mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFIRMATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-4-7

I come to the floor because today has been a good day for our country. Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Not only did this Chamber make history, we also bore witness--in a small but powerful way--to the bending of the moral arc towards justice. We realized the promise of America: the promise that every child--regardless of their skin color, their ethnicity, or the ZIP code they are born into--can rise to their highest station in life. We cemented our fundamental belief that, here in America, if you reach further and aim higher, anything is possible. prgtoken I submit to my colleagues that the story of Judge Jackson is the story of our great Nation. Together with her impeccable credentials and evenhanded record, there was simply no reason to oppose the confirmation of such a talented, well-qualified, and fair-minded jurist. It is why I could not have been prouder to cast my vote, a vote on behalf of New Jerseyans everywhere, to elevate her to the highest Court in the land. prgtoken Judge Jackson has lived a life in the mold of the great strivers in our history. Her nomination alone was a testament to the progress-- often deferred or denied--but nonetheless the progress we have achieved on our 246-year struggle for a more perfect union. prgtoken I could not be prouder that we etched it into stone and confirmed her to the Court, proving to women and girls everywhere that, if they work hard and reach for the stars, they too can be one of the nine guardians entrusted by the Constitution to ensure equal justice under law for all people. As we celebrate this historic moment, consider the senior quote ascribed to Judge Jackson in her high school yearbook: ``I want to go into law and eventually have a judicial appointment.'' prgtoken As we stand here, after extending her the judicial appointment of all judicial appointments, it may seem predestined. It may have seemed like this day is the culmination of her destiny. But to hear Judge Jackson tell it herself, one realizes that, in fact, none of it was predetermined. None of it was fate. Simply put, it was the brilliance and grit of a young woman from South Florida--and the love of her family who surrounded her--that made this vote possible. As a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Ms. Ketanji Brown was class president, chess club president, and a star on the powerhouse speech and debate team. prgtoken Her parents, Ellery and Johnny Brown, were teachers who taught her the value of education as they rose to lead their peers as a principal and chief counsel for Miami-Dade County schools. In addition to public education, her family is steeped in a law enforcement background. Her younger brother worked in undercover drug stings for the Baltimore Police Department. One of her uncles was a detective attached to a sex crimes unit, while another uncle was Miami's chief of police
RECOGNIZING THE VARINA HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAM
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the Varina Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team for winning the Class 4 State Championship title. prgtoken This title run was a towering achievement, as it resulted in the team's second state championship in basketball and the school's second state championship this school year. It is truly a well-earned victory, not only for the team but also the school and community. prgtoken The Blue Devils' win was earned through hard work on and off the court, with their individual talents combining through outstanding teamwork. Coming off a semifinal win with the score of 84-68, the Blue Devils put on an outstanding performance in the Championship, with a final score of 61-35. I am certain that their legacy of championship achievement will inspire future Blue Devils to follow in their footsteps. prgtoken On behalf of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Principal Darin Thompson, Coach Kenneth Randolph, and the Varina High School Blue Devils Boys Basketball Team for their inspiring championship season.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-4-7

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations en bloc: Calendar Nos. 646, 790, 814, 863, 864; that the Senate vote on the nominations en bloc without intervening action or debate; the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that any statements related to the nominations be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate resume legislative session.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I am glad to be able to speak on behalf of H.R. 3807, which will deliver more funding to restaurants and small businesses, which really deserve their Representatives to speak up, stand up, and work for them because they desperately need our help. We must deliver on their behalf. prgtoken Madam , I thank Pelosi, Chairwoman Velazquez, and Congressman Blumenauer for their tremendous leadership in working so diligently in bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken H.R. 3807 continues ' effort to help our small businesses and restaurants recover from the economic costs of COVID-19. These small businesses are the economic and cultural lifeblood of our communities, so we established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and other support programs, in the American Rescue Plan. prgtoken The ARP delivered billions of dollars to help people in businesses make it through this crisis. Almost 600 restaurants and bars in my district alone received more than $212 million to keep their doors open and to support their employees and families. prgtoken However, we know that this crisis is still not over, and we must deliver more assistance. We must pass this bill today, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-4-7

today I pay tribute to a distinguished lawyer, educator, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Ralph Bennie ``Ben'' Graham, Jr. Ben passed away on February 3, 2022. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of public service and dedication to Nevada's criminal justice system and legal community. prgtoken A Washington State native, Ben moved to Las Vegas in 1977 and worked as a prosecutor at the Clark County District Attorney's Office. After 31 years, Ben retired as chief deputy district attorney. Throughout this time, Ben also represented the Nevada District Attorneys' Association, the Nevada Supreme Court, and the Administrative Office of the Courts in the Nevada Legislature. In these roles, he lobbied to improve Nevada's criminal laws and the State's judicial system. Outside the courtroom, Ben taught courses on criminal justice at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law and the Community College of Southern Nevada, providing invaluable lessons for our Nation's next generation of lawyers. prgtoken Throughout his career, Ben placed a great focus on the well-being of members of Nevada's legal community. In 1986, he cofounded Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, LCL, a confidential program dedicated to helping members of the Nevada bar recover from substance abuse issues. In large part due to Ben's mentorship, countless attorneys were able to obtain the assistance they needed to heal and move forward in their legal careers. Ben received numerous awards in recognition of his service with the program. prgtoken Nevada has benefited immensely from Ben's commitment to the legal profession and community. Earlier this year, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak recognized Ben's contributions to the State by proclaiming February 17, 2022, as ``a day in honor of Ben Graham.'' Many in the Nevada Legislature remember Ben for his kindness and generosity, as exemplified through his famous chocolate chip cookies, which he annually gifted to colleagues and friends. Whether it was through his baking skills or charitable efforts, Ben improved the lives of those who knew him in the Silver State. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Ben for his significant impact in Nevada. I celebrate Ben's legacy, and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Elana; his children; grandchildren; and his family and friends during this difficult time.
WE CANNOT LEAVE WORKERS BEHIND
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise in support of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Act which included an amendment that I worked on with my team and many of the folks that led this effort to prohibit the funds from going to businesses who have committed wage theft against their employees. prgtoken This simple change will make sure that our valuable Federal dollars are being used to support businesses who do right by their workers, not those who rip off their workers and steal their labor. prgtoken There is no doubt that a thriving restaurant industry is good for everyone, but it is the workers who really make the restaurants and businesses who they are today. And workers are the reason that so many of them made it through this awful and continued pandemic. prgtoken We cannot leave those workers behind, as I said, and with this bill and my amendment, we are making clear that if you cheat or exploit your employees, the Federal Government will not do business with you. prgtoken As I continue to work in Congress to end wage theft and expand the powers of our workers, I want to thank my colleagues, again, Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez, as well as Congressman Dean Phillips, for their work in improving this bill and moving it forward. I urge the Senate to take this bill up as soon as possible.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-4-7

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken And I would respond, this bill is about economic resilience. You can't be independent if you go bankrupt. You can't be independent if you can't operate your business. I have gone into restaurant after restaurant in my district, and the owners of those restaurants have had thanks for me, for the Congress, and, yes, for the administration, including , who signed many of these bills, that at a time of extraordinary stress--through no fault of their own, but a pandemic that attacked all of us--they were able to keep their heads above water, pay their employees, even if they couldn't be open, transfer to carry out, and do so many things that they were able to do to remain viable, which is, by the way, why almost every State has a surplus. prgtoken Why? Because revenues did not fall as they were projected to fall. That is true in my State. I think it is true in almost every State. prgtoken Why didn't revenues fall? Because we kept people above water. prgtoken Now, in this particular program that passed--in many respects with bipartisan support in 2020, December of 2020, as well--there were some 250,000-plus who were eligible under the rules that we drafted and passed but only about 100,000 of them got relief, which means that we left behind 150,000 people who were eligible under the rules that we set. prgtoken And now some would say to those that were left behind, You are on your own. That is not what we are going to do today. We are not going to tell them you are on your own. We are going to tell them we understand how important you are to the life of our country, to the economy of our country, to the people of our country. prgtoken When we enacted the American Rescue Plan--which I want to make clear did not get any votes--we set aside $28.6 billion in emergency grants to help restaurants and bars that have experienced significant revenue losses due to COVID-19 restrictions. prgtoken Those restrictions were necessary, which is why, hopefully, we are coming out of not only the initial assault but the variants' assault. prgtoken The aim was to help them stay open to keep their employees on the payroll. I suggest if we had not done that, it wouldn't be independence that they would have experienced, they would have experienced recession and perhaps depression. prgtoken That funding quickly ran out, however, with only a third of restaurants that applied for assistance ultimately receiving it. prgtoken The legislation before us today would replenish the Small Business Administration's Restaurant Revitalization Fund with an additional $42 billion so that the more than 150,000 restaurants still waiting in the cue can finally get the help they need. prgtoken Those applicants have been waiting since funding ran out last year. And according to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, , 86 percent of owners indicated that they may close down if they aren't able to a
SOUTHERN BORDER ISSUES
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-4-7

. I'm not aware that they have apologized. prgtoken As a matter of fact, at least the President and the Vice President, to my knowledge, have never been to the border to see what is happening. prgtoken Again, my friend led one of the trips I was on. I have been to the border four times in my first 15 months here in Congress so that I could see better and experience in person the crisis at the border, to see the human toll, to see the environmental toll, and then to see exactly where that was happening. prgtoken These are Border Patrol officers who were trying to stand in the gap, to be on the front line, and trying to do their job despite the efforts of this administration to prevent them from doing their job, and putting their lives, literally, at risk. prgtoken The previous time I was at the border--not the Del Rio trip--but the previous time I was in Arizona, there was actually a shooting of a Border Patrol officer while I was there. And yet here we have--as my friend has said--the Department of Homeland Security Secretary besmirching, smearing, and demeaning his own employees knowing full well that is a lie, knowing full they are just leading those horses as they do and trying to protect us American citizens from what is happening at the border.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF BILL RAMSAUR
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life and service of a true patriot, Bill Ramsaur. prgtoken A native of Atlanta, Bill attended Baylor University in 1959 and graduated with majors in history and religion. prgtoken Upon graduation, Bill proceeded to Naval Officer Candidate School and was assigned to an aircraft carrier, the USS Shangri-la. Bill served as the Radio Officer in the communications department during his time aboard the ship. His ship was home-ported in Mayport, Florida, where Bill met his future wife, Gloria, a native of Brunswick, Georgia. prgtoken He obtained his master's degree in 1966 from Georgia State University and joined Arthur Andersen & Co where he became a certified public accountant. Bill worked as an accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. for 30 years before he and Gloria relocated to St. Simons Island. prgtoken Bill loved this great United States with a fiery passion, and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Marshes of Glynn Chapter. He also performed as George Washington for thousands of local students and participated in the Veterans Council of the Golden Isles. prgtoken His love for his family, friends, and this country will forever be remembered.
RECOGNIZING TOTAL EQUINE SERVICES
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-4-7

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the small business, Total Equine Services of Falmouth, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken The breeding, training, and of course racing of horses is an integral component in the history and culture of our beautiful State. Many refer to Lexington, KY, as the Horse Capital of the World, with their 1,200- acre Kentucky Horse Park in addition to the hundreds of horse farms operating in the area. Moreover, as of 2019, the Kentucky equine industry had an economic impact of $3.4 billion and supplied 80,000 direct and indirect jobs. Needless to say it is a leading industry in our state. For that reason I am delighted to honor a business so involved in that iconic industry, Total Equine Services, founded by Steve Thomas and his wife Patti Thomas. prgtoken When it comes to raising Quarter Horses, Steve Thomas is a seasoned veteran. He and his wife founded Total Equine Services 15 years ago, but he has over 20 years' experience caring for this breed under his belt. Together, they opened the business which initially offered only an arena where one could come and ride horses. They quickly expanded to provide a variety of services ranging from boarding, breeding, and training horses. In addition to that same arena, the Thomas' constructed a Foaling Barn and 16 enclosed stalls where owners can board their horses. The Thomas' also offer nutrition and feed balancing services as well as a full tack shop where one can satisfy all their riding equipment needs. When it comes to the care and maintenance of horses, Total Equine Services offers a full package. prgtoken With parents like Steve and Patti, it is no wonder that their son Jason Thomas grew up with a love for horses. He and his wife Nikki Thomas have joined the team at Total Equine Services. Nikki was a natural addition to the team since, just like her in-laws, she has an extensive background in raising Quarter Horses. Moreover, Nikki is seasoned in training horses in the art of barrel racing and pole bending. Pole bending is a timed event where a rider must direct their horse in a speedy serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line. Meanwhile, barrel racing is an event where the horse and rider must attempt to run a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time possible. Needless to say, training of this sort requires meticulous repetition and a keen eye for detail, which Nikki gladly brings to the arena. And with all the exercise and activity that their stock see, the Thomas' make sure to keep their horses properly shod, with Jason being a certified farrier, a blacksmith that creates horseshoes, who keeps their fleet equipped with the proper horseshoes they need. prgtoken The T
CONGRATULATING HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2022-4-7

I rise today to congratulate the Huntington High School girls basketball team. The team won the championship title, and they finished their season with a 24-1 record. They are the only team to win in the newly developed AAAA division. prgtoken While there is no ``I'' in team, they were led by Dionna Gray and coached by the legendary Lonnie Lucas, who has devoted 54 years of his life to coaching. prgtoken Congratulations for this outstanding accomplishment.
Charter Schools (Executive Session)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-4-7

I rise to speak about saving school choice or, perhaps, parental choice. prgtoken Some students learn differently than others do. I am the parent of a child with dyslexia. I can tell you that any such parent knows one- size-fits-all education does not work. prgtoken Parents and students should have the ability to choose the learning environment that is best for that child, and I think the parent can make the choice better than the school board and certainly better than bureaucrats in the Department of Education here in Washington, DC. prgtoken The charter school program was created by Congress for that exact purpose: To ensure that parents could choose what is best for their child. Power to the parent. Giving parents the power is crucial to allowing every student to succeed. prgtoken Unfortunately, there are groups working to undermine the power the parent should have to choose their child's school. prgtoken The U.S. Department of Education has decided to disregard what is in the best interest of the student with a new proposed rule that adds new requirements for applicants completely unrelated to student outcomes. Applicants would have to demonstrate an unmet need for a charter school, provide evidence of overenrollment at existing public schools in order to establish a charter school. prgtoken It seems as if the Department of Education is putting up arbitrary barriers to opening a charter school simply out of prejudice. They don't want the parent to have the power. prgtoken Our country's charter schools are under threat from the far left and from teachers unions who seek to shut them down because charter school staffs are difficult to unionize. prgtoken Now, these unions know it is much harder to spread their influence in charter schools; and in some cases, it is, frankly, impossible for a charter school to unionize. And the giant unions see this as a simple problem. They know the more charter schools there are, the less revenue they get. So their solution is equally as simple, take power away from parents with layers of new bureaucracy and government regulation. We should not let that happen. prgtoken And let's just put this in perspective. Since the pandemic began, it has been public charter schools that have seen a substantial increase in demand. They opened up sooner, and they stayed open in larger numbers than traditional public schools. And we know that open schools are better for children. Parents should have the power to send their child to a school where they feel like they, the parent, have a voice, and where they know their child is more likely to succeed. prgtoken Now, let's be clear who this rule is written for--not for the parent and not for the child. It is not written to help the student. It is written to help unions exercise more control over a student's life. This rule makes no mention of how many of these new restrictions improve student achievement or actually help students. And at