mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SECURING THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I don't know if I can help her with that. I was also in business, we had a mechanical contracting business. It is hard, heavy work, and we too hired American citizens. We had to have documentation for the folks that we hired. prgtoken Wouldn't it be great though, since you brought it up, the COMPETES Act, we all want to compete better with China. We know that they are our adversary. They consider us the enemy. First of all, the COMPETES Act doesn't do that, it doesn't do anything to secure America from an aggressive bellicose China. prgtoken Shouldn't the COMPETES Act be about a competitive America? What about the competition that American citizens are in in their own country for their own jobs with people that are here illegally. Shouldn't the COMPETES Act be about making sure people don't come here illegally? prgtoken Let's face it, some folks already talked about the policy that is-- the Border Patrol said, we need the policy. Policy is in place. Laws are in place. Article II, section 3 says the President will faithful execute. But if the President doesn't faithfully execute the laws that are in place, whether we call the COMPETES Act something against China or whether the COMPETES Act is about American citizens who have to compete in their own country against foreigners, if no one is going to faithfully execute it, it is not going to matter.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SARAH GIBLIN SIMONET ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER PASSING
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Sarah Giblin Simonet on the 100th anniversary of her passing. prgtoken Sarah Giblin was born in Carthage, New York on July 25, 1854, to two Irish immigrants. In 1871, Sarah married August Simonet and together, they moved to Croghan. Sarah and August had four children by the time she was twenty-three. prgtoken IN 1881, Sarah enrolled in the first ever class of the Albany College of Pharmacy. There were twenty-one students in the class, twenty men and Sarah. Following her graduation from the Albany College of Pharmacy, Sarah returned to Croghan and opened a pharmaceutical practice in her general store. prgtoken While working as a pharmacist, Sarah noticed the lack of adequate healthcare within her community. Sarah took it upon herself to fix this problem and enrolled at the University of Buffalo to pursue a medical degree. Upon her graduation, she returned to Croghan and became known as the ``lady physician.'' Sarah dedicated the rest of her life to treating her medically underserved community. prgtoken Sarah had a remarkable career serving Croghan. Doctors and pharmacists have just recently begun prioritizing merging their practices to one location to create a more convenient and equitable medical experience. However, Dr. Simonet was doing this over a hundred years ago. The practice of merging pharmacy and medical expertise to one location is now seen as an optimal solution to provide service in rural areas. prgtoken Sarah Simonet died on February 2, 1922, after a lifetime of serving her community. Even one hundred years after her death, the legacy of her work remains deeply impactful. The historical marker at the site of her former office and pharmacy on Main Street in Croghan is a testament to her lasting impact. I am proud to honor Sarah Giblin Simonet on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District.
AMERICA'S FUTURE DEPENDS ON AGRICULTURE
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-2-2

I rise today to speak about my heroes-- America's farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers. These people are my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my ancestors. prgtoken I came to this Congress to defend agriculture because the time I spent on the farm with my father, brother, and grandfather growing up taught me the most important lessons I have ever learned. Agriculture's core values are the same as America's--hard work, self-determination, responsibility, creativity, others before self, and prayer. prgtoken Therefore, if America is going to thrive, agriculture must thrive. Of all the hardworking, resilient people in our country, agriculture producers face more challenges and uncertainty than most of us can imagine as they strive to feed, fuel, and clothe our Nation every day. prgtoken A late winter snow in Washington, D.C means a frustrating commute to work. In Kansas--where it is snowing right now--it means essential moisture for the soil, better hopes for the spring, profits that might let you buy the tractor you have been needing for 2 years now, and if there is some money left over, an extra birthday present for your daughter in July. prgtoken Kansas' own President Eisenhower said, ``Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you are a thousand miles from the corn field.'' In Congress, we deal with the laws of our land, and that is important, but the farmers are the caretakers of the land itself. American farmers built our history, sustain our present, and secure our future. prgtoken In the early 1930s, America was suffering from food insecurity. That is when Congress woke up, realized that above all other concerns, we need to eat to survive, and drafted the first ever farm bill. prgtoken Now, nearly 100 years later, America is the most food-secure country in the world because of the strength of our ag producers. So when Congress gets the opportunity to reauthorize the farm bill every 5 years, we need to think carefully and critically about the extent and nature of our investment in agriculture because it is an investment in both the immediate and the long-term health of our Nation. prgtoken Agriculture is also about freedom. It is extremely difficult for a Nation to be free if it relies on another for its food. Therefore, it is essential to America's future that we get ag policy right, so we never ever have to depend on another for our food or our freedom. prgtoken Over the next several months, as we gear up for the 2023 reauthorization of the farm bill, I will be standing to share some of my thoughts, ideas, and amendments on that legislation. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents and every American farmer, rancher, and ag producer, I want to say unequivocally that I will do everything within my power to ensure that the 2023 farm bill invests powerfully in agriculture. America's future depends on it.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF MASTER SERGEANT ROBERT MAYNE
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-2-2

I rise today to honor the legacy of Master Sergeant Robert Mayne, who impacted lives of countless Lynchburg students throughout his nearly 40-year career at E.C. Glass High School. prgtoken Sarge, as he was known to those close to him, joined the military in 1941 and served as a tail gunner in the Martin B-26 bomber, where he flew 70 combat missions. After more than 27 of years of service, he retired from Active Duty in 1968. prgtoken That same year, Sarge joined E.C. Glass to teach and lead the school's newly formed Air Force Junior ROTC program. After spearheading the program for 20 years, he continued his work at the high school for another 19 as a special education teacher and as an assistant to school administrators. Even after retiring in 2007, Sarge continued to serve as a role model, sharing his experiences with students. prgtoken Master Sergeant Robert Mayne passed away last week at the age of 98, and our community mourns his loss and thanks him for his many years of service. America Concedes Act
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-2-2

it was such a joy to be in Tennessee last week and visit with so many of our local officials, and I had the opportunity to spend some time with some of our sheriffs. And one of the sheriffs made a point that I think deserves attention in this body today. prgtoken He said: Marsha, for years, we have measured the drugs we have apprehended in grams or ounces, but today everything is in pounds. That is the uptick in volume that our local law enforcement is seeing in our communities. prgtoken Now, the question is, Why is this happening? How is it that so much more is getting across that southern border? And my colleague from Ohio and my colleague from Missouri have each mentioned the problems that exists there--no ``Remain in Mexico,'' no wall. prgtoken And we are at a time here in this country where our supply chains are really being stressed, but the supply chains of the cartels seem to be doing just fine. Fortunately, our Border Patrol has been able to cause some blips and some problems with those supply chains, and they have been able to apprehend some of the drugs coming across our border. prgtoken In January, in a period of 7 days--1 week--our Border Patrol caught 47 pounds of methamphetamine in California, 3,800 pounds of marijuana in two raids in Texas, and 20 pounds of cocaine in Texas. prgtoken The street value was about $7 million that they pulled off of the street, but this is, unfortunately, a blip for the cartels--just a blip on their radar. These thousands of pounds of drugs are a footnote in the long history of the ``got-aways'' and the drug mules who keep these cartel supply lines flowing from South and Central America and into the United States. prgtoken Now, as my colleagues have said, until this administration decides they want to get serious about protecting our Nation's sovereignty and securing this southern border, this is going to continue. prgtoken Now, what does this cause in our country? What it means is every town is a border town, and every State is a border State. Until the administration decides they are going to get serious on that border, it means that your town will function like a border town, your State like a border State. Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis are all experiencing some of the same problems that you are seeing on our Nation's borders. prgtoken And whether the State is Maryland or Wisconsin or Nevada, whether these are other States--Illinois, Colorado--what you are seeing are these problems that are brought about by an open border: gangs, cartels, human smuggling, sex trafficking. prgtoken So I would ask my ic colleagues, and I would hope they would ask the President: Where else do they think these thousands of pounds of drugs are being headed? prgtoken That is right. It is a rhetorical question, but they are coming to your neighborhoods, and your local law enforcement agencies are going to find themselves dealing with this. prgtoken Now, the
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-2-3

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), and the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham) would have voted ``yea'' and the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) would have voted ``nay.''
The Federal Reserve (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-2-3

this morning, the Banking Committee prgtoken is examining three of President 's nominees to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. prgtoken The Fed is one of the most consequential institutions in America. Its decisions have massive ramifications for our citizens and for the world economy. prgtoken At the same time, since its independence is paramount, the Fed's structure insulates the Governors from short-term influence and political pressure. When an institution this important is this independent, the guardrails that confine its power are extremely important. prgtoken Now, Congress has given the Fed a statutory mandate that is really very clear and very limited. The Fed's dual mandate is maximizing employment and stabilizing prices. That is it. That is what the Fed exists to do. prgtoken The Fed is meant to serve as our central bank. It is not meant to act as an unelected superlegislature that dabbles in broader economic policymaking should it strike its fancy. prgtoken Its current leader, Chairman Powell, understands this keenly. But, unfortunately, President 's nominee for the powerful No. 2 slot wants to destroy this crucial distinction. prgtoken Less than 2 years ago, Sarah Bloom Raskin launched a PR campaign saying the unelected Fed Governors should pursue liberal environmental goals that elected cannot get through Congress through the banking system. prgtoken That bears repeating. President 's nominee for Fed Vice Chair wants unelected bureaucrats to financially bully the private sector into policy changes which lack enough support to become law the honest way. prgtoken So let's get more specific. Ms. Raskin has argued repeatedly in print that the Fed should ideologically pick winners and losers in the energy sector. prgtoken In 2020, she said unelected bureaucrats should have excluded companies that employ Americans and produce American energy from widely available rescue loans because oil and gas are not green enough for liberals' liking. prgtoken Now, this is the same old ic war on fossil fuels and middle America being smuggled into a dangerous new forum. prgtoken Washington want to raise Americans' gas prices. They want to make electricity even less affordable. They want it to cost more to keep your family warm in the dead of winter. And now they want to do all this in a radical new fashion where voters could never hold them accountable. prgtoken The stated justification for this power grab is that climate change may impact the future of our economy; so therefore, it is the Fed's business--what nonsense with no limiting principle. Every major policy could affect our economy. Opening this Pandora's box would transform the Fed from an apolitical central bank into a hyperpolitical superlegislature. It would turn the venerable institution that is supposed to safeguard the American dollar into enforcers for a radical agenda that can't make it through
HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BRUCE YAWN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-2-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Georgia's very own college football legend, Larry Bruce Yawn. prgtoken Bruce was a native of Americus, Georgia, eventually moving to Statesboro in 1959 where he would graduate from Statesboro High School with a full scholarship to play for the University of Georgia's football team. prgtoken While playing for the University of Georgia, Bruce was inducted into the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame, having played in the Cotton Bowl, Liberty Bowl, and Sugar Bowl, and being a member of the All-Academic SEC Team. prgtoken After graduating, Bruce went on to become the owner of the well-known and community-loved Snooky's Restaurant in Statesboro until its closing in 2012. Bruce went on to manage the Willow Pond Senior Center for several years before retiring. His remaining years were spent with his wife, Carol, and his children, who I know miss him dearly. His love for his community, family, and friends is something we should all work to build in ourselves. prgtoken Madam , having been a prominent member in his community and church, Bruce's passing is felt by the entire community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him during this time.
RECOGNIZING OLIVE YOU BOUTIQUE
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-2-3

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the small business, Olive You Boutique of Richmond, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Nearly a decade ago, Katie Stallons and her sister Lindsay Wiley decided there were not enough clothing options for the ladies of central Kentucky. The sisters, both Richmond natives and alumni of University of Kentucky, decided to take matters into their own hands and open Olive You Boutique. Their mother, Jennifer Brandenburg, joined in their venture, designing the interior of the boutique, and now working in-store alongside her daughters and the other lovely ladies at Olive You Boutique. In their 9 and a half years of operating, this woman and family-owned business has seen plenty of growth and success. In 2015, they received the Richmond Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year Award, and they are routinely voted as Best Women's Shopping in Richmond in local publications. Despite all this success, they have never lost sight of their mission. Owner Katie Stallons' fundamental goal for Olive You Boutique is to carry something for ``all of you'' lovely women of central Kentucky and beyond. The store offers clothes to women of all ages; one stop shopping for daughter, mother, and grandmother, during all seasons. Olive You Boutique carries a wide range of items from casual loungewear to cocktail attire and everything in between. Regardless of age, shape, likes, and dislikes, Olive You Boutique has something for every woman. Customers are known to travel from all over Kentucky and beyond, with the store offering items for every Bluegrass activity, whether it be Keeneland, Kentucky Derby, weddings, graduations, Easter, and more. Small businesses often have a very familial atmosphere, and Olive You Boutique is no exception. Whether you are greeted by one of the sisters in charge, their delightful mother and interior designer, or one of the other charismatic women working alongside them, customers instantly feel like they are at home. Without a doubt, Olive You has brought a fun and personal shopping experience to the Bluegrass State. From unique clothes to sweet gifts for any occasion, ``all of you'' can be sure to find something special when shopping at Olive You Boutique. The owners of the store keep both feet on the ground when conducting business and always look out for friends and neighbors. Often hosting ``Shop For a Cause'' events in their store, they most recently teamed up with jewelry designer Kendra Scott and raised $1,000, which was matched by the designer, and then donated towards the medical journey of a Centre College student who had suffered a horrific spinal cord injury. Their caring spirit extends even beyond the Kentucky c
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-2-3

I want to recognize and congratulate Gary Kelly, the CEO of Southwest Airlines, as he hands over the reins of this great Texas-based company and transitions to a new role as executive chairman. Southwest is a remarkable success story that captures the spirit of Texas--bold, innovative, and unafraid to take risks, while also warm, hospitable, and focused on people. Those words describe Southwest, and they equally describe the company's devoted leader, Gary Kelly. Gary is a seventh-generation Texan who has served the people of Southwest in various capacities since 1986, including nearly two decades as CEO. Looking back on those years, it is incredible to recall the many storms Gary and the people of Southwest navigated--years of depressed travel demand following the September 11 attacks, the great recession, and now a global pandemic. Through it all, Gary provided steadfast leadership and support to the airline's more than 56,000 employees and countless beloved customers. I've been proud to work with Gary and his incredible team over the years, most notably on the Payroll Support Program, which protected the jobs of airline employees during the most turbulent days of the pandemic. Throughout its 50-year history, Southwest has never laid off employees--a point of great pride for the airline's people-focused CEO. It's abundantly clear that the love flows both ways. I remember visiting Southwest's headquarters in Dallas and seeing the admiration on employees' faces as they spoke about their dedicated and talented leader. Congratulations to Gary Kelly on nearly two decades as the CEO of Southwest Airlines. As he transitions to a new leadership role, I have no doubt that he will build upon his legacy of dedicated service to Southwest and its employees.
RECOGNIZING MINOCQUA'S OLYMPIAN SKIER, KEVIN BOLGER
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-2-3

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of one of Minocqua, Wisconsin's, very own, Kevin Bolger, who is headed to the 2022 Winter Olympics. He started skiing in the third grade after following in the footsteps of his older brother. By the way, this family has been a cornerstone of the community in Minocqua, Wisconsin, for over 100 years. prgtoken It was clear from a young age that Kevin was a natural, and his interest in the sport continued to grow over the years. prgtoken His journey to the Olympics isn't like most of his teammates. After graduating from high school, he opted out prgtoken of going straight to college. Instead, Kevin moved to Idaho and joined the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation where they had a program for kids taking a gap year. There he met and worked with his current ski coach for 2 years before applying to the University of Utah. He went to the University of Utah for 4 years, winning a national title his senior year. prgtoken After 3 years on Team USA, he made his first Olympic cut earlier this year and will be headed to Beijing as a first-time Olympian. prgtoken Congratulations, Kevin Bolger, and best of luck.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ROGER NICHOLSON
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-2-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Roger Nicholson. prgtoken I love this photo because this was a really great day with two of Roger's, I like to say, greatest friends. Maurice was his buddy that he traveled all over Colorado with, and Roger caused a lot of trouble on the way, too. prgtoken Roger is the embodiment of what I love about Coloradans, with his fighting spirit and grand vision for the future and his faith in the American Dream. prgtoken Roger immigrated to the United States legally as a child. And starting from nothing, his mother gave everything to build a life for their family through the promise of opportunity. prgtoken Roger often told me how I reminded him of his mom. I will cherish that comparison all my life. prgtoken The lessons Roger learned from his mother's grit pushed him forward as he strove to make something great out of his life as a businessman; a friend to all; most importantly, a husband to his beautiful bride, Bobbie; a fierce father; and a loving grandfather. prgtoken Roger was my friend--stubborn, ornery, funny, and driven. Roger's support was rock solid, and his dedication to the fight for freedom was unmatched. prgtoken Roger's legacy will live on through the conservative movement in his community and in his family. prgtoken To spend time with Roger was to live in the moment and cherish every spoken word. Even during our last conversation, Roger was full of spunk and optimism. Joy was his strength until the end. prgtoken My friend Roger understood life, and he had the tough skin and tender heart to prove it. prgtoken I love you, Roger, and we miss you greatly.
FENTANYL-RELATED DEATHS ARE RISING
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-2-3

. Madam , I rise today deeply alarmed by the increase in fentanyl-related deaths in my district. prgtoken According to the San Bernardino County sheriff, there were over 100 fentanyl-related incidents in my district in the last year, resulting in the death of nearly 100 of my constituents. In fact, Madam , in the last 3 years, fentanyl-related deaths in my community have increased over 600 percent. According to the sheriff, this is a direct result of the trafficking of fentanyl across our southern border with Mexico. prgtoken Last year the Inland Empire regional drug task force seized over 600 pounds of fentanyl, and they estimate the majority of that originated in Mexico. prgtoken Madam , this is a direct result of our failure to secure our southern border and the changes in Federal policy as relates to the southern border that have been enacted in the last year. prgtoken Madam , we must stop this trafficking of fentanyl across the border and protect our community by securing our southern border.