mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL DEMERITT
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-7-29

I am honored to recognize Samuel ``Sam'' Demeritt of Nottingham as July's Granite Stater of the Month. For 60 years, Sam has been a dedicated volunteer with numerous New Hampshire organizations to advance responsible stewardship of the outdoors. prgtoken Service is at the center of everything that Sam does in his life. As a young adult, he answered our country's call and entered the Army, completing his service in 1964. Like many veterans, his commitment to finding ways to serve his fellow Americans did not end there. That same year, Sam joined his father in volunteering for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. He has now volunteered with Fish and Game for 60 years and doesn't plan to stop anytime soon; he is always looking for new ways to give back to Granite Staters who share his passion for our beautiful outdoors. In his work with Fish and Game, Sam teaches the mandatory hunter safety and ethics education course for Granite Staters who prgtoken are seeking a hunting license. He is a champion of our New Hampshire values of responsible stewardship and respecting our wildlife. prgtoken Sam is also deeply involved in environmental preservation in his community. In addition to his long history of volunteering with the Fish and Game Department, Sam serves as chair of the Nottingham Conservation Commission and on the board of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation. Granite Staters know that the natural splendor of our State is not maintained on its own, and through the volunteer efforts of Sam and others like him, Granite Staters will be able to enjoy New Hampshire's woods, rivers, and mountains for years to come. prgtoken Sam's decades of volunteering for Fish and Game, the Nottingham Conservation Commission, and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation exemplify the New Hampshire spirit of respecting and honoring our beautiful natural resources. Through his life's work, he has reminded us that it is nothing less than a privilege to call beautiful New Hampshire our home. For his commitment to our environment, our State, and our country, I am honored to name him July's Granite Stater of the Month.
WHISTLEBLOWER APPRECIATION DAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-7-30

today is the day of the whistleblower. prgtoken But every day should be the day of the whistleblower. prgtoken I have asked every President since Ronald Reagan to hold a Rose Garden ceremony to honor whistleblowers. No President has done so. prgtoken That is a shame because Presidents should view whistleblowers as making their job easier not more difficult. It is often the whistleblower who gives the unvarnished truth relating to government misconduct. And once that misconduct is known, it can be taken care of. prgtoken When fraud and waste are exposed, the executive branch should bend over backwards to eliminate it. Instead, the executive branch often stupidly attacks the whistleblowers for courageously putting themselves out there. prgtoken And for those in the FBI like Marcus Allen, retaliation is holding your security clearance hostage. prgtoken Let me give some other recent examples. Department of Homeland Security whistleblowers alerted me of this administration's failure to implement the DNA Fingerprint Act. This failure allowed migrants with criminal histories to enter the United States unchecked, putting our communities at risk. The Department of Homeland Security has violated Federal law. The Office of Special Counsel substantiated the allegations and the retaliation against the whistleblowers for their disclosures. On July 23 this year, I held an oversight roundtable to highlight the whistleblower disclosures and the resulting retaliation they have suffered. prgtoken Whistleblowers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives brought to light that the Agency wasted millions of taxpayer dollars. How so? The ATF illegally misclassified human resource positions as law enforcement and paid these employees enhanced benefits they weren't entitled to. prgtoken Whistleblowers also provided my office with records revealing the Department of Health and Human Services failed to vet sponsors for unaccompanied alien children. They provided detail never before known to the public. On July 9 this year, I held an oversight roundtable with some of these whistleblowers, giving them a public voice to share their stories for the benefit of these kids. Agencies just don't like being exposed, apparently even if the lives of children are on the line. We have to change that culture. prgtoken Whistleblowers recently provided me with internal FBI documents of State Department incompetence and obstruction. Specifically, documents show the State Department actively interfered with FBI operations. For example, the State Department prevented the FBI from arresting known terrorists, members of Iranian proliferation networks, and other criminals providing material support for Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Department did this because it didn't want the FBI's arrest of the Iranians to upset the pending Iran Nuclear Deal. I made these FBI documents public on May 21, 2024, to prove the f
TRIBUTE TO GRIFFIN PETERSEN
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-7-30

today I recognize Griffin Petersen, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota over the past several weeks. prgtoken Griffin is a graduate of Sully Buttes High School in Onida, SD. Currently, he is attending the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, where he is pursuing a degree in political science. He is a hard worker who has been dedicated to getting the most out of his internship experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Griffin for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2024-7-30

it is my honor to recognize one of North Dakota's legacy businesses celebrating 80 prgtoken years of excellence next month in Fargo. prgtoken TrueNorth Steel began as Fargo Tank Company by a Norwegian immigrant named Ole Rommesmo. Upon coming to America, he worked as a lumberjack in Minnesota before learning the trade of welding at a steel tank plant in Minneapolis. He moved to Fargo as a welder for the Fargo Foundry Company and tried unsuccessfully four times to start his own business before finally succeeding. During World War II, he worked in northern Canada for the United States military as a welder and construction foreman for an airbase. prgtoken It was after the war in 1945 when Fargo Tank Company began, and the business has been going strong ever since. Reflecting Ole's values and principles of integrity, humility, commitment and knowledge, it has added products and services that now reach around the world. He died in 1990, and his son, Ole Rommesmo, Jr took over the business. prgtoken In 2011, the company's seven steel businesses merged to become TrueNorth Steel. Today, it serves many industries, including agricultural, construction, mining, road building, energy, and others on projects at power plants, refineries, golf courses, hospitals, fire stations, airports, stadiums, schools and universities, government, apartment and commercial buildings, wind farms, coal mines, river watersheds, water treatment plants, aquariums--and more. prgtoken I congratulate the Rommesmo family for 80 years of providing steel solutions. TrueNorth Steel is testament to the importance of family- owned businesses across the Nation, and the impact bold entrepreneurs have had on our American economy. To my friends at TrueNorth Steel, you have enhanced the quality of life we treasure in our region and have set a very high bar for being a dedicated community partner at your locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. Thank you for all you have done to build the foundations of industry and infrastructure across our Nation. I hope you will thrive for many years to come. Happy Birthday, TrueNorth Steel.
CONGRATULATING TAC INDUSTRIES
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-7-30

I want to congratulate TAC (The Abilities Connection) Industries, a nonprofit organization located in my Congressional district, that provides job opportunities to people with disabilities through its participation in the AbilityOne Program. AbilityOne is a federal program that provides employment opportunities to approximately 40,000 people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including more than 2,500 veterans. prgtoken TAC Industries recently received the 2024 Innovation Award at Source America's annual X-Force conference in Orlando, Florida. This award honors a nonprofit that developed ``innovative work methods, products or services.'' TAC Industries partnered with Clark State College in Springfield, Ohio, which is also in my district, to create the Fresh Abilities restaurant, a farm-to-table quick service restaurant on the campus, which functions simultaneously as an employment center and a training program for workers with disabilities. prgtoken Through their partnership, TAC developed a curriculum that included over 100 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skill building. They utilized the college's classroom facilities for their employees' food safety training. In the restaurant, the employees were then trained in how to prepare meals, how to make sales, and develop customer service skills. prgtoken Employees at Fresh Abilities gained the unique experience of working in a safe, inclusive environment while getting the training and support they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Clark State students, faculty and employees gained access to healthy food, and the college's administration was able to divert funds previously spent on food service to other student-focused areas. prgtoken For individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling, meaningful career of one's own choosing with a path for advancement is important to their quality of life. I appreciate the work TAC Industries undertakes to provide these employment and vocational opportunities, and congratulate them on receiving this prestigious award.
SPRING 2024 PUBLIC SERVICE REVIEW
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-7-30

I encourage all Americans to read the newly published Spring 2024 edition of Public Service Review. The Review is the quarterly publication of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service, an exemplary organization, which I am honored to support as a member of its Board of Trustees. In the Public Service Review, readers can explore work from students, faculty, and leadership of Brandeis University's Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation (ENACT) Program. That initiative shares the Stennis Center's mission: encouraging students to pursue careers in public service. prgtoken We are thrilled to publish writing and interviews by undergraduate students. In the pages of this issue, readers will find work from Julian Ober of the University of Maine, Vishni Samaraweera of Georgetown University, and Tomas Cruz Villalvazo of the University of Utah. They were joined by a number of Brandeis students, including Elaina Pevide, Ravi Simon, Dalia Moran, and Arianna Jackson, who all submitted thoughtful pieces. prgtoken The Assistant Director of ENACT, David J. Weinstein, also contributed, as did Lynne Chandler Garcia of the U.S. Air Force Academy. This edition also features interviews with State Representative Ambureen Rana of Maine and State Senator Becca Rausch of Massachusetts. prgtoken These students and leaders showcase the incredible work of the ENACT program, and they encourage those who serve in communities nationwide. It is our hope that they will also inspire others to lives of service. On behalf of my fellow Board members, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, Mr. Tom Daffron, U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly and Terri Sewell, and Mike Sommers, I urge all audiences to visit www.stennis.gov to read the Spring 2024 issue of Public Service Review.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-7-30

I tested positive for COVID in Louisiana, and was restricted from travel to D.C. for the week of July 22 through July 26. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 356; NAY on Roll Call No. 357; YEA on Roll Call No. 358; YEA on Roll Call No. 359; YEA on Roll Call No. 360; YEA on Roll Call No. 361; YEA on Roll Call No. 362; YEA on Roll Call No. 363; YEA on Roll Call No. 364; YEA on Roll Call No. 365; YEA on Roll Call No. 366; NAY on Roll Call No. 367; NAY on Roll Call No. 368; NAY on Roll Call No. 369; NAY on Roll Call No. 370; NAY on Roll Call No. 371; NAY on Roll Call No. 372; NAY on Roll Call No. 373; YEA on Roll Call No. 374; YEA on Roll Call No. 375; YEA on Roll Call No. 376; YEA on Roll Call No. 377; YEA on Roll Call No. 378; YEA on Roll Call No. 379; YEA on Roll Call No. 380; YEA on Roll Call No. 381; YEA on Roll Call No. 382; YEA on Roll Call No. 383; YEA on Roll Call No. 384; YEA on Roll Call No. 385; YEA on Roll Call No. 386; YEA on Roll Call No. 387; YEA on Roll Call No. 388; YEA on Roll Call No. 389; YEA on Roll Call No. 390; YEA on Roll Call No. 391; YEA on Roll Call No. 392; YEA on Roll Call No. 393; YEA on Roll Call No. 394; YEA on Roll Call No. 395; YEA on Roll Call No. 396; YEA on Roll Call No. 397; YEA on Roll Call No. 398; YEA on Roll Call No. 399; YEA on Roll Call No. 400.
CELEBRATING THE REEVES-REED ARBORETUM'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today to celebrate and recognize the Reeves-Reed Arboretum on their 50-year anniversary. I am grateful to be able to celebrate this incredible milestone with the Reeves-Reed family and our community. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a beautiful natural setting of a forest and gardens that engages, enriches, and teaches its visitors about environmental stewardship. For the past 50 years, they have shown their dedication to our community through programs and activities for all ages to grow through connecting with nature. Reeves-Reed has something for everyone, including summer camps for children, gardening and hiking groups, scout events, and many opportunities to learn and reflect. As a non-profit organization, the Arboretum and its staff are dedicated to their mission of helping our community and being an educational and spiritual resource for its visitors. Reeves-Reed is also a cornerstone of Summit's cultural landscape, and its 13.5 acres are listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. As we reflect on the past 50 years at Reeves-Reed they have exceeded the expectations and I know they will continue to do so for the next 50 years to come. I am honored to have such an amazing community in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.
CONGRATULATING CHIEF MATT SHEPPARD OF THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HIS RETIREMENT AND YEARS OF SERVICE
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today to wish a heartfelt congratulations to Chief Matt Sheppard of the Fountain Valley Police Department. prgtoken I would like to personally thank him for a remarkable 24 year tenure marked by service, selflessness, and commitment. I applaud Chief Sheppard and am grateful for his dedication to our community in Fountain Valley. In occupying nearly every role within the department-- from police officer, senior officer, sergeant, detective, lieutenant, captain and police chief--his experience and understanding are unmatched and is a direct reflection of his commitment to safety, security, integrity, and perseverance. prgtoken I know the Sheppard family is incredibly proud. My hope and prayer for our generation and the next is that they believe in the American Dream. This is the greatest country in the world, and as a first- generation American, I know firsthand that with hard work, anything is possible no matter who you are or where you are from. prgtoken While Chief Sheppard's leadership within the department will be missed greatly, the legacy he is leaving behind will not be easily forgotten. I am confident that I am joined by countless others--family, friends, and community leaders--in expressing our gratitude for his leadership in making the City of Fountain Valley ``A Nice Place to Live''. prgtoken I thank Chief Sheppard. I wish him the greatest of success in his new chapter.
CONGRATULATING KEVIN LYONS
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Kevin Lyons and his work with the Monroe County Agriculture Extension Agency for Natural Resources. prgtoken Kevin has been an advocate in the agricultural industry for the past thirty-seven years across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is with the Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen's Association where he served on the state board of directors for both organizations. prgtoken Kevin has devoted his time to improving agricultural productivity in Monroe County and the surrounding areas. Kevin helps people in the area start their own farms when he served as Financial Services officer for Farm Credit Mid America. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Kevin and all that he has done for agriculture in the 1st Congressional District.
Nomination of Stacey D. Neumann (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today in support of the nomination of Stacey Neumann to serve as a U.S. district court judge for the District of Maine. prgtoken I had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Neumann before her Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in May. prgtoken The committee has reported her nomination favorably with bipartisan support, and the Senate will be voting on her confirmation shortly. prgtoken I have decided to support this nominee based on her extensive legal experience--including as a Federal prosecutor--her in-depth interview with me, and her hearing testimony and background check. I have concluded that she possesses the integrity, intellect, and impartiality to serve in this critical position. prgtoken Ms. Neumann has served as a litigator at the law firm Murray Plumb & Murray in Portland, ME. She has been there since 2013 and handles criminal defense and civil litigation matters in State and Federal courts and agencies. Prior to this role, Ms. Neumann served in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine as an assistant U.S. attorney, where she represented the Federal Government in a variety of criminal proceedings. prgtoken Notably, a group of former Federal prosecutors from the District of Maine signed a letter stating that, in their view, Ms. Neumann has ``distinguished herself by virtue of a keen legal mind, tireless work ethic, and balanced and measured professional demeanor.'' prgtoken Earlier in her career, Ms. Neumann served as the law clerk to a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court as well as for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She graduated magna cum laude from both James Madison University and Cornell Law School. prgtoken The American Bar Association has given Ms. Neumann its highest rating of unanimously ``well qualified.'' prgtoken If confirmed by the Senate, she would be assigned to the U.S. district court seat in Bangor. prgtoken Based on her experience and character, I believe that Stacey Neumann will faithfully uphold our Nation's laws and that she will serve the State of Maine and our Nation well. I urge the Senate to confirm this nominee.
CONGRATULATING CITY MARKET
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today to celebrate the 76th anniversary of City Market, the supplier to Sea Island Corporation and many other restaurants in South Georgia. prgtoken City Market was founded in 1848 in Brunswick by Harold Sigmund and E.W. Stanford, Sr. Upon E.W. Stanford, Sr.'s death that same year, his 18-year-old son and E.W. ``Captain Red'' Stanford, Jr. took over the business. The two eventually bought out Mr. Sigmond and continued building a great reputation for the business. prgtoken City Market then moved to its current location on Gloucester Street in 1969. After his passing, Captain Red left the legacy of City Market to his grandson, Frank ``Little Red'' Owens, Jr as well as his brother and sons, Walker and Wyatt Owens. Left to run the packing house was his son-in-law, Bruce Collins, Sr. prgtoken Through the dedication of the family and its loyal customers, City Market has continued to grow and prosper. Congratulations to City Market, a true family business, on 76 years of success and hard work.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF PATRICIA JEAN HAYES POPE
Vince Fong (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-7-30

I rise today to honor Mrs. Patricia Pope on her 100th birthday. prgtoken Mrs. Patricia Jean Hayes Pope has lived in the Central Valley her whole life, having lived in San Martin, Salinas, King City, and now Visalia. Mrs. Pope will reach an incredible 100 years of age this August, and is deserving of recognition for the incredible life she continues to live. prgtoken Born on August 4, 1924, to Katherine Hitchcock and Francis ``Austin'' Hayes in San Jose, California, she is the middle child of three, born between her oldest brother Jack and younger brother Danny. While attending King City High School, she played piano for the dance band, clarinet in the school's marching band, and was the editor of the school newspaper. prgtoken After high school, Mrs. Pope attended Hartnell Junior College, after which she began teaching 4th grade at King City Grammar School. At the city pool in 1945, she met Marion Pope, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy. The next year, they were married in Del Monte, California, a marriage which would last 65 years. They later moved to King City, California, where they had five children together--Susan, Linda, Dennis, Laurie, and Leslie. Throughout their lives, Mrs. Pope has been dedicated to her children and active in their activities. She served as den mother for Cub Scouts and troop leader for Girl Scouts, taught 4-H sewing, and was president of the Parent Teacher Association. prgtoken Mrs. Pope has been an active member of her community throughout her life. She worked as the bookkeeper for her husband's painting business and was a substitute teacher at the local elementary school. Mrs. Pope also dedicated more than 4,000 hours as a volunteer at the local hospital service league. Mrs. Pope and her husband were key participants in the establishment of the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation. To honor their life of service to the community, they were named King City Citizens of the Year in 1997. prgtoken After her husband's passing in 2012, Mrs. Pope moved to Visalia to be closer to her family. She is the proud grandmother of 2 grandsons, 7 granddaughters, and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her family, she remains a thriving member of the Visalia community, enjoying playing piano concerts, painting, and spending time with friends. prgtoken , I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mrs. Patricia Pope on her 100th birthday.