mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JIM WALLACE
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-6-18

I rise to commend Jim Wallace for his decades of journalism and service to the people of southwest Georgia. prgtoken Born and raised in north Georgia, Mr. Wallace attended Towers High School and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1976 with a degree in broadcast journalism. prgtoken In November 1976, Mr. Wallace joined WALB News 10 in the news and sports departments; and he has worked there ever since, keeping southwest Georgia families informed and holding the powerful accountable. prgtoken Throughout his nearly 50-year journalism career, Mr. Wallace has worked as a weekend sports anchor and reporter, sports director, and evening news anchor. prgtoken Mr. Wallace has won numerous accolades, including twice being named the Georgia AP Sports Reporter of the Year award, Georgia AP Sportscaster of the Year, Georgia AP Sports Photographer of Year, and winning multiple UPI Sportscasting Awards. prgtoken Outside of the newsroom, Mr. Wallace is also a Sunday School teacher and youth volunteer at First United Methodist Church, and he and his wife Tracy have two children Jake and Shelly. prgtoken As Mr. Jim Wallace leaves WALB News 10 for a well-deserved retirement, as Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and congratulate him on his incredible career and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT OF 2023--Continued
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-6-18

reserving the right to object, and with respect for my colleague Senator Hyde-Smith with whom I serve on the Agriculture Committee, I fear this bill is another attempt to distract from the truth, which is that s are trying to make it harder for women to access reproductive healthcare. prgtoken Now, this bill purports to empower and support women and families facing fertility challenges--something that I would certainly agree with. But instead of protecting access to IVF services and other assisted reproductive technologies, what it would do is to direct the government to actually steer people away from using evidence-based services like IVF in favor of ``restorative reproductive medicine.'' prgtoken Now, let me be clear, women and their families deserve the freedom and the autonomy to decide for themselves how to start and grow their families in consultation with their doctors, and they don't need politicians deciding what kind of care they should or shouldn't be getting. prgtoken But if you need more evidence, the s are trying to distort their record on these issues, look no further than section 2 of this bill, which would declare that Congress finds that ``in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies are not under threat at the Federal level or in any State or territory of the United States.'' That is in section 2. prgtoken I would say: Tell that to the families in Alabama who saw their fertility treatments interrupted by the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling. prgtoken Just last week, all but two s voted against a bill that would have provided comprehensive protections for American families trying to start or grow their families through IVF. prgtoken So when they present bills like this one as evidence that they care about women's reproductive health, they should remember that in these situations, actions speak louder than words. prgtoken And their message here is clear: s will do anything, except the most obvious things, to protect women, pregnant women, mothers, and families. prgtoken So for those reasons, I object.
CELEBRATING MENDHAM TOWNSHIP'S 275TH ANNIVERSARY
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-18

I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Mendham Township on their 275th anniversary. I am extremely grateful to be able to be here today and celebrate this incredible milestone with the Mendham Township community. Over the past 275 years, Mendham Township has been forward-thinking in preserving the environment, creating a strong sense of community, and supporting excellence in education. For almost three centuries, the township has become home to families and retirees alike who enjoy parks, streams and playgrounds, annual events that date back decades, and award-winning schools. As we reflect on its history, we can use the past centuries as a reminder of Mendham Township's dedication to fostering a community loved by all. I am honored to have such an amazing township in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.
RECOGNIZING THE BEREA CITIZEN
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-6-18

I rise today to pay tribute to the Berea Citizen, a long-standing community institution and one of only a few locally owned, operated, and printed newspapers in the entire Commonwealth. This year, I am proud to join my home State in celebrating this native Kentucky newspaper as it marks 125 years of journalistic success. prgtoken Founded in 1899, the Berea Citizen came into existence on the campus of Berea College, nestled between the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains and the Bluegrass plains. The late Berea College president William G. Frost, a renowned abolitionist and scholar, led the charge in creating the school newspaper with the mission of providing this burgeoning region with informative, balanced local news. Service soon began along the dirt road of Chestnut Street in Berea's town center, where it continued for nearly a century. The Berea Citizen maintained its ties to the college up until 1984, by then transitioning into a private, locally owned newspaper. prgtoken Since the turn of the 20th century, the Berea Citizen has remained a fixture within the Madison County community. It has continued to provide local news without interruption through some of our Nation's most turbulent times, surviving the Great Depression, two World Wars, and, most recently, a global pandemic. Through the years, the newspaper and its team have adapted to the ever-evolving landscape of news, expanding print operations to include online coverage while always remaining faithful to its Kentucky focus. Today, the Berea Citizen boasts a readership of over 10,000 Kentuckians and remains a leading voice for local news in Madison County. prgtoken As the Berea Citizen marks this impressive milestone, I would like to extend my best wishes to the reporters, editors, and staff who have made the newspaper a vital resource to Central Kentuckians. It is a privilege to congratulate the Berea Citizen on 125 years of quality journalism. I hope my Senate colleagues join me in recognizing this longstanding fixture of Madison County and its many accomplishments.
RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN LUIS J. RODRIGUEZ
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2024-6-18

on June 13, 2024, Captain Luis J. Rodriguez assumed command of the United States Coast prgtoken Guard Sector San Juan. The change-of-command ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. The assumption of command is one of the most significant appointments in the career of a commissioned officer, as it demonstrates their great responsibility to lead and serve. prgtoken Captain Rodriguez is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1994 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1998. Captain Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in criminal Justice from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, a master's degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins University, and a master of science degree in hemispheric defense and security from the Inter- American Defense College. Captain Rodriguez is also an Auxiliary Colonel in the Puerto Rico Police Department. prgtoken Prior to assuming command of Sector San Juan, Captain Rodriguez served as Deputy Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Previously he worked as Deputy Commander at Sector Key West, where he oversaw all Coast Guard missions in the Florida Keys. He was also appointed Deputy Chief of Enforcement at the Seventh Coast Guard District, as well as Operational Plans, Policy, and International Engagement Section Chief, and Sector Miami Command Center Chief, among other important leadership roles. He also served onboard CGC COURAGEOUS and CGC VIGILANT. prgtoken Captain Rodriguez's work has been crucial to accomplish the U.S. Coast Guard's missions in Latin America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida and Puerto Rico. He is married to Mrs. Glory Ann Acevedo, and together are the proud parents of Jesus Javier Rodriguez prgtoken , Captain Rodriguez's military career is outstanding, and I am confident that the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan will continue to excel under his able leadership. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Captain Luis J. Rodriguez for his dedicated career of service and wishing Sector San Juan many years of success
Senate Legislative Agenda (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-6-18

with election day approaching in less than 5 months, are getting understandably concerned. prgtoken After all, a historic 3-year-plus border crisis and a historic 3- year-plus inflation crisis are not exactly an ideal record on which to run. And so have been doing what they can prgtoken here in the Senate to brighten their election prospects with a series of show votes designed to put s in a difficult position--or so the ic leader hopes. prgtoken I said ``show votes.'' And I say that because all of these votes were clearly designed to fail. The ic leader knew that s were not going to support a border bill that had previously been rejected, a contraception bill that would jeopardize the religious freedom of healthcare providers, or an IVF bill that would allow for human cloning and genetic engineering of human embryos. prgtoken These were not serious attempts by the ic leader to legislate. These were future campaign talking points. prgtoken If the ic leader really wanted to legislate, he would be bringing up something like Senator Ernst's legislation to promote access to contraception, which has a number of cosponsors-- or any one of the numerous commonsense border proposals s have advanced, like Senator Blackburn's measure to allow State and local law enforcement to detain criminal illegal aliens for ICE to deport. But that is not the legislation the leader is bringing up, because, as I said, he is not interested in legislating; he is interested in boosting ' electoral chances--he hopes--this fall. prgtoken I know the ic leader is trying his hardest to put s in a difficult spot. But as I have said before, if he hopes to have us quaking in our boots over taking these votes, he should think again because s are happy to have the chance to talk about the agenda, to talk about the disaster President created at our southern border--a disaster he allowed to thrive unchecked for years, despite the serious danger to our national security; or to talk about how, under the guise of protecting access to contraception-- something that is not under threat, I might add--the ic leader brought up legislation that would not only funnel money to ' allies at Planned Parenthood but would wipe out--wipe out--conscience protections for healthcare providers. prgtoken ' bill specifically targets the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which is bipartisan legislation passed in 1993, back when actually believed in defending our First Amendment freedoms. prgtoken And this is not ' only attempt to target this legislation and to dictate how and when Americans can live according to their faith. Take, for example, ' so-called Women's Health Protection Act--more accurately called the ``Abortion on Demand Act,'' which would prevent
CELEBRATING TRISTEN EVATT
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-18

I rise today to celebrate Tristen Evatt, the Yulee High School Hornet, who recently won the long jump Class 2A track and field state finals in the free state of Florida. Tristen wrote new Hornet history, becoming the third school state champion, and setting a personal record en route to gold. prgtoken Stepping foot onto the University of North Florida campus, Tristen knew she needed to pull off something special, and she did just that. On her final jump, Tristen buzzed through the air to sting the competition with a massive leap, blowing past her personal best. prgtoken The state championship was a hive of activity for Tristen. She also qualified in the triple jump, 100-meter dash, and the 4x100-meter relay. Throughout the events, Tristen shined, finishing fourth in the triple jump to go along with her gold medal. prgtoken The state finals were Tristen's last high school meet before she heads off to University of South Florida in the fall of 2024, and she was determined to go out on top. Years of hard work paid off and winning the state championship firmly cements her as the Queen Bee of Hornet athletes. We are exceptionally proud of this young lady. prgtoken on behalf of Florida's 4th Congressional District, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating Tristen Evatt on this remarkable achievement.
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT OF 2023--Continued
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2024-6-18

today, I rise to encourage and urge support for our bipartisan, bicameral legislation that provides a significant boost for the future of nuclear energy here in America. After a lot of hard work and negotiations, I am thrilled to be on the floor today as we are on the cusp of getting this bill across the finish line. prgtoken I see Senator Whitehouse here, my friend from Rhode Island. He was very integral in making this happen today, so I thank him. prgtoken In March of 2023, we introduced the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, or what we call the ADVANCE Act. We did so because s and recognize that the development of new nuclear technologies is critical to America's energy security and our environment. prgtoken Today, nuclear power provides about 20 percent of our Nation's electricity. Importantly, it is emissions-free electricity that is 24/ 7, 365 days a year. prgtoken Not only is it necessary to continue developing and deploying more nuclear energy reactors from an energy and environmental standpoint, it is also vital to our national security, and it is good for the economy. prgtoken So it was important for us as lawmakers to prepare to meet the increased demand--it is predicted to be twice the demand--with policies that encourage investment and deployment of nuclear technologies right here on our shores. The ADVANCE Act does just that and preserves the United States as the destination for innovation and expansion, ensuring that we are what we should be, which is the global leader, for decades to come. prgtoken Here are just a few of the ways our bill benefits America's energy, economic, and environmental future: prgtoken The ADVANCE Act reduces regulatory costs for companies seeking to license advanced reactor technologies. prgtoken It requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a regulatory roadmap to license new nuclear facilities on brownfield sites--something that would be very important to my State of West Virginia. prgtoken It directs the NRC to update its mission statement to reflect the beneficial uses of nuclear technology and establish a licensing structure to support an efficient, timely, and predictable regulatory review. prgtoken It establishes an initiative to more quickly license advanced nuclear fuels that are both safer and more economic. prgtoken It provides the NRC new tools to hire and retain highly qualified staff to enable the licensing of advanced reactors. prgtoken As I said, I am proud of the work we put into this legislation over the past few months and years. With the House having already passed it overwhelmingly, I am excited that we are on the verge of sending the ADVANCE Act to the President's desk. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Carper, and I thank Senator Whitehouse, who are my--the three of us--cosponsors. I want to thank House Energy and Commerce Chair McMorris Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallo
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT OF 2023--Continued
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-6-18

as Americans, we believe that every person on the planet is created by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Religious freedom is at the top of that list, and for me, I believe it must be protected at every turn. prgtoken That is why I continue to be deeply concerned with what is happening in Nicaragua. Since 2018, the Nicaraguan regime has persecuted Christians, including the Catholic Church and various Christian missions and charities. This lawless behavior has only escalated recently. prgtoken In December, Nicaraguan police arrested approximately a dozen individuals--mostly pastors--associated with Mountain Gateway. These Christian faith leaders have been unjustly imprisoned since then and were handed down a sham sentence in March. The regime has imposed a fine totaling nearly $1 billion--so that is about 6 percent of that country's entire GDP--along with 12 to 15 years of imprisonment. prgtoken Let's be very clear: These Christians are in prison today because of their faith. Their very freedom has been taken away because they chose to preach the Gospel. And the regime doesn't seem to want to stop there. In addition to those arrested and imprisoned, Nicaragua has issued arrest warrants for three more Americans. They are all associated with Mountain Gateway. prgtoken Mountain Gateway is an American nonprofit, a faith-based organization that was founded by an Alabamian and is based in Texas. Mountain Gateway recruits, trains, commissions, and sends out ordained Christian ministers to spread the Gospel. prgtoken In Nicaragua, the organization has advanced God's Kingdom through discipleship, through feeding and clothing those in need, through providing assistance after natural disasters and sharing the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These individuals doing this work should be celebrated, not persecuted. prgtoken Earlier this year, I joined a bicameral group of colleagues in criticizing Nicaragua's regime and this egregious violation of religious freedom. Led by Congressman Robert Aderholt and Congressman Barry Moore, Alabama's entire congressional delegation has been united against this and on this very important bipartisan issue. prgtoken We have written letters. We introduced resolutions in both Chambers of Congress, and we called on the administration to utilize all sanctions enforcement powers and leverage in any diplomatic way. Any options that are in the toolbox should be used to force Nicaragua to remedy the situation. prgtoken Today, I want to emphasize that we cannot and we will not stop speaking up against this religious persecution in Nicaragua. We are calling on the administration to do more now. This regime must stop targeting American citizens, and it needs to begin faithfully upholding religious freedom in compliance with international law and universal standards of human rights. prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING THE RUSSELLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL QUIZ BOWL TEAM
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-6-18

I use today to recognize and congratulate the Russellville High School Quiz Bowl Team for their outstanding achievement in winning their first national title at the National Academic Championship tournament. On Sunday afternoon, these bright young students brought home a victory that will be remembered as a milestone in the history of Russellville High School. prgtoken The Cyclones demonstrated their exceptional intellect and teamwork by going undefeated, 6-0, in their regional tournament held in May in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their journey to the national title was marked by impressive victories over formidable opponents, including teams from Corpus Christi, Texas; Little Rock Central; an international team from Dubai, India; and Parkland High School in Pennsylvania. prgtoken The members of this championship team, Will Stump, Keegan Fuller, Ian Warnick, Matthew Fox, Gidian Fuller, and Alyx Dunaway, have showcased remarkable dedication and academic excellence. Their success is a testament to their hard work and commitment. I would also like to commend their head coach, Mr. Steven Quoss, and assistant coaches, Ms. Rebecca Quoss and Mr. Andrew Taylor, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in this achievement. prgtoken This victory not only brings great pride to Russellville High School and will also inspire students throughout our community and state. The achievements of the Russellville High School Quiz Bowl Team highlight the importance of academic competitions in fostering a spirit of inquiry and distinction among our youth. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Russellville High School Quiz Bowl Team on their national championship. We celebrate their success and look forward to their future accomplishments.
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT OF 2023--Continued
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-6-18

we will continue to be able to speak out. We do believe that is a child. We believe in the dignity of every human being. prgtoken My wife, when we were pregnant--every single cell in her body--every cell--from her toenails and her toes and her nose and her elbows--every single cell in her body has the exact same prgtoken DNA. It has that signature of her. But when we were pregnant, suddenly there was a group of cells that had different DNA. They didn't match hers, and they didn't match mine. They were cells with DNA that had never existed on Earth before until that moment. They were uniquely different. I think we should acknowledge that fact in the days ahead, that there is something special about those different cells. prgtoken We will continue to speak up for the conscience rights of all individuals to be able to state the obvious and to be able to live their faith. I think in the days ahead we will have a time as Americans when we will look back on this season and think, why would we turn away from what was so obvious to all of us? prgtoken .