mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SINCLAIR CASPER REFINERY
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Casper Refinery in Natrona County, WY. prgtoken On September 27, HF Sinclair will hold a Casper centennial celebration lunch. They will ``celebrate the history of the refinery and the Casper story.'' For the past 100 years, the refinery and its employees have played a key role in economic and energy development, benefitting the Casper community and the State of Wyoming. prgtoken This facility first opened in 1923 as the White Eagle Refinery. It is now one of the oldest operating refineries in the Rocky Mountain region. In the beginning, crude oil was transported fifty miles to a processing site by horse-drawn wagons. This journey took over ten days. Initially, the refinery produced an industry-leading 200 barrels-per- day. prgtoken In 1968, the former White Eagle Refinery was acquired by Sinclair Corporation from Mobil Oil. It was then renamed the Little America Refining Company. In 2022, Sinclair joined HollyFrontier Corporation to form HF Sinclair. The Casper refinery is a central hub in Wyoming for crude oil supply. Their goal is to ``update and modernize equipment to maintain ratable production well into the future.'' prgtoken The refinery is capable of running both domestic and Canadian synthetic crudes. With a 30,000 barrels-per-day output, the facility primarily runs Rocky Mountain Region sweet crude. They are also efficient in producing gasoline and diesel for customers in Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota. prgtoken The Sinclair Casper Refinery focuses on treating their customers and coworkers like family. They build their company on integrity and loyalty. Plant Manager Sam Cooper continues the legacy of hard work. He is joined by 180 employees in this endeavor. The team at the Casper refinery creates ``a culture driven by excellence in production, reliability and safety.'' They are able to accomplish this by following their five core values of safety, integrity, teamwork, ownership, and inclusion. prgtoken It is an honor for me to recognize this significant milestone for the Casper Refinery. This refinery serves as an economic cornerstone for central Wyoming. Bobbi joins me in extending our congratulations to the HF Sinclair Casper Refinery on their 100th anniversary.
RECOGNIZING TAMPA VETERANS TREATMENT COURT AND MENTORS PROGRAM
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-9-21

I recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Veteran Mentors Program. prgtoken Among the largest veteran treatment courts in the nation, the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program was established in 2013 thanks to the efforts of retired U.S. Army COL DJ Reyes. The purpose of the program is to help identify and provide the necessary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs treatments and counselling to veterans whose involvement in the criminal justice system is often connected to a condition or disorder incurred during their military service. prgtoken At the height of the program, the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program grew to more than 225 veteran defendants and more than 100 volunteer veteran mentors. The program currently enjoys a 90- percent graduation rate and is nationally recognized as the model for newly formed veteran treatment courts. prgtoken In June 2019, Colonel Reyes was invited to both the White House and Capitol Hill to brief policymakers on the success of the Tampa Veterans Treatment Court and Mentors Program and in support of Federal legislation to support State veteran treatment courts. This bill, the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019, which I cosponsored, was signed into law by President in August 2020. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Colonel Reyes and everyone associated with the Tampa Veteran Treatment Court and Mentors Program for their work assisting our veterans and wish them many years of continued success.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2791 (Executive Calendar)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-9-21

I am shocked, disappointed, and, to be honest, stunned. I didn't think anyone was going to object to this bill. It makes no sense to do so. I didn't understand the Senator from Washington's explanation. Her colleague from Washington is actually the chairman of the Commerce Committee and a cosponsor of this bill. prgtoken So, again, this is a no-brainer. None of us want a government shutdown, but, if it happens, we can't let what happened in 2019 be repeated. And what happened in 2019 was that every member of the military services was paid, with the exception of the Coast Guard. And I have told them that we won't let that happen again. prgtoken So I am going to keep coming down to the floor with Senator Cruz, and we are going to get this bill passed. prgtoken And if you are watching and you are a Coast Guard member and you understand what happened, ic leadership in the U.S. Senate just blocked this bill--a bipartisan bill to make sure you get treated fairly in the event of a government shutdown. prgtoken It is the right thing to do. Senator Cruz and I will keep working it to make sure this happens. prgtoken .
HONORING THE LIFE OF "COACH" DOUGLAS WILLIAM SHANKS
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise to honor the life of Douglas William Shanks. ``Coach'' Shanks passed away on September 4, 2023. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Doug was born in Soso, Mississippi, to Fred and Frances Shanks of Taylorsville. He grew up in Gulfport and Jackson, graduating from Provine High School. He attended Mississippi State University and later graduated from Liberty University. prgtoken Beginning in his twenties, Doug was involved in politics in Jackson, becoming the first Commissioner for the city of Jackson in 1973. He was instrumental in the rise of the Mississippi Party in the 1970s and helped to lead causes throughout Jackson. prgtoken As City Commissioner he oversaw the fire department, police department, and sanitation. Doug also was an important figure for the continuation of racial reconciliation in Jackson and across Mississippi through his work as Commissioner by bringing on many African Americans to work in different City departments. prgtoken Shanks was also instrumental in bringing the Mets to Jackson and helped to establish Smith-Wills Stadium. Even greater than Doug's love of politics was his love and passion for baseball. Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame baseball coach Hill Denson said of Shanks, ``Doug loved baseball and he lived it. Mississippi baseball is a whole lot better because of Doug Shanks.'' Doug coached baseball at every level, coaching high school, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack and American Legion ball. As the head coach of Hartfield Academy, Doug won 3 MAIS baseball championships. Doug was also the first white head baseball coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Doug coached Mississippi Valley State University for 15 years and won 5 SWAC championships. prgtoken Doug will be missed by his family, friends and players whose lives he touched during his time with us. The state of Mississippi and the lives of many athletes, family members, and loved ones whom Doug impacted are forever changed. I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Doug Shanks. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing Doug Shanks' tremendous contributions to his community, state, and Nation.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4365, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1130, UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2023; AND PROVIDING...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-9-21

the balance of my time. In closing, I urge all of my colleagues to support the resolution. prgtoken The rule will make in order three bills. prgtoken First, it makes in order the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024. It will provide full and complete funding for our Armed Forces and Defense needs and provides the resources necessary to defend freedom around the world. prgtoken It makes in order H.R. 1130, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. We think that is important. prgtoken My friend had an interesting discussion about LIHEAP. I actually share my friend's view. It is an important program. I remember when I chaired the subcommittee on Appropriations, I had to actually reverse a cut ordered by President of $300 million in his own budget, and we stopped that from happening. prgtoken People throw out numbers, and then you work it through. I always call a Presidential budget a bargaining position. I think the same thing tends to be true of congressional budgets, but we will work that through. prgtoken The real cause of lack of heating, though--let's be real about this-- is not LIHEAP and whether it is funded or not. It is whether or not there is natural gas to heat it in the first place. My friends have done everything possible to increase the cost and limit the availability of the very product that they want to provide with a government program. prgtoken It would be better for every single American if you would just simply be pro-energy production in our country. It is okay to be for renewables. I am for renewables. My State is number one or two in the country in wind power, well ahead of a lot of other progressive States. prgtoken We just think what works is what you ought to do. We have got a lot of wind in Oklahoma. It makes a lot of sense, so we use it, and, if it lowers emissions, we think that is good. Natural gas, by the way, has been the single biggest driver of lowering emissions. My friends have done nothing but make it harder in that industry. Frankly--and I mean this with all due respect--I hear people in that industry and companies in that industry vilified routinely. If I said those things about people in your respective States engaged in energy or in other kinds of production, you would be appalled, because you know those people. prgtoken I have got millions of people in the energy industry. I have thousands of people in my district that go out and work on rigs. They go out and lay pipeline. They go out and find oil and gas. It is hard work. They do that, and they give many parts of the country that don't have energy production the cheapest energy in the world outside of a couple of petrostates, and the most secure product, and they have tripled production in petroleum since about 2006. Yet, the price of gas goes up--it is a lot less here than it is almost anyplace in the world--and then they say, oh, my gosh, they are profiteering. No, there are
HONORING AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S DAY
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise today to commend the work of the Women Inspiring Women Leaders chapter of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. prgtoken ABWA's Women Inspiring Women Leaders Chapter held its first meeting on May 22, 2019. Since then, the organization has provided opportunities for local business leaders to network, empower one another, and focus on growing Virginia's economy. prgtoken Entrepreneurship is a defining characteristic of the American spirit. That's why I am proud to join them and their sister chapters in celebrating American Business Women's Day. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fredericksburg Women Inspiring Women Leaders Chapter for their commitment to service, innovation, and empowering women in the business community. It is an honor to celebrate American Business Women's Day alongside them.
INTRODUCTION OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT OF 2023
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2023-9-21

today, I introduce the Northern Mariana Islands Entrepreneurship Act of 2023, which would extend eligibility for the Small Business Administration's microloan program to the Marianas. My bill ensures that small businesses in our islands are treated equitably and have access to the same assistance available in other parts of our Nation. prgtoken The opportunity for people to find and grow small businesses is the pathway to achieving the American dream. The SBA's microloan program was created to help everyday Americans do just that--with loans of up to $50,000, small business owners can jumpstart their dreams by investing the micro loan towards inventory, supplies, machinery, equipment, and more. And when our small businesses thrive, we all stand to benefit. According to a 2019 report from the SBA, small businesses create two-thirds of net new jobs and drive U.S. innovation and competitiveness. prgtoken Yet this opportunity is not available to all Americans. My home, the Marianas, is the only jurisdiction in the Nation that is ineligible for the microloan program. prgtoken My bill ends this inequity and provides a path to entrepreneurship for all small business owners, no matter where they choose to live in the U.S. prgtoken , Ms. Radewagen, who joined me in introducing this important bipartisan legislation.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4365, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1130, UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2023; AND PROVIDING...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-9-21

the balance of my time. prgtoken I am not going to engage in the frivolous part of what this rule provides. I think Mr. Cole and I were having a serious debate about things that really matter here in terms of our economy and whether or not we can fund our government. I am not going to waste time talking about a nonbinding resolution that is nothing more than a press release. prgtoken , let's be honest with each other. We are only a few days away from a shutdown, and we are in chaos because the Party is in the middle of a civil war. That is just a fact. prgtoken McCarthy cut a deal on spending levels back in May. That is what the Senate has acted on in a bipartisan way. The only people not holding up the bargain are House s. prgtoken McCarthy is breaking his word, and I get it. I mean, he handed over the gavel to the most extreme in his party. He put the patients in charge of the hospital, and now he is getting blackmailed. Good luck to him getting out of the mess that he has made. prgtoken The American people deserve better, and they deserve to know that there is a difference here, a very clear difference. We may not always agree on every single issue, but come to this place every single day and we worry. We worry about making sure that people get better jobs. We worry because we want people to have better healthcare and we want people to have higher wages. We worry because we prgtoken want to make sure that people have clean air and water and great schools where we know our kids will make it home from school that day, they will be safe, and we want to make sure that everybody has access to affordable housing. prgtoken s worry, too, but it seems that this majority worries mostly about their own power. They worry about fighting with each other, trying to shut down the government, impeach the President, and remove their own . prgtoken The majority in this House is a joke. They wasted weeks talking about gas stoves, weeks arguing about book bans, weeks telling kids what soccer team they can play on, and now we are on the eve of a shutdown and they are doing nothing to stop it. In fact, they are moving in the wrong direction. prgtoken We have Members on the other side of the aisle who go on network news and say ``shut it down,'' telling people that it is 100 percent certain that there will be a government shutdown. Who cares, they say. prgtoken Really? prgtoken Earlier, I talked about a seance. After looking at what is happening on the other side of the aisle, I think what this place needs is an exorcism. The Party has gone to war with itself, and it doesn't matter which side wins because either way, they are not worried about anybody but themselves. prgtoken This is a serious consequential moment for this Congress. There are real impacts if there is a government shutdown. There are impacts to our credit rating. There are imp
RECOGNIZING AGEISM AWARENESS DAY
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise today to recognize Saturday, October 7th, as Ageism Awareness Day. Ageism Awareness Day provides us all with an opportunity to recognize the existence and impact of ageism in our country. prgtoken We are fortunate to live in a time in which medicine and technology can allow individuals to live long and full lives. As society begins to grow older, however, too many individuals experience ageism, or stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age. prgtoken Ageism is the most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice. It can be found throughout society, from our workplaces to our health systems to stereotypes broadcast in the media. Not only is ageism harmful in and of itself, but it also exacerbates many of the other ``isms'', including racism, sexism, and ableism, which compound and worsen mental and physical health outcomes for affected individuals. prgtoken I am proud to represent Southern Nevada, a place that has long been a welcoming home to nearly 375,000 seniors. They enrich our community tremendously, and their value should not be diminished by undue prejudice and discrimination. Organizations such as Nevada Senior Services provide essential services to individuals across Southern Nevada as they age and ensure that aging is not viewed with fear or hostility. Nevada Senior Services not only operates the Adult Day Care Centers of Las Vegas and Henderson, but also Caregiver Support Programs, Respite and Personal Care, RAMP Home Modifications, Hospital 2 Home Assistance, and the Care Partner Institute. prgtoken I applaud and support the goals and ideals of Ageism Awareness Day which sheds light on the plight of many individuals and brings the Nation together to promote acceptance and appreciation of the gifts of aging persons. I thank all the family members, professionals, and volunteers who assist aging individuals every day and help fight the stigma of ageism.
RECOGNIZING CONSERVATION BEYOND BORDERS
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-9-21

I rise today to recognize the work of Conservation Beyond Borders and support their mission to combat illegal poaching. Their work helps to also combat other illicit activities including the trafficking of humans, arms, and narcotics across the globe. prgtoken I am proud that this important organization is led by an outstanding Minnesotan, Dr. Nicole Benjamin-Fink. I'm especially grateful for prgtoken the approach Conservation Beyond Borders and Dr. Benjamin-Fink take to incorporate rural communities that live alongside wildlife into their work. prgtoken I commend Conservation Beyond Borders for their tireless work and advocacy to ensure wildlife across the world have the opportunity to flourish. I look forward to continuing to work with Conservation Beyond Borders and Dr. Nicole Benjamin-Fink.
HONORING EVERETT BEAUREGARD
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-9-21

. Madam , I rise to honor Everett Beauregard, who 1 year ago tomorrow was senselessly taken from us in an act of gun violence in Philadelphia. prgtoken I thank Everett's family and friends for joining us in the House gallery this morning and also thank them for the opportunity to stand with them last prgtoken year to commemorate Everett's beautiful life. prgtoken I am here today because, like so many others, Everett impacted my life and the lives of my staff for the better. prgtoken In 2018, Everett worked for me, helping my team in enthusiastically engaging with Philadelphia residents about the issues that were most important to them. prgtoken His commitment to serving the public was evident from the outset. It was and is something for which I will always be grateful. prgtoken As we mark this tragic anniversary, I reiterate the Beauregard family's ask that anyone with information regarding this senseless act of violence please come forward. prgtoken Your help can bring the person responsible for this heinous act to justice. Every piece of information, no matter how small, can help bring a sense of closure to Everett's family and many friends. You have the power to come forward and help. I implore you to do so. prgtoken Thank you, God, for this wonderful human being you gave us.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-9-21

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.
REMEMBERING JOHN R. KLAI
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-9-21

it is with great sadness that I share the passing of a great Nevadan, a dedicated advocate, and my dear friend John Reynolds Klai II of Las Vegas. John passed away on Saturday, September 2 with his husband Jon, loving family, and beloved dogs Bruno and Dexter at his side. John leaves behind an incredible legacy as an impactful community leader and champion for equality and justice. prgtoken John was born and raised in the small town of Osnabrock, ND. His smalltown values guided his generous spirit and deep love of community. After taking an engineering class at the University of North Dakota's College of Business, John realized a knack for architecture. Upon graduating with a bachelor of architecture from North Dakota State University, NDSU, John moved out west to Las Vegas to join Marnell Corrao Associates. In 1995, John and his business partner Dan Juba founded Klai Juba Architects, now Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors. Over the last 40 years, John has made significant contributions to building Las Vegas, leading projects at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the Forum Shops at Caesars, and many local landmarks. prgtoken Outside of his distinguished career, John devoted his time and resources to supporting architecture programs at NDSU and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV. He thoroughly enjoyed his time serving as a volunteer adjunct faculty member in UNLV's hospitality design graduate program. He also made regular trips back to Fargo, ND, to teach students at NDSU. To honor John's service to the program, NDSU awarded him with an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2018. prgtoken John's service to his community extended beyond educating the next generation of architects. He volunteered much of his time to many great institutions, both in Nevada and across the country. John was heavily involved with the LGBTQIA+ Community Center of Southern Nevada, helping the community organization to celebrate diversity, empowering everyone to live as their authentic selves, and supporting others through difficult times. prgtoken John and his husband Jon Sparer, also an architect, met in Las Vegas in 1981. They made Las Vegas their home and were married in 2014. They shared a deep love of travel, trekking across the world and most recently across North America in their motor coach with their puppies. John is survived by his loving husband, his daughter and son-in-law, two grandchildren, and many more family members and friends. prgtoken I met John over 25 years ago through our synagogue, and I will forever cherish his unwavering friendship and support. He stood up for what was right, fought against what was wrong, and always put others ahead of himself. John was a beloved member of the Las Vegas community and will be deeply missed. May his memory be a blessing.