mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-7-30

this has been a week. I spoke earlier about the loss of my good friend Senator Mike Enzi, as many other Senators have, out of respect, from both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Yesterday, another good friend, Senator Carl Levin, left us. And, again, there will be respect shown, I am sure, by both s and because he was of the school that worked with both. prgtoken I had the privilege of being here throughout his decades of service, and he epitomized what the Senate should be. He was a person of complete integrity; a person who knew the issues, whatever they were, that he was going to be discussing and working on. He knew them as well as anybody else. But everybody knew, or , that they could take his word for anything. prgtoken And I couldn't help but think last night, if more Senators had listened to him at the time of the major Iraq war, supposedly because Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, which of course he did not; when we had been told by many in the administration they had evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, when they did not; and because he actually took the time to read the intelligence--he was one of three Senators, another one being the vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee, a conservative from Florida--they would come to us and tell us specifically what parts of the intelligence we should read, as did a third Senator. prgtoken Those who actually took the time to read it, as, of course, Senator Levin did, voted against the war. They knew there were no weapons of mass destruction. They knew that this would ultimately put America at risk. And, unfortunately, by having to transfer forces from Afghanistan that were closing in on the Saudi Arabian Osama bin Laden and his followers, the people who had organized 9/11 and the strike against us, he was able to escape and stayed loose for years, until captured during the administration. prgtoken But Carl Levin I remember saying: Please, do your due diligence. prgtoken He and Vice Chairman Bob Graham and a third Senator kept saying: Read the intelligence. prgtoken Those who did voted no. prgtoken But I could give hundreds of other times when we would gather around Carl Levin, s and alike, and say: What do you think of this issue? What did you study? prgtoken And we would get it, chapter and verse. It was always accurate. prgtoken He was what I considered a Senator's Senator. He was the type of Senator I hoped to be able to serve with when I first came to the U.S. Senate. prgtoken I remember sitting in the Gallery up there as a young law student at Georgetown Law School. Between classes or exams, I would come here just to watch the U.S. Senate, and I would see so many giants in both parties speaking, and I thought how wonderful it would be to serve in such a body. When Carl Levin was here, that was the example--his brother in the House of Representatives
TRIBUTE TO MR. THEODORE BROWN CELEBRATING HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a veteran and patriarch of a large, extended family who has been blessed with a long life and a deep faith. Theodore Roosevelt Brown, Sr. turns 95 on August 12, 2021, and I join with his family and friends in celebrating this significant milestone. prgtoken Theodore Brown was born in Noel, Virginia, to the late Floyd and Nannie Brown. His mother was known for her famous rolls and his father dedicated much of his life to working at DuPont and as a minister. His sister Mary was born on his second birthday and the two grew up as close as twins. prgtoken Early on, Theodore learned the value of hard work and education. As a child, he walked more than a mile to attend Hanover Public School. One of his proudest moments was earning second-place in the county's spelling bee. While still in school, Theodore's family moved to Richmond, where he attended Armstrong High School and participated in the R.O.T.C. and the school band. prgtoken In his senior year, Theodore enlisted in the U.S. Army as the country was embroiled in World War II. He received his basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia and technical training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He would later be deployed to Oakland Army Base in California and assigned to the U.S. Army Signal Corp. During his deployments, he installed telephone cables in the South Pacific, traveling across the world to Leyte, Guam, Manila, and Spain, before returning to the United States and receiving an honorable discharge on December 22, 1946. Theodore spent another three years in the Army Reserves. prgtoken Like so many in his generation, Theodore faced discrimination when he returned home. He applied for work at Virginia Power Electric Company but was rejected due to his race. Subsequently, he took a seasonal job with Phillip Morris Inc. He then spent 20 years as a cabinet installer with the Custom Kitchen Company. Seeking better pay and benefits, Theodore switched careers and became a paint mechanic for Richmond Public Schools, from which he retired after twenty years of service. Soon after he retired, Theodore embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur, opening a very successful janitorial and maintenance business that he ran for sixteen years. prgtoken Faith is a pillar of Theodore's long life. Since being baptized at ten years old, he has been active in the church. A talented singer, he sang with the Notes of Harmony Quartet Group for thirty years. During his time in Richmond, Virginia, Theodore was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served as President of the United Methodist Men organization, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, and a Class Leader. prgtoken In 2016, he and his wife moved to South Carolina and joined St. John United Methodist Church, where he holds the distinction as father of the church. Not only does he sing in the church choir; he is also a member of the Florence District United Methodist Choir, which travels
DO NOT FORGET THE SOUTHERN BORDER CRISIS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , as we head into the 6-or 7-week break, it is important that Americans and Congress not forget the number one crisis facing this Nation, and that is the takeover of our southern border by Mexican drug gangs. prgtoken Right now, the drug gangs, because we are kind of tardy at guarding the border, escort people into Mexico, escort people through buses and trains to the Rio Grande River, put wristbands on these people so they know which gang they are associated with and which type of tour they bought, and have them carry drugs across the Rio Grande. prgtoken If our Border Patrol tries to stop people crossing the river, they throw little children in the Rio Grande so our Border Patrol has to go there. They eventually turn these people over to Border Patrol on the southern border, where they are turned over to nongovernmental organizations that put them in hotels. These hotels are not secure, so even if you have COVID, you are let out into the country. prgtoken They hold relatives hostage in Central America and Mexico so that the people who come here have to pay money to get their entry into this country, from $3,000 to $20,000. prgtoken Please do not forget what is going on at the border in the next 7 weeks.
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-30

after weeks like this, I find it hard to explain to Floridians back home how Congress is actually working on behalf of their families. prgtoken I think it is safe to say that every Member of the Senate believes we should be investing in infrastructure. For me, it is pretty simple. I believe we should invest in real infrastructure: roads, bridges, airports, and seaports. prgtoken As Governor of Florida, I did just that. Over my 8 years as Governor, Florida invested $85 billion in real infrastructure across our State, and we did it while cutting taxes and fees 100 times and paying off a third of our State debt. In other words, we paid for these big investments in infrastructure by growing our economy and supporting job creation. That is what is important to Floridians, and I am immensely proud of our accomplishments. prgtoken So I support doing the exact same thing at the Federal level. But what we are doing here just doesn't make any sense. Nowhere in the world does business happen like it does here in the U.S. Congress. prgtoken We started this week with ongoing negotiations about a big infrastructure deal. Of course, outside of the small group involved in these negotiations, no one here had any clue what was actually being debated. We had no text; we had no real information on how much was being spent; and we certainly had no idea how this was all supposed to be paid for. prgtoken Then, on Wednesday, we got the big news: A deal had been reached. Well, that might be great, but we still had no real details. We still don't have the text of the bill. prgtoken Now the majority leader expects us to start voting on amendments, and maybe even this whole package, this weekend. This is insanity. Nowhere in the world would this be the process. We are expected to make a decision on spending $1.2 trillion of American taxpayer dollars, and no one in the U.S. Senate has had the chance to even read the bill. prgtoken Typically, the Congressional Budget Office would score a bill like this before the Senate considers it. That score gives us important information about the true cost and financial impact of the legislation on the Federal Government and the American people. Of course, that is not the case with this bill. The CBO hasn't had the chance to review it at all. prgtoken Do you think any company would sign off on a massive expense without all the details? Would a family make a huge purchase without knowing exactly what it is for? Of course not. But that is how things work here in Congress, and that is not right. prgtoken This is exactly why I ran for the U.S. Senate, to make Washington work for Florida families and stop this madness of reckless spending and backroom deals that don't deliver and aren't paid for. prgtoken Speaking of pay-fors, well, they just don't exist in this bill. This is how backward and awful Washington is. People up here think they can just make big, empty promises and sell it to the Americ
National Whistleblower Appreciation Day (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-7-30

each year on July 30, we take time to celebrate whistleblowers and the very hard role that whistleblowers play in keeping our government transparent and accountable. prgtoken But the task of supporting whistleblowers doesn't start and stop on July 30; it is a year-round job. And here in this Congress, it is something that we have been working on for decades. prgtoken When I first came to Washington in the 1970s, most of the whistleblower laws we take for granted today didn't even exist then. prgtoken I like to tell people, anyone who dared to blow the whistle back at that time was about as welcome as a skunk at a picnic. prgtoken People in government would often retaliate by trying to run the whistleblower off and make them out to be the problem instead of the problem the whistleblower was trying to present. prgtoken I still hear about that kind of retaliation going on this very day in far too many cases. But, today, we have better whistleblower protections in place than we did years ago, and whistleblowers have important advocates in their corner to support them. prgtoken The Nation owes a special thanks for many of the key whistleblower protections that we have in place this very day to my former colleague and good friend, Senator Carl Levin, who died yesterday at the age of 87. prgtoken Carl was the original sponsor of the Whistleblower Protection Act back in 1989, and a cosponsor of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012. prgtoken I was proud to have worked with Carl on those foundational pieces of whistleblower legislation. I know that if Carl prgtoken were still here in the Senate this very day, he would be continuing to lead on whistleblower issues. prgtoken Carl understood that whistleblower protections are not just important to Members of Congress and a small network of interest groups in Washington, DC; they are important for the entire Nation because whistleblowers play a critical role in our government. They call attention to the problems of waste, fraud, abuse, and inefficiency. prgtoken And if you have the sort of transparency that comes because whistleblowers are ready to stand up for what is right, that transparency brings accountability to our government, and you can't have a democratic government that is not accountable. prgtoken These whistleblowers help those of us in Congress to identify problems in the government so we can fix them through oversight and, if necessary, passing legislation. prgtoken And so whistleblowers help keep government transparent and accountable to the people, and they help us find ways of saving taxpayers' dollars. prgtoken As much as Carl accomplished during his Senate career helping whistleblowers, and as much as we have accomplished together over the years, there is still more that needs to be done to ensure that whistleblowers remain protected. prgtoken One important resource for whistleblowers is the Merit Systems Protection Board, where whistleb
REJECT TYRANNY
Madison Cawthorn (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , you are not God. Your will does not bend the forests or shake the mountains. And let me assure you, your will does not bow the knee of millions of my countrymen who refuse to heed your calloused command. prgtoken To threaten arrest on others for their own personal medical decisions is nothing short of a medical apartheid, and I will not let it stand. For if I am to cowardly bend a knee here, like those on the left wish, then what is to stop you all from taking your tyranny to the rest of this country that I love? prgtoken How dare anyone in this institution attempt to dictate to the patriots of my staff how they may live their lives. For one to think that because they have the title ``honorable'' attached to their name means that they may dictate what others may say and think repulses me. prgtoken What makes this Nation special is that in this free land the people are the royalty. So arrest us if you will, but I will not cower and I will not bend. prgtoken Madam , you have come to take away our liberties but, Madam , in this country you are outnumbered.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF KERN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF DAVID WITT
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize David Witt on his retirement as the Chief of the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD). prgtoken David graduated with an associate's degree from Bakersfield College and a bachelor's degree in Range Resource Science from Humboldt State University, giving him a unique skill set for tackling the diverse terrain that the Kem County Fire Department covers. His interest in firefighting and emergency response were rooted well before his time in Kem County, as he had served with both the United States Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection before being hired at KCFD. prgtoken David served in a variety of roles at Kem County Fire Department, including managing its air program, operations, and logistics. In June 2019, the Kem County Board of Supervisors recognized his leadership and hard work on behalf of our community by unanimously selecting David to become Fire Chief. prgtoken As KCFD Fire Chief, David successfully led a department of nearly 500 uniformed staff and oversaw emergency responses over a two-year period that included historic wildfire seasons, massive earthquakes, and a global pandemic. He was not only responsible for the safety of his personnel and the people of Kern County, but he was also responsible for overseeing the finances and operations of the department's $150 million budget. In that role, he excelled. KCFD was $10 million in the red when David took over the top department spot. Yet as a fiscally responsible, no-nonsense Chief, David turned the Department's finances around and KCFD is now operating in the black. prgtoken Even before becoming Fire Chief, David was well-known for his hard work and contributions throughout our community. In 2010, he was recognized by the American Legion, earning a certificate of commendation. In 2013, he received the Kern River Valley Exchange Club's Firefighter of the Year Award. In 2017, he was recognized by KCFD with a letter of commendation, a testament to his work ethic and savvy that set him apart. David also serves on the Board of Directors for Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter of the American Red Cross, where he lends his expertise to the organization. He also previously served as a Board Director and as Treasurer for the Southern California Association of Foresters and Fire Wardens. prgtoken David knows the needs of the people he protects, and when that includes nine different cities, 41 different distinct communities, and 8,163 square miles, that becomes an incredible challenge. David may be taking a step back from his role as Fire Chief of the Kern County Fire Department, but I am confident that his tenure will be remembered across our community through his mentorship of firefighters and his leadership during times of emergency response and disaster recovery. prgtoken On behalf of California's 23rd Congressional District, I want to thank David for his service to our community, and
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEADINGTON FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Leadington Free Will Baptist Church of Leadington. Missouri, organized 100 years ago, under an old oak tree. It was in December of 1921 that J.L. Yancy and T.J. Mann organized the church. In 1923, church members voted to buy a little house in front of Woodlawn Cemetery where they worshiped until the present sanctuary was built in 1965. prgtoken From a founding congregation of 11, the church has grown to 89 members today. Ruby Lawson is the oldest of the current worshipers who has attended the church all her life. Wayne Patton is Associate Pastor. Every Sunday, they gather at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:45 a.m. for worship. prgtoken Though the church's records from 1929 until 1946 have been lost. it is clear this house or worship has stood the test of time. It marks its centennial of service standing tall as a monument to its members' enduring faith and commitment to their community. prgtoken I am proud to represent this dedicated body of believers as they mark the 100th anniversary or Leadington Free Will Baptist Church on August 22, 2021, and to recognize them today before the United States House of Representatives.
Remembering Carl Levin (Executive Calendar)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-7-30

I am sorry to begin my remarks today with a third Senate eulogy for this week alone. prgtoken Last evening, we received word that our former colleague from Michigan, Senator Carl Levin, passed away at the age of 87. Carl's fellow Michiganders elected and reelected him six times. He was the longest serving Senator from Michigan ever. His home State liked what they had in this passionate activist turned attorney, turned public servant. His dutiful, diligent, and detail-oriented approach led Senator Levin to build expertise and win respect across a huge range of issues. prgtoken The pinnacle of our colleague's career was his years atop the Senate Armed Services Committee. I certainly did not always reach the same conclusions that Carl did, but his independence, his genuine humble curiosity, and his affection for the men and women who wear the uniform were impossible to dispute. prgtoken He was earnest. He was solid, forthright, and devoted to the defense of our Nation in ways that he thought best. prgtoken I especially admired Carl's courageous, consistent defense of the Senate filibuster and the unique structures that define this institution. He never let short-term political facts cloud his long- term judgment in that crucial area. prgtoken I know all of our condolences go out to Barbara and the entire Levin family today and to all Senators, staff, and friends who will miss our colleague.
Vote on Jaddou Nomination (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-7-30

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Blackburn), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe), the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Johnson), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Rounds), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Sasse), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty) would have voted ``nay.''
HONORING DUSTY HILL AND ZZ TOP
Troy E. Nehls (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of rock and roll hall of famer and ZZ Top member Dusty Hill. Dusty was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and began playing bass at the age of 13. He didn't take the conventional route of bass players who usually start as guitarists and transition, instead he was a vocalist and picked up a bass one day and started playing. prgtoken Embarrassment on stage was a ``great motivator'' for Dusty and he soon mastered the bass. From 1966 to 1968, Dusty played with fellow future ZZ Top bandmate Frank Beard in the Dallas based band American Blues. prgtoken In 1970, wanting to focus more on rock and roll and less on blues, Dusty moved to Houston and joined ZZ Top with Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons. The trio performed their first concert together just outside of my district at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont, Texas on February 10, 1970. prgtoken The trio of Frank Beard, Billy Gibbons, and Dusty Hill would stay together for the next 50 years. The group produced their first charting single Francine in 1972 and again found success in 1973 with the release of a top 10 Billboard 200 album Tres Hombres. In 1975, Dusty sang lead on one of the band's most popular hits ``Tush'', before releasing their next prgtoken album Tejas in 1976. Over the next two years, ZZ Top continued to tour and perform before Dusty took a two year hiatus to work at the DFW airport saying ``I did not want other people to think I thought I was full of myself, but the main thing is I didn't want to start feeling full of myself. So, I did it to ground myself.''--a mindset many members in this very Chamber could benefit from. prgtoken During this 2-year downtime is when Dusty and his band mate Billy Gibbons grew their trademark long beards. When Dusty, Billy, and Frank remerged together in 1979, the band found success with their album Deguello, which went platinum and had another one of their hits ``Cheap Sunglasses''. prgtoken But it wasn't until 1983 that ZZ Top really hit it big with their album Eliminator which introduced us to classic rock hits ``Gimme All Your Lovin'' and ``Sharp Dressed Man'' which remain staples on classic rock radio to this day. prgtoken Over the next three decades, the band stuck together touring all across Texas and the world, entertaining tens of millions of fans. They continued to find success playing together until Dusty's passing just three days ago. prgtoken I know Dusty is missed greatly, but his music and personality will live on forever as a staple of Texas and Rock and Roll history.