mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DUTCHLAND FOODS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-5-14

as ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Dutchland Foods of Lester, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 1992, Wayne and Jennie Van Wyhe founded Dutchland Foods with their son, Pete, and his wife Susan in Lester, IA. To start Dutchland Foods, the Van Wyhes purchased a building on Main Street and made only braided Danish pastries. The first building was formerly a bank, and the family made their pastries in a single room. Dutchland Foods also converted the bank's safe into a walk-in cooler. In 1993, Dutchland Foods added a 2,000-square-foot addition for equipment and cold storage and added another 9,000-square-foot addition in 2003. In 2006, Dutchland Foods acquired a new location in Lester when the Van Wyhe family purchased the old fire station. Dutchland Foods currently operates in two facilities in Lester, with their most recent one opening in 2018. prgtoken Dutchland Foods is an exemplary family business. Four generations of the Van Wyhe family have worked at the company. Today, Pete and Susan's sons Mychal, Monty, and Malachi run the day-to-day operations while Pete serves as CEO. Jennie and Wayne Van Wyhe passed away in 2010 and 2022 respectively, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the Lester community, love of their family, and excellence in the baked goods industry. prgtoken Today, Dutchland Foods distributes its baked goods nationally and serves as a food supplier for fundraisers through the Dutchland Fundraising division of their business. In May 2024, Dutchland Foods announced that they will begin distributing their baked goods internationally to the United Kingdom. Dutchland Foods currently sells bulk baked goods to the coffee shop, hospitality, bakery, catering, and restaurant industries. Their products are available for purchase in bulk through the Filled Kouign Ammans, Dutchland Classic Pastries, Pappy's Pie Dough, Pastry Puffins, and Butterhearts brands. The Dutchland Foods team is actively involved in the Lyon County community and is a proud member of Lyon County Economic Development. Due to their hard work, Dutchland Foods employs over 100 full- and part-time employees and, in 2024, celebrated its 32nd business anniversary. prgtoken Dutchland Food's commitment to the Lester community and the baked goods industry is clear. I want to congratulate Pete and Susan Van Wyhe, their sons Mychal, Monty, and Malachi, and the entire Dutchland Foods team for their continued dedication. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today in support of the Senate amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill. prgtoken As chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have worked with my colleagues for over a year on this bill, and I am proud of the agreement that we have come to with our Senate counterparts. prgtoken I give a special thanks to Ranking Member Lofgren for working with me throughout this process. prgtoken The research and development title of the bill provides a comprehensive safety framework and the integration of emerging technologies into air travel. By preserving and protecting the House's provisions of this bill, we have ensured that this is the most robust research and development title we have seen in an FAA bill. prgtoken This bill includes essential support for the Air Traffic Control Academy located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The center is named after former Oklahoma U.S. Senator Mike Monroney, who wrote the Federal Aviation Act that created the FAA. Senator Monroney's legacy is realized every day through the more than 6,000 employees at the Center that serve the FAA's mission of training, research, and operations for the flying public. prgtoken The Air Traffic Control Academy at the Center is responsible for the first few months of training for all air traffic controllers. Centralized training at the academy ensures that operating in the national airspace is seamless from one end of the country to the other. prgtoken I am proud to represent and support the interests of this institution, which gives us the safest flying in the world.
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-5-14

the balance of my time. prgtoken As Ranking Member Larsen knows well, this important piece of bipartisan legislation would not be possible without the hard work of our staff. I want to thank the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation team led by prgtoken Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon I rise in strong support of H.R. 7659, the prgtoken Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024. In Puerto Rico, we are the proud home to Sector San Juan and Air Station Borinquen. We know firsthand the important role our men and women in the Coast Guard play each day to save lives, protect our maritime borders, and facilitate commerce. That is why I was proud to cosponsor this important piece of legislation, which will provide needed authorities and resources to support our Coasties and strengthen the Service's critical missions. prgtoken I am especially pleased the bill includes two provisions I authored-- Sections 205 and 206--to help improve the Coast Guard's drug and migrant interdiction activities. Section 205 would direct the Coast Guard to submit a report to Congress providing an overview of the maritime domain awareness in Sector San Juan, which is responsible for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and oversees an area of responsibility spanning 1.3 million square nautical miles in the Eastern Caribbean. prgtoken Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in smuggling events in the region. In Fiscal Year 2021, the Coast Guard interdicted 758 migrants in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico. These numbers increased substantially in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, when the Coast Guard interdicted 2,395 and 2,228 migrants, respectively, in the Sector San Juan area of responsibility. Through April 30, 2024, the Coast Guard had already interdicted 1,199 migrants in waters near Puerto Rico, with five months still remaining to conclude Fiscal Year 2024. prgtoken Similarly, according to data shared by the Coast Guard with my office, from Fiscal Years 2019 to 2022, the known maritime cocaine flow to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands--either coming directly from South America or via the Dominican Republic--increased by over 115 percent, from 51 metric tons to 110 metric tons. During the past five years, Coast Guard narcotics seizures in the Sector San Juan area of responsibility increased by over 74 percent, from 6.6 metric tons in Fiscal Year 2019 to 11.5 metric tons in Fiscal Year 2023. prgtoken There has also been a rise in violence associated with these events. In November 2022, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine interdiction agent was shot and killed, and his two partners gravely injured, when drug smugglers opened fire during an interdiction off the coast of Cabo Rojo, in southwestern Puerto Rico. Two months later, another gunfight during a vessel interdiction off the coast of Fajardo in northeastern Puerto Rico resulted in the death of two drug smugglers. prgtoken The Coast Guard plays a l
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Burgess Owens (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise in support of H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. prgtoken This legislation seeks to strengthen, protect, and modernize the American aviation industry, a sector often hindered by an agency that is stuck in the previous century. prgtoken Since 1966, the federally imposed perimeter rule has limited access and increased costs for Americans flying into Washington Reagan airport. This bill contains a simple but important fix. It adds five new routes while maintaining all existing flight routes, whether they are within or outside of the perimeter. prgtoken This legislation is designed not for one airport or one airline but for all of us. It is about giving more options, more convenience, and more opportunities to families traveling into Washington, D.C. prgtoken I thank the negotiators of this bill for working with me over the past year to ensure this type of solution could be part of the final package. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan and bicameral agreement and to help DCA fly into the 21st century.
HONORING BRENNTAG ON 150 YEARS AS A LEADER IN THE CHEMICALS INDUSTRY
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise to honor Brenntag for 150 years of service as a market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution. prgtoken Founded in 1874, Brenntag offers a comprehensive portfolio of chemicals and ingredients, market solutions, applications, and regulatory know-how for a wide range of industries. The company has a global footprint, operating in over 70 countries with more than 17,500 employees. This includes sites in the South Louisiana communities of Abbeville, Broussard, and Maurice. prgtoken Last year, I toured Brenntag's new cutting-edge facility in Maurice, Louisiana, and participated in a town hall meeting with employees. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the men and women of Brenntag and see firsthand the important work being carried out at facilities in South Louisiana. prgtoken The chemicals industry is essential to modern society. The industry's contributions can be found in every aspect of our lives--our clothing, our electronics, household goods, and many other daily products. While many Americans take this for granted, we should not forget the men and women who keep our supply chains running and make everyday life possible. prgtoken Brenntag's employees, like those I met in Maurice, are responsible for the company's status as an industry leader in quality, safety, and innovation. Their hard work is critical to America's continued success and economic prosperity. prgtoken On behalf of Louisiana's 3rd District, I commend Brenntag on its 150th anniversary. I offer my gratitude to Brenntag's employees, and I thank them for the vital part they play in America's economy.
HONORING REVEREND DR. CECIL L. "CHIP" MURRAY
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray, who passed away at the age of 94 on April 5, 2024. prgtoken Reverend Murray was born on September 26, 1929, in Lakeland, Florida. He graduated from Florida A&M University and served in the U.S. Air Force for ten years after graduating before moving to Los Angeles to earn a Ph.D. in religion from Claremont College's School of Religion. prgtoken He then became a pastor at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he served for 27 years. He built the church up from a small congregation of 250 members to over 18,000 members by the time he retired. He used his time at the church to inspire and give back to his community. During his tenure at the church, he established a non-profit investment arm that brought $400 million in investments to Los Angeles's minority and low-income neighborhoods. prgtoken Reverend Murray was also known for being an influential voice of reason during the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, when he called for calm during a time of chaos and helped to rebuild the city following the riots. prgtoken Upon Reverend Murray's retirement from the church at age 75, he joined the University of Southern California's faculty, and started the Passing the Mantle Program, which later became known as the Cecil Murray Center at USC's Center for Religion and Civic Culture. He became a beloved and respected mentor at the university for future pastors who wanted to create projects to serve their communities. prgtoken Murray was preceded in death by his wife Bernadine, and is survived by his son Drew, niece Tammie, nephews Anthony and Kevin, grandniece April, and grandnephews Isaiah and Corey. prgtoken Pastor Murray touched many lives throughout his time as a pastor and university mentor, including my family's. He was my mother's pastor and was always very supportive of my family and me. He was a giant, but he was also a kind and gentle man who demonstrated what a purposeful life meant by living his faith each and every day. His compassionate mentorship and guidance helped make this a better world. He will be deeply missed. May he Rest in Peace and Power.
ISRAEL
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-14

on a different subject, I want to speak on President 's recent decision to withhold certain offensive U.S. weapons from Israel that might be used in an assault on Rafah. prgtoken I support President . prgtoken It is not, as some have characterized, a failure to support Israel in a dangerous region after a genuinely horrific Hamas attack--and October 7 was such an attack. It is instead a warning from one of the most pro- Israeli U.S. Presidents to an ally that a full-scale assault on Rafah could not only add to the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza but undermine any long-term stability in the region. prgtoken Let me also remind those critics that President recently helped coordinate, with the use of American forces, a dramatic defense of Israel against an Iranian assault. prgtoken Anyone who doubts 's commitment to Israel is misguided. But he has reached his limit with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his response in Gaza and focus on his own political survival more than anything else. prgtoken His blunders protecting civilians and allowing the flow of aid were noted in the national security memo reported to Congress last week. Let me elaborate. Last week, several of us met with the Jordanian King, Abdullah II--a deeply thoughtful leader who knows the region well. He is a key ally of the United States, and he has made peace with Israel. He, like Middle East expert Tom Friedman, argued that simply leveling Gaza and furthering the humanitarian crisis without a long-term strategy for peace is no strategy at all for Israel. A path forward can only happen with the support of Arab nations in the region. prgtoken President has been urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to offer this broader vision, one that likely includes normalization with Saudi Arabia and eventual peace with a Palestinian State--a vision that could be undermined with a massive assault on Rafah. prgtoken As Tom Friedman posed to Netanyahu in a recent column, ``What do you want more--Rafah or Riyadh? Do you want to mount a full-scale invasion of Rafah to try to finish off Hamas--if that is even possible--without offering any Israeli exit strategy from Gaza or any political horizon for a two-state solution with non-Hamas-led Palestinians?'' prgtoken Shortly after the horrific attack on October 7, I warned our Israeli friends to learn from our mistakes made in the fog of rage and pain after September 11. You do not want ill-thought occupation of Gaza to become your Fallujah, and, as also learned in Iraq, one needs the trust of the local civilian population to help counter terrorist groups. prgtoken We were speculating recently on how many innocent civilians have been killed in Gaza in an effort to eliminate Hamas. The number is staggering. This is another reason President reached his limit with Netanyahu. The devastating civilian toll in Gaza is not only a moral and humanitarian problem; it is a stra
KIDS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA ACT OF 2024
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-5-14

there can be no doubt that this country is experiencing a youth mental health crisis. I also agree with the Surgeon General and other experts that social media plays a part in that crisis. However, I recognize social media is also an important forum for expression, learning, and communications that can serve as a lifeline for young people, especially those from marginalized or vulnerable communities. prgtoken Therefore, I cannot agree with an absolute ban of minors under 13 from social media. With meaningful tools to enable parental consent, strong privacy rules, and reasonable regulations against manipulative or harmful designs, I believe young minors can safely access social media. This is where the Senate should focus its time. prgtoken I also worry about the bill's new inclusion of the Eyes on the Board Act of 2024. This bill could make it hard for teachers to incorporate social media applications into their teaching or preparation. It would also limit the ability of young people who depend on school-issued laptops and mobile internet connections from accessing educational videos and other informational content on social media when not in school. This raises serious equity concerns and would worsen the country's digital divide. prgtoken For these reasons, I will object to any unanimous consent agreement to take up or pass the Kids Off Social Media Act of 2024.
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, or the FAA Reauthorization Act. prgtoken My home State of Ohio is a major transportation hub and has a proud legacy as the birthplace of aviation. The FAA reauthorization bill will help ensure Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be a pioneer in the aviation and aerospace industry. prgtoken This bill invests billions into airports large and small, including in my district, the Akron-Canton Regional Airport, the Akron Fulton Airport, and the Kent State University Airport. prgtoken These much-needed resources will keep our skies safe and make our aviation infrastructure cleaner and greener. In particular, I highlight the maintenance of the Federal age and flight hour requirements, the consumer protections in the event of cancellations and delays that will help keep costs down and save people money, and, notably, language that I advocated for to support the advancements of a remote tower program in Ohio. prgtoken This program will improve air traffic control for aircraft that utilize smaller airports, generating economic development and safer airspace. prgtoken This legislation is a major victory for America's aviation workforce as it improves the safety, health, and well-being of aviation standards both on the ground and in the air.
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I appreciate my colleague's concern about our shared commitment to rapidly develop clean energy. I also believe that the American maritime industry should play a meaningful role in the development and maintenance of offshore energy. If everyone comes together to negotiate a compromise, I believe everyone's concerns can be addressed. prgtoken Ranking Member Larsen and I are committed to finding that compromise, but it is important that all stakeholders, including offshore wind developers, come to the table to accomplish that. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING ANGELINA THURBER
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to recognize Angelina Thurber for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. prgtoken Angelina has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Angelina, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Angelina's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. prgtoken It is my honor to congratulate Angelina Thurber on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-5-14

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the O'Donnell nomination, postcloture; further, that all time be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. and that following the cloture vote on the Bulsara nomination, the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Bulsara nomination, at 2:15 p.m the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; that the cloture motion with respect to the Aframe nomination ripen at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 16; that upon disposition of the Bulsara nomination, the Senate execute the order of May 7, 2024, with respect to the Schulte nomination; further, that upon disposition of the Schulte nomination, the Senate resume legislative session and proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 387, S.J. Res. 57; that at 6 p.m the joint resolution be considered read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the joint resolution; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.