mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2023-7-25

we are going to be voting on an amendment here in a few minutes that I want to rise in support of. It was introduced by my friend the Senator from South Dakota, Senator Rounds. prgtoken This amendment aims to protect American food security against attacks by foreign adversaries--in particular, these four foreign adversaries: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. prgtoken As many of you know, I am a third-generation farmer. I know firsthand that food security is national security. It is that plain. It is that simple. Allowing our foreign adversaries to invest in American farmland and agribusiness is a direct threat to our food supply. prgtoken Preventing our adversaries, our enemies from acquiring land near sensitive military sites--sites like Air Force bases, like the one in Montana, Malmstrom Air Force Base--is a no-brainer, and now we need to protect the rest of our food system. prgtoken This amendment will enable the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States--otherwise known as CFIUS--to review all significant agriculture-related foreign investments, and it will empower the Agency to prohibit future purchases of farmland by our foreign adversaries. prgtoken Our amendment also includes commonsense provisions that protect the rights of U.S. citizens and permanent residents and small farmers and business owners. prgtoken This is a critical step toward making sure we aren't handing over valuable American assets to foreign entities that want to replace us as the world's leading military and economic power. prgtoken I would urge all of my colleagues in this room and the ones who are going to come to this room to support this commonsense solution that will protect our Nation's food supply and defend our country against folks who would like to see us cease to exist. prgtoken . prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING MARY LeCLAIR AND THE GROUNDBREAKING OF LeCLAIR VILLAGE
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today in honor of Mary LeClair and the groundbreaking of LeClair Village. prgtoken Born in Ogdensburg, New York LeClair first came to Cape Cod in the late 1950s, after her husband was stationed at Otis Air Force Base. Soon after moving to the Cape, she began working at the Barnstable County National Bank as a teller in the Hyannis office. In 1966, LeClair moved over to the newly opened New Seabury branch, and a few years later, she was named 1 of the bank's first female branch managers. prgtoken Using her experience in the banking industry, LeClair was named Barnstable County Treasurer in 1978. She served in this for 18 years, before being elected as a county commissioner in 1996. LeClair was elected for 3 4-year terms, stepping down from the role in 2008. She additionally served as an aide to former Congressman Bill Delahunt for 2 years and worked in the Cape Cod Housing Assistance Corporation's resource development department for 5 years. prgtoken Throughout her career, LeClair has always been deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. She has served on the board of Gosnold Inc. for nearly 3 decades and has worked closely with the women at Emerson House, Gosnold's all-female facility. LeClair has also worked with the Children's Cove--the Cape and Islands Child Advocacy Center--for close to 25 years, after playing a pivotal role in creating the organization. She has additionally been a board member and volunteer with the Housing Assistance Corporation, as well as several other organizations for many years. prgtoken LeClair's efforts across Cape Cod have not gone unnoticed, as she has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the 2007 Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year Award and the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Award. She has established herself as a pillar of the Cape Cod community, and through her work, she has inspired many others to get involved in local government and the community. prgtoken Over the years, LeClair has remained an active advocate for increasing affordable housing. This is why when the Housing Assistance Corporation and Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. partnered to build a new affordable housing complex in Mashpee, Massachusetts, there was no question as to who they would name the complex after. Built on town land, LeClair Village will house 39 families, offering affordable housing to low- and moderate-income households. After an 8-year effort between the Town of Mashpee, the Housing Assistance Corporation, Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc and many other local non- profits and stakeholders, the project broke ground on May 31, 2023. LeClair Village is expected to complete construction in the summer of 2024. LeClair looks forward to all the children who will soon be able to go to school and say that they live in LeClair Village. prgtoken , I am proud to honor Mary LeClair. I ask that my colle
PROTECTING AND SECURING CHEMICAL FACILITIES FROM TERRORIST ATTACKS ACT OF 2023
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-25

. Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill to extend the authority for the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program for another two years. The CFATS program provides critical national security protections for chemical facilities and for the people who work and live near these facilities. We should all be alarmed that it is on the verge of lapsing. prgtoken Unfortunately, we have come down to the wire again to reauthorize this program. Without passage of this bill, the CFATS program will expire in two days. The program is not perfect, but it should be continued. This two-year extension will give the committees of jurisdiction time to consider important improvements to the program without fear that the program will lapse. To that end, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Green has begun the process of creating a CFATS reauthorization working group and Energy and Commerce Committee plan to be vocal members. We are prepared to push for our jurisdictional priorities in those conversations, specifically advocating for environmental justice communities, first responders, and worker safety. prgtoken Chemical facility safety is not only important to the Energy and Commerce Committee, but also to my home state of New Jersey, where the high concentration of industrial chemical facilities coupled with densely populated cities makes safety and security of these facilities of the utmost importance. Programs like CFATS and the EPA's Risk Management Plan program are critical to maintaining the health and safety of the people who live and work near these facilities, so the consequences of this program expiring are as personal to me as they are dire to the safety of our country. prgtoken The last few weeks have brought record heat waves, Canadian wildfires, and catastrophic flooding, all markers of what is to come. And yet, House s continue to turn a blind eye to the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. Instead, they work to rollback our historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act and make drastic cuts to critical programs across the board. It would be dangerous of Congress to believe that these same extreme weather events don't have the potential to undermine and threaten our nation's chemical facilities. prgtoken We must work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure the safety and security of the workers, first responders, and communities living near our nation's chemical facilities. That means extending this program while taking serious prgtoken steps to improve it for the future. So, s on both sides of the aisle of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Homeland Security Committee for working to ensure the continuity of this program. I urge my colleagues to support passage.
HONORING THE SANTA MARIA MADDALENA SOCIETY ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-7-25

for generations, the Wooster Square neighborhood of the City of New Haven has been the cornerstone of its Italian American community, and Wooster Street has been its heart. Along this street you will find many icons of the community--Sally's Apizza, Libby's Italian Pastry Shop, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, and the Society of Santa Maria Maddalena. Often referred to as simply ``the club'', the Society remains a gathering place where members can meet, share a meal, discuss community issues, and build lifelong friendships. prgtoken This year the Santa Maria Maddalena Society celebrates its 125th Anniversary--a remarkable milestone for this very special organization. Founded on May 1, 1898, the Society of Santa Maria Maddalena is the oldest Italian American fraternal organization in Connecticut--whose purpose is all about the community. Named for the patron saint of Atrani, the Society of Maria Maddalena was originally established to assist fellow Atrani immigrants with housing, employment, English translating, and legal matters. In a time when such government assistance did not yet exist, the Society acted as the original social safety net for the community. prgtoken The Society of Santa Maria Maddalena has preserved the traditions, heritage, and culture of our members' ancestors--while also maintaining the ties from the town of Atrani--in the Salerno Province of Italy--who settled in Wooster Square. During the week of July 22, a replica of the original statue of the saint, which was brought to the United States in 1914, is carried through the streets of Wooster Square. The saint is adorned with jewelry provided by the original members of the society. The feast procession culminates at St. Michael's Catholic Church where a high mass is celebrated. The feast celebration extends for 4 days with Italian music and food, and on Saturday evening, Neapolitan music is featured. The holiday is a time for reuniting with friends and providing younger generations with opportunities to learn about their culture. Year after year, for 125 years, Society members have ensured that the special tradition of the procession and celebration of Saint Maria Maddalena continues--that we continue to gather to celebrate our rich history and strengthen the bonds of our community. prgtoken Since its founding, the Society has been a place where families faced with the many challenges of starting a new life in a new country could turn for support, comfort, and friendship. Over the years, the Society's purpose has become even more community oriented, helping any worthwhile cause or individual regardless of ethnic background. It has donated tens of thousands of dollars to numerous charities and organizations in New Haven and across the State. St. Michaels's Church in New Haven, the Salvation Army, Columbus House, Connecticut Hospice, and Iwo Jima Survivors are just a few of those organizations who have benefitted from their generosit
HONORING REVEREND DR. GREGORY A. SUTTON
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-7-25

I rise today to recognize an outstanding mentor, dedicated servant leader, faithful servant of God and dear friend of longstanding, the Reverend Dr. Gregory A. Sutton. Dr. Sutton was honored for his 53 years of faithful service at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 10:30 am. prgtoken Dr. Sutton was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised among great educators, philosophers, and theologians. Dr. Sutton was always concerned about the welfare of others and used his voice to speak out on pressing issues of the day. He began to preach the Gospel at the young age of 16. This would lay the foundation for his ministry and his destiny--the boy, the preacher, the man and the visionary. prgtoken Dr. Sutton began preaching the Gospel while he was still in high school and accepted the calling to pastor a growing church called Jackson Memorial at the age of 18, where he has labored for 53 years. Through his leadership, the church has continued to expand its membership and physical footprint. Dr. Sutton has seen the expansion of the church's membership to over 6,000 members and he has overseen the construction of two new edifices for the church. Dr. Sutton's ministry is indeed a global ministry and reaches people where they are across the world. prgtoken The scripture tells us in Proverbs that ``Where there is no vision the people perish . . . .'' Dr. Sutton is indeed a visionary and has used his ministry to reach people beyond the church walls. He has dedicated himself to the awareness, protection, and spiritual development of youth. Dr. Sutton was the originator of the phrase, ``Stop the Violence, Save the Youth.'' Cementing his commitment to young people and their spiritual futures, Pastor Sutton was the first pastor in the Atlanta area to open his church to students for prayer before school. He also reaches out and incorporates the needs of his elderly parishioners in his ministry. Dr. Sutton has a complete ministry that attempts to reach many different groups for Christ to include those that are in prison, the homebound, the homeless, the low income and the disenfranchised. He uses his weekly television broadcast, ``Now Is The Time,'' to reach those who would not otherwise be reachable. prgtoken Dr. George Washington Carver once said that ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young; compassionate with the aged; sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong, because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Dr. Sutton is acutely aware that for the Kingdom of God to be manifested in this world, it is imperative that people from all walks of life be brought into the fold and be made to feel that they matter and that Jesus Loves them. Dr. Sutton's ministry is truly a Matthew 25 ministry. prgtoken Even amid his various ministerial duties, Dr. Sutton finds time to serve his community at large. It has been said
IN MEMORY OF RONALD "KARTOON" ARTWINE
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-25

Kartoon was a special human being. He could have been another unfortunate statistic in Watts but Kartoon was determined that his life could, and would, be better. He was also determined to be a change agent in his community, making the lives of others better as well. He helped negotiate the crucial gang truce between Bloods and Crips and would assist local residents find housing and get into rehab, changing their lives forever. prgtoken I first met Kartoon through his friend Greg Brown at Project Build, an important social services organization I helped found many years ago. Kartoon was a larger-than-life, grassroots community activist who always had a positive outlook, a contagious laugh and could ``spit a poem'' better than most. With the right assistance, he got his life together and became both a substance abuse counselor, a successful Hollywood location scout and a supportive father who dearly loved his entire family. prgtoken Kartoon left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. When attending an important community meeting or rally and blessing us with a poem, you knew Kartoon was in the room, and we were glad he was there. prgtoken Kartoon blessed us with poetry. Here is my poem to Kartoon: To the family & friends of my friend Kartoon I join with you today To honor and remember The very special one Known to everyone as Kartoon Kartoon our dear friend And loved one who has left us way too soon. Kartoon the Poet with The great big smile It seems Kartoon was Only with us for a short while Our Kartoon was well known By so many in Watts, And all over Los Angeles and many more He has left us to grieve and Wonder as he closed the door I suppose the heavenly one up above knows best But now its time to let Kartoon rest. Kartoon lived a life of Fun, woes, and uncertainty He experienced both the good and the bad times But he sure loved life and people of all kinds Oh Kartoon and how he laughed He was full of jokes, he bluffed and he played But he always stayed I have been wondering and thinking, Now how is Kartoon going to conduct himself up yonder But we really don't have to worry, speculate or ponder One thing we know for sure Kartoon will be the center of attention with his rhymes so pure Kartoon always showed up Whenever we called And he never missed he helped us all There is much more that I could say But I think Kartoon would say let's leave all of that for another day Goodbye goodbye, my dear Kartoon, Now it is your time to soar, to lift your wings It is your time to fly You go on and, on in your glory, And don't you look back I've told you why. You've got it! You are the man! You, go on up there, And give God a hand.
HONORING THE VASILOFF FAMILY FOR THEIR DEVOTION TO VETERANS
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-25

today I honor a Livingston County, Michigan, family that has quietly, and without fanfare, devoted themselves over the past decade to the service of their community, their Nation, and veterans in need. prgtoken Kathy and Steve Vasiloff of Green Oak Township have long enjoyed throwing parties in their lakeside home, making their backyard a popular gathering place for friends, family, and neighbors. But when their son David joined the United States Marine Corps in 2007, those parties took on a different tone: sending him off and welcoming him home from training, and then from multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken Hit twice by improvised explosive devices during his tours of duty, David came home in 2011 a changed man, and as a result, his family changed direction as well. Seeking to honor their son's service, and the stories he told of his brothers and sisters in arms, many of whom did not come home, the Vasiloff family decided to combine their love of throwing parties with a purpose. Ten years ago they opened up their home for a summer soiree, this time asking for donations for wounded veterans, and raised an impressive $3,000 in one evening. The next summer, the party grew, and so did the funds raised. And so a tradition was born, one that has blossomed into an annual extravaganza featuring live music, raffles, gift baskets, hundreds of attendees, and tens of thousands of dollars in donations for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, a Michigan non-profit supporting injured servicemen and the families of heroes in our state. In fact, over the decade the Vasiloff family has been holding these fundraisers, they've become the largest private donors to the organization, with total donations closing in on $200,000. prgtoken Planning and holding a fundraiser of this magnitude is a huge team effort, and a major undertaking for the Vasiloffs. As such, the Vasiloff family has decided that 2023 will be their final event. But it certainly won't be the end of their service. David, the proud Marine who helped inspire the fundraisers, continues to inspire, serve, and protect his hometown community of Green Oak Township, where he is now a police officer. And Kathy and Steve will never stop supporting the brave men and women like their son who come home with visible and invisible scars of war, as well as the service families whose lives are forever shattered by loss. prgtoken Service to one's country takes many forms, and that includes contributing to our collective goal of moving toward a more perfect union the Vasiloff family has never sought praise or publicity for their efforts, instead directing all attention to the cause so close to their hearts. But as they prepare for their tenth and final summer event, I thank them for their faithful service.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-25

. First, I want to thank my colleagues for all of the good work so far on the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act. We were very productive last week, and I hope this week can be equally so. prgtoken Today, we will begin our work by holding two floor votes, one on Senators Cornyn and Casey's outbound investment screen amendment and then a vote on the Round-Tester farmlands amendment. Both of these amendments have been in the works for months, and I intend to vote in their favor. I urge my colleagues to do so as well. prgtoken I know there are concerns on both sides of the aisle with some of the text in both amendments. Senators Cornyn, Casey, Rounds, Tester, and I are all committed to working through these concerns in the conference process. prgtoken Tomorrow, we will vote on the Warnock-Budd amendment designed to halt debt collector harassment of our servicemembers. Again, I appreciate the cooperation of Senators on both sides as we worked to lock in these votes. prgtoken And today and tomorrow, Leader McConnell, Chair Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, and I will also work on assembling a second managers' package of amendments. prgtoken I hope this effort is successful. It will require everyone to work together, and we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. prgtoken Concurrently, we will also keep working on additional floor votes that we might need to finish the NDAA this week. We have a chance to show the American people that the Senate can work productively on our national defense, in stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom that we saw over in the House. prgtoken But the work isn't finished yet. We are going to keep negotiating a path forward, and the Senate will continue working on the NDAA until the job is done. I thank both sides for their efforts. Business Before the Senate prgtoken , now on other Senate business, as we move forward with the prgtoken NDAA here on the floor, appropriators also continue working in committee. Last week, the Appropriations Committee marked up and approved three more bills, and, this week, they will hold another markup on Thursday. Just like the NDAA, I am proud to say the appropriations process has been largely bipartisan, precisely as it should be. prgtoken And, finally, with so much going on this week, I want to remind my colleagues that we will be holding our third all-Senators briefing on AI, following up on our classified briefing earlier this month. I thank all of my colleagues for making the time to attend these AI briefings. prgtoken Today, I also wish to recognize the efforts of the Judiciary Committee, which this afternoon is holding its own hearing on AI regulation. They join the work of many other committees that have moved quickly this year to begin focusing on AI in a very serious way. prgtoken The Senate will continue ramping up our focus on AI policy when we begin hosting our Insight Forums later this fall.
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BILL ROCKWOOD, JR. TO FLORIDA'S NINTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AND THE OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE DARREN SOTO
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-7-25

today we recognize Bill Rockwood, Jr. for his contributions to Florida's Ninth Congressional District as the office's Deputy Legislative Director. During his time in the office, Bill also served as the Executive Director of the Future Forum. prgtoken As part of Team Soto, Bill originated and drafted a variety of bills, amendments, and appropriations requests with a particular focus on issues related to technology, finance, and the environment. Bill worked on seven bills that passed the House of Representatives, including three that were signed into law; he worked on 25 amendments that passed the House of Representatives, including 13 that were signed into law; and worked on over 200 report language requests and programmatic funding requests that were included in the final FY18-FY23 appropriation packages. prgtoken Bill is a graduate of Rollins College with an undergraduate degree in philosophy, the Crummer School of Business Administration with a Masters of Business Administration, and the Georgetown University Law Center prgtoken with a Juris Doctorate and a Masters of Laws (LL.M.) in Securities and Financial Regulation. Bill also played four-years of collegiate tennis and was a professional tennis instructor prior to attending law school.