mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-4-30

it is an honor to join my colleagues to honor the life and legacy of the late Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. prgtoken Donald was one of the first people to say hello to me. I recognized his name as soon as he introduced himself. I had met his father as a young girl in a refugee camp in Kenya. We talked a lot about his father's love and wishing the best for those of us who were born on the Continent and how much he desired to carry on some of that work. prgtoken I got to see him almost every single day getting ready to do his 1 minute and I would get an opportunity to check in with him. He not only showed up for every 1 minute every time it was scheduled, but he showed up and fought for his beloved community every day he was in office. prgtoken His dedication to following his father's legacy by serving others, his deep human decency, his commitment to the people of New Jersey will have a lasting impact for generations to come. prgtoken I will miss our chitchats. I will miss seeing his beautiful smile, and I will miss knowing that he was here to cheer me up. prgtoken I am sending love and light to his family, to his staff, and to all the people who loved him. May he rest in power.
Protests (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-30

I would like to begin today by saying a few things about the protests at Columbia University. prgtoken Smashing windows with hammers and taking over university buildings is not free speech--it is lawlessness--and those who did it should promptly face the consequences that are not merely a slap on the wrist. prgtoken Free speech, discussion, and even strong disagreement are fundamental American values, and campuses should be places where those values are cherished. Campuses cannot be places of learning and argument and discussion when protests veer into criminality, and those who commit such acts are doing nothing to convince others that their cause is just. prgtoken It is also unacceptable when Jewish students are targeted for being Jewish, when protests exhibit verbal abuse, systemic intimidation, or glorification of the murderous and hateful Hamas, or the violence of October 7. prgtoken As I said in my speech here on the floor last November and many times since: That is anti-Semitism. It is loathsome. It is unacceptable.
TRIBUTE TO KATE MIKOL
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-4-30

I am honored to recognize Kate Mikol of Bedford as April's Granite Stater of the Month. She and her siblings founded Fueled by Kids, a nonprofit that provides snacks and meals to Manchester-area students, after they learned that many kids their age can't get reliable meals over the weekend. Now 18, Kate serves as the general manager of the organization. prgtoken Kate and her siblings started Fueled by Kids after learning about families struggling with homelessness in Manchester. After speaking to a social worker, they learned that one of the biggest ways to help these families is to provide food assistance. They learned that food insecurity can cause immense stress for children and can make it difficult for them to focus on schoolwork. Kate and her siblings were surprised to hear that some students don't even want to go home for the weekend because they don't have breakfast and lunch like they have at school. After learning how widespread food insecurity is, they started assembling bags packed with healthy, kid-friendly foods to give to students at a local school. prgtoken Fueled by Kids has now provided these bags and other food assistance to kids for the past 8 years. As general manager of Fueled by Kids, Kate helps organize volunteers, speaks with social workers and principals, and helps spread the word about the organization. She is also very involved with the organization's summer programs to help bridge the gap between school years, when students may lose access to the daily breakfasts and lunches that they have during the school year. Kate also started a club at her high school to help get more students involved; over time, the organization has grown--now serving 21 public schools in the Manchester area. This year, the organization has already given out more than 1,000 bags. prgtoken Kate's dedication to helping children in need is truly admirable. The work that she and her siblings have undertaken by starting and operating Fueled by Kids reflects the Granite State spirit of stepping up for one another--consistently and over time--at its best. I am honored to name her Granite Stater of the Month.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-4-30

, Representative Cherfilus-McCormick, for leading this very important Special Order hour. I thank all of my colleagues who are here and the assistant ic leader, Mr. Neguse, as well. prgtoken , I rise tonight, as our dear colleague would say to his constituents, , with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus and, in fact, the entire House of Representatives to remember a man of the people. prgtoken The loss we all feel for our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr is immeasurable. Words really cannot express how deeply he will be missed by our Caucus, but we want to express our heartfelt condolences and our prayers to the Payne family, to his staff, and to anyone and everyone who knew him. prgtoken He is forever in our hearts, and we are so sorry for your loss. prgtoken As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, it is an honor to work with my colleagues each and every day for the betterment of our constituents, this body, and our country. It was an honor to work with a man of such good character, passion, and deep commitment to serving his community and our country as Donald M. Payne, Jr. prgtoken He was a kind and thoughtful person, a person who always had a good spirit despite some of the most difficult health conditions that anyone could experience. He always had laughter and a humor about him and an optimism that was truly contagious. prgtoken To our Caucus, Donald Payne was prolific, literally prolific, on this floor. He came to this floor to speak for the people. He had a goal of being ``the Michael Jordan of 1-minutes,'' and he would go on to win that award not once, not twice, not three times, but five awards in a row. For those who may not know, a 1-minute speech is when you come to this body and bring attention to an issue that is important to the constituents whom you represent. prgtoken Despite sometimes not being in the best of health, he found the time and every opportunity to speak to his constituents and to speak on behalf of them. prgtoken That is how many of us will remember him. We will remember him with a smile, always dressed to impress, heading to the House floor to speak to the country on behalf of the people and the community that he loved the most. prgtoken He was a man of purpose and a man of humility. He was a public servant through and through. This House has been made better for his leadership. prgtoken Congressman Payne, Jr will always be a part of the history that we make here on behalf of the American people. I join my colleagues in honoring his memory, his legacy, and his life by continuing the work to fight for the people on the issues that matter to them most. prgtoken May God bless your soul, Congressman Donald Payne. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to know you, to be friends with you, and to serve with you. prgtoken Your legacy will live on, and may God bless you.
RECOGNIZING NEIR'S TAVERN
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-30

I rise today to recognize and celebrate Neir's Tavern, a beloved establishment located in the heart of Woodhaven, Queens. From its inception in 1829, Neir's Tavern has contributed to New York City's rich cultural history. Today, I am marking the momentous occasion of Neir's Tavern receiving the Queensmark Historical Designation award from the Queens Historical Society of New York. prgtoken This designation is not only meaningful for the Woodhaven, Queens community, it also highlights the significant contributions of Loycent Gordon, the current owner of Neir's Tavern. A public servant who dedicated more than two decades as a New York City firefighter and was one of the first African American Lieutenant's in the FDNY Hazmat Division. prgtoken In 2009, he courageously stepped up and purchased the establishment when it was set to shutter its doors. Loycent is the embodiment of the American dream, immigrating at the age of 10 from the island of Jamaica to Jamaica, Queens. His business acumen and sense of community has contributed greatly to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Woodhaven. prgtoken As we commemorate this milestone in the history of Neir's Tavern, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural landmarks that make our communities unique as well as the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Neir's Tavern on its well-deserved Queensmark historical designation and in wishing Loycent Gordon many more years of success.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-4-30

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable man, my colleague and dear friend, Donald Payne, Jr. prgtoken Donald was a kindhearted public servant who dutifully served New Jersey's 10th Congressional District. For Donald, like his father, whom he succeeded, representing his district was heartfelt and personal. From the district of that district, he provided invaluable insight to the most profound issues facing our country, from our national security and major infrastructure needs that keep the American people and commerce flowing, to the more personal challenges that we face, like the unique challenges of men's healthcare and overall health policy, and the path our country could chart to address injustice and create equitable opportunities for the country's underserved communities. prgtoken He was a vibrant voice in this Chamber every day, a sharply dressed messenger helping to educate us all, communicating the everyday lived experiences of Americans to help craft more compassionate policy, improve the quality of life for all, and help create a more perfect union. prgtoken He was beloved on both sides of the aisle and, of course, by his family and the people he served. Though he has transitioned from this life, it is my hope that his spirit remains alive in all of us in all that we do. prgtoken To God be the glory for the life and the legacy of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-4-30

for yielding. I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. prgtoken Congressman Payne was a fierce advocate and a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly throughout his distinguished career for the city, county, State, and country that he loved. He wasn't just a Member of Congress. He was a pillar of hope and strength for the communities he served and the people who he represented and who he loved. prgtoken He was a mentor and a role model to many, myself included, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement. This institution can be intimidating, but having a big brother here made it home. prgtoken His passing leaves a profound void in our delegation and in this institution. The Halls of Congress will be a little less bright and a lot less stylish without him. I will miss the looks he would give me when we were getting into some good trouble in committee or on the House floor. It was a privilege to serve alongside him. prgtoken As we remember our friend, let's recommit to the ideals he lived by-- justice, equality, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow for all. In doing so, we can honor an incredible Congressman and a man whose life exemplified the best of what it means to serve others. Thank you for everything, Don. We will carry you with us.
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Session)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-4-30

I am here today for the 31st time in my series on the special interest scheme that captured the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken There is an old adage that the best way to show that one stick is crooked is to set a straight stick down next to it. So, today, we are going to look at some sticks. prgtoken Supreme Court Justices are caught over and over receiving enormous gifts, often from people very interested in Court proceedings, and refusing even to report the gifts as the law requires. The disciplinary process for these Justices is virtually nonexistent. Not even basic factfinding takes place. So let's compare the Court's dereliction about its own conduct with the straight stick of how other Federal officials are treated when they don't report gifts, but let's start with a recap of the history. prgtoken After the first round of gifts of yacht and jet travel from billionaire Harlan Crow to Justice Clarence Thomas, the Judicial Conference, which is the administrative body which oversees the judicial branch of government, investigated the matter, and that investigation buried the situation rather than get to the bottom of it to the point even of applying the wrong legal process. The law requires the Conference, if there is a reasonable chance that the failures to disclose were willful, to refer the determination of willfulness to the Attorney General. There is good reason for that. One, the Attorney General has real investigative resources. Two, judicial clubbiness and mutual back-scratching is less likely. Three--three--the Attorney General can determine whether other crimes, like tax and false statement violations, are also implicated. But, back then, the Judicial Conference did not make the referral nor did they issue any public report providing any real explanation for that decision. On that transparency score, zero. prgtoken Recently, the Judicial Conference, to its great credit, blew up what I call the Scalia trick, which is, one, arranging free secret vacations with resort owners and, two, pretending the generous, free hospitality he received was personal hospitality under the disclosure laws because he had been extended a personal invitation. prgtoken Well, obviously, that is not what they mean in the disclosure laws by ``personal hospitality.'' It is supposed to cover things where you know people or it is your in-laws or it is your college roommate--where there is a true, longstanding personal relationship, not somebody you don't know extending you a personal invitation. So stopping that nonsense was good, but here is the transparency part: prgtoken The Conference described what they did in that decision as a clarification--a clarification--which was also good because it acknowledged that was the rule all along. They weren't making a new rule; they were clarifying what had been the rule all along. But then along comes Clarence Thomas, who is usually completely silent on his many ethics fai
PROTECTING ACCESS FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS ACT OF 2023
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-30

I am a proud member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. In fact, I am a past co-chair. I am dedicated to protecting and expanding access to hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the United States. prgtoken Sportsmen and -women are some of the country's leading conservationists, and I applaud their work to protect lands and wildlife for current and future generations. However, this bill before us today is not a conservation bill. In fact, it drives a wedge in the deep partnerships between sportsmen and -women and Federal land managers who have worked together for decades to identify strategies to allow hunting and fishing in ethical ways that help fish and wildlife populations thrive. prgtoken Federal land managers have the authority and the mission to manage their lands in a way that contributes to the conservation of wildlife, and they must ensure that any actions that occur on the lands that they manage do not cause jeopardy to endangered or threatened species. prgtoken This bill conflicts with the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and other land management laws by prohibiting any regulation of lead ammunition or tackle, even when scientific analysis conducted under those laws determines that lead is causing a decline in a population of animals or is not compatible with the uses of the wildlife refuge. prgtoken Particularly for the national wildlife refuges, this bill is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how hunting and fishing are managed on wildlife refuges. Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the refuges are closed to hunting and fishing until they are opened by the annual hunt-fish regulations the Fish and Wildlife Service publishes. In those regulations, the Fish and Wildlife Service identifies the places; the types of hunting and fishing available; the restrictions, such as no hunting or fishing at night, no motorized boats, et cetera; and the times those opportunities are available. prgtoken This regulation is published after careful analysis of whether such actions are compatible with the goals and the purposes of each refuge. The Fish and Wildlife Service also assesses if the regulation has any impacts under the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and other laws. prgtoken If we play out this bill before us today, one can easily imagine scenarios prgtoken where the best-available science under the Endangered Species Act shows that hunting or fishing with lead ammunition or tackle will lead to a decline in the listed species. At that point, the Fish and Wildlife Service has a choice to make: Do they allow hunting or fishing with lead ammunition or tackle in violation of the Endangered Species Act, or do they close off that area to hunting and fishing? prgtoken They have already been sued for allowing the use of lead in violation of the ESA. They woul
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-4-30

I rise today to honor the life of our beloved colleague, Donald M. Payne, Jr of New Jersey's 10th District. prgtoken He was born into a legacy of service but forged his own path. He was warm, witty, and a warrior--a happy one, but a warrior. A warrior for transportation justice, for workers' rights, for healthcare, for gun safety, for clean water. prgtoken He never wavered in his exuberance for life or for this work. He was a prolific orator, especially on the House floor. I will always remember him smiling, nattily attired, wearing a colorful suit, bow tie, glasses, and sometimes a fedora that I would ask him to loan me. prgtoken I will remember him heading to the House floor with purpose to speak on behalf of the people and the community that he loved. prgtoken , Black men deserve to grow old. I am heartbroken as I consider consecutively and collectively the loss of Elijah, John, Alcee, Donald McEachin, and now our beloved Donald M. Payne, Jr. It breaks my heart that we are losing yet another member of our historic Congressional Black Caucus. He was an exemplary Member of Congress and an even better man. prgtoken Job well done, Congressman Payne. Rest in peace, in power. Your legacy will live on. Our deepest condolences to Beatrice, to Donald, to Jack, Yvonne, prgtoken all of your family by blood and by bond, including your staff.
2024 ECLIPSE
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-4-30

the eclipse was a momentous occasion for Vermont, bringing more than 160,000 people to our State. I am especially thankful to our emergency personnel, law enforcement, and small business owners who handled the busy weekend with grace. Everyone viewing ``totality'' in the Green Mountain State, whether they were locals or visiting for the first time, experienced something that was pretty special: the beauty of our State. prgtoken Steven Pappas, publisher and executive editor of the Times Argus and Rutland Herald, summarized the celestial spectacle in his editorial titled ``Overshadowed'' and published April 9. I ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Record.
PROTECTING ACCESS FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS ACT OF 2023
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-4-30

I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for yielding and from Virginia for introducing this bill, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023. prgtoken This is a poorly decided agreement on a court case where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as you just heard, was actually sued by the Center for Biological Diversity. They sued the Department of the Interior, and the agreement was: We will just throw them seven of our national wildlife refuges to get them to go away. That is not the best science. It is not based on science at all. In fact, it is best regulated by the States. prgtoken Our colleague across the aisle even said some States have actually shut down areas because of lead issues. That is what all of these States should be doing--managing these resources themselves. It should not be from some bureaucrat in Washington, D.C trying to settle a lawsuit and throwing away people's rights to enjoy the land. prgtoken Millions of Americans, including myself, are avid outdoorsmen and - women who greatly enjoy hunting and fishing, and we depend on reliable access to these public lands and waters. That is why a ban on the cost- effective traditional lead ammo and tackle is so concerning. It will affect hunters, it will affect recreational and commercial anglers, and it will simply increase the cost which will reduce the participation by those who enjoy these two American pastimes. prgtoken As you heard earlier from my good friend from Georgia, it is a 25 percent higher cost for the nonleaded ammo versus the traditional lead ammo. When you start cutting that, you are going to cut the excise tax that actually provides money for wildlife conservation here in America. prgtoken States already have the ability, as I mentioned earlier, to regulate lands for conservation purposes. Instead of these Federal mandates we should be leaning on the States that know an area's conservation needs better than anyone else. prgtoken State-driven, public-private partnerships are much better than top- down Federal mandates that do not take into consideration site-specific science necessary to make these decisions. prgtoken In fact, the Center for Biological Diversity in their suit said that lead hunting and fishing on these lands might or could create lead issues. They used words like ``could'' or ``might.'' There is no science there, . This is strictly a top-down land grab. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill. We must protect our hunting and fishing in our national wildlife refuges. Let's leave it to the States and local authorities to decide what can and can't be used on public lands and keep the administration's Green New Deal agenda out of these great American pastimes.