mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Independent and Community Pharmacies (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-6-3

I am here on the Senate floor today to call attention to my colleagues. I want them to recognize--and, really, Americans to recognize--the significant crisis that is happening not only in my home State of Kansas but across the country. All of us face this in our home States. The independent and community pharmacies in our Nation have been struggling for years to survive, and their situation, unfortunately, is deteriorating rapidly. prgtoken Independent and community pharmacies play an invaluable role in the healthcare of our country and especially in rural communities, like those in my home State. For many Americans, the local pharmacist is not just a convenient healthcare provider, but it is also someone with whom they feel prgtoken most comfortable in receiving medical advice. prgtoken I remember my dad, into his nineties, declined to go see the doctor because he knew they would find something wrong with him. But when he had a cup of coffee at the drugstore, he talked with the pharmacist, who provided him with healthcare, occasionally putting a blood pressure cuff on his arm and suggesting to my dad: Ray, you need to go to the doctor. prgtoken They are really important people in our communities, and they are highly trusted; and their advice is invaluable as we try to make certain that all Americans are more healthy. Local pharmacists know their patients, their health situations, and even their families, as is the norm in tight-knit rural communities. prgtoken The service occurring at a local pharmacy is not simply one for physical medication but offers the relational aspect so often missing in today's healthcare system and, in fact, in today's world. Community pharmacies do not just dispense medications. They build relationships with their patients, and they offer a familiar face and trusted adviser, extending value far beyond their role as just a provider of medication and prescription drugs, although that is their profession. prgtoken But despite their irreplaceable role in America's rural communities, from 2003 to 2021, the number of independently owned retail pharmacies declined in rural areas by 16 percent. Through the COVID pandemic and in its aftermath, local pharmacies have been hit hard by the same difficulties our entire healthcare system and infrastructure are facing: high inflation, nonexistent workforce, and supply chain shortages. prgtoken However, in addition to these factors experienced by many, pharmacies face additional significant challenges that threaten their solvency and are forcing an increasing number of independent and community pharmacies to close. The growing challenges with the 340B Drug Pricing Program and actions of participating manufacturers are reducing the revenues for contract pharmacies. While 340B was created to ensure low- income and uninsured patients have access to discounted drugs, pharmacies have relied upon the program for revenue via contract pharma
TRIBUTE TO FRED BUTLER, JR.
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-6-3

I rise to pay tribute to retired Sergeant Fred Butler, Jr who is celebrating his 85th birthday with his family in New Orleans, LA. prgtoken Mr. Butler was born on May 31, 1939, in Greensburg, LA. In 1960, Mr. Butler enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his 6 years of service, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and completed an astonishing 99 parachute jumps. He also received two field promotions from General Westmoreland who commanded the American forces in the Vietnam war. prgtoken Mr. Butler's legacy extends beyond his individual achievements. His service ignited a sense of duty in three of his brothers, who proudly joined the military and served alongside him during his tenure. prgtoken Mr. Butler's sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to our Nation is nothing short of inspiring. On behalf of the people of Louisiana and all Americans, I extended my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Butler for his selfless service and dedication to our country. May his birthday celebration be filled with joy, love, and appreciation. prgtoken I ask that all of Louisiana join me to thank and honor Mr. Butler.
RECOGNIZING THE TEDDY & FRIENDS INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND
Eric Schmitt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-6-3

I rise today to recognize the new welcoming gathering place the Teddy & prgtoken Friends Inclusive Playground at Queeny Park has been for the community in St. Louis County. prgtoken Playgrounds should be fun places where children of all abilities can safety play and exercise their creativity and independence. A local nonprofit called Unlimited Play realized the need for inclusive and accessible playgrounds for children with a range of special needs. As a result, multiple families in the St. Louis area collaborated to design a playground that would accommodate children of all abilities. Some of the features of this new park include shorter steps for safety, accessible surfacing, wheelchair accessibility to the top of structures, fencing, zip lines, and more enclosed areas for safety. prgtoken This initiative has inspired other improvements throughout Queeny Park, such as updating outdated infrastructure, building more accessible bathrooms, and adding new walkways. It is important that playgrounds are accessible to all children, encourage play, and bring families and communities together. I hope the Teddy & Friends Inclusive Playground in Queeny Park will be a vibrant center that brings the people of St. Louis County together, as well as model for other parks nationwide.
RECOGNIZING MUSTARD SEED COMPANY
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-3

as ranking member of the 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 Mustard Seed Company of Albia, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 2017, Sarah Hopkins and her husband Curt transformed a former car dealership located on Albia's Main Street into a home decor, furnishings, and gift store. The store started as a 1,500-square-foot storeroom before expanding in 2020 with a 3,000-square-foot addition. In 2017, Sarah hired two employees and began selling rugs, throws, and pillows. Today, they have seven full- and part-time employees and have expanded into selling home decor essentials including mugs, vases, and furniture. prgtoken In addition to running Mustard Seed Company, in 2021, Sarah Hopkins opened a sister-store two doors down called The Seedling. The Seedling is a boutique offering stylish clothes for women and babies. They also offer gift cards, bridal registries, and wedding registries for customers. prgtoken Mustard Seed Company is an exemplary family business. Curt Hopkins handles the store's deliveries and routine maintenance. Sarah and Curt's children--Olivia, Sophia, Cameron, and Avery--have also spent time working at both stores, including running the store's social media and handling shifts when needed. prgtoken Sarah Hopkins is actively involved in the Albia community as well. Mustard Seed Company and The Seedling are proud members of Albia Chamber Main Street. Mustard Seed Company is a supporter of Circle of Freedom women's residential recovery home. Since 2022, Sarah Hopkins has been a member of the Albia Chamber Main Street's Promotions Committee. She is also involved in Albia's Restoration Days, a yearly community event to celebrate Albia's Historic Square. prgtoken Sarah and Curt Hopkins and the Mustard Seed Company team are well- recognized for their hard work. In February 2023, Curt and Sarah Hopkins won the 2022 Excellence in Design and Placemaking Award from the Albia Chamber Main Street for their continued community development work. In December 2024, Mustard Seed Company will celebrate its seventh business anniversary. prgtoken Mustard Seed Company's commitment to providing high-quality home decor in Albia is clear. I want to congratulate Sarah Hopkins, the Hopkins family, and the entire team at Mustard Seed Company for their continued dedication to the Albia community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WREAKING HAVOC
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-6-3

this morning, I woke up to a press conference being held by my mayor, the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and our police commissioner. They were saying that while we were sleeping, two NYPD officers were shot. prgtoken They were shot by somebody who is in this country illegally, somebody who entered via Eagle Pass, somebody who is a national of Venezuela, and somebody who was allowed to be here because of President 's 60 policy changes that have opened up our border, allowing dangerous individuals to enter. prgtoken This was someone who was in New York City being housed, being fed, and having legal services, laundry services, free metro cards, and healthcare on the taxpayers, the hardworking taxpayers whom I represent in New York. prgtoken The policies of the left are destroying this country. They are destroying our city. They are destroying the rule of law. prgtoken This was totally preventable. It is something that should not have occurred. prgtoken Thankfully, those police officers are okay, but it sheds light that the failed policies of the on the Federal, State, and local levels have come to a head, and this is the result: Our law enforcement, those tasked to protect us, are being hurt. prgtoken Chuck Schumer, on the other side of the building, represents New York. He still will not take up any of the pieces of legislation that we passed in this House, some with bipartisan support, to deport individuals who are here committing crimes and to take action to undo the policies of President . prgtoken Just last week, there was another individual who committed murder. This was another illegal immigrant who was here and who committed murder in Harlem. prgtoken Yet, these two incidents, one in Queens and one in Harlem, both happened in districts represented by colleagues here in this House on the other side of the aisle. Where are they? I don't see them putting pressure on Senator Schumer to pass meaningful legislation to undo what President did by executive order. prgtoken The President has the ability to undo it, and he continues to lie to the American public, telling them that he doesn't have the authority to do anything at the border. He had the authority to break the border. He himself passed those 60 policy changes. He himself can fix it. prgtoken I speak today because the American people need to see what is going on. They need to know that this is a direct result of this President's policies and of my mayor's policy that we are going to continue housing individuals in converted hotels in New York that should be going to tourists. Instead, they are going to these illegal immigrants who are wreaking havoc. prgtoken The person who shot these officers was stopped, by the way, because he was a suspect in a ring of robberies. He and others used motorized scooters to terrorize the community. They committed robberies, pickpocketed, and snatched purses. prgtoken Why is my mayor forcing we t
HONORING MSGT MATTHEW PERRI
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-3

I'm honored to recognize Master Sergeant (MSgt) Matthew Perri's 23 years of distinguished service, and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the United States Air Force. prgtoken MSgt Perri began his military career in August 2001, when he enlisted as a Security Forces Apprentice in the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic and technical training at Lackland Air Force Base, he was assigned to the 568th Security Forces Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. MSgt Perri quickly earned selection as a Security Forces Controller, and was deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, he was transferred to the 11th Security Forces Squadron in Washington D.C where he was selected to attend a Military Dog Handlers course and, upon graduation, served in various Presidential support missions where he provided explosive detection support. prgtoken After a brief break in service, MSgt Perri returned to military service in the 193rd Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron as a Fire Protection Specialist, and quickly earned appointment to Station Captain. MSgt Perri further expanded his scope of service as a Career Enlisted Aviator, Loadmaster. Shortly after graduating this course, he was selected as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), wherein he oversaw daily flight operations, and ensured mission readiness and that Loadmaster training requirements were met. Through his exceptional performance as NCOIC, he was selected to attend Loadmaster Flight Instructor School, and deployed multiple times in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. prgtoken Throughout his illustrious career, MSgt Perri earned myriad medals and awards, including the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with two OLC, the (PA) MG Thomas R White Jr. Medal, the (PA) GEN Thomas J. Stewart Medal, First Term Airman of the Year/Ramstein Air Base Award, 2003 Airman of the Year/568th Security Forces Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, 2004 Airman of the Quarter/11th Security Forces Squadron, Washington, D.C 2005 Amn of the Quarter/11th Security Forces Squadron. Washington, D.C 2005 Airman of the Year/11th Security Forces Squadron, Washington D.C 2011 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year/193rd Civil Engineering Squadron, 2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year/PA, and the 2021 Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. He also acquired more than 1,000 flight hours, including more than 295 combat hours, flying the C 130J, HC1303, MC130J, and EC130J aircrafts. prgtoken , I'm honored, privileged, and humbled to congratulate Master Sergeant Matthew Perri on his retirement from the United States Air Force. His tireless, faithful, and selfless service of 23 years to the United States of America sets the standard by which we all should be judged.
RECOGNIZING SUPERINTENDENT MARY SUZUKI ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE BEAR VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-3

I rise today in recognition of Dr. Mary Suzuki's retirement from the Bear Valley Unified School District in Big Bear Lake, California. Dr. Suzuki served as superintendent for nearly a decade, playing a vital role in building a safe and quality learning environment for all students in the Big Bear Valley. prgtoken Dr. Suzuki's service to Bear Valley Unified represents the very best of our community's values. An educator with over thirty years of experience, Dr. Suzuki taught students at a variety of grade levels while working tirelessly, including as a literacy coach, to ensure that all her students enjoyed an innovative, positive learning environment that prepared them for life's next steps. prgtoken Her administrative positions have been equally remarkable. Dr. Suzuki's work as principal, Director of Curriculum and 21st Century Learning, as well as her service as chairperson of the California Technology Assistance Project, were key in preparing her to be superintendent of Bear Valley Unified, allowing her to make an indelible contribution to our rural community. Dr. Suzuki's nearly three decades of pedagogical and administrative experience ensured that Bear Valley Unified remains a world-class district where all students receive a high-quality education. prgtoken In addition to Dr. Suzuki's impressive work in education, she and her husband of 42 years, Dan, raised a wonderful family. Their three children, Elizabeth, David, and Matthew, as well as their seven grandchildren, are a true testament to their strong familial bonds and her role as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Suzuki for her selfless service to California's students, in commending her for her steadfast dedication to our community, and in wishing her many years of joy and peace in her well-earned retirement with friends and family.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-6-3

I rise today to recognize Danielle Alford, the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year. prgtoken From an early age, Danielle was shown an example of helping others as she watched her mother care for her ailing grandmother and her involvement in the court appointed special advocates. prgtoken She brings this spirit of volunteerism into service alongside her husband Maj. Lionel Alford. prgtoken While stationed at Yakota Air Base, Japan she joined the Red Cross as a hospital chairman and logged nearly 900 hours placing other volunteers in positions within the hospital. She also served as an English teacher to the local Japanese community and helped military families adjust to their life in Japan as a member of the welcome committee. As a Key Spouse, Danielle developed a community by creating events that fostered unity and supportive relationships among the spouses and children. prgtoken This is a role she continued at Little Rock Air Force Base--LRAFB-- supporting communication between unit leadership and families on base. She was quick to get involved in Arkansas. Danielle organized meal trains for military families who recently welcomed new babies and led efforts to collect items for Afghan evacuees during relocation efforts at the 41st Airlift Squadron. prgtoken Danielle exemplifies what it means to serve. She is a remarkable military spouse, mother, and advocate for military families, as evidenced in her selection as a voice for military spouses in discussions with high-ranking administration officials, and continues to use her expertise and enthusiasm to support all who serve. prgtoken Her efforts have been recognized by her peers, and she has a long list of accolades for her public service including the President's Volunteer Service Award, the Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award, in addition to honors from the Red Cross. prgtoken Danielle has been an Air Force spouse for more than 11 years, and she continues to pursue new opportunities and programs to assist fellow military families. I applaud her dedication to our country and willingness to go above and beyond to help other spouses navigate the life of service. prgtoken She is a role model for her daughters whom she aims to instill a passion for volunteering. Her husband is assuming a new role in Germany, and, while we will miss her leadership at LRAFB, I am confident military spouses will continue to be benefit from her wisdom and guidance no matter where her family is stationed.
HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-3

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Moore) for this Special Order commemorating the valor of the Greatest Generation. prgtoken Eight decades ago, brave men stormed Normandy's beaches to confront tyranny and secure our freedoms. On this 80th D-Day anniversary, we honor their courage and resilience. Their sacrifice reminds us of humanity's resilience in adversity. prgtoken I will share a couple of quotes from a sergeant and lieutenant, highlighting the battleship USS Texas' power, which is now proudly stationed, by the way, Madam , in Texas-14, highlighting the bravery of its soldiers. As the sky lightened, the armada became visible. The smoking and burning French shoreline also became more defined. At 0600, the huge guns of the Allied navies opened up with what must have been one of the greatest artillery barrages ever. The diesels on board our craft failed to muffle the tornadic blasting. I could see the battleship Texas firing broadside into the coastline. Boom-ba-ba-boom-ba-ba-boom. Within minutes, giant swells from the recoil of those guns nearly swamped us and added to the seasickness and misery, but one could also actually see the 2,000-pound missiles tumbling on their targets. prgtoken This is one from Sergeant Robert Bixler, 116th Infantry Regiment, the 29th Infantry Division, and I thank Sergeant Bixler, another of our brave patriots. He said this: The ramp was lowered immediately after the rockets fired. It was our hope and desire to run right up on the beach for a dry landing, not because we were afraid of getting wet but because if we were soaked, it would be added weight to carry while climbing. The British Navy man had promised to put us down dry, but suddenly, we ran aground with the ramp dropped. The officer said, ``Everybody out.'' Looking ahead, I could see 15 or 20 feet of water, a muddy, dirty gray stretch. The entire area was marked by craters, shell holes from the guns of the Texas and the bombers. prgtoken Madam , I thank Lieutenant Kerchner, 2nd Ranger Battalion. prgtoken I want to tell you, Madam , we should never forget the bravery of the Greatest Generation. Let us always uphold the principles for which they fought so valiantly. Most importantly, let us ensure that we teach our children, the latest generation, about the Greatest Generation and about their remarkable legacy. They came home from World War II. They destroyed the vilest enemy the world had ever seen and kept the world safe. They simply came home and built the greatest country the world has ever known.
Right to Contraception Act (Executive Session)
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-6-3

this week, my colleagues across the aisle will start their summer of scare tactics. Unfortunately, this is continuing the campaign of fearmongering we have already seen. prgtoken Contraception is available in every State across the Nation. And, of course, I want to be absolutely, 100-percent clear that I support continued nationwide access to contraception, but that is not the purpose of the bill my colleagues across the aisle are bringing to the floor on Wednesday. Once again, the bill tramples on foundational religious liberty protections that have long been bipartisan and truly should remain bipartisan, and my colleagues across the aisle know that. The goal of my ic colleagues right now is to scare the American people--to scare women--across our great Nation. It is not that they believe that there is a problem they are truly trying to solve; they are prioritizing their own short-term, partisan, political interests. Sadly, this only does a disservice to the very families and the very women we should be trying to find common ground to help. We saw the false fearmongering with the MOMS Act. We have already seen it with issues like IVF. prgtoken Just like nationwide access to contraception, I want to make it clear prgtoken that s support continued nationwide access to IVF. prgtoken I look forward to discussing this more next week, as, unfortunately, my ic colleagues will continue their summer of scare tactics. prgtoken The Party is the party of families, and we are going to continue fighting to support the rights and freedoms of families across America. prgtoken .
CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO JOIN IN EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE JEWISH AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-6-3

. Madam , the Jewish American people have done so much for our culture and our country as have the Jewish people all over our planet. prgtoken I will also say that the Jewish nation has just done amazing things and they are our dearest and closest friend, the Jewish State of Israel. prgtoken My wife and I have had the opportunity to travel there five times, and we have enjoyed every single visit. It is just a fascinating, amazing place, amazing country, with amazing people. prgtoken We, as Americans, should do everything we can to help Israel win, as well as celebrate all the amazing contributions. We want to make sure they win this battle against a terrorist organization, not put limits on them, not tell them what they can and can't do, but help them win. prgtoken I think this resolution is in support of that overall effort, and we strongly support it. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it, and .