mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BOB ROTA
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to honor Bob Rota, who recently retired after 40 years of public service, most recently here in the House as the enrolling clerk. prgtoken Bob began his service as a United States Capitol Police officer before joining the Clerk's Office in 1987. In his job as enrolling clerk, Bob oversaw a team of highly skilled professionals responsible for preparing House-passed legislation throughout the stages of the process and all the way to its presentation to the President for signature. prgtoken Bob produced high-quality work every single day. As enrolling clerk, it was his duty to make certain that bills such as the National Defense Authorization Act, normally over 4,000 pages long, had all amendments inserted in the correct places and the graphs and charts were accurate, which is no small task. prgtoken Bob's breadth of expertise extended to his encyclopedic knowledge of House procedures. He could always be counted on to respond to all questions in a timely and accurate way. Whether he was walking someone through the minutia of the legislative process or even how to fix a problem at their home or with their car, Bob was and is an integral part of the team that supports our legislative work. prgtoken Bob looks forward to retirement and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. I wish Bob and his family many years of a happy, healthy, and well-earned retirement. prgtoken Congratulations, Bob.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-24

had I been present for the vote today for the Green Amendment No. 10, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the Jacobs Amendment No. 13, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the Massie Amendment No. 15, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the McCormick Amendment No. 17, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the Roy Amendment No. 19, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the Roy Amendment No. 20, I would have voted ``no.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the ic Motion to Recommit on H.R. 5, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken Had I been present for the vote on H.R. 5, I would have voted ``no.'' This legislation is misleadingly titled as ``Parents Bill of Rights'' while ignoring the partnerships that already exist between parents and educators. Further, it dismisses educators' experience and dedication to their students at a time where our country is facing shortages. It will exacerbate censorship at a time when the American Library Association already reported a 38 percent increase in book banning. Lastly, but most importantly, this legislation creates a more harmful environment for students. Every student in every community deserves access to high-quality public education and to feel safe at school regardless of race, gender identity, religion, or sexuality. prgtoken Additionally, had I been present for the vote on H. Con. Res. 25, I would have voted ``aye.''
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-24

on March 22, 2023, I missed votes on the House Floor. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 144, To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, H.R. 1093, and YEA on Roll Call No. 145, to Amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines, H.R. 1159.
HONORING THE LIFE OF EVA ALVAREZ
Hillary J. Scholten (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to honor the life of a west Michigan leader, advocate, former colleague, and friend. Taken from us too soon, she will go down in history as a trailblazing young woman. prgtoken Eva Alvarez was the daughter of migrant farmworkers, one of seven children who worked her way through college and her master's degree. She was the Public Policy Coordinator for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. prgtoken I had the joy of working with Eva to help support hardworking migrant farmworkers throughout Michigan, and together we partnered to shine a light on injustice, uplift those often pushed aside in society, and make our community a little more just, fair, and humane. prgtoken In addition to her work on policy, she co-founded Empowering Latina Leaders and Advocates for Success, ELLAS, the first professional network in Southwest Michigan for Latina women. In all she did, Eva was bringing others up around her. She often reminded us ``we did not get here alone, help pave the way for others.'' prgtoken With a smile that could light up a room, an infectious laugh, and a quick-witted sense of humor, Eva pressed on through difficult work. She carried a vision of communities and systems that treat every individual with dignity and respect, regardless of who they were, where they came from, their skin color, or the language that they spoke. prgtoken Every day, she worked to bring Michigan a little bit closer to that vision, practicing welcome everywhere she went. Her work will leave a legacy of justice and compassion; her friendship memories of joy and light. I continue my work to make west Michigan a better place because of her.
EMANCIPATION HALL SYMBOLIZES FREEDOM
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-24

and still I rise. I rise as a proud American--I love my country--but I also rise as a proud, liberated . prgtoken I rise, , as a person who is proud of his heritage. I am the proud descendant, , of the enslaved people whose hands helped to construct the Capitol itself. I am proud of my history, and because I am proud of my history, I think that many people would agree that the topic I will embrace today is most appropriate. prgtoken , I am proud to be here today to speak on a resolution that passed this House today. I thank the leadership for allowing the resolution to come to the floor. I am especially proud of the fact that when the resolution came to the floor, all who voted, voted for the resolution. There were no nays, . One hundred percent of those voting, over 400--405 to be exact--voted for this resolution. I am proud to be one of the 405 who voted ``yes'' for this resolution. prgtoken I didn't have an opportunity to speak on the resolution when it was presented on the floor of the House. I was not available at the time here in Washington, D.C and not aware of the exact time that it was going to be heard, but I knew that there would be another opportunity for me. prgtoken Today, I take advantage of the opportunity afforded me, grateful I am to those who have afforded me the opportunity to speak on H. Con. Res. 25, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust. prgtoken I thank those who brought this resolution to the attention of the Congress: Representatives Kustoff, Schneider, Max Miller, and Landsman. I thank all of them for bringing this resolution to the attention of the Members so that we would have an opportunity to express our desire to see this resolution come to fruition; a resolution, , that would commemorate the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust. prgtoken , in all of history there is no event comparable to the Holocaust. It is one of the greatest crimes ever committed against humanity. This is not to say that there are not other crimes against humanity that were committed. This is to say that this one is unlike any other. prgtoken I am proud of the way our country has recognized the need for remembrance of the Holocaust. I am proud because I have friends that I have spoken to who are Jewish, and my friends have explained to me some of the things that you don't read in books about the atrocities associated with the Holocaust. prgtoken When I last spoke to my friend David Mintzberg about his father and mother, who were survivors of the Holocaust, he and I both had tears well in our eyes as he presented the story to me. prgtoken He explained to me, , how his mother, Edith, was on a train, how through some quirk of fate they stopped the train, and people were told to just run, run; and they ran for their lives. They ran for their lives.
HONORING THE SPIRITED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE OF DEBBIE KIEVITS
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today in recognition of a Connecticut hero, Ms. Debbie Kievits of Norwich. As the founder of Norwich Bully Busters, Debbie has been relentless in her leadership behind a local anti-bullying campaign for more than two decades. Debbie will be honored this weekend in Norwich following her recognition in USA Today as Connecticut's 2023 Woman of the Year. prgtoken Debbie Kievits has long stood firm in her faith of youth empowerment. In 2000, following a string of unfortunate bullying incidents that also impacted her own family, Debbie envisioned an opportunity to improve her community. She took charge and began to engage with fellow parents. In doing so, Debbie came to understand that reducing bullying amongst youth is a constant battle that requires town-wide buy-in. She obviously continues to courageously pursue this fight today. prgtoken Following the incidents in 2000, Debbie felt inspired to implement her own vision after engaging with parents and groups like Youth Against Bullying. She created Norwich Bully Busters, a volunteer-based organization missioned toward sharing a simple message: ``Kindness is magical.'' prgtoken At the time this group might have been viewed as benign but peripheral to school development. In 2023, we now understand how the problems Debbie identified are the central challenge to public education today, mainly fostering safe and healthy learning environments. The push to strengthen the behavioral prgtoken health services in 2023 is honestly a follow-on to Debbie's visionary leadership. prgtoken Over the years, Norwich Bully Busters has perfected utilizing cost- effective strategies to engineer the spread of positivity within a community. When she became inspired with the idea of ``Buddy Benches,'' as a platform for students to meet new friends on the playground, Debbie activated her network of volunteers to help construct and then paint welcoming backdrops on benches. By way of her positive, purposeful engagement, there are now more than 80 Buddy Benches placed throughout Norwich schools. By way of another example, Debbie has remained a constant presence in the Norwich school system, hosting conversations with students and teachers in the classroom. prgtoken There are countless more cases of Debbie acting as a source of light for Norwich youth. Norwich Bully Busters eventually evolved to establish summer programming, led by Debbie, which combines community service, activities, and ideas for future careers. As a matter of fact, Norwich's newly elected State Representative Derell Wilson grew up participating in this summer program. When another student felt their passion to pursue arts over summer vacation was turned down, Debbie's response was, ``What do you need?'' And so, she provided that student with a space to develop and ultimately lead an arts program amongst other peers. Their production was performed at Norwich's local theatre, and that student now has a history of wo
EDUCATION IS THE LIFELINE FOR THE FUTURE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-3-24

recently I traveled to six counties in my district and looked at different aspects of education, ranging from Title I funds, STEM, school nutrition, and physical education, to providing safe learning environments. prgtoken , after speaking with many students, I learned that they are seeking new opportunities to live their dreams, and they tend to respond best to caring adults such as parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, custodians, and even bus drivers. prgtoken During my visits, I also was honored to serve as a teacher assistant at Central Elementary in Northampton County. prgtoken Ms. Leanna Cahoon, also known by her students as Ms. C, stayed busy as ever, grading tests, helping students with math and spelling, and assisting classrooms when needed. We must applaud not only Ms. C, but all teacher assistants and educators. prgtoken , education is a lifeline for the future, and we must provide the resources for our students to succeed because, after all, our young minds will be the ones who will transform not only eastern North Carolina but America forever.
CONGRATULATING THE BUCHTEL BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-3-24

today, I rise to congratulate the John R. Buchtel boys' basketball team, from Ohio's 13th Congressional District, for winning their first State title in the program's history. prgtoken This past weekend, the Buchtel Griffins defeated Lutheran West 51-49 in a dramatic Division II title game that went down to the buzzer. prgtoken As someone who grew up on the west side of Akron, where Buchtel is located, this title means so much to our community. Buchtel is the first Akron Public Schools team to win a State boys' basketball championship since 1986. prgtoken The entire 1040 nation is so proud of these student athletes for their incredible win and their excellence, determination, and work ethic both on and off the court. prgtoken I also congratulate the head coach, Rayshon Dent, and the staff, trainers, parents, and cheerleaders who all supported this team in their journey to the State championship. prgtoken Ohio's 13th Congressional District is truly the birthplace of champions, and Buchtel's win cements our status. prgtoken Congratulations once more to the Ohio 13 Champion of the Week, the mighty Griffins, for bringing the 2023 Division II trophy back to Akron.
REMOVING RESTRICTIONS ON THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-3-24

the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community have always been stewards of Oregon's land and natural resources. Like so many other indigenous peoples, they have faced tremendous injustices prgtoken at the hands of the Federal Government. prgtoken That is why I rise today in support of my very first bill in Congress, the Grand Ronde Reservation Act Amendment of 2023, to correct those past injustices. prgtoken In 1994, the Tribes sought to fix a survey error, which led to the Federal Government making yet another error that removed Grand Ronde's right to pursue any further land claims even if more mistakes are discovered. prgtoken No other Tribe in Oregon faces this kind of restriction. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde shouldn't either. prgtoken We are not responsible for the ills of the past, but we are responsible for remedying them today. My bill contributes to that, and I thank my Oregon colleagues for supporting it.
HONORING BRUCE ROLLINSON
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-24

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise as a mother of a Loyola Cub, a formidable rival to the Mater Dei Monarchs, but I have the courage enough to say that Mater Dei is a world-class high school that prepares young men for the highest echelons of sports, academic, and life achievement. prgtoken They own that accolade in part to the legendary coach, Bruce Rollinson. prgtoken Coach Rollo, as he is affectionately known, has been as committed to winning high school national championships as he has been to developing these students into productive young men. prgtoken Some famous Monarchs heralding from this fine school including USC's--my alma mater--Matt Leinart, Matt Barkley, and Todd Marinovich. They are all success stories in different ways. prgtoken I do want to add that the JV football is looking pretty Division I ready this year, and they are a daunting lineup for anyone who is trying to oppose them. prgtoken This is, as was mentioned, the only high school to produce three Heisman Trophy winners. prgtoken , I would like to share and have included in the Record a quote from Heisman Trophy winner, powerhouse, and Pasadena-bred Bryce Young, one of the best quarterbacks college football has seen in the past decade. Yes, I said it. Congratulations to Coach Rollo, who has had such a positive impact in my life. From when I first entered his program, he always believed in me and pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field. While he is retiring from coaching football, I know he will always be there for the young men who had the privilege to call Coach Rollo their coach. I am honored to have played for him and now call him a friend.
PROTECTING GI BILL BENEFITS FROM FRAUD
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to uplift our student veterans and call attention to a great need. prgtoken Many of our veterans go on to use their GI Bill benefits to go to school or to seek training. That is part of our commitment to veterans. Sadly, those GI Bill benefits can be seen as money targets by predatory institutions. If a school commits an act of fraud, there is no across- the-board mechanism in place for student veterans to restore their GI Bill benefits. prgtoken We can change that, which is exactly what my bill, H.R. 1767, the Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act, will do. prgtoken I am honored to introduce my first piece of legislation and to do so with the support of my ranking member on the Veterans' Affairs' Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Congressman Mike Levin. prgtoken It has taken many people's dedicated advocacy over many years to get us here, and it is a critical opportunity to better deliver on our commitment to our veterans. prgtoken , I welcome all of my colleagues to join me.
RECOGNIZING THE MOLINE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-24

today I rise to recognize a very special group from western Illinois, the Moline High School Boys Basketball Team. prgtoken The Maroons recently made history, bringing home the school's first- ever State Championship win. prgtoken Under Head Coach Sean Taylor, the Maroons demonstrated intense perseverance and skill, securing a 59-42 victory after an impressive 35-win season. prgtoken I know this group's hard work and determination are a source of pride for the entire Moline community and for the State of Illinois, and it is my honor to recognize them here on the floor of the House of Representatives today. prgtoken This was their first State Championship, and I have no doubt it will not be their last. prgtoken Go Maroons.
BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today angered and upset over H.R. 5, an attempt to make Black history not American history. prgtoken I have listened to my colleagues suggest how this bill empowers parents--I am a grandparent; that is not true--and how it protects our children. From what? prgtoken Protect our children from reading about Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr.? prgtoken Protect our children from reading about , the first Black President; , the first Black Vice President; or Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black Supreme Court Justice in this country? prgtoken Protect them from the Tuskegee Airmen, who were wingmen to save the lives of White pilots? prgtoken Protect our children from what? American history and Black history are the same. prgtoken Protect them from the research that Kizzmekia Corbett did on COVID- 19? prgtoken Protect them from all the inventions that we all benefit from? prgtoken , it is not right. It does not protect our children. What are s afraid of?
HONORING BRUCE ROLLINSON
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-24

. Coach Rollinson, congratulations. You put not Santa Ana but Santa Ana on the map. prgtoken Thank you very much. You have often said that you create the effort and God controls the outcome. These are words to live by. Thank you very much. prgtoken Last year, I had the opportunity when I was at home on a Friday night--one of my favorite activities is to go and watch high school football games. Santa Ana Bowl is about a mile away from my house. prgtoken This night you were there coaching Mater Dei vs. St. John Bosco. It was an epic game of course. prgtoken As I got there and looked around, I was on the sidelines--your side, by the prgtoken way, not Bosco's side--and next to me I saw the USC head coach and Bama's head coach. There must have been every head coach in the top 20 schools in this country watching your game and watching your athletes play football that night. prgtoken It was unbelievable. prgtoken At the end of the game we had a bunch of helicopters come by and take these coaches away. It was an unbelievable night. prgtoken We are going to honor you today, an honor well-deserved. You are Orange County's all-time leader, and the winningest coach. prgtoken You graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1967, and in 1966, you played against Anaheim High School--my High School. I am a Colonist too. You played against my coach, Clare Van Hoorebeke. prgtoken This is our helmet, sir. Do you remember it? prgtoken I wore this helmet that night in 1966. It was the game of the decade. Anaheim Stadium, a record number of people attending that night; almost 33,000 people in attendance that night in 1966. prgtoken Coach Rollinson, if I look at this poster here, we edged you out that night. We won, 12-7. It is my understanding that you scored those 7 points. Of course, as you can see, the players at the bottom there, I think that is probably you, one of those players is you. prgtoken Coach Van Hoorebeke preceded you in Anaheim, Orange County. I think we all learned from him. If I think back to the days I played football under Coach Van Hoorebeke, the one thing the coach taught me is when you get hit, when you get knocked down, when you get bloodied, you get up, and you keep going. prgtoken I still remember those days. Three-hour football practices. No water, no rest. Heaven help you, if you made a mistake; you had to go run laps, full uniform on, helmet on. That was the discipline we grew up with in Orange County. prgtoken Coach Rollinson, I am telling you what you already know; we were a community. We are a community in Orange County. I am honored to say today that we are a family. prgtoken I often would drive down Bristol Street to take my kids to the local elementary school, and I would watch your team practice, admiring you and respecting you because, sir, you put us on the map again and again and again. prgtoken You graduated from Mater Dei. You came back to teach in 1976 at Mater Dei. That is the year I graduated from Anaheim Hig