hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. JACKSON LEE: he sold millions of records. He was known around the world: Harry Belafonte. That song we remember, ``Day- O.'' But for those of us who admired and hung onto his every word, we know that he provided a transformational change in the civil rights history of this Nation. Heroic and courageous, he was not afraid of those who attacked him and called him names. What a major force standing by Dr. Martin Luther King, intervening with politicians and entertainers and providing financial support. He continued questioning this Nation's issues of race. He was fearless. Mr. Speaker, I am sad about his passing, but I will say that no one will fill his giant shoes. To his wife Pamela, Gina, and other wonderful relatives, I offer my personal regrets and sympathy. As a Jamaican immigrant that he was, he obviously touches my heart and that of my family. Mr. Speaker, I hope that we will always remember a man that could have been only an entertainer, as well as rich and resounding, but Harry Belafonte wanted to change this country. Harry, as I see you soar where the eagles fly, may the Lord bless you. Rest in peace, my brother, and rest in power.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1934-H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CORREA: today I rise to celebrate the life of a very good friend, a dedicated father, a great neighbor, George Fenton. He was born on Valentine's Day in 1935 and devoted his entire life to serving his country and his community. After graduating from high school in Detroit, Michigan, George joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Decades after his service in the Marine Corps, he often talked and relayed stories about his time at boot camp in Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, and he called it his hot weather training at Twentynine Palms. Later, George moved his entire family to Garden Grove. He worked for thecity of Orange before joining the Orange County Sheriff's Department in 1971. That is where he met his wife, Lynn, at the courthouse on the job in 1989. They were married in Santa Ana in 1991, and recently they celebrated 31 years of marriage. After George retired from the Orange County Sheriff's Department in 1993, he spent the next 15 years working at Disneyland as a cast member and ticket taker. George, you will be missed. Thank you for your time and service.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1934] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. TLAIB: I rise to honor the memory of Melinda Graczyk, a lifelong volunteer in service to the people of Redford Township in Michigan's 12th District Strong. Melinda embraced her passion to serve the unrepresented, chairing Redford's newly formed commission for diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to create a more welcoming community for all. Through her work with the Jaycees, Melinda volunteered to build local community gardens which provided thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to families in need. They also founded the Redford farmer's market, providing a local source of fresh, locally grown food at an affordable price. As a volunteer and eventually president of Redford's festival committee, they helped plan and execute all of Redford's local festivals throughout the year, creating opportunities for residents to gather and foster a sense of community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Melinda Graczyk's unwavering service to our district and the Redford Township community as we honor her memory.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1934] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. GIMENEZ: I rise today to congratulate The Children's Trust on their 20th anniversary. My wife, Lourdes, and I have been longtime supporters of The Children's Trust and are so proud of their tireless work to protect our community's children and safeguard taxpayer dollars. I would especially thank our friends, David Lawrence and James Haaj. Their visionary leadership has paved the way for the countless innovative programs offered by The Children's Trust aimed at improving the lives of our next generation of leaders: our children. In Miami-Dade, we are blessed to have The Children's Trust prioritizing our kids' welfare and investing in family programs to nurture and advocate for all of our children regardless of socioeconomic background. As a county commissioner, mayor, and now a Member of Congress, I have seen the impact of The Children's Trust firsthand, and I look forward to continuing to work closely together. Congratulations on these 20 years and many, many more.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1934] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. HOULAHAN: over 13,000 people in the United States have died from gun violence this year alone. Let me repeat that: Over 13,000 people in the United States have died from gun violence this year alone, and it is only April. This means that over 100 people are dying by gunshot every single day. We have to take action to stop this epidemic. We have to address the scourge of gun violence and the multiple reasons that we find ourselves here almost every single day having the same conversation. People should be able to ring the wrong doorbell accidentally or drive into the wrong driveway without the fear of being shot. We cannot continue to glorify guns while vilifying and frightening our fellow Americans. More guns are not the answer. Improving public safety and supporting our law enforcement will make us safer and can help change public sentiment so that people will stop seeing guns as solutions and our neighbors and each other as threats. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please work together on finding our common ground with actual solutions to gun violence. The American people are asking us to do this. We must work together. We must move forward rather than pushing each other apart.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1934] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CARTER : I rise today to congratulate Steve Waters, athletic director at Glynn County for being named State Athletic Director of the Year for Class 6-A. Steve has a long history of success in high school sports. He won a State championship in basketball at Christian Renewal Academy and turned around a losing program at Monroe Academy where he took them to the Elite Eight. Steve has been the athletic director in Glynn County for the last 11 years. During his tenure, he has been responsible for large expansion projects centered around the high school football field. He has also been able to add 14 new sports programs to the school system. Outside of work, Steve has a passion for service. He created a foundation that raises money for Morquio research, a rare genetic condition that affects a child's bones, spine, organs, and physical abilities. He recently held a golf tournament and silent auction fundraiser and was able to raise $330,000. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Steve on this great honor and all he has done for our community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1933-H1934] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. PAYNE: I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Roselle Active Seniors group. It began in 1983 when a group of Roselle residents took trips to local places of interest. The connections and conversations between the residents soon sparked talk of a formal group. Today, the Roselle Active Seniors group provides fun activities, trips, and outreach opportunities for local seniors, and it is an important part of our community. Group members provide Easter baskets for children with disabilities, baby supplies for single mothers, toy drives and winter clothes for children in need, and food baskets for families during Thanksgiving. I attended a recent gathering of the group, and I was extremely impressed with the members and their organization. It is an incredible group that I am proud to have in my district.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MORAN: every year the Greater Longview United Way hosts a fundraiser known as their annual campaign to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Gregg County area. In recognition of the 75th year, the United Way's campaign theme was: ``Past. Present. Future. We are UNITED.'' This year, the organization surpassed their goal by over $25,000, raising a grand total of $1.1 million, which will be used to help fund nearly 40 programs across 20 nonprofits in the Gregg County area. United Ways are a vital part of communities across the Nation, bringing people together to volunteer, advocate, and give back to their community. Their core belief is that only when a community is united to benefit all people, regardless of race, creed, class, school district, or place of origin that true change can happen. Mr. Speaker, I thank the executive director, Dr. Evan Dolive; campaign and community outreach manager, Heather Stevenson; and front office coordinator, Raven Atkinson for their dedication to the United Way and our Gregg County community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JOYCE : for nearly three decades, Chairman Bud Shuster was a tireless champion for the people of central Pennsylvania. He truly earned the nickname ``Mr. Chairman'' as he led the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee into the 21st century, spearheading infrastructure projects that have stood the test of time and remain standing today, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the United States. Chairman Shuster's vision and his leadership built the roads, the bridges, and the waterways that have allowed our communities and our Nation to thrive. On behalf of all the Pennsylvania delegation standing here with me this evening, I ask for a moment of silence to honor the late chairman, Bud Shuster.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1932-H1933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. KILDEE: I was unable to attend votes due to a medical procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 193 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 194.  personal explanation
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1932-H1933] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. PORTER: I was unable to be present to cast votes today. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 193 and ``yea'' on rollcall 194.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1929-H1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. MANNING: I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, 75 years ago, the State of Israel joined the community of nations when it declared its independence from the British Empire. In the wake of World War II and the Holocaust, for the first time in modern history, the Jews would have a land and a military of their own that would allow them to overcome centuries of anti-Semitism, persecution, and attempts at elimination. The State of Israel rests on land that has been uniquely bound to the Jewish people for thousands of years. From the Exodus from Egypt to the First and Second Temples all the way to today's modern age, there has always been a Jewish presence between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River. Over the last 75 years, Israelis have made the desert bloom, transforming the country into a modern, industrialized democracy. Israel is a leader in technology, business, and agriculture. The country's innovative technologies have greatly benefited the United States military and other government agencies. Israel shares the democratic and human rights values we treasure here in the United States. The recent Abraham Accords represent yet another milestone in Israel's development. Normalization of Israel's relationships with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco are already enhancing regional diplomacy, security, and communication and will serve as an incubator for increased regional stability, prosperity, and peace. These agreements come on top of already realized peace agreements with Israel's neighbors, Egypt and Jordan, and demonstrate the power of diplomacy and compromise. As a proud, lifelong supporter of a strong bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship, I also support a two-state solution which preserves Israel's fundamental character as a Jewish and a democratic state. This has been the longstanding policy of the United States through both Republican and Democratic administrations. A two-state solution is the only way Israel can remain both Jewish and democratic into the future, and it is the only way to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people. I would like to see the bipartisan consensus on two states be maintained in the future for the benefit of the United States, Israel, the Palestinians, and the wider region and world.  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to be on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Israel's 75th anniversary as well as the Abraham Accords. Modern Israel is truly a miracle, and its existence is an asset to our great country. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution that I was proud to help introduce with my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee: Representatives Ann Wagner, Brad Schneider, and Chairman  Mike McCaul. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1929-H1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. SCHNEIDER: 25 years ago, I proudly joined many fellow Chicagoans in Kiryat Gat, Israel, celebrating the 50th jubilee anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish State in the land of the Jewish people. Today, I proudly stand in the well of the House of Representatives marking the 75th anniversary of that remarkable event. I am beyond proud that the United States was the first Nation to recognize the nascent State of Israel in 1948. In the 3 score and 15 years since, our shared values have been the bedrock of an extraordinary relationship, strengthening our ties along cultural, economic, technological, and security lines, and in so many more ways, as well. Throughout my life, I have prayed for a just and lasting peace for Israel and all the people of the region. I have joyously celebrated each of the peace agreements between Israel and Egypt, Israel and Jordan, and the Abraham Accords between the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. I know in my heart that peace can one day be achieved with the Palestinians with a negotiated two-state solution that would give us a Jewish democratic Israel and a demilitarized democratic Palestinian state living side by side in peace, security, and prosperity. Again, we celebrate with Israel 75 years of independence; 75 years of partnership; 75 years of scientific and medical research and innovation that gave us cell phones, Waze directions, the PillCam, and drip irrigation, revolutionizing agriculture around the world. We celebrate with Israel 75 years of cultural exchange; 75 years of economic growth with a start-up nation; 75 years of security cooperation. We celebrate 75 years together of pursuing peace; peace with Egypt in 1979, Jordan in 1994, and with the Abraham Accords, again, UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Mr. Speaker, I wish the Israelis and the Israel people, the State of Israel, congratulations on 75 years, and we all look forward to building together toward a better future for Israel and the region for years to come.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1929-H1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. MANNING: I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), the author of this resolution, who made it just in the nick of time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1929-H1931] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. MANNING: I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, I express my congratulations to Israel on the 75th anniversary of its independence and express my hope for Israel to find peace with all of its neighbors in the near future. I remind my colleagues and the world that President Truman on behalf of our great Nation was the very first country to recognize the establishment of the State of Israel only 11 minutes after David Ben-Gurion made his historic declaration of the establishment of the Jewish democratic State of Israel. At this time, with the frightening rise of anti-Semitism we are seeing in our own country and around the world, it is more important than ever that we support the one Jewish country in the world. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this important resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank Ms. Manning, Mr. Schneider, and Mrs. Wagner for leading on this important resolution. On a personal note, I have to thank my own father who fought in World War II and was a bombardier on a B-17 who bombed the Nazis. He participated in 32 bombing missions, including Operation Overlord. My father's generation liberated Europe from the threats and the horrors of the Nazis and fascism. They liberated the Jewish people from the horrors surrounding the Holocaust, which is unimaginable. That generation brought the State of Israel into existence, and that is our pact with Israel. Since 1948, Israel has been our best friend and our strongest ally in the Middle East. Israel has also been a true beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East. I look forward to a day, as I know they envisioned at the time of its creation in 1948, that even though these forces still exist today of anti-Semitism in Iran and other nations, that one day we will achieve true peace in the Middle East. I look forward to the day that Israel can coexist peacefully with its surrounding neighbors in the region and with the world. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1927-H1929] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. MANNING: I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution before us today. It isnot just timely; it is urgently important. Earlier this month, a court in the People's Republic of China denied an appeal by U.S. national Mark Swidan, who has been wrongly detained in China, and upheld his death penalty with a 2-year suspended death sentence. The PRC has detained Mark since his arrest for drug-related crimes in 2012, even though he was not convicted until 2019. He has been arbitrarily detained for more than 10 years and has been denied regular communication with his family, regular access to United States' consular officials, and has not had access to competent medical care and treatment. Swidan's detention conditions have included exposure to extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and physical and psychological abuse, leading tragically to Mark's attempting to take his own life. This is, simply put, a travesty of justice. Mr. Speaker, no concrete evidence has been provided to justify the charges against Mr. Swidan. In 2020, a United Nations body confirmed what we already knew, that Mr. Swidan has been arbitrarily detained in violation of international law, and we call for his swift release. Mr. Speaker, this body needs to come together today to stand up for Mr. Swidan and make clear to Beijing that his inhumane treatment is unacceptable. H. Res. 90 is a bipartisan measure led by Representative Cloud that passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously. It condemns the PRC for its mistreatment of Mark and calls for his immediate release. It also asks the Biden administration to redouble its efforts to highlight the case of Mr. Swidan internationally and to help secure his release through diplomacy. Though the court has provided Mr. Swidan with a 2-year reprieve on his death sentence, we cannot afford to wait that long to correct the injustice he has suffered. By passing this resolution today, the House makes clear to the People's Republic of China that it should release Mark Swidan immediately. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this timely resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud), the author of this bill.