mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MOURNING THE LOSS OF MARY BISHOP
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today with profound sadness to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Ms. Mary Bishop, director of constituent services for the Ninth District of New York and my dear friend. prgtoken Mary has been with our office and me for more than 15 years. She was extraordinary and compassionate, with a heart of gold. She embodied what it meant to be an advocate for the people, and her passing has been felt across our district. prgtoken On a personal note, I will dearly miss Mary. We celebrated together, laughed together, and shared a passion for the people of the Ninth District together. Mary Bishop worked hard, played hard, and was a God- fearing Caribbean American woman who loved her family immensely. prgtoken On behalf of the people of the Ninth District and the Clarke family, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family, loved ones, friends who were touched by the life and legacy of the incomparable Mary Bishop. prgtoken In closing, when I think of Mary, I am reminded of Mahalia Jackson's ``If I Can Help Somebody.'' If I can help somebody as I travel along, If I can help someone with a word or a song, If I can help somebody from doing wrong, Then my living shall not be in vain. prgtoken My dear friend Mary, your living was not in vain. You will be dearly missed.
NOT A TYPICAL TOURIST DAY
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2021-5-14

. I remind the House that we were under attack on January 6. prgtoken Earlier this week a freshman said that January 6 could have prgtoken been seen as just a typical tourist day in the Capitol. prgtoken Well, let me tell that gentleman that on typical tourist days in the Capitol, 100 policemen aren't beaten by people who try to enter the Capitol when it is closed to public attendance because of the coronavirus. prgtoken On typical tourist days, people don't put excrement on the walls of the Capitol of the United States. prgtoken On typical tourist days, people don't urinate on the floors of the Capitol of the United States. prgtoken On typical days, people don't batter down the windows on the outside to breach the Capitol. prgtoken On typical days, people don't batter down the doors and the glass entering the 's lobby, resulting in one person's death. And if that person wasn't dead, they would have breached the floor of the House and God knows what they would have done if they could have found a person in the House. prgtoken They were hollering, ``Hang ,'' ``Nancy Pelosi, where are you? We are here.'' That was an insurrection. That was an attack on our Constitution. It should never be forgotten by anybody who was serving in the Congress, by any American because our liberty, our Constitution, our country, our values were on the line.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-5-14

just a few weeks ago, the Census reported that the U.S. population grew at its slowest rate since the Great Depression. Birth rates are falling for the sixth year in a row. prgtoken A recent Harvard Business Review study declared that the United States has the most family-hostile policies of any industrialized country in the world. This is a wake-up moment for us, and this is why H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, couldn't be more important, particularly for the unheard, the suffering expectant mother who has to time when she can go to the bathroom. prgtoken I hear from teachers all across Michigan who explain this to me: the woman who is bleeding and bloating and wondering when she can check in with her doctor, and then being egregiously pushed out of the workplace. prgtoken We are talking about stools, we are talking about a place for a pregnant woman to sit in the workplace. That is why it is so joyous, , that this bill today is bipartisan. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter in support of this legislation on behalf of the 1.4 million AFSCME workers.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

with great solemnity and prayerfulness, I rise to join my colleagues in recognition of National Police Week: observed by this Congress and Country for nearly sixty years. prgtoken Thank you, Rep. Val Demings, former Orlando Police Department Chief, a police officer for nearly 30 years, for providing us with this opportunity. prgtoken This week, we honor the thousands of heroes who don the uniform each day, as they honor their patriotic pledge to defend our Democracy. prgtoken They do so often in the face of grave danger--including the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced many to risk their lives as they work to save the lives of others. prgtoken We especially salute our U.S. Capitol Police heroes, including those who lost their lives in defense of the Capitol. prgtoken Following the January 6 assault, they have met horror with heroism; agony with action. We are awed by their resilience and grateful for their courage. prgtoken As President wrote in his Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week: ``Every morning, our Nation's law enforcement officers pin on a badge and go to work, not knowing what the day will bring, and hoping to come home safely.'' prgtoken Solemnly, we honor the sacrifice of those who did not ``come home safely.'' prgtoken Today--and always--we pay tribute to our fallen officers, including the 394 officers added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this past year. Fourteen Californians received this sad recognition. prgtoken The service of each of these heroes reminds us of our duty: to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. prgtoken May the memories of the fallen live always in our hearts, as a reminder of that responsibility. And may it be a comfort to the families of the fallen that so many mourn with and pray for them.
CONGRATULATING EDWARD SISCO, SERVICE TO AMERICA MEDAL FINALIST FROM MARYLAND'S FIFTH DISTRICT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I'm proud to represent more than 62,000 federal employees in Maryland's Fifth District and to have long been an advocate for recognizing and celebrating the many contributions that federal civilian workers make to our country. That's why I am always very excited to participate in marking Public Service Recognition Week, which is held each May. It is a moment to thank federal employees for their patriotism, their service, and the many essential roles they play in creating and delivering opportunities for the American people. prgtoken Each year, the Partnership for Public Service reviews hundreds of nominations submitted by federal workers and the Americans they serve of outstanding federal civilian employees for recognition in a number of categories. During Public Service Recognition Week, the organization unveils the list of finalists in each category, and it has named twenty-nine finalists this year. The winners, including Federal Employee of the Year, will be announced in the autumn. These Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, named in memory of the founder of the Partnership for Public Service and a champion for those serving in government, are affectionately known as the `Sammies,' and they are considered to be the government-service equivalent of the Academy Awards. prgtoken I am proud to share with my colleagues that one of this year's finalists in the `Emerging Leaders' category is Edward Sisco from Maryland's Fifth District. A research chemist at the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Ed has already made an enormous impact even at only thirty-two years old. He developed a novel procedure for testing potentially toxic substances faster than thought possible, which has yielded tremendous benefits in forensic analysis and protection for law enforcement and forensic chemists testing drugs seized in raids. The Thermal Desorption Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (TD-DART-MS) technique that he pioneered is already being deployed and is having a major impact on criminal justice and laboratory safety. prgtoken Ed and many of his colleagues at NIST are among the thousands of outstanding federal employees who call Maryland's Fifth District home, and I am proud to join in recognizing his work and his being chosen as a Service to America Medal finalist. I wish him all the best of luck in the competition, and I look forward to learning the winners in his category and all the others, as well as Federal Employee of the Year, this fall. While these awards recognize special contributions to our country that go above and beyond, I hope all of us who serve in the House will remember the contributions and hard work that 2.1 million federal employees perform every day in every state and in single one of our districts. Each and every one of them deserves our recognition and our gratitude.
ENSURING EQUAL ACCESS TO CREDIT
Ritchie Torres (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , earlier in the week, a public official posted on Twitter the following image of a map where the State of Israel is nowhere to be found. There is nothing accidental about the omission. Wiping Israel off the map is the objective of the BDS movement. Notice the image includes flowers to symbolize peace, as though peace meant the destruction of Israel itself. prgtoken When most Americans speak of peace, we mean the peaceful coexistence of an Israeli state and Palestinian state, not the existence of one to the exclusion of the other. Most Americans are anguished by the trauma of Israelis seeking refuge in bomb shelters in the face of relentless rocket fire. And most Americans are anguished by the deep suffering and death toll of Palestinians who live under the repressive rule of Hamas and who have fallen victim to the wretchedness of war. prgtoken The rapid-fire rhetoric that we have seen directed at Israel is so hyperbolic, so vitriolic, that it inflames rather than informs. It delegitimizes Israel rather than deescalates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. prgtoken Those propagating hate are not part of the solution, but part of the problem. Hate never brings peace. It never has. It never will. prgtoken You can either promote hate or you can promote peace, but you cannot advance both. Let us not be fooled by the pretense of peace. Let us find the wisdom to tell the difference between genuine peace and hate hidden under the guise of peace. prgtoken Madam , .
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

I thank the distinguished gentleman from Virginia for his kindness. prgtoken This has to pass today if we have any sense of fairness not only to women, but to our children. prgtoken The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would establish that private-sector employers with more than 15 employees, and public-sector employers must make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, job applicants, and individuals with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. prgtoken Pregnant workers and individuals with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions cannot be denied employment. prgtoken The Supreme Court decision, just recently, in 2015, that allowed pregnant workers to bring reasonable accommodation discrimination claims is not enough because pregnant workers are still being denied accommodations, because the Young decision set an unreasonably high standard for proving discrimination. prgtoken This is not discrimination. I have never seen a religious organization that wants to deny anyone any opportunity. prgtoken This is a fair assessment. I know it personally because I was denied a job because I was nursing. A job was taken away from me. When I was pregnant and was about to give birth, there was no definition of pregnancy leave for my position. At that time I was a lawyer, practicing law in a large firm, and it was, at best, two weeks and get back. prgtoken So I understand that this is essential for those workers in working conditions where they do not have the power to be protected, that they are doing heavy lifting, that they have physically demanding jobs, that they are the sole provider of their family. prgtoken This is important. Black and Latino women particularly suffer, minority women, particularly a burden. prgtoken Three in ten pregnant workers are employed in four of the occupations that make up the backbone of our communities. We must have this bill. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from the disabled community, mental health community, United Spinal Association, and others. May 11, 2021. Re Support for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, H.R. 1065. Hon. Bobby Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington DC. Hon. Virginia Foxx, Ranking Member, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington DC. Dear Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx: As co-chairs of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Rights Task Force, we write in strong support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, H.R. 1065. CCD is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integra
HONORING TOMS RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT NO. 1 ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Toms River Fire Department No. 1 on its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. prgtoken Beginning in 1896, the Toms River Fire Department was founded with no budget or fire hydrant. Within two years, the town's running water became operational and the Fire Department was granted a $500 budget. Soon, when there was a fire, the firefighters were able to hook their hoses to Toms River's one hydrant and push a hose cart across town to fight a fire. Through the Toms River Fire Department's work, they protected the residents of Toms River and saved countless lives. prgtoken While the technology and tools available to the Toms River Fire Department have changed drastically in the past century and firetrucks have thankfully replaced fire carts, the mission and the work ethic of the Toms River Fire Department have not. For the past prgtoken one hundred and twenty-five years, the volunteer fire service has protected the grateful residents of Toms River. Hopefully, in one hundred years from today, another member of Congress representing Toms River will stand here on the floor of the House of Representatives, honoring the Toms River Fire Department No. 1's noble work on their two hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. prgtoken On Toms River Fire Department No. 1's anniversary, I extend my best wishes to all the firefighters, former firefighters and their families of the Toms River community.
JACINTO CITY'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

today I want to wish Jacinto City and community in my district a happy 75th anniversary. Jacinto City is a beloved community in our district full of hardworking Americans who contribute to our economy and work every day to build a country we love. prgtoken In the 1940s the city became the meeting point for immigrant families who worked in shipyards, nearby steel mills, and war plants. These workers were here seeking the American Dream, a dream that became a reality thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of its immigrant community. prgtoken This is inspiring, and it reminds us now more than ever that our workers play a vital role in empowering and transforming our country. prgtoken Today, Jacinto City is a beacon of hope for the State's great economy and for our Nation. Its diverse community is led by a Latina mayor, Ana Diaz. It is an example of our country's social fabric and how our immigrants make us a stronger and more vibrant country. prgtoken I couldn't be prouder to represent this great community, and I am thankful to the families for their hard work and their contributions to our country. prgtoken Happy anniversary, Jacinto City. Feliz aniversario.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to speak in favor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. As a working mother, this bill is very personal to me. prgtoken When I was pregnant with my third child, I experienced premature labor and my doctor ordered me to be on bed rest for ten weeks. prgtoken I was fortunate to work for an employer who allowed me to keep my job, work a reduced schedule from home, and continue earning my wages. prgtoken After my daughter was born, I was still able to take my full maternity leave to care for her. prgtoken Once I returned to the office, I continued to work for that same firm for many years, in part because of the accommodations that were made for me during my pregnancy. prgtoken This is an experience that should not be unique to me. prgtoken The Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act will ensure that every person who needs reasonable accommodations during pregnancy will be given those accommodations so they can continue to support their family and contribute to their workplace. prgtoken I am proud to cast my vote in favor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and I urge my colleagues to join me. prgtoken Madam , I also include in the Record a letter from the National Education Association. May 11, 2021. Hon. Robert C. Scott, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Scott: On behalf of our 3 million members and the 50 million students they serve, we urge you to vote YES on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065). Votes on this issue may be included in the NEA Report Card for the 117th Congress. More than three-quarters of women--half the American workforce and nearly 80 percent of educators--will be pregnant and employed at some point in their lives. Women are important breadwinners in their families, yet all too often, pregnant women are pushed out of their jobs or forced to risk their health to continue earning a paycheck. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2021 would help by: Clarifying existing laws and creating a uniform national standard for reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions; Providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant women to reduce health risks to them and their babies; Prohibiting employers from denying a pregnant worker employment opportunities or forcing the worker to take an accommodation that she does not want or need; Prohibiting employers from forcing a pregnant worker to take leave when another reasonable accommodation could keep her on the job; Requiring the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to make rules implementing the law, including a list of exemplary accommodations that should be provided unless they pose an undue hardship to employers; and Addressing this issue through a framework mo
INFRASTRUCTURE JOBS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-5-14

22 million Americans lost their jobs during the pandemic. Slowly we have begun to rebuild, restore, and get back on track. Since President has taken office, 1.5 million jobs have been created--the most jobs created in the first 100 days of any Presidency. Yet, as the April jobs report showed us, we must continue to take additional steps to get Americans back to work. prgtoken There are more than 8 million jobs left to go. The American Jobs Plan is vital to rebuilding our community and our economy while protecting our planet. It is a once-in-a-century investment to create millions of good-paying jobs and to lay the foundation for extensive economic growth for the following decades. prgtoken In my home State of Pennsylvania, our infrastructure earned a C-minus on its infrastructure report card. There is so much we can do. We need to safely upgrade Pennsylvania's roads and bridges, mass transit, ports, rail, broadband, and water supply. prgtoken We have a chance here to make a generational investment and get our Nation back on track with the American Jobs Plan.
THE LONG-TERM PROBLEMS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
Kathleen M. Rice (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today in strong support of the State of Israel. prgtoken Hamas, a terrorist organization, is firing hundreds of rockets and missiles indiscriminately at Israeli civilians. There is no moral justification for these despicable attacks on innocent life. prgtoken Israel has every right to defend itself and keep its citizens safe from these attacks prgtoken I want to assure my constituents on Long Island, and all friends of Israel, that the United States stands in staunch support of Israel and unequivocally condemns this Hamas terrorism. prgtoken I pray for the innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians affected by this crisis. And I pray that a cease-fire can be reached.
THE CLIMATE CRISIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT WEATHER
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , wildfires, flooding, and superstorms are the most tangible signs of a warming planet, but the climate crisis is not just about weather. It is about wealth. prgtoken A recent study by Swiss Re found that if we remain on our current trajectory, global GDP will fall by 18 percent by 2050. Investors understand this. They care about climate change because it is in their economic self-interest. prgtoken As BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said, ``Climate risk is investment risk.'' Main Street investors have put $37 trillion, roughly one-third of all assets under management, into climate-focused ESG investments. prgtoken Unfortunately, our regulation has not kept up with that demand. There is no consistent definition of how to quantify a firm's contribution to, or protection from, a warming globe. Left to choose from a menu of methodologies, companies often just pick what is most favorable to them. prgtoken We don't allow companies to pick their own financial accounting standards. Investors are asking us to provide the same consistency for their climate accounting. That is why I introduced the Climate Risk Disclosure Act, which directs the SEC to create consistent mandatory climate reporting standards for all public companies. prgtoken This will allow companies to compete for capital on a level playing field, providing investors with the certainty they need to hedge their financial risk. Yesterday my bill passed committee and will now come to the floor. prgtoken The right time to safeguard our financial system against climate change was decades ago, but our last chance is now.
REMEMBERING PAUL CHARLES GRASSEY
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today to remember and honor Paul Charles Grassey of Savannah, Georgia, who passed away on April 11 at the age of 97. prgtoken Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Paul joined the U.S. Air Force and was assigned as a pilot in the Eighth Air Force. He flew more than a dozen combat missions as a B-24 pilot. prgtoken Paul's most treasured purpose was discovered when he became involved with the building, growth, and development of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Georgia. He had a passion for sharing his stories about the courage and the sacrifice of the people he served with. prgtoken He loved to sing, and he led us often in patriotic songs. prgtoken In January of 2020, Paul was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service and role in helping to free France from Nazi occupation during World War II. prgtoken I am thankful for the immense impact that Paul Grassey had on our community, and I know his legacy will remain. We will all miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.