mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVEST IN AMERICA ACT
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to share how the INVEST in America Act, which we just passed, will benefit residents of my district, as well as communities across the country. prgtoken Year after year, the U.S. Congress has failed to muster the political will to properly fund American infrastructure. State and local authorities don't have enough money to meet basic maintenance needs, much less to make investments in modernization, expansion, or other improvements. prgtoken Thankfully, the INVEST in America Act can change that. It provides $715 billion to repair and improve our Nation's infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and lay the foundation for robust economic growth in the 21st century. prgtoken I am proud to say that this package includes almost $21 million for projects to help communities in my district, small businesses, commuters, and residents. These projects include the redesign of dangerous rail crossings, upgrades to commuter transit stations, bike lanes, and safety improvements to areas like the Cobbs Creek Parkway, which is the site of hundreds of accidents--many of them fatal. prgtoken We have more work to do to get an infrastructure package to President 's desk and signed into law, but passing the INVEST in America Act is an important step towards that goal.
COMMENDING PENNSYLVANIA FOR REACHING FOURTH OF JULY VACCINATION GOAL
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-7-1

on Monday, after a year of battling the coronavirus pandemic, my home Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ended its mask mandate. prgtoken I am proud of Pennsylvania for exceeding President 's goal for vaccinations by the Fourth of July. With over 75 percent of adults with one dose and 60 percent with both doses, we are safely lifting our mask mandate. prgtoken I salute my State's leadership in putting health and science first as we sought to get the virus under control. prgtoken When this pandemic started, no one knew how long it would take to get past these precautions. At times, it was difficult to see any return to normalcy, but we got there together. prgtoken I thank my constituents for their sacrifice. Pennsylvania families, teachers, students, workers, and businesses saved lives, jobs, and businesses. prgtoken As we are on our way to beating this pandemic, I look forward to seeing their smiling faces again on Independence Day. prgtoken Let's take lessons from this pandemic. American workers need higher wages. Healthcare is a right. School and childcare funding is vital. It is time to upgrade our infrastructure.
CHILD TAX CREDIT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , there is a special place in every parent's heart for summer with our children. prgtoken My son, Jordan, used to put on his little cleats and a big hat, and run out onto the field to play TeeBall with his friends on Saturday mornings. prgtoken After that, we'd go to the pool to cool off, eat lunch under a shady tree, play in the backyard as day turned to dusk, and read a story together as he drifted off to sleep. prgtoken Truly, summer is for hard-working parents to spend time with the little ones they love most. It is for our children to grow and live and play. prgtoken And that's why I'm so proud we just passed the Child Tax Credit into law. It means more money in the pockets of middle class families. prgtoken Now, over 680,000 families here in Georgia will receive a tax cut, and these credits will lift over 160,000 children out of poverty. prgtoken This is more funding for Georgia families to protect our children and lift up our community.
STOP PALESTINIAN EVICTIONS
Marie Newman (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-7-1

today, I rise on behalf of the thousands of Palestinian families in the West Bank that face the prospect of eviction, demolition, and displacement from their homes by the Israeli Government. prgtoken We have received word that demolition orders have already begun for homes in the al-Bustan neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem. A few months ago, families in Sheikh Jarrah and other neighborhoods faced a similar fate. Tomorrow, others will also. prgtoken After the devastation and bloodshed of the past few months and the continued toll of the coronavirus pandemic on Palestinian families, we cannot allow these evictions, demolitions, and displacements to further exacerbate this humanitarian crisis. prgtoken No individual or family should ever be forcibly removed from their home, not in the West Bank, not in Gaza, not in Europe, not in Asia, not really anywhere. It is wrong. prgtoken This crisis must end now. This is about human rights, dignity, and respect. If we are ever to achieve peace in the region, a true two- state solution, there must be a mutual understanding. prgtoken I once again urge the administration to do everything in its power to stop the evictions.
CALL FOR NATION TO RECOGNIZE SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-7-1

and still I rise. I rise today as I always do, with great respect for all and love of country at heart. prgtoken I rise today for a very special reason. Today is one of the days that I will cherish for the rest of my life. What I will do today is something that I believe will help us to commemorate an unfortunate circumstance that our country has been a part of. prgtoken This is the day that I will have the opportunity to bring to the attention of the Congress of the United States of America a very special resolution. This is a resolution that is supporting the designation of Slavery Remembrance Day. prgtoken The resolution proposes that August 20, 2021, serve as the first Slavery Remembrance Day. And this is done to remind us of the evils of slavery. prgtoken , I have noticed that as time has passed during my lifetime, there have been those who have sought to whitewash, to sanitize, the evils associated with slavery. This is a necessary resolution because this resolution will forever allow us to remember the horrors of slavery, the events that have shaped our current circumstances. prgtoken Slavery was our seminal sin. It was the sin that has, for too long-- centuries, for too long--had an impact on the politics, the economics, the social standing of people in our country. prgtoken This resolution reads as follows. I shall not read it in its entirety today, but there are some portions of it that are exceedingly important. Whereas this resolution may be cited as the ``Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution of 2021.'' prgtoken For those who keep records, it is H. Res. 517. It has been filed, and it has more than 75 original cosponsors. I am saying original and more than 75 simply because, right up to the last minute, we were adding people, so more than 75 original cosponsors. prgtoken I shall do all that I can to memorialize the persons who are original cosponsors, and I shall seek additional cosponsors of this resolution. Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes August 20, 2021, as ``Slavery Remembrance Day'' and commemorates the lives of all enslaved people while also condemning the act and perpetuation of slavery in the United States of America and across the world. Whereas we posthumously recognize the following Members of Congress, who served during and after the Reconstruction era, as honorary cosponsors of this resolution. prgtoken Their names are listed. I will not read them today. I want to do something very special when these names are mentioned, and they shall be mentioned in the near future. But their names are all here, persons who actually served in the Congress of the United States of America. These are persons who merit a special place in history because of all that they had to endure to serve our country. Whereas, on August 20, 1619, the first 20 enslaved Africans were brought to what is now Fort Monroe, then Poin
INTRODUCTION OF THE FAIR COLA FOR SENIORS ACT OF 2021
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , today I introduced the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2021, which would require using the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) when calculating cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for federal retirement programs. The proposed index would adjust the benefits programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, civil service retirement, military retirement, veterans' pensions and compensations, and other retirement programs. prgtoken Current law uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) which measures costs solely of working individuals--unlike most Social Security beneficiaries. Using CPI-W does not adequately consider the rising expenditures of retirement, such as housing and healthcare costs. This inadequate accounting amounts to an effective decrease in benefits for those who rely on these federal programs. The proposed change will lead to increased COLAs, ensuring that seniors are able to keep up with the rising costs of their real-world expenses. prgtoken Madam , I thank Representatives Pingree (D-ME), Beatty (D-OH), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Strickland (D-WA), Moulton (D-MA), Boyle (D-PA), Sablan (D-MP), Napolitano (D-CA), Deutch (D-FL), McNerney (D-CA), McCollum (D-MN), Kilmer (D-WA), Brown (D-MD), Pocan (D-WI), Kuster (D- NH), Speier (D-CA), Eshoo (D-CA), Moore (D-WI), and Cohen (D-TN), Sires (D-NJ), Kaptur (D-OH), Lieu (D-CA), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) for their support as original cosponsors. I look forward to working with the Chairpersons of the Ways and Means, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Reform, and Armed Services Committees to ensure this critical piece of legislation becomes law.
INTRODUCTION OF REMOVING FEDERAL BARRIERS TO OFFERING OF MOBILE WAGERS ON INDIAN LANDS ACT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , today, I introduced the Removing Federal Barriers to Offering of Mobile Wagers on Indian Lands Act. Tribal government gaming is the primary source of revenue for hundreds of tribal nations throughout this country who otherwise would not have the basic resources to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of their citizens and others who live on tribal lands. This economic development activity has been key to tribal economies since the United States Supreme Court first affirmed the inherent sovereign right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands in 1987. A year later, in 1988, Congress enacted restrictions on tribal government gaming through the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This law affirmed the right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands but tried to balance the equities between tribal and state governments when tribes are conducting Las Vegas style gaming. prgtoken Not every tribal nation is able to conduct gaming, but for those who are located in viable gaming markets, it has proven to be one of their more successful economic ventures. Many tribal nations have become economic engines in their regions, employing thousands of people and investing tens of millions of dollars into the regional economies on an annual basis. prgtoken However, the gaming industry is quickly evolving and more and more states are legalizing some form of gaming activity that primarily utilizes the internet. Sophisticated, well-financed digital companies that did not exist even ten years ago are changing the gaming industry before our eyes. Online sports betting seems to be the popular choice this year for many state legislatures. prgtoken As tribal governments begin to prepare to move their gaming activities into the online world, there have been some questions about whether such gaming activities would continue to be primarily governed by the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The federal law governing tribal gaming was enacted in 1988, prior to the internet being readily available, and the law does not expressly address the internet. As you can imagine, setting up these new gaming systems involves significant financial investments. Tribal governments should not be required to make these investments without having clarity and comfort of what laws will apply to them. For that reason, I am introducing this bill to clarify the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and make clear what the congressional drafters would have done in 1988 had the internet been around at time. This bill would clarify that for purposes of tribal government gaming, the location of the wager occurs at the location of the server, unless a state and Indian tribe otherwise agree. Making this clarification will keep intact the current system of tribal gaming and eliminate any frivolous litigation. Tribal government gaming has been around for more than 30 years and this bill merely clarifies how that
HONORING THE LIFE OF DON CAMERINO GONZALEZ VALLE
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-7-1

today, I want to honor the life of a family man, a entrepreneur, a community member, and a friend. prgtoken Don Camerino Gonzalez Valle, who passed away last week, embodied the American Dream. Camerino and his dad came to the U.S. to work in the Bracero program, just like my father had. prgtoken Camerino didn't fear hard work. He worked in the field, at meatpacking plants, as a taxi driver, and a bartender. But he found success by appealing to our community's cravings for food that reminded them of home. He founded Taqueria Los Comales in 1973, in our neighborhood of Little Village, serving delicious tacos al pastor, just like the ones you find in Mexico. prgtoken His strong work ethic and good eye for business soon turned into a restaurant with a chain of over 25 taquerias that went as far as Houston and Wisconsin. But Don Camerino was more than a businessman; he was, in a way, a father figure for many recently arrived immigrants who could find a plate of food and a job at his restaurants. prgtoken On holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, he would keep the restaurant open so that the immigrants, who were far from home, could feel closer to their country of birth. Our common respect and admiration for our immigrant community is what brought us together as friends. He was also adamant about preserving important traditions, like la charreria, the Mexican-style rodeo, which he practiced with great discipline and honor. prgtoken When I decided to run for office, he supported me. My wife, Evelyn, and I send our thoughts to Don Camerino's family during this time. He will be sorely missed in our community.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-7-1

I would like to thank the following individual staff of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for all their hard work on this important piece of legislation. I'd also like to thank the team at the Office of Legislative Counsel for their assistance in drafting the legislation and the many amendments offered during our Committee Markup and on the House Floor. Highways and Transit Helena Zyblikewycz Jackie Schmitz Garret Gee Brittany Lundberg Chris Bell Zan Guendert Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Auke Mahar-Piersma Andrea Wohleber Frances Bourne Katherine Ambrose Water Resource and Environment Ryan Seiger Navis Bermudez Alexa Williams Michael Bauman Full Committee Kathy Dedrick Jill Harrelson Alice Koethe Jamie Harrell Madeleine Pike Matt Leasure Michael Hudspith Interns Bethany Abbate Mateo Alliende Henry Lininger Legislative Counsel Karen Anderson Robert Casturo Jordyn Coad Kakuti Lin
SMITHVILLE FIDDLERS' JAMBOREE AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival, also known as the Official Festival of the State of Tennessee, located in Smithville, Tennessee. The Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival is dedicated to the furtherance and preservation of old-time Appalachian country music, dance, and authentic Appalachian art and culture. prgtoken In 1972, Congressman Joe L. Evins, a Smithville native, conceived a gathering of a group of area musicians to stage an old-time Appalachian country music show in Smithville, Tennessee, and suggested the same to Barry C. Williams. Congressman Evins and Barry C. Williams, along with J.G. ``Bobo'' Driver, Charles Gentry, Ralph Vaughn, Neil Dudney, and Linda Pack formed a committee to organize such an event. On July 1, 1972, 714 musicians representing 16 states entertained an audience of 8,000 people. prgtoken Now, 50 years later, this exemplary event has grown to the point that it is now estimated that 40,000 people attended the two-day event in 2019, with over 250 contestants. The long and fruitful history of the Jamboree is a culmination of multiple cultural and historical threads that, woven together over time, have situated the festival as a staple of local heritage and is representative of tireless community engagement. prgtoken Madam , I want to thank the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival organizers, committees, volunteers and the people of Smithville and DeKalb County, Tennessee, for their tireless work to make this event an overwhelming success. Tennesseans take great pride in institutions and events that seek to make the community a better place to live, and I am honored to recognize the Smithville Jamboree as one of these events. Therefore, I would like my colleagues to join me in honoring and commending the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival for 50 years of tribute to Appalachian art and culture.
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ISAAC TATE BERBERT
Blake D. Moore (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Isaac Tate Berbert, a treasured member of the Berbert family and a friend who was taken from us far too soon on June 20, 2021. prgtoken Born January 22, 2003 in Layton, Utah, Isaac was full of life and adventure. After living in Beijing, London, Shenyang, Samoa, and Utah, Isaac developed a deep fascination and love for the world around him, leading him to memorize country flags and study the World Almanac. prgtoken After graduating from Davis High School just a few short weeks ago, Isaac planned to attend the University of Utah on an academic scholarship this Fall. He aspired to supplement his education by becoming a pilot so that he could continue his travels for years to come. prgtoken Isaac's passion for travel was matched by his love of the outdoors. He spent endless hours with friends in the wilderness staring at the stars in the sky. prgtoken More than anything else, Isaac will be remembered for his special relationship with his family. Whether fishing with his grandpa or swimming in the open waters of the Pacific with his older brother Lincoln, Isaac was a beautiful presence in the lives of his loved ones. prgtoken Isaac is survived by his father, Chad Jonathan; his mother, Anne Elizabeth; his sister, Mia Lucia Schramm (Taris); his brothers, Lincoln James, Eli Jenkins, and Jacob Christopher; and his many grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. prgtoken My sincere hope is that, for years to come, Father's Day can be a special day to celebrate Isaac, his life, and what he meant to his family. I join the Berbert family and the entire community in mourning the loss of Isaac. He was tragically taken from us far too soon, but his memory will live on with those who loved him forever. prgtoken After graduating, Isaac's dream was to take over the world. Even now, I know he is accomplishing that special dream. We will miss Isaac.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. SARA ADLER
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-2

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. Sara Adler who passed away on June 21, 2021. With decades of work as a professor, researcher, and author, Dr. Adler's passion for education and generous spirit has impacted not only the lives of her students, but also the academic field of Italian Studies and Literature. prgtoken Born on September 14, 1946, Dr. Adler earned a bachelor's degree in Italian from Smith College, and a master's degree and Ph.D. in Italian from Harvard University. Sara then went on to pursue a career in academia and education. prgtoken Dr. Adler taught Italian at Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Wellesley College before earning the title of Professor Emerita of Scripps College in Claremont, California. During her 40 years at Scripps College, Dr. Adler led the teaching of Italian Studies at The Claremont Colleges. Sara also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Webb Schools in Claremont and of the Board Advisory Committee of Scripps College. To honor her decades of academic leadership an endowed Professorship of Italian Studies was created in Dr. Adler's name by Scripps College following her retirement in 2018. prgtoken In addition to her tremendous achievements in the classroom, Dr. Adler authored the book, Calvino: The Writer as Fablemaker, centered around Italian fiction of the Twentieth Century and women poets of the Italian Renaissance, and published a number of peer reviewed articles and papers. prgtoken Spending time with her children, her grandchildren, her loving family and friends, and seeing her students grow and prosper brought Sara great joy. She was full of good humor and fine taste to the end. Dr. Adler fought on despite the incredible pain brought on by ALS, with true determination so that she could live her life with dignity and purpose. We can learn a lot from her example of living life to the fullest. prgtoken Dr. Sara Adler is survived by her spouse of 48 years, Robert L. Adler; her son Joe and his wife, Carrie; her daughter Caroline and her husband, Tristan; and four grandchildren: Ben, Penny, Liana, and Halle. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
RECOGNIZING MEMBERS OF THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD WHO ARE SERVING LORAIN FOODBANKS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-7-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize our fine men and women from the Ohio National Guard who have risen to a challenge on the home front as our communities wrestle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our local foodbanks began to see increases in people needing food to feed themselves and their families, even as the pandemic imposed restrictions on staff and volunteers to help, we were able to work with the Ohio National Guard to send units to help distribute food to our neighbors. This food has been a lifeline to those served, who through no fault of their own were left jobless, without funds, unsure of the future, and hungry. prgtoken Truly, the Ohio National Guard lives up to its motto, ``Always ready! Always there!'', and we cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and brave service. prgtoken Lorain Ohio's Second Harvest Foodbank coordinated with the Ohio National Guard's CPT Stephanie Duarte and SFC Monique Bryant, who commanded a team of thirty soldiers from different units in a mission to serve the foodbank and its neighbors. They developed food drives through mobile pantries and partnered with community organizations and law enforcement personnel, in an effort to ensure that people received food. The Ohio National Guard and its team helped the Second Harvest Foodbank of Lorain deliver 18.6 million pounds of food serving 172,000 unique individuals.