mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO EDWARD FERGUSON
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-11

I come to the floor of the Senate to honor an important member of Her Majesty's diplomatic service, Mr. Edward Ferguson. Edward has been the latest in a long line of impressive British diplomats who have furthered the Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and United States. prgtoken Edward has served as the Minister Counsellor for Defence at British Embassy in Washington, DC. The Minister Counsellor is the senior Ministry of Defence--MOD--civil servant in the embassy. This position is responsible for aspects of the bilateral defense relationship, paying close attention to defense strategy; security and operational policy; acquisition and trade. prgtoken Since arriving in September 2018, Edward has played a pivotal role in further strengthening the already indispensable United States-United Kingdom defense relationship. As the UK's senior policy adviser on defense relations with the United States, he was responsible for United Kingdom-United States collaboration on strategic planning, nuclear policy and programmes, trade and acquisition, and science and technology. He can point to a number of significant successes on his watch, not least the signing of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States--AUKUS--Agreement. prgtoken Prior to his service at the British Embassy Washington, Edward served as Her Majesty's Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2014 to 2018, where he created and led a new international strategy, co- launched by the British and German Foreign Ministers, that re-energised Euro-Atlantic integration after years of stagnation, while stimulating economic growth and reducing high levels of youth unemployment. prgtoken From 2011 to 2014, Edward was Head of Defence Strategy and Priorities, where he led two teams, one responsible for leading the MOD's contribution to developing the 2015 National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Security Review and the other for prioritising the MOD's international defence engagement activities. prgtoken A former exhibitioner and choral scholar of Trinity College, Oxford, where he was also treasurer of the Oxford Union, Edward graduated with first class honours in classics in 2001. In 2013, he graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with an MSc with distinction in strategy and diplomacy. He has been a member of the Royal College of Defence Studies--RCDS--strategic advisory panel, a member of the US Air Force Grand Strategy Advisory Board, and is a graduate of the PINNACLE Command and Staff course at National Defense University--NDU. prgtoken Edward has served in numerous roles within the Ministry of Defence, starting out in the Iraq Secretariat during the build-up to and subsequent execution of Operation TELIC in 2003. In 2006, he volunteered for an operational tour, serving as political advisor to a British battlegroup in Maysaan Province, Iraq--while his brother was a troop leader with the British A
Hunter Biden (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-7-11

on May 9 of this year, Senator Johnson and I wrote to David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for the District of Delaware. Now, he happens to be in charge of the Hunter criminal case. In that letter, we asked Mr. Weiss a series of threshold questions that Attorney General Garland has repeatedly failed to answer. prgtoken First, we asked whether Nicholas McQuaid is recused from the Hunter case. As we have said publicly many times, McQuaid is conflicted because he worked with Hunter 's criminal attorney before he was hired as a top position in President 's Justice Department. prgtoken Second, we asked Mr. Weiss whether he or any of his employees have had any communications with McQuaid. prgtoken Third, we asked Mr. Weiss whether any of his employees, not just Mr. McQuaid, are recused from the Hunter case. prgtoken We asked these questions because the family is from Delaware and has extensive political connections. Notably, Hunter told his business partners: I'll bring suit in the Chancery Court in Delaware--which as you know is my home state and I'm privileged to have worked with and know every judge in the Chancery Court. prgtoken Does the family have connections to anyone in Mr. Weiss's office? That seems to be a very fair question. prgtoken With respect to those three questions, Mr. Weiss didn't even try to answer. In fact, the Attorney General jumped in and answered on behalf of U.S. Attorney Weiss. But calling the Attorney General's letter an answer is an overstatement. It was another nonanswer--essentially just words on a piece of paper that didn't say anything worthwhile. prgtoken So Senator Johnson and I also asked Mr. Weiss if he has received sufficient resources and support from the Justice Department to properly handle the Hunter case. prgtoken Again, no answers. prgtoken One would think that the Department, and specifically Mr. Weiss, would want to tell Congress and the American public that the answer to that question is yes. The failure of Mr. Weiss to answer that very important question adds to the growing concern and public concern that the Justice Department is pulling the punches on the Hunter case. prgtoken We also asked Mr. Weiss whether he has discussed the need for a special counsel or an independent counsel to properly investigate the Hunter case. prgtoken Again, no answer. prgtoken The last question is more relevant today than when it was asked because the other week a voicemail was released reportedly from to Hunter . In it, repeatedly left a message about a New York Times article that involved Hunter 's dealings with Ye Jianming. That business associate is closely connected to the communist Chinese regime. prgtoken told his son: ``I think you're clear.'' prgtoken Well, that message appears to show that was aware of Hunter 's business deals and relationship
HONORING LANCE CPL. EVAN STRICKLAND
Yvette Herrell (Republican, NM) \u2014 2022-7-11

. Madam , I rise today in remembrance of 19-year- old Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland of Valencia County, New Mexico. On June 8, he was tragically killed during an Osprey helicopter crash at a training exercise near San Diego, California. Lance Cpl. Strickland graduated Valencia High School in 2020, where he made an immense impact on his fellow peers. prgtoken He chose to serve our nation honorably in the United States Marine Corps within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing as a tilt-rotor crew chief. Lance Cpl. Strickland will be remembered for his good-hearted personality, kind character, and calling to serve our nation. My deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this extremely difficult time. While he will be deeply missed by our nation and our communities across New Mexico, we will be forever grateful and remember Lance Cpl. Strickland.
Honoring Officer Jeremiah James Story (Executive Session)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-11

I rise today with my fellow Senator from Arkansas, Mr. Cotton, to honor Jeremiah James Story, a Perry County Detention Center officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty last month. prgtoken Born in Conway, AR, Jeremiah was a 2020 graduate of Bigelow High School. Even as a young person, he was a dedicated public servant who loved his community and his country. In addition to working as a detention officer, he also served in the Army National Guard and aspired to become a State trooper. He wore his uniforms with pride and was passionate about giving back to others in a variety of ways. There was no gesture too small or unimportant for him to offer. prgtoken Jeremiah was also a man of deep faith, who never let pass an opportunity to share it with others. He devoted his life to following his Lord and Savior and was a longtime member of Riverview Baptist Church, where he routinely encouraged people he met to attend services with him. prgtoken With his Christian belief as his hope and guide, he demonstrated kindness and compassion for others and relied on the power of prayer to support and uplift others facing difficult situations. prgtoken Jeremiah's friends and family knew he was special and strived to live by the example that he set. prgtoken During a military training exercise last year, fellow troops recalled how Jeremiah suffered from trench foot, and while he was ordered to stay off his feet, he couldn't resist the urge to serve others. So in spite of instructions and consequences to his own recovery, he jumped up and filled water bottles for his fellow troops. That was the kind of person he was--a giver. prgtoken Those who served alongside him recalled the tough situations they experienced together. While it was taxing to be away from family and living in challenging conditions, Jeremiah did it with a smile on his face. prgtoken He served his community with tremendous care and devotion. We are so grateful for his example and willingness to do the tough and dangerous job of ensuring public safety. prgtoken At the young age of 21, he was taken far too soon. While his life on Earth was short, he left a lasting legacy through the way he treated, cared for, and loved others. prgtoken Even the inmates he was responsible for guarding appreciated his care and empathy. Several of them attended a memorial service for him to show their gratitude and their respect. prgtoken He will be dearly missed by many, including his closest loved ones, but his memory will live on as a hero who made a positive impact on all those whose lives he touched. prgtoken His death is a tragic reminder of the risk law enforcement officers face each day that they put on their uniform and leave the comforts of their homes and their loved ones to serve and to protect. prgtoken Senator Cotton and I are honored to pay this tribute to him to bring attention to his short but meaningful life and remember the noble calling h
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HONOR THE EARTH HOMECOMING CELEBRATION AND POWWOW
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-7-11

today I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Honor the Earth Homecoming Celebration and Powwow. The story of Honor the Earth begins with a small group of Lac Courte Oreilles who wanted a better future for their tribe and their people. prgtoken The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe--Ojibwe: Odaawaa-zaaga'iganiing--is one of six federally recognized bands of the large Ojibwe Nation that originally occupied the upper eastern woodlands area of the North American continent. The Treaty of 1854 established the LCO reservation. prgtoken In 1971, the LCO community, and other people from neighboring bands and Tribes took over Winter Dam in protest of flooding lands, broken treaties, and desecration of LCO land, people, and traditional livelihood. Eddie Benton-Benaim, supported by the American Indian Movement, helped lead the 5-day effort to take over the dam. This effort led to the renegotiation of the dam license which helped the tribe recover several hundred acres of land, compensation for damages, and the development of Tribal hydro generating project. prgtoken The following year, 1972, there was a reunion of the people who had occupied the dam; they called it Honor the Earth powwow. Every year since, the Ojibwa people come together as they have always done; they celebrate with prayers, feasting, songs, dances, and honoring. The 1972 and 1973 powwows were organized as contest powwows and were sponsored by a handful of individuals and then by LCO AIM, LCO Tribal Governing Board, and the St. Paul Red School House, of which Benton was director. In 1974, grounds were broken for what would eventually become one of the largest traditional gatherings of Tribal peoples in the region. prgtoken In 1982 the first annual Miss Honor the Earth's ladies competition began at the powwow to showcase the strong and beautiful Anishinaabekwewag--Ojibwe ladies--perform a woodland dance while wearing historical deer dresses. prgtoken This year, 2022, we celebrate the 50th Honor the Earth Powwow and the 40th Miss Honor the Earth ladies competition. In so doing, the Anishinabeg, the Lac Courte Oreilles or ``Ottawa Lake'' Tribe continues to sustain heritage, preserve and utilize the strong Ojibwe language, honor strengths of the past, and embrace a good future. Please join me in celebrating this historically and spiritually important community.
REMOVAL OF INJUNCTION OF SECRECY--TREATY DOCUMENT NO. 117-3
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-7-11

. I ask unanimous consent that the injunction of secrecy be removed from the following treaty transmitted to the Senate on July 11, 2022, by the President of the United States: Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden (Treaty Document No. 117-3). prgtoken I further ask that the treaty be considered as having been read the first time; that it be referred, with accompanying papers, to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed; and that the President's message be printed in the Record.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF GLENDA GLOVER AS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.
Nikema Williams (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-7-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of Dr. Glenda Glover, Ph.D JD, CPA, as International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I could not have asked for a better person to lead our more than 320,000 Sorors spread over at least 1,046 chapters from all over the world through the last four years. prgtoken Dr. Glover was born in Memphis, Tennessee the daughter of a civil rights activist and raised in the Civil Rights Movement. She graduated from Tennessee State University, an illustrious Historically Black College and University, before getting her MBA at another incomparable HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, proving that, truly, Atlanta Influences Everything. Not yet satisfied, she moved to Washington, D.C. and obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from George Washington University and a law degree from Georgetown University. prgtoken Professionally, Dr. Glover is a star. She spearheaded the creation of the country's first HBCU-based Ph.D. program in business at Jackson State University, and chaired the Department of Accounting at Howard University's School of Business. She has been a leader in the private sector, and currently serves as the President of her beloved alma mater, Tennessee State University, since 2013. Dr. Glover is not just the President either: she was the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's HBCU President of the Year in 2018, and HBCU Digest's 2019 Female President of the Year. prgtoken Dr. Glover did all of that while maintaining a leadership role in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Initiated into the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Tennessee State University, where she served as President and Vice-President as an undergraduate. Dr. Glover has also served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Jackson, Mississippi before moving up to International Vice-President, International Treasurer, and Treasurer to the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) of the entire Sorority. prgtoken Since assuming the International Presidency and CEO role in 2018, Dr. Glover has led our Sorors powerfully to sustain us through the pandemic, and raised our voices on critical issues like Voting Rights and Black Maternal Health--ensuring that Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are the VOICE of the movement, not the ECHO. Dr. Glover's Alpha Kappa Alpha Congressional Women's Roundtable continues to lead the charge toward solutions to create a better world for future generations by fighting for continued, meaningful investments in HBCUs, a comprehensive approach to ending the maternal health crisis in America, and protecting our democracy through safeguarding and expanding voting rights. prgtoken Dr. Glover has convened meetings with our Soror, Vice-President , to bring our community
REMEMBERING WILLIAM FLYNN, JR.
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-7-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of William Flynn, Jr, who passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the young age of 87. prgtoken Bill was born on December 10, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of William Flynn, Sr. and Rose Flynn (Rossillo). He was proud of his Irish-Italian upbringing in South Philadelphia. Bill's family moved to Natrona, Pennsylvania, after WWII. During the Korean war, while attending St. Vincent's College he had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany, while stationed there he got his first taste of life in Europe. When he returned to the states he would enroll at Youngstown College for engineering, he joined the fraternity Alpha Phi Delta. While attending college he married his high school sweetheart, Anne Sebak. prgtoken In 1963 he was hired by Packard Electric as an engineer, and the family moved to Warren, OH. Bill would work in many different capacities while there, and made many lifetime friends there as well. Bill and Anne and family were a staple of the Northeast Warren neighborhood, where neighborhood kids were welcomed as their own, which would be a theme throughout Bill's life. He had so many hobbies and things that he loved to do, and with each came along an entire group of good friends and he enjoyed all of their company. Hunting, sailing, wine making, tennis and his MG. prgtoken He was a gifted but humble artist. He spent many summers at Mosquito Lake sailing at the Cortland Conservation Club, and enjoyed the banter of the Panera crew. He could be seen cruising around in his MG with Elmo riding ``shotgun.'' Nothing meant more to him then spending time with friends and family. Sadly prgtoken Anne would pass in 1996, and Bill would later retire from Packard. A few years later, Bill would be reenergized when he remarried Arlene Boyle (McNicholas), and Bill would welcome her children as his own. The two would spend many summers enjoying the Poconos at her cottage on Long Lake. prgtoken To carry on Bill's memory he leaves behind his brother Robert Flynn of Centreville, VA, a son William Flynn, III (Mariella Fraijia) of Warren, OH, a daughter Tara Breuer (Herm) of Warren, OH, stepchildren Jennifer Beck (Frank) of Poland, OH, Jacqueline Boyle (Tim Lanza) of Columbus, OH, Terri Boyle of Calabash, NC, John Boyle (Patty) of Springfield, NJ, Arlene Ferraro (Todd) of Bradfordwoods, PA, granddaughters Bailey Breuer, Emily Breuer, stepgrandchildren Simone Boyle, Sophia Lanza, Lauren Hinkle, Tim Beck, Tom Beck, Elizabeth Criscione, Christopher Boyle, Tavish Boyle, Blair Boyle, Cagney Boyle, Dillon Grace Ferraro, Chase Ferraro and Jack Ferraro and three great grandchildren, many in-laws, nieces and nephews and cousins. Through research it was determined that Bill was the ``Greatest Grandpa Ever'' this was verified by a T-Shirt and a coffee mug. prgtoken He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Geraldine Flynn, his wife Anne, and his second wife Arlene.
IN MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER JEFFERSON
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-7-11

. Madam , I would like to recognize the late Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, a World War II Tuskegee Airman and one of Michigan's most decorated pilots as we honor his memory. prgtoken Jefferson's remarkable and heroic service figures prominently in our nation's history. He was considered to be one of the ``original'' Tuskegee Airmen, which drew heavily from Michigan and were the U.S. Army's first Black Air Corps. Jefferson served as a P-51 fighter pilot with the Red Tails, 332nd Fighter Group 301st Fighter Squadron in Ramitelli, Italy. His unit bravely escorted bombers into action, providing critical protection from enemy aircraft without losing a single plane. prgtoken Jefferson was captured as a prisoner of war on August 12, 1944, three days before the invasion of Southern France, after he was shot down while firing at German radar stations on the coast. Presumed dead, he was held for more than nine months. He was liberated by Patton's 3rd Army on April 29, 1945. prgtoken After the war, Jefferson served as an instrument instructor in advanced flight training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, continuing the storied Air Corps' legacy of excellence in flight. He was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the reserves in 1969. In his civilian life, Jefferson worked as an elementary school science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979. Jefferson served as a member of various church, educational, and alumni organizations, as well as being one of the founders of the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen Bureau, a life member of the Silver Falcon Association, and has served as an Admissions Counselor for the U.S. Air Force Academy. prgtoken He has received numerous awards and accolades for his bravery and his selfless service for our country, including the Purple Heart Award. He represented the best of Detroit. We have lost a great American patriot, a hero, and a Detroiter who should always be remembered for his service to freedom for our country. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.