mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Morgan McGarvey (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , when the Supreme Court overturned Roe last summer, they took away hard-fought rights from millions of women across our country. prgtoken Now women in Kentucky no longer have access to safe and legal abortions, even in cases of rape and incest. prgtoken The country responded at the ballot box, and my district overwhelmingly rejected a constitutional amendment to further restrict reproductive rights in Kentucky. prgtoken So how do we respond here? prgtoken Last night the House s' first order of business was to make it even harder for women to receive abortions and for healthcare professionals to provide them. These decisions are best left between a woman and her doctor. But House s have sent a clear message that more legislative attacks against women's rights are on the horizon. prgtoken I proudly voted against yesterday's attack on women and their doctors, and I will continue fighting for reproductive rights.
COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM IN BRAZIL
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-12

it should not be a partisan issue to support democracies globally and, in particular, affirm the results of the free, fair, and credible Presidential election in Brazil last fall. prgtoken The radio silence of my colleagues regarding the January 8 attack on Brazilian democracy is inconsistent with their professed concern over freedom. prgtoken On a bipartisan basis, we should denounce a would-be autocrat who refuses to accept the results of elections and is taking refuge within the United States. prgtoken Our contempt should also extend to American extremists who are undermining democratic institutions at home and abroad. prgtoken Our commitment to democratic freedom cannot be selective. Fascism and communism are two sides of the same authoritarian coin. prgtoken Standing up for democratic values is not just about standing up to the Chinese Communist Party. It is about condemning autocratic movements globally. prgtoken We must defend democratic institutions here and everywhere, including any conspiracy undermining Brazilian democracy.
RENT IS TOO HIGH
Jamaal Bowman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , the rent is too damn high. The rent is too damn high. We have people across the country struggling to keep a roof over their heads. prgtoken We are the wealthiest Nation in the history of the world, outside of ancient African civilizations, yet we cannot provide housing for every single person in our country. prgtoken We have CEOs making record profits. We have corporations making record profits. We have corporate landlords suppressing and oppressing and evicting tenants without just cause while continuing to raise the rent. prgtoken We call on President to take executive action on this issue. We do not have a healthy democracy or a healthy society unless we take care of our tenants and our working-class people who are working 40, 50, 60, 70 hours a week just to survive.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE UNITED
Shri Thanedar (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-1-12

it is my honor to stand in this well and represent the people of Michigan's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken Last week, for the first time in 100 years, the House failed to organize on opening day. As a new Member of Congress, I found it to be a sad day for this body as an institution, a sad day for democracy, and a sad day for the American people. prgtoken , House are united and prepared to try to find common ground with the other side of the aisle to solve problems on behalf of the American people, but I am not sure if I will find a willing partner across the aisle because of extreme viewpoints. prgtoken The start of the 118th Congress has, in its short time of existence, seen some sad days. These sad days must stop now. Let's get to work.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE MEL HANNAH
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to celebrate the life of the Honorable Mel Hannah, who passed away this week. Mel was a lifelong Arizonan, civic leader, and friend and mentor to many. He will be greatly missed. prgtoken Mel was born and raised in the small town of Winslow, Arizona. After high school, he earned a scholarship to play football at what would become Northern Arizona University. While traveling through the South for football games, Mel experienced the realities of segregation--being denied a room at the hotel where his white teammates were staying. prgtoken Mel's experience with segregation, as well as President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty campaign, inspired him to get involved in politics and activism. He went on to become the first African American member of the Flagstaff City Council and to serve on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. He later moved to Phoenix where he worked in the administration of Governor Fife Symington and was Director of Community Outreach and Job Development at the Greater Phoenix Urban League. More recently, he served as Chair of the Arizona Secretary of State's Advisory Council and was a charter member of the Arizona Commission of African American Affairs. prgtoken Mel's life and career embodied his commitment to civic engagement which he defined prgtoken as, ``what we do to make lives better.'' For him, that meant serving and empowering low-income, rural, and minority communities. I trust that current and future generations will continue to be inspired by Mr. Hannah's life to get involved in the betterment of their communities. prgtoken I offer my deepest condolences to Mel's family and friends.
SOLVING PROBLEMS
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , it is the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of North Carolina's 13th District. prgtoken While we have seen chaos and confusion play out in this very Chamber over the past week, I want to make it clear that I am here to solve problems and not get caught up in politics as usual. prgtoken It is important for the American people to know that there are adults in the room, and reasonable minds will prevail. I am committed to working across the aisle to do what is right for North Carolina. prgtoken North Carolina's 13th District is one of the fastest growing districts in the country, and Congress needs to address the challenges that come with that growth. prgtoken My constituents need their tax dollars to be used responsibly to improve roads and bridges. They need solutions that bring down the cost of housing and childcare. We need immigration reform that allows our economy to prosper. prgtoken Madam , I support immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented immigrants known as the Dreamers, along with robust border security. prgtoken From Apex to Goldsboro, my district has a diverse set of needs and priorities, and the time for action is now.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-1-12

today, we have an opportunity in this Congress to close a loophole that has been open since 2015, a loophole that enables our adversaries to purchase oil from our U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves. prgtoken There is a bill indeed to close that harmful loophole: a bill that will strengthen our national security; a bill that will signal to our fiercest adversaries that we will not bend a knee to those who threaten the safety of our allies and our servicemembers both here and abroad. prgtoken I am not talking about the bill that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have put forward today, but rather I am talking about a bipartisan bill--my bipartisan bill--the Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act. prgtoken We hear this phrase frequently in this Chamber, ``It is that simple.'' So let's make this argument really simple, very, very simple. prgtoken Our new majority has put forward a partisan bill that bans the sale of American oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve only to China. prgtoken I have put forward a bipartisan bill with Representative Don Bacon, and now with 44 others, that would ban the sale not only to China, but also to North Korea, Russia, Iran, and to all other adversaries. prgtoken It is modeled directly after similar and relevant legislation that I also introduced successfully in the NDAA regarding our critical minerals and rare earth element stockpiles. prgtoken This bill, my bill, is stronger, it is bipartisan, and it has a chance in the Senate. This bill, the bill we are talking about today, is weaker, it is partisan, and it will, unfortunately, likely never see it past the Senate's legislative graveyard. prgtoken , it is very hard to hear my colleagues talk about returning to proper and regular order in the House, when, in fact, if this very bill followed proper order and went through committee, we would likely be voting on a different piece of legislation today. prgtoken My colleagues know my background. I am one of the most bipartisan Members of this body, and proudly served in the military for 13 years. I am here today because we have a chance to put our national security above our party politics. prgtoken I call upon my colleagues--all of them--to join me in good faith to support the bipartisan Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act. Let's send this legislation through the proper order, strengthen it, and work together to get it signed into law. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to look at the facts and to show servicemembers and veterans that we put their safety and their sacrifice ahead of political gamesmanship. prgtoken Before I conclude, I do want to thank my dear colleague, Representative Pallone, for his leadership and for having included this bill--my bill--in the Buy Low and Sell High Act of last Congress.
HONORING SHERRI JACKSON
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor news anchor Sherri Jackson, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary today as a trusted voice of the CBS 42 family in Birmingham, Alabama. prgtoken Sherri Jackson is an award-winning journalist who currently serves as a managing editor and a member of the CBS 42 investigative team. prgtoken Sherri hails from St. Louis, Missouri. She made her home in Birmingham in 1998 and has blazed trails reporting on the critical issues affecting Birmingham and central Alabama. prgtoken Sherri's career has earned her praise and recognition, including Best News Anchor by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. prgtoken I am grateful to Sherri for traveling to Washington, D.C in 2013 to cover one of my proudest moments in Congress, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the four little girls. prgtoken I know that my constituents in Birmingham are eternally grateful for her consistent and trusted voice. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sherri Jackson for her extraordinary career and congratulating her on 25 years of exceptional work at CBS 42.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-1-12

I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding the time. prgtoken America should not be exporting our crude oil exports to an adversary, and that was our national policy for 40 years until a -controlled Congress authorized sending American crude oil abroad in 2015. prgtoken China exploited that ill-advised policy change, and exports of American crude oil to China increased nearly a hundredfold during the administration to about 391 million barrels. prgtoken Last year, in response to soaring gasoline prices caused by Putin's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, President successfully used the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower prices at the pump and provide relief to American families. This was a commonsense strategy that worked. prgtoken Gasoline prices have fallen an average of $1.90 per gallon nationwide since their peak last June. However, we cannot keep relying on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep oil prices in check. prgtoken That is why have focused on lowering costs and avoiding price spikes through the Inflation Reduction Act because cleaner, cheaper energy is our future. It will lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and help us build safer, more resilient, and healthier communities. prgtoken Plus, this bill is way too narrowly tailored. What we should be debating today is the farsighted bill offered by my colleagues, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan and Congressman Don Bacon, a bipartisan bill that would completely ban all crude oil exports to China. That is a much stronger bill. In addition to China, it would ban crude oil exports to all of our adversaries, including Iran and North Korea. prgtoken In the end, America's future is in clean energy. That is how we are going to lower the cost of energy for American families, provide good- paying jobs, and make sure that we provide a livable planet to our kids and future generations. prgtoken , I appreciate the gentleman and I congratulate Mrs. McMorris Rodgers for taking the gavel of the Energy and Commerce Committee and I look forward to working with her in the 118th Congress.
CELEBRATING UCLA WOMEN'S SOCCER 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise to celebrate the women's soccer team from the University of California, Los Angeles. They took home the 2022 NCAA Division One National Championship on the 5th of December. UCLA defeated the women's soccer team from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. prgtoken This year's championship is the program's 2nd national championship and 120th overall NCAA championship earned by a UCLA Bruins team in any sport. prgtoken The team should be proud of their accomplishments, becoming the first team ever to win the national championship after being two goals down. The team's perseverance allowed them to bring the game to overtime in the final seconds of regulation. While just over three minutes into the second overtime period, UCLA scored the winning goal taking the lead in dramatic fashion. With Coach Margueritte Aozasa, the Bruins have become the first women's soccer program to win the championship with a rookie coach in NCAA history. prgtoken I would like to sincerely congratulate the UCLA women's soccer team once again on winning the national championship and wish them the best of luck next season. Their performance and perseverance were a sight to behold and a tribute to the achievements of student athletes throughout the Nation. Go Bruins.
STRATEGIC OIL RESERVE
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise to discuss the Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act which the s brought to the floor today to fix a mistake that their leadership in the 114th Congress made. You wouldn't know that, Madam , to hear them talking today of blaming other people and not themselves. prgtoken Back then, 235 s voted to end our country's 40-year-long crude oil export ban. When they did that, took full advantage of it, and under his administration over 391 million barrels went to China. Now they want to rewrite history. You can't rewrite the history. The evidence is there. prgtoken This bill was a step in the right direction. But like my colleague from Ohio said earlier: It doesn't go far enough. prgtoken Why don't we extend this ban to North Korea, Iran, and Russia? prgtoken That way we can prevent all our adversaries and not just China from using our oil to our disadvantage.
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Greg Landsman (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise today for the first time as a Member of Congress to thank the folks back home in Cincinnati and throughout the First Congressional District. I couldn't be more energized to be serving all of you and the country that we love. prgtoken My commitment to you and my new colleagues, Madam , is to be here as a new, transparent, bipartisan, and highly reliable leader. prgtoken We are already working with s on legislative priorities that will help our children and families back home to cap the costs of insulin for children, to help folks pay their bills with an expanded earned income tax credit and a child tax credit, and to provide additional grants to communities to recruit more police officers and firefighters. prgtoken There will always be more that unites us than divides us. prgtoken My work will continue to find common ground working across the aisle to get things done on the issues that matter most to us.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-12

30 seconds. prgtoken It certainly is no surprise that the oil industry would support this bill because this bill does absolutely nothing to prevent them from selling to China and to Russia and all our adversaries. prgtoken Only 2 percent of the oil that is sold to China comes from the SPR, so they will continue to be able to sell to whoever they please. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRIAN DeQUINCY NEWMAN
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated community servant. Brian DeQuincy Newman was called too soon to his heavenly home on January 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his life, his bright spirit and brilliant mind was beloved and will be sorely missed. prgtoken Brian Newman was born on December 22, 1982 in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended Spring Valley High School, where he excelled in basketball and found an early passion for public service with his role on the student council. He graduated from Spring Valley in 2001, and went on to pursue further education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia on a full academic scholarship. He graduated Cum Laude in 2005 after completing a course of study in Business Administration. prgtoken The same year, Brian enrolled in the University of South Carolina School of Law. In 2008, he graduated with his Juris Doctorate and passed the bar exam. At the beginning of his legal career, Brian worked for the Fifth Circuit Solicitors Office in Columbia, South Carolina as assistant Solicitor. He then worked for Rikard and Protopapas, LLC before going into private practice. prgtoken In 2010, Brian was elected to the Columbia City Council, where he became the youngest person ever elected to serve in the role at 26 years old. He quickly found his stride and immersed himself in service to the city of Columbia, making essential contributions to the life of city residents by championing projects like the COMET bus system and the Edgewood and Bull Street Developments. He served as the Chair of the City's Committees on Public Safety and Budget and Finances, and as a representative on the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors. Brian also occasionally served as Mayor Pro Tempore. He remained on the council until 2015. prgtoken Brian was a man of God and was a charter member of I. DeQuincey Newman United Methodist Church. He was inspired to lead a life that would make his Great Uncle, civil rights leader I. DeQuincey Newman, proud. prgtoken He is remembered by his parents, Clifton and Patricia Newman, his brother, Corwyn and sisters, Jocelyn and Kellee. prgtoken , I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the impactful life of Brian DeQuincy Newman. In his short time with us, he brought light into the lives of all who knew him. We will miss him and remember him fondly.
BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise today because 2 months ago, Americans sent a clear message to Congress, rejecting the extremist anti-abortion, anti-reproductive health policies of the GOP. prgtoken Yet, here we are today, on our first week in Congress, voting on legislation that puts women at risk by jeopardizing the ability of medical professionals to perform lifesaving care. Under the agenda, women do not have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and about their own healthcare. prgtoken Make no mistake, this is yet another step toward the GOP's ultimate goal of criminalizing abortion nationwide and banning contraception while doing absolutely nothing to address the real issues impacting parents, children, and families across our country. prgtoken House will fight to protect abortion rights, to maintain access to contraception, and to not put the government between women and their doctors. prgtoken The GOP's decades-long demonization of reproductive healthcare providers has resulted in targeted violence, as well as continual harassment of those seeking abortion care. Yet, instead of speaking out against these heinous crimes, the GOP is focusing on a resolution that picks what type of violence is unacceptable to them, when in reality violence should be condemned in all forms no matter what groups are being targeted. prgtoken For this reason, I am co-sponsoring a House Resolution that condemns attacks on healthcare facilities, healthcare personnel, and patients. This Resolution condemns the hatred, violence, and harassment that abortion providers, reproductive health advocates, and other healthcare providers have faced for providing essential healthcare services to women across our country. prgtoken I call upon our colleagues across the aisle to condemn violence regardless of whom it is being directed at, and I invite them to do so by adopting this language into their resolution.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Scott H. Peters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-12

while my colleagues have promised to secure America's energy future, I share this goal and I am eager to work together. Again, I congratulate our new chair. prgtoken However, I would say that the path to energy security is not through cheap political rhetoric or bashing, but through bipartisan policy solutions. prgtoken We all agree that oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should not be sold to our adversaries. To prevent this, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Don Bacon of Nebraska introduced the bipartisan Banning Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act last July and reintroduced it yesterday with 34 ic and 7 cosponsors. prgtoken The bill prevents the sale or export of oil from the SPR to China, but also North Korea, Russia, Iran, and any country currently under U.S. sanctions. I bet it would be approved by voice vote in this House today. prgtoken By contrast, the bill we are debating today only prohibits SPR sales to entities affiliated with China. Given that a more comprehensive, bipartisan bill already exists, why would our colleagues be putting forward a more partisan bill with a partial solution that won't pass the Senate? prgtoken Let me be clear. Americans are looking for serious policy results, not half-baked ideas designed for a press release. If my colleagues across the aisle are serious about energy independence, let's talk about that. They will have to acknowledge that our path to true energy security is not by doubling down on oil. prgtoken We have seen the costs of oil price shocks time and time again. In the 1970s, the Arab oil embargo caused oil prices to soar. prgtoken In 1990, the first Gulf war spiked record prices. prgtoken In 2005, Hurricane Katrina damaged refining facilities causing prices to rise again. prgtoken Between December 2007 and July 2008, prices rose from $118 a barrel to over $160 per barrel before crashing during the Great Recession. prgtoken In the last few years we have seen rapid volatility from negative prices during the pandemic to over $100 a barrel during the recovery. prgtoken It is becoming very clear that we have to admit that doubling down on oil is a failed strategy, and true energy security will be achieved by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and investing in clean fuels of the future. Let's do that for our taxpayers as well as for the environment. prgtoken I look forward to working together on real solutions.