 30,000 veterans who live in D.C and almost 200,000 D.C. residents have served in the military since World War I. This bill is one way to recognize their service and sacrifice. Six hundred thirty-five D.C. residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that of three different States during that war. Three thousand five hundred seventy-five D.C. residents were casualties of World War II, a casualty figure greater than that of four different States during that war. Five hundred forty-seven D.C. residents were casualties of the Korean war, a casualty figure greater than that of eight different States during that war. Two hundred forty- three D.C. residents were casualties of the Vietnam war, a casualty figure greater than that of 10 different States during that war. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-QATAR DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, MAY 24, 2022
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-5-24

. Madam , I rise today as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Qatar, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate both the United States and Qatar on the strong and deep- rooted relationship that has developed since the two countries established diplomatic relations fifty years ago. prgtoken The bond between our two countries has never been stronger, thanks to our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges. Bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar on trade, investment, climate change, education, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchanges and security collaboration have been expanded in recent years. prgtoken This was underscored at the White House earlier this year when President hosted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. In his welcoming remarks on January 31, 2022, President declared: ``Qatar is a good friend, and a reliable and capable partner.'' prgtoken He reflected on the ``fifty years of partnership.'' Specifically, he said, ``this past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.'' prgtoken Our countries worked hand-in-hand on many vital priorities, such as the evacuating vulnerable Afghans under Taliban rule. The Qataris played a role that can never be forgotten, by helping to evacuate and process thousands of Afghans to Al Udeid Air Base. Additionally, in May of last year, the Qataris played a crucial role in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We all must acknowledge the critical role Qatar plays in stabilizing the world and saving countless lives. prgtoken As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was very encouraged to see both President and the Amir welcome the signing of a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways. This is one of the largest deals that Boeing aircraft has ever had. It will support manufacturing jobs at Boeing, General Electric and hundreds of other suppliers across the U.S. and in Qatar. prgtoken The highlight of our partnership is the designation of Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Since Qatar already is home to the Al Udeid base, which is the largest in the region, and the CENTCOM regional headquarters, the new designation serves to reinforce the existing security partnership between our two countries. prgtoken It is important to note that the U.S.-Qatar relationship encompasses far more than strategic cooperation. Our two nations have developed cultural partnerships designed to promote intellectual and intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between our countries. prgtoken In addition, there are student exchanges from both nations, so that American students are able to study in Qatar, while Qatar
HONORING GREG JASEK AND THE HIGHLAND COMMUNITY BAND'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-5-24

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Highland Community Band and to honor Greg Jasek, principal conductor. Due to the global pandemic, the anniversary celebration was cancelled in 2020, but a concert and presentation will take place this year on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Main Square Park in Highland, Indiana. prgtoken Born and raised in the Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago, Greg Jasek first heard the siren's call of music in third grade when he began taking trumpet lessons. Those lessons were supplemented with visits to Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances, as well as watching Leonard Bernstein on television. He continued his studies in conducting with Michael Morgan, then-assistant conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Later, he was accepted to Tanglewood, which is the summer home of the Boston Symphony. While at Tanglewood, Greg studied with noted conductors such as Andre Previn, Leonard Slatkin, Maurice Abravanel, John Williams, and Leonard Bernstein. prgtoken In 1991, Greg became assistant conductor for the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony Orchestra, and in 1992, he was named cover conductor for the International Arts Chamber Orchestra. By 1994, Greg arrived at Carnegie Hall to attend the Solti Orchestra Project; however, Maestro Georg Solti had a different plan in mind and asked Greg to assist with the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra during recording sessions for London- Decca. Subsequently, Maestro Solti and Greg collaborated in the orchestration of Bartok's Romanian Christmas Carols. prgtoken Prior to these outstanding achievements, Greg had already begun to make what would prove to be an indelible mark on the Highland community. It was in 1989 that a young baritone player named Michael Griffin approached Greg Jasek with an idea to begin a community band in Highland, Indiana. Musicians from Northwest Indiana and Northeastern Illinois gathered together, and the Highland Community Band gave its first concert in July 1990. As fate would have it, Greg met his wife, Kerry, a flute player in the band, during this time. The couple would later add two wonderful children, Benjamin and Samuel, to their family. prgtoken In 2011, Greg was initiated into the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity as a National Arts Associate, which is a national recognition for distinguished contribution to the arts. Later, in 2021, in recognition of his 30 years as principal conductor of the Highland Community Band, Greg was honored with the Distinguished Hoosier Award by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Greg Jasek and in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Highland Community Band. For his musical influence and innovation and his dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, Greg Jasek is one man who most truly can be called maestro,
CLOTURE MOTION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-5-24

I ask unanimous consent that at 6 p.m. today, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Lindenbaum nomination and the cloture motions on the Padin, Sweeney, and Morrison nominations; and that if cloture is invoked on any of those nominations, all postcloture time be considered expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nominations at a time to be determined by the majority leader or his designee, following consultation with the leader.
ROBB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-5-24

we are nearing the end of the session, when we will go back to our homes for the evening, but when the families of 18 children and 4 great educators go home tonight, their homes will never be the same again. prgtoken There are no words in a place filled with words during today and every day in this place when we are in session. There are no words today to capture the heartbreak, the gut-wrenching grief and pain that those families will feel and that I remember feeling almost 10 years ago when we stood in the space just outside the firehouse in Sandy Hook, as parents learned that their 20 children would not be coming home that night. prgtoken The same bottomless grief is hitting the families in Texas, in Uvalde, where they have lost children. And there are no words also to capture the deep, abiding pain that will last forever. That pain will be with them--a hole in their hearts, a place at their tables, a room in their houses that never will be filled again, and hugs that they will never feel, cheeks that will never be kissed. prgtoken This Nation, like their families, is torn apart by violence-- needless, senseless gun violence--every day in America. And the mystery is why the greatest Nation on Earth continues to tolerate it. It is no longer surprising or stunning. It is no longer unfathomable or unforeseeable. prgtoken It is incomprehensible that this great Nation is blocked by Members of this body from taking action that can forestall and prevent it. Why, the outrage that we feel, the grief that pervades America on these occasions has not caused action. And this body has been complicit by its inaction. In fact, it isn't this body. It is Members of this body, principally on the other side of the aisle. Let's be blunt. I will never forget hearing from that gallery those words: ``Shame. Shame on you,'' when we failed to adopt commonsense measures--a background check proposal, even though we had 55 votes. I can still hear those words. ``Shame.'' prgtoken And had we acted, who knows what tragedy could have been averted? We don't know and we can't tell and we never will be able to fathom whether prgtoken specific measures would have prevented specific tragedy. Charleston or San Bernardino, Pulse or Las Vegas, Parkland or Santa Fe, or Pittsburgh or El Paso or Dayton or Boulder or Indianapolis or Oxford or Buffalo or Uvalde--we will never know because the false reason to object is this measure wouldn't have prevented that shooting. prgtoken But that is not the way to approach gun violence reform, because we know there is no panacea; there is no single measure. What we know is that stopping gun violence requires that we act with these measures and that commonsense, sensible steps can prevent a senseless, needless violence. prgtoken There is no panacea, but there are actions we can take. We are not without agency. prgtoken Now, we need to be very blunt and recognize that opposition to these measures is
Solar Energy (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-5-24

this week, the solar industry in this country is at something in naval aviation that we call refusal speed. Now, what is refusal speed? Refusal speed is the speed at which an aircraft continues to pick up speed on its takeoff roll or abandon, abort that takeoff roll and remain on the ground. That is what refusal speed is. prgtoken In recent years, America's solar energy industry has been rolling down the runway, picking up speed every day. Unfortunately, there are forces at large today that threaten to abort the takeoff roll and ground this vital industry. prgtoken Today, I join my colleagues in rising to express our grave concerns about a challenge that threatens to bring the solar industry to a halt--to a halt--not from climate change deniers but from our own Federal Government. prgtoken As we speak, , the U.S. Commerce Department is investigating whether solar energy products coming from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia should be subject to the same tariffs as are currently in place for products coming here from China. This investigation is currently freezing access to these products for American businesses that import and deploy prgtoken them across our country, and the threat of astronomical tariffs looms large. prgtoken As a result, a number of our colleagues are deeply concerned about the impact of the Commerce investigation not only on the solar industry but also on our ability to combat the climate crisis and meet President 's bold climate goals. We are already in danger of running out of time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I know that. The Presiding Officer knows that. All our colleagues realize that. Now this investigation threatens to create an unforced error--an unforced error--in our commitment to protect our planet. We don't have time for an unforced error. We are not waiting for the climate crisis to arrive; the climate crisis is here, and it is here now. prgtoken Without bold action, our country and our planet will continue to feel ever more devastating impacts. Already, in the last year alone, we have witnessed wildfires burning millions of acres in California, Montana, Arizona, and other Western States--fires as big as my State. The same hurricane that knocked out access to power and water for a million people in Louisiana and Mississippi then went on to produce flash floods in New Jersey and New York. People there actually drowned in their basements, unable to escape the torrent of floodwater. prgtoken To prevent further devastating, irreversible effects of climate change and protect our planet for future generations, we need to continue transitioning our Nation and our planet away from fossil fuels. Among other things, we should be doing everything in our power to lift up innovators in the solar industry, to boldly cut emissions from our power sector, and to attack this climate crisis head-on. But, unfortunately, the Commerce Department's inve
Solar Energy (Executive Session)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-5-24

I am here today to spend a few minutes on an issue that is profoundly important to Colorado and, I would say, to the Presiding Officer's State, as well, without being presumptuous, New Mexico, our neighbor to the south. prgtoken In March, the administration launched an investigation into whether China is evading solar tariffs. That may seem fine on its face, but, in reality, it has taken a sledge hammer to the solar industry in Colorado and all across the country. prgtoken There are over 330 solar companies in my State. They have created nearly 7,000 jobs and driven close to $5 billion of investment. Our companies are leading the Nation. Last year, we nearly quadrupled our deployment of solar capacity compared to 2017, and before the administration's investigation, we were projected to double or even triple that capacity. prgtoken Washington should be lifting up Colorado's success as exactly the kind of progress we need to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, which we have to do. Instead, the Commerce Department's investigation is driving our solar industry out of business, because it could end with a massive expansion of tariffs that could drive up costs and cripple that sector. prgtoken Worse, the administration has said they might even apply these tariffs retroactively. Think about that. If you are a solar company in Colorado, you are already dealing with supply chain delays, you are already dealing with labor issues, and you are already dealing with rising prices and continued uncertainty over the clean energy tax credit, because this place can't get its act together to pass legislation that can give certainty to American business. prgtoken And now, on top of all of that, you face the prospect of your own government sending the price of your supplies through the roof when you need that least. prgtoken Businesses can't make decisions with that kind of uncertainty. Investors hate that level of uncertainty. And these aren't talking points. This is the reality on the ground. prgtoken In Colorado, the price of solar panels is already up 30 to 50 percent, and we know Colorado families are ultimately going to bear that cost, and that it is going to slow our energy transition. Many of our solar companies have begun hiring freezes. Some are considering major layoffs. Construction workers are losing hundreds of thousands of hours. Investors are pulling out of major projects. It has put hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs at risk, which is why I am here to ring this alarm. prgtoken More than 90 percent of solar companies surveyed in Colorado report ``severe'' or ``devastating'' harms to their businesses from this investigation by the Commerce Department. prgtoken In my State, we have major solar projects that are frozen in place, and if this continues, they may never move forward at all. A lot of these projects are in rural counties that are counting on the projects being buil
RECOGNIZING THE TRICENTENNIAL OF THE TOWN OF HAMPTON FALLS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-5-24

I rise today to join Granite Staters in celebrating the 300th anniversary, as well as the rich history and vibrant present, of the Town of Hampton Falls, NH. prgtoken Originally a parish of the Town of Hampton, Hampton Falls later was established as an independent town, gaining its name from the falls located on the surrounding river. The town's history is reflected in its rural roots; many of its early residents worked in the timber industry or on farms in the region, and it is home to one of the oldest working apple orchards in the country. And over the last 300 years, Hampton Falls has been home to prominent New Hampshire citizens, including the first Governor of New Hampshire and poet John Greenleaf Whittier. prgtoken The residents of Hampton Falls are also dedicated to preserving this history; the Hampton Falls Historical Society's motto is ``Our future is a present from the past.'' Learning from our past and remembering our history is essential to a healthy democracy, and I applaud the Hampton Falls community for its commitment to its history. prgtoken Today with its 2,400 residents, Hampton Falls remains a small-town residential and agricultural community. From its small business community to the orchards and horse farms that reflect its agricultural beginnings, Hampton Falls is a vital part of New Hampshire's Seacoast. prgtoken While Hampton Falls has changed over the years, what has remained is the strong sense of community that makes New Hampshire a great place to live, work, visit, and raise a family. prgtoken I want to thank everyone involved in the tricentennial celebrations happening throughout Hampton Falls this year to help mark this milestone. I hope that the residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy the year's events and reflect upon Hampton Falls' abundant history and vibrant culture.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL JOSEPH IANNI
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-5-24

. Madam , in honor of the life of Paul Joseph Ianni, I include in the Record the following letter written by his former platoon leader during the Vietnam war, Brice H. Barnes. To the Family and Friends of Sgt Paul Ianni: It has been brought to my attention by a fellow Veteran, Mr. Russ Vibberts, that our mutual friend, Mr. Paul Ianni, has transitioned from this world and now rests in the Mighty Arms of our Savior. In 1967, I had the distinct honor of being Paul's Platoon Leader in Vietnam, and knew him as a gentleman and professional soldier. Paul was highly instrumental in our successful exploitation of the largest ammunition and weapons cache ever discovered in the entire Vietnam War, as a volunteer that explored the vast underground tunnel and storage complex. His reports to me were accurate and thorough, enabling us to successfully complete the mission as assigned. For his actions, I nominated Paul for the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. Later in his tour of duty, Paul participated in another significant battle during the Tet Counter-offensive in Vietnam. At the risk of personal injury or death, Paul delivered highly effective fire upon several enemy positions, thereby enabling his platoon to advance and occupy security positions that guarded a vital road intersection. It is without doubt that Paul's actions saved the lives of many of his fellow platoon members. As a result of his actions, Paul was awarded the Silver Star, our Nation's third highest award for valor and bravery in combat operations. One of his other awards was the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the most prestigious award ever to be bestowed upon an Infantryman. On some rare occasions, I was able to telephonically visit with Paul, and always thanked him for his service, and for making me a better leader of other Warriors. Although news of his passing has brought me some personal sadness, I am rejoicing that he is now free of the prejudices and pain that he experienced, and will enjoy the peace and freedom that he so richly deserved. Brice H. Barnes, Colonel (Ret) U.S. Army, Honorary Colonel, 47th Infantry Regiment.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-25

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.