mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE STRENGTH OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE AND RECOMMITTING TO SUPPORT THEIR FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise today to recognize the strength of the Ukrainian people after enduring one year of merciless attacks by Russian forces. February 24, 2023, marks one year since Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. prgtoken When Putin ordered his tanks and forces into regions like Mariupol and Kharkiv, he thought Ukraine would fall in a matter of days. Instead of an easy victory, Putin's war of aggression has been a dismal failure. prgtoken In the past year, l visited Ukraine right before the Russian invasion and again this past summer. There, l saw clear evidence of Putin's war crimes--atrocities against civilians and children, and attacks on the Ukrainian people's very existence as a nation. I walked around St. Andrew's Church in Bucha where 116 people were buried in a mass grave because the city morgue was completely occupied. But I also saw Ukrainians display remarkable resilience and bravery, even when Russian forces attacked basic services and critical civilian infrastructure. prgtoken The people of Ukraine refuse to be forced into an authoritarian state where any opposition is met with jail, torture, or murder. They are prepared to pay the ultimate price for their freedom. Ukrainian armed forces and leadership, like President Zelensky, defend their homeland with skill, determination, and bravery. prgtoken I have met with many NATO members over the past year and am proud to report that NATO is stronger than ever. We are more united than ever in providing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support Ukraine's right to sovereignty. prgtoken The United States and our Western allies understand that Putin's invasion of Ukraine is not just a Ukraine problem, it's a battle between democracy and authoritarianism worldwide. We are delivering a strong and unequivocal answer: we will stand guard over freedom today, tomorrow, and forever. prgtoken Since the invasion, the United States has provided unprecedented support and coordination, which has helped the Ukrainian military make exponential gains. During my last trip, I told President Zelensky about his deep support from the Ukrainian-American community here in the United States. I have met with Parliamentarians from Ukraine throughout the war, twice in the past two months alone, as well as the Mayor of Kyiv, and it is always important to me to share the deep support they have from Americans from across the country. prgtoken Our area, which has one of the largest Ukrainian-American populations in the United States, has demonstrated remarkable generosity and determination to support the children, families, and servicemembers of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Cultural Center of NJ has shipped 18 containers to Ukraine with aid valued at over $4 million. Local families have opened their homes to Ukrainians seeking refuge from the conflict. Our local governments and law enforcement
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DANIEL MORENO LOFTON
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise today to recognize the life of Daniel Moreno Lofton and share this dedication by this family. prgtoken Daniel was born into this world on October 16, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, to Peter Lofton and Jane Moreno. He was the eldest of his siblings. Daniel was presented to the Lord at the First Apostolic Church of Tucson by Pastor Reyes Coronado. At the young age of 19, Daniel made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus. He was baptized by Pastor Joe Fregoso at the First Apostolic Church of Tucson. prgtoken Soon after, he was drafted by the United States Army and served as Combat Medic in the Vietnam War from September 1967 through September 1969. As a Combat Medic, he was at the frontlines, ready to render lifesaving aid to the wounded and, in other cases, recover the remains of those soldiers lost and ensure that no man was left behind. During his service, he received the following medals, badges, and commendations: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Combat Medical Badge; and Army Commendation Medal. When he did speak about his personal experiences in the war, it was to acknowledge how the hand of God was upon his life and spared him from bullets as they grazed by the sides of his face and ears while he rendered aid or how he was kept safe as he traversed minefields to get to the wounded. He was always grateful to have made it back with no physical injuries and always made it a point of importance in his life to acknowledge the service of his fellow veterans and the sacrifice of those that did not make it back. Daniel continued serving as an employee of the Veterans Administration Hospital for 35 years until he retired. prgtoken In 1969, Daniel met Mireya Anna Luisa Martinez at the First Apostolic Church in Tucson while she was visiting her cousin Pastor Gilbert Samano, Sr and his family. As the friendship and love grew, they decided to marry, and on April 3, 1971, in the presence of their family and friends, they exchanged their vows and were married by Pastor Pablo Rodriguez at the First Apostolic Church of Compton, CA. Daniel and Mireya were blessed with two children, Ann Marie Lofton and Daniel Lofton, Jr. prgtoken Those close to Daniel knew him for his thoughtful and caring personality. His kindness and unwavering willingness to serve others were demonstrated through his service as an ordained minister in the Apostolic Assembly. During his tenure, he served in many leadership roles in the men's auxiliary at the district, sector, and local levels. In addition, he was assistant pastor both in San Gabriel and Whittier, CA. His ministry was characterized by visiting and praying for the sick and elderly, utilizing the gift and calling the Lord had placed upon him. He had a heart for those in need, and often, he could be found providing a meal and a word of encouragement to brighten someone's day. Other times he would ask
CELEBRATING THE 77TH ANNUAL VICTORIA LIVESTOCK SHOW
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-24

I would like to join the City of Victoria in celebrating the 77th annual Victoria Livestock Show. This year's show will take place from February 22 through 26, 2023. prgtoken The first Victoria Livestock Show was held in 1941. Shortly after, the show was suspended due to World War II. In 1947, the Victoria Jaycees decided to revive the livestock show, beginning with 4-H and FFA events in 1947 to pique people's interest. A show was put together a year later, and since then, it has been an annual Crossroads tradition. prgtoken The Victoria Livestock Show highlights the work that 4-H and FFA students have put into raising and auctioning livestock. Today, it is larger than ever, with its 2021 auction raising more than $820,000. In addition to the auction, a centerpiece of the Victoria Livestock show is the carnival, which includes rides, games, food, and even wiener dog races. Other fun activities include mutton bustin', goat roping, and the annual Queen Victoria pageant. prgtoken The Victoria Livestock Show embodies the heart of the Crossroads region, and I look forward to this year's show.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF JIM LANGAN
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise today in remembrance of Jim Langan, a longtime friend who passed away on February 15 of this year. prgtoken Jim was a friend to all who knew him, and will long be remembered for his love of life. He had a brilliant mind, a quick wit, and a powerful pen. He was a steward of that most sacred first amendment and understood the value of public service. prgtoken I will forever be grateful for our friendship, dialogue, and debate. He enriched the life of our community and lives of those who live here. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the memory of Jim Langan. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his life and memory always be a blessing.
RECOGNIZING ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP POLICE CHIEF LEO J. BERG, III
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise to recognize Allegheny Township Police Chief Leo J. Berg, III, and thank him for his 30 years of service to the Blair County community. prgtoken The hallmark of Chief Berg's time in law enforcement is the relationships he built within the community he served. From responding to medical emergencies to treating every person he met with respect and dignity, Chief Berg strived to treat everyone he interacted with fairly and with respect. prgtoken His tireless efforts to enforce the law and keep Blair County safe have been invaluable. Through his commitment to training and professionalism, the Chief has set an example for young officers that will continue to serve Allegheny Township well. prgtoken Chief Berg, and his wife of 39 years, Kim Berg, have been pillars of Allegheny Township, and in his retirement, Chief Berg will leave a lasting legacy. prgtoken On behalf of all of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Chief Berg for his service and wish him every continued success.
RECOGNIZING EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN VERA DEACON
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district. Vera Deacon, who after graduating from the Abington Senior High School studied medical sciences at Penn State University and then obtained her license as a registered nurse at the Abington Hospital School of Nursing in 1977. prgtoken Vera served the community as an Emergency Department nurse at Abington Hospital and then Lehigh Valley Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital where she transitioned into the role of a PICC nurse and vascular access educator. As a driven patient advocate throughout her career, Vera participated in the reviews of PICC line device failures, efficacy, and the effects of short and long-term placements. As a CRNI and expert in the field, she has published several medical journal articles related to the elimination of infections in complex patient populations, and the Safe Medical Devices Act and its impact on clinical practice. prgtoken Missing the intensely challenging patient care opportunities of the hospital Emergency Department, Vera joined the Springtown Volunteer Fire Company to provide rescue services to her home community and was certified in Firefighter 1 and as a Basic Vehicle Rescue technician. After completing an EMT course, she joined Upper Bucks Regional EMS where she has consistently volunteered on-duty at its Springfield Township station every week and is an invaluable crew member with her extensive background in emergency medicine. prgtoken In addition to responding to 911 calls for medical emergencies, she now also serves Upper Bucks Regional EMS as the volunteer coordinator and the vice president and secretary of the Board of Directors. As if this service to the community wasn't enough, she also volunteered to review funding applications for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in Montgomery County and brought that knowledge and experience back to benefit her local Fire and EMS community. In 2022, Vera Deacon volunteered more than 252.5 hours at Upper Bucks Regional EMS and is therefore awarded the President's Silver Volunteer Service Award on behalf of our Nation. prgtoken We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Vera has had through her long career of public service, and we wish Vera countless blessings into the future.
CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-24

I rise to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Westmoreland County, the history of its people and their service to Western Pennsylvania. prgtoken Westmoreland County was founded on February 26, 1773 through an Act of Assembly signed by Governor John Penn. While the British already maintained a presence in the region, Westmoreland was the first county to be founded west of the Allegheny Mountains and represented a new frontier for Pennsylvania. Westmoreland's people endured hardships when the county was sought by Virginia during Dunmore's War. The county seal at Hannastown was attacked and burned by American Indians in 1782. Three years later, the county seat was moved to Greensburg where it stands today. prgtoken This new frontier also played a role in testing the strength of our country's leadership during the Whiskey Rebellions, when farmers from Western Pennsylvania fought back against the first federal tax on spirits. What could have been a far bloodier conflict was handled fairly but firmly by President George Washington and Pennsylvania's leaders, proving to the world that America could handle its own disputes without resorting to tyranny. prgtoken Although neighboring Allegheny County was first formed from parts of Westmoreland, their economic lives have remained inseparable. Westmoreland's plentiful coal resources fueled Pittsburgh's revolutionary steel industry, leading to the formation of Carnegie Steel by Westmoreland County native Henry Clay Frick. Wages from those same steel plants helped to draw workers and feed families across the Allegheny River. Farmlands of Westmoreland helped provide eggs, oats, and alfalfa to the rest of the Nation for years, cementing the county as an essential arm of American industry. prgtoken , the story of Westmoreland County is uniquely American and important to Pennsylvania. You cannot tell the story of our country without speaking of the people who worked hard to turn a frontier county into an engine of American industry. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate the citizens of Westmoreland County on this remarkable milestone and look forward to building on this storied history over the next 250 years.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-2-27

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Crapo), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis). prgtoken Further, if present and voting the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd) would have voted ``nay'' and the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch) would have voed ``nay.''
RECOGNIZING BEN KUETER OF IOWA CITY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-2-27

I rise today to recognize Ben Kueter of Iowa City who took down Hempstead's Joe Lewis in a technical fall to win his fourth State title in wrestling--only the 32nd time in the history of the Iowa State wrestling tournament. prgtoken He is also the seventh to complete an undefeated high school career, with an outstanding record of 111-0 with 105 career bonus point wins. prgtoken In addition to winning his fourth State title and shattering records in Iowa, Ben also holds a world title in wrestling. Just this summer, he represented Iowa on the world stage and won gold at the Junior Men's Freestyle World Championship. prgtoken An all-star athlete and senior at Iowa City High School, Ben excels in more than just wrestling. He has also been a star member of the football, baseball, and track teams. prgtoken Ben's proudest accomplishment, though, is being a good role model for future wrestlers. He always makes time to talk to and take pictures with younger wrestlers at tournaments and makes it a priority to keep things fun. prgtoken I am proud of Ben's accomplishments, and I join all of Iowa in being proud that he continues to represent our State at the highest levels. prgtoken I am also honored that he has chosen to continue his wrestling career in Iowa City at the University of Iowa. prgtoken Go Hawkeyes! Texas Christian University Day
SECURING AND ENABLING COMMERCE USING REMOTE AND ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION ACT OF 2023
Kelly Armstrong (Republican, ND) \u2014 2023-2-27

H.R. 1059, the SECURE Notarization Act is a bipartisan bill that would authorize the nationwide use of remote online notarizations performed in interstate commerce. This is simply an electronic notarization where the party and the notary are in different locations. prgtoken Society has widely adopted remote meetings, events, and even social activities. Requirements for a signer to be physically present before a notary are often impractical and sometimes impossible, such as with military deployment or travel limitations. prgtoken Remote online notarization increases the use of notarization and allows individuals to conduct crucial business, particularly if both parties are unable to be physically present with a notary. prgtoken This bill would provide businesses and individuals with the ability to execute documents using two-way audiovisual communications while protecting consumers with a multifactor authentication and the use of tamper-evident technology. prgtoken The bill would not replace the State laws governing the authorization and regulation of notaries public, nor would the bill alter State control over the practice of law or commonly notarized legal papers, like estate documents. prgtoken This bill is limited only to remote online notaries performed in interstate commerce. It does not alter the regulation of notaries, nor does it require the use of remote online notaries. prgtoken It would simply provide for the recognition of remote notarization performed in interstate commerce. It would also ensure that the Federal and State courts recognize such remote notarizations. prgtoken This is similar to the Full Faith and Credit Clause implementing statutes that ensure the recognition of official activities or judicial proceedings conducted in another State. prgtoken In the 117th Congress, this bill passed the House by voice vote after earning 123 cosponsors and passing the Committee on Energy and Commerce with a 56-0 vote. It also has the support of 20 organizations, like the American Land Title Association, the National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions, and Mortgage Action Alliance. All of these groups supporting the bill utilize notaries public on a daily basis. prgtoken I say a special thank you to my friend, Representative Madeleine Dean, for working on this important legislation over the last two Congresses. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Foreign Policy (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-2-27

like a number of Senators on both sides of the aisle, I spent the first part of last week meeting with our NATO allies and our European partners in Munich. prgtoken In Munich, we met an array of world leaders, including a bipartisan meeting with German Chancellor Scholz. It is clear from our meetings in Munich that Europe is moving in the right direction, but more must be done across the alliance to rebuild our defense capacity and to give Ukraine the weapons they need to defeat Russia's aggression. prgtoken After the Munich Security Conference, Senators Tillis, Ernst, Budd, Britt, Ricketts, and I continued on to meet with more American partners in both Europe and the Middle East, where we met up with Senator Mullin as well. We met with both President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel, with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, with the President of the UAE, as well as the President of Finland. prgtoken We had the pleasure of meeting some of our own American diplomats and civilian personnel who were on the ground advancing our Nation's interests in each of these places. I was especially happy to meet some of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces who are onsite at installations in these countries or stationed protecting our Embassies. It was a great honor to run into some fellow Kentuckians serving in the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. prgtoken Here in Washington, you hear American leadership in the world discussed and debated like it is some fuzzy concept or abstract principle, but let me tell you, when you travel to Europe, when you travel to the Middle East, when you meet with the civilian and military leadership in those nations that are America's friends and wish us well--well, there is nothing unclear about the importance of America's leading role in the world. Our friends in Europe know beyond any doubt that peace and prosperity depend on a strong and involved America. Our partners in the Middle East know without a doubt that security and stability rely on a strong and involved America. prgtoken We are the indispensable Nation. Our superpower status is paramount-- not just for these other countries but even more importantly, for our own interests here at home. Putting up our drawbridge and pretending we can go it alone as ``Fortress America'' will not cut it--will not cut it--in the 21st century. It would put the future of our economic security, energy security, and national security at enormous risk. prgtoken The need for American leadership is palpable. My colleagues and I will have much more to say on this subject in the coming days.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-2-27

I rise today in recognition of the centennial of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia (Virginia VFW). For the last 100 years and counting, the Virginia VFW has provided critical services and support to Virginia's veterans. prgtoken The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters formally chartered the Virginia VFW in February 1923. The Virginia VFW's members then formally organized in March 1923 in Norfolk, Virginia. Its founding members included veterans from the Spanish-American War and World War I. Membership in the Virginia VFW has grown substantially since its founding in 1923: it originally had 13 Posts and 663 members; now, it has 128 Posts and over 40,000 members. The Virginia VFW's membership includes members from all branches of the military and represents conflicts over the past 100 years. prgtoken The Virginia VFW's mission is: ``To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and their families. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.'' prgtoken The Virginia VFW advocated for the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for the passage of the Montgomery GI Bill, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the elimination of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset, and the PACT Act. These are just a few of the many pieces of legislation they successfully supported that have helped countless veterans. prgtoken Additionally, the Virginia VFW's Service Claims Agents ensured that Virginia veterans received over $13 million in earned benefits that otherwise may have been lost. Furthermore, Virginia VFW members avidly support their local communities. In the last five years, the Virginia VFW's members volunteered for 1,233,783 hours and donated $9,155,822-- of which the combined value is $41,840,483. I have no doubt that the Virginia VFW will continue to fulfill its mission. prgtoken , I ask you to rise with me in celebration and honor of the centennial of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Virginia. May God bless the Virginia VFW and its members as they continue to serve veterans, veterans' families, and their communities.