mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Agreement (Executive Session)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to recognize the Harding University football team on winning the 2023 Division II NCAA National Championship. The school is proud to call Searcy, AR, home, and we are pleased to join all those celebrating this historic, undefeated season. prgtoken Those of us who have ever played football or followed along as fans are familiar with the term that describes each team's time with the ball as they move down the field: ``drive.'' But drive is also what you need to finish a perfect season. The Harding Bisons exemplified it and racked up major achievements along the way, including breaking the collegiate rushing record with more than 6,000 yards on the ground for the season. prgtoken The Bisons' offense tapped into a tried-and-true style of football. Its successful run game propelled the team and wore down opponents all season long, culminating in a dominating performance in the national title game, where it scored 38 unanswered points. prgtoken As a former football player, I remember well how much this sport asks of young men. It is more than just a game, and the preparation that goes into competing at a high level can be grueling. Intense practices, careful film study, strength training, and much more are all key ingredients an elite program must get right. Harding did just that, in addition to putting on a consistent display of athleticism and skill. prgtoken Winning a national championship has solidified their brotherhood and forged a bond the team and its fans will hold on to for years to come. The hard work of the players, dedication of Coach Paul Simmons and his staff, as well as the enthusiastic support of alumni, fans, and the Searcy community, were all critical to making this dream come true. prgtoken Great coaches can get truly the best out of their players, so it is easy to see why Coach Simmons was named National Coach of the Year by D2Football.com. We applaud his commitment to excellence personally and for every individual involved with his team. prgtoken Senator Cotton and I, along with so many Arkansans, are thrilled to commemorate Harding's outstanding season. As Bisons players, coaches, and fans are painting Searcy black and gold this week to celebrate these champions, it truly is a time to honor them. prgtoken I look forward to seeing this program reach even further heights and am thankful for how it represents the university, community, and our State on and off the football field. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING GRANNY'S IOWA MARKET
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-1-9

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 Granny's Iowa Market of Clarion, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Dawn and Tim Hamilton founded Granny's Iowa Market in Clarion, IA, in 2018 to provide fresh foods, produce, and locally sourced products to the community. Granny's Iowa Market carries meat, cheese, baked goods, and wines from Iowa. Most of the foods at Granny's Iowa Market are from local producers, with a handful of products coming from Wisconsin and South Dakota. In addition to food, they offer soaps, lotions, candles, and greeting cards from other small businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Granny's Iowa Market served an important role as a main grocer in the Clarion community. Dawn and Tim are no strangers to running their own small business. They opened Granny's Mixing Bowl, a bakery in Clarion, out of their home in 2007. They continue to operate both Granny's Iowa Market and Granny's Mixing Bowl. prgtoken In addition to owning Granny's Iowa Market, Dawn and Tim Hamilton are actively involved in the Clarion community. They are engaged in Clarion Cub Scout Pack 4112 and Clarion Boy Scout Troop 1047, with Dawn and Tim serving on committees for both units. Tim currently serves as Cubmaster for Pack 4112, after he previously served as the Scoutmaster for Troop 1047. Being a member of the Scouts is integral to the Hamilton family. Their son Bryce earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and four grandchildren have entered the Scouts, with their fifth grandson planning to join. In addition to serving the community, Tim served our country in the Iowa Air National Guard. Granny's Iowa Market is a proud member of the Clarion Development Alliance, and in 2024, they celebrated their sixth business anniversary. prgtoken Granny's Iowa Market's commitment to providing the Clarion community with quality groceries and local products is clear. I want to congratulate Dawn and Tim Hamilton for their dedication to giving back and serving the Clarion community. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. JAMES ROBERT JOHNSON OF DALLAS, TEXAS
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Dr. James Robert ``Bob'' Johnson of Dallas, Texas, who passed away on February 15, 2013. Dr. Johnson made incredible discoveries in the world of astrophysics and used his skills to help protect our national security. prgtoken Dr. Johnson was born on April 9, 1951, to Congressman Sam Johnson and Shirley Melton Johnson. He attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Ph.D. in Physics in 1979. After graduation, Dr. Johnson served as a research scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona. In this role, he detected an atmosphere on Pluto and water on the dwarf planet Ceres. Dr. Johnson's work helped lay the foundation to expand our scientific knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and the cosmos. prgtoken Later in life, he became the Chief Scientist for Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems. In this role, he spearheaded breakthroughs in overhead reconnaissance, intelligence, and image processing. For his advancements in information and intelligence sharing, Dr. Johnson was recognized by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Special Operations Command, and he received many more awards. prgtoken Dr. Johnson was known in his community for his kindness and integrity. He held a strong passion for teaching and actively sought to help others reach their full potential. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, designing homes, traveling around the world, and playing his original piano compositions. His published works will certainly continue to be invaluable assets to our scientific community for decades to come. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol in recognition of Dr. Johnson's life and service to our nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
U.S. Attorney's Office Investigations (Executive Session)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-9

I come to the Senate floor to respond to a series of accusations raised by the U.S. attorney of the Southern District of New York. prgtoken First, I would note that this is the second superseding indictment brought forth by the government. It should be noted that all of the information presented in the superseding indictments were fully available to the government since the beginning of this process and for at least a year prior to the bringing of this indictment, which, therefore, begs the question: Why did the government not proceed with all of these accusations from the beginning? prgtoken The answer is clear to me. By filing three indictments--one in late September, a second one a few weeks later in mid-October, and the third one just last week, in early January--it allows the government to keep the sensational story in the press. It poisons the jury pool, and it seeks to convict me in a court of public opinion. In so doing, the government's tactics harm not just me but each of you, my colleagues, the political establishment, and, most importantly, the electorate of New Jersey. prgtoken The sensationalized allegations are now creating a rising call for my resignation, despite my innocence and before a single piece of evidence has even been introduced in a court of law. The U.S. Attorney's Office has engaged not in a prosecution but a persecution. They seek a victory, not justice. prgtoken We have seen this play out with other prosecutions of public officers. Remember what happened to Senator Ted Stevens or Governor Bob McDonell. There are numerous other examples. It is an unfortunate reality, but prosecutors sometimes shoot first before they even know all the facts. It would be a shame that this venerable body does the same. prgtoken So having set the stage for why this process has unfolded this way, let me deal with some of the issues, starting with the latest accusation. prgtoken I have received nothing--absolutely nothing--from the Government of Qatar or on behalf of the Government of Qatar to promote their image or their issues. The government's principal allegation of what I supposedly prgtoken did for Qatar was to support a Senate resolution. This resolution was sponsored and introduced by Senator Graham and cosponsored by 11 other bipartisan Senators, posted on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee agenda, and passed by voice vote. prgtoken Now, what was that resolution about? The resolution sponsored by Senator Graham and 12 of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle thanked the Qatari Government for assisting the U.S. military in evacuating American citizens and Afghan refugees from Taliban rule. How nefarious was that? prgtoken Then they referenced some press release I made. Well, the press release says in one sentence: I am [glad] to see our friends and allies in Qatar be moral exemplars by accepting Afghans ultimately seeking safe haven in the U.S. after being
Remembering Ed Smith (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-9

I am honored to join my colleague, Senator Duckworth, to talk about Ed Smith. It is rare that Senators come to the floor and pay tribute to someone who passes away. It doesn't happen every day. And when we have two Senators from the same State here at the same time doing it, it speaks to the quality of the person that we are talking about. prgtoken , you have been to Chicago, but you may not have toured the whole State of Illinois. It is a different State down south. About 400 miles south of Chicago is a place called Alexander County, and the county seat is Cairo, IL. prgtoken Now, most students of geography would say: That is ``Cairo.'' Not to people of southern Illinois; it is ``Cairo'' or ``Cairo.'' prgtoken It has had quite a history. It is at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, so it was really a hotbed of economic activity for a century. It was a large, bustling town and with a lot of river traffic that made it a very successful town. prgtoken Over time, the economy started to slump. Interstate highways took over for rivers, and Cairo was not quite where it should be. prgtoken I graduated law school here in Washington in 1969 and went to work for the Lieutenant Governor of our State, Paul Simon. Brandnew lawyer, anxious to be successful and do the right thing, I said to Lieutenant Governor Simon: What do you want me to do? He said: Go to Cairo. prgtoken Well, that was quite an assignment in those days because Cairo was in big trouble. It was in trouble because, as the economy started to slump, a lot of the racial tensions in that community started to emerge, and there were terrible instances of violence and a lot of division in the community. prgtoken Rallies and parades led to gunshots and arson and evacuation of the white population from that town. Cairo was not another Illinois city; Cairo was the South. It was said by Paul Simon himself that Southern Illinois is a land of grits and gospel music. And it is true. prgtoken It is also the land where racial tensions had reached a fevered pitch by the late 1960s. The State's attorney for Alexander County was a man named Peyton Berbling. He could have come right out of the cast of ``To Kill a Mocking Bird,'' a rumpled white suit. And he was head of what was known as the White Hats Organization. That was a thin imitation of the Ku Klux Klan. prgtoken He had his boys ``checking out the county'' every day to make sure that someone who was a stranger, a foreigner, didn't linger in his county. It was a terribly racially divided community. And as I said, it led to violence and economic slump. prgtoken Fifteen years later, I was in a situation--well, it was more than 15 years later--I was in a situation where a young State Senator from Chicago was coming down to Cairo for the first time. I was bringing him down. And as we traveled in the car the 380 miles, I told him the story of Cairo and the economic problems and the racial
CELEBRATING THE CITY OF WALNUT'S 65th ANNIVERSARY OF INCORPORATION
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to recognize the 65th birthday of the city of Walnut, California. prgtoken On January 20, 2024, the city of Walnut celebrates 65 years since its incorporation. A longtime ranching community, the Walnut area was primarily used for cattle and sheep grazing, as well as growing wheat, grapes, and fruit trees. prgtoken Walnut has since grown into a diverse, successful city that I am proud to represent as part of California's 38th Congressional District. prgtoken Walnut is beloved for its historic charm and traditions such as the Walnut Family Festival and Winter Jam. prgtoken From the iconic windmill in Suzanne Park to the wildlife sanctuary at Mt. SAC to the beautiful groves of walnut trees to its wonderful senior center, the city of Walnut has much to offer residents and visitors alike. prgtoken I wish a happy birthday to the city of Walnut.
RECOGNIZING PASTOR GREGORY CHRISTOPHER
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to recognize Pastor Gregory Christopher, who will retire from Shiloh Baptist Church in Tacoma, Washington, after leading the congregation for more than 24 years. prgtoken Pastor Christopher became a leader in the Tacoma faith community in 1989 and received a Doctor of Ministry. Following the passing of his mentor Rev. Earnest Brazill in 2000, Dr. Christopher became the Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church. In the 24 years since, Pastor Christopher has continued to strengthen the congregation, develop the church for future generations, and invest in the surrounding Hilltop neighborhood. With Pastor Christopher at the pulpit, Shiloh Baptist serves the city's most vulnerable residents with an emergency shelter for unhoused men in the church basement and as well as a sixty-unit affordable housing development on church property. prgtoken As both Mayor of the City of Tacoma and as a member of Congress, I have worked closely with Pastor Christopher on community development, social justice, and economic issues. His leadership as President of the Tacoma Chapter of the NAACP and member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective will continue to impact the community, even after he retires as Pastor. prgtoken I thank Pastor Christopher for his service to Shiloh Baptist Church and Tacoma as well as congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.
IN MEMORY OF SHERIFF MIKE REEVES
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise to pay tribute to Sheriff Mike Reeves, a stalwart guardian of Curry County in Eastern New Mexico. On December 4, 2023, Sheriff Reeves tragically passed away due to natural causes while participating in training at the New Mexico Police Academy. prgtoken For over four decades, Sheriff Reeves dedicated himself to serving the residents of New Mexico and Curry County in various law enforcement roles. Those residents elected him as Sheriff and he assumed the office on January 1, 2023. Previously, beginning in 2015, he served as Undersheriff for the Curry County Sheriff's Office. He brought with him a wealth of experience garnered from his tenure with the Aztec Police Department, University of New Mexico Police Department, Clovis Police Department, and New Mexico Department of Public Safety. prgtoken Notably, Sheriff Reeves specialized in narcotics investigation. He commanded the Region V Drug Task Force in eastern New Mexico for several years. His contributions were instrumental in significant operations that curbed the distribution of controlled substances. They enhanced community safety as they led to the apprehension of numerous dealers and removal of substantial quantities of illicit drugs from our streets. prgtoken Sheriff Reeves exemplified bravery and heroism. In 2008, he cleared the airway of a choking infant and saved her life. Additionally, his valorous acts following the mass shooting at the Clovis-Carver library in August 2017 earned him a citation for his courageous service. prgtoken Sheriff Reeves was not only respected but deeply beloved by his community, colleagues, and family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his mother and stepfather Glenda and James Hileman, sons Collin and Hayden Reeves, daughter Avery Reeves, and his sister and brother-in-law Jamie and Greg Morton. prgtoken Law enforcement personnel in Curry County and across our beautiful state put their lives on the line daily for the safety and well-being of our communities. Sheriff Reeves dedicated his life to this mission. He left an indelible impact on his family, fellow officers, and the citizens of Curry County. prgtoken In recognition of his unwavering commitment and service, we honor Sheriff Mike Reeves and his legacy. May his dedication and courage continue to inspire us all.
Remembering Ed Smith (Executive Calendar)
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-9

and also, , the senior Senator from Illinois, for being here. I would like to just talk today about a dear, dear friend of ours, Ed Smith, who recently passed away. I am going to try not to say too much about what Ed and Dick's relationship was, but Ed is a stalwart for working families in Illinois. prgtoken You know, the Ed that I knew is one who was always there for working families. He was a man who embodied the word ``solidarity,'' a man who paired passion with compassion, and who knew that no company, no community, no country would ever be as strong as it could be if any of its workers were treated without the dignity and decency that they deserved. prgtoken Born in Cairo, IL, Ed had one central gravitational force throughout his life: working hard on behalf of those who worked hard for others. He joined a union at only 13 years old and, from that moment on, stayed in the fight for labor rights for the rest of his life. prgtoken He held title after title throughout his career. He was a laborer when he was young, then a manager, and eventually a CEO. But through it all, the title that undoubtedly described him best was ``champion,'' for no matter how busy Ed was, no matter how high he climbed, there was nothing more important to him than looking out for all of those who signed up for the tireless yet often thankless jobs that keep our Nation running, all those people who clock in day after day without complaint, all those people who deserve a good pay and steady benefits that should come with the sweat of a job well-done. prgtoken I know this firsthand. Ed never hesitated to call me to keep me up to date on any issue I should be following up on in the labor world. And I knew that I could always, always count on him to give me an honest opinion whenever I needed some advice. prgtoken Not only was he a mentor and a friend, but he held each of us fortunate enough to hold elected office accountable. He made sure that we were doing right by working families, doing right by rural Illinoisans, doing right for every worker--not just those who were in unions, but all workers--and making sure that in every inch of Illinois, folks who have earned dignified retirements after decades- long careers are able to enjoy that retirement. prgtoken One of my favorite stories about Ed is that every night before bed, he would ask himself: Who have I helped today? Now it is my turn to answer that question for him. Ed helped more people than he and I could ever meet in our lifetimes. He helped grandparents access the pensions they have earned. He helped green-on-the-job 20-somethings know and demand their worth. He set up the labor movement in Illinois to be the movement of the future, working toward that carbon-neutral future, toward that green economy. And he helped people like me remember that, in public service, we all have one true North Star, and that is to do what we can to bring about a t
HONORING THE SERVICE OF ADMIRAL JAMES FRANK CALDWELL, JR.
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-1-9

I rise today to honor the distinguished service of Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Admiral James Frank Caldwell, Jr. This month, Admiral Caldwell is slated to retire after over eight years as head of the program, which was only one part of an amazing forty-two-year career in the Navy. The longevity of his service was recognized by the U.S. Navy when he attained the respected title of ``Old Goat'' for the longest serving graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy on August 31, 2022. His talented, outstanding dedication to his country, as well as his expertise, will leave a momentous, far-reaching legacy that will live on for many years to come. prgtoken Frank Caldwell comes from a family with a deep Navy background. As a fifth-generation Naval Academy graduate, Admiral Caldwell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering in 1981 with distinction. His thirst for knowledge continued after that bachelor's degree. He later pursued, and received, a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School. All that advanced learning prepared him for the elite assignments he was chosen for during his illustrious career. prgtoken Admiral Caldwell's first operational posts directed him to serve as a division officer on USS Boston, an engineering officer on USS Alabama, and an executive officer on USS Buffalo. Admiral Caldwell commanded USS Jacksonville, ported in Norfolk, Virginia, and served as the Commanding Officer for Submarine Development Squadron 12 in my district at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut. prgtoken The pinnacle of his career came on August 14, 2015, when the United States Senate confirmed his nomination by President as the seventh Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. This highly unique position, which has the solemn responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of the United States Nuclear Navy, has authorities vested within both the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. No other military officer has such a portfolio. Its pedigree reaches back seventy-five years to the legendary Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, whose foresight in 1948 introduced nuclear propulsion into naval vessels, transforming American seapower forever. prgtoken During his tenure, Admiral Caldwell has completed outstanding work to develop and maintain a modernized squadron of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Under his leadership at Naval Reactors, he has done remarkable work to stabilize the surface and undersea enterprise and has ensured our industrial base is positioned to meet the moment, especially as we usher in a new class of ballistic submarines through development and construction of the Columbia-class program. Most significantly, Admiral Caldwell's expertise has been critical as the United States embarks on a generational security agreement with our closest allies--the United Kingdom and Australia--as we tr