mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DENNIS CHARLES DUFFEY
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dennis Charles Duffey, a dedicated family man, a Vietnam veteran, a great labor leader, and a community servant who recently passed away on July 17 at 77. prgtoken Raised in central Toledo, he attended Macomber Vocational Technical High School and volunteered for the Navy before graduating, serving on a vessel in the Pacific during the Vietnam war until his honorable discharge. prgtoken He went on to a remarkable 50-year career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 8, five times elected as its business manager and its State secretary-treasurer for 10 years. His leadership was transformative, growing its ranks by 60 percent while initiating pioneering programs in workforce development and member benefits. His commitment to fair labor practices allowed working men and women across Ohio to advance to the middle class. prgtoken Dennis' love for his family was immense as a doting father, grandfather, and GG Papa. Dennis lived this motto: There is nothing too good for the working man. prgtoken Dennis' legacy of hard work, good humor, always that great smile, humility, and love is cherished by all who knew him. May his loved ones find comfort now that he is no longer suffering. Dennis has earned a restful peace. He surely was a really good guy.
INTRODUCTION OF THE INCREASED TRANSPARENCY IN 501(c)(4) ORGANIZATIONS ACT OF 2024
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-7-22

today, I introduce the Increased Transparency in 501(c)(4) Organizations Act of 2024. This bill would require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make publicly available the forms organizations that self-declare under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) file with the IRS. Americans have the right to know which organizations are operating under this section of the IRC. prgtoken To be eligible for tax-exempt status under 501(c)(4), organizations, often referred to as ``social welfare organizations,'' must be ``devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes.'' They can apply for 501(c)(4) status, or they can self- declare. Previously, organizations seeking to self-declare were not required to notify the IRS of their existence. In 2015, however, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act), which required an organization seeking to self-declare to file a notice with the IRS, was enacted into law. The PATH Act did not, however, make the filed notices, Form 8976, subject to public disclosure prgtoken The IRS has opined that Form 8976 cannot be made available under the Freedom of Information Act or other disclosure laws. This opinion creates a discrepancy between those organizations for which the IRS must make publicly available information--all Section prgtoken 501(c)(3) organizations and 501(c)(4) organizations that applied for that status--and self-declared 501(c)(4) organizations. This discrepancy appears to have been inadvertently created by the PATH Act. prgtoken This bill would fix this discrepancy by requiring the IRS to publicly disclose any filed Form 8976 upon request, thus allowing the public to know which organizations operate under 501(c)(4), as they do with organizations that operate under 501(c)(3). In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited expenditures in political campaigns by these ``social welfare'' organizations, greater transparency is needed. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-22

the balance of my time. prgtoken , as I mentioned earlier, WRDA is a bipartisan product that includes provisions in every part of the country and authored by House Members themselves. It is an incredible task compiling all of these priorities and drafting the WRDA bill. I thank the many people who have helped this bill become a reality. prgtoken I thank the leadership at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Assistant Secretary Connor, Lieutenant General Spellmon, and their incredible staff who have worked through the hundreds of submissions we have received. prgtoken I thank the remarkable team at legislative counsel for putting all of these provisions into legislative text. prgtoken I am very fortunate to have some of the best water leaders in the country in my district and southern California who provided valuable input for this bill, including Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts General Manager Robert Ferrante, Metropolitan Water District Board Chair Adan Ortega, Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard, and San Gabriel Valley Watermaster Tony Zampiello, who is retired. prgtoken I particularly thank the subcommittee chair David Rouzer for his friendship and his collegiality through the hearings and meetings that led to this bipartisan accomplishment and for visiting my district. prgtoken I also thank all of my past co-chairs, who have been excellent. Most importantly, I thank the incredible Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee staff, including Alexa Williams, Logan Ferree, Ryan Seiger, and Ryan Hambleton, and the majority staff. prgtoken My special thanks go to my chief of staff, Joe Sheehy, and Melvin Sanchez. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support and vote for the WRDA 2024, and .
RECOGNIZING DR. ANGELA RICHARDSON
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I rise to recognize Dr. Angela Richardson. Dr. Richardson has shattered gigantic barriers by becoming the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant at the Rocky Mount Police Department. prgtoken Her remarkable promotion to this historic position is a testament to her exceptional dedication in the field of law enforcement. prgtoken Lieutenant Richardson has a wealth of experience exceeding 30 years in law enforcement. She has a distinguished Ph.D. in public safety. prgtoken Lieutenant Richardson is a true trailblazer for law enforcement personnel. She stands as a beacon of inspiration for little girls in eastern North Carolina and beyond who may aspire to protect and serve. prgtoken Congrats, Lieutenant Richardson, and Sheldon, her husband, and thanks to the Rocky Mount Police Department for their dedication to public safety.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN W. POGOREK
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to honor the life and service of Brigadier General John ``Pogo'' Pogorek, who was Commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard (NHANG). On July 8, 2024, he was the victim of a tragic accident near his home in Rochester, New Hampshire. General Pogorek was a beloved father, husband, son, and brother who dedicated his life to service in both the Air Force and NHANG. prgtoken Born in Ware, Massachusetts, General Pogorek received a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned as an officer in 1989. He Joined NHANG in January 1999, serving in numerous leadership roles, including commanding the 157th Maintenance, Operations, and Air Refueling Wing Groups. General Pogorek was promoted to Commander of the NHANG in June 2022 and served as the principal advisor to the Governor of New Hampshire. prgtoken General Pogorek made a remarkable impact on New Hampshire and our country throughout his 35 years of service. During his career he logged over 6,000 flight hours piloting T-1, C-130, KC-135, and KC-46 aircraft. He also helped design the KC-46 tail art and helped to bring back military airshows to New Hampshire. For his dedicated service, General Pogorek received accolades such as the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal Aerial Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the AF Outstanding Unit Award, and several others. He was dedicated to the health and safety of everyone that is currently serving at Pease, and those that served there in the past, along with their families. prgtoken General Pogorek was deeply devoted to his family, and in 2018, he and his beloved wife Whitney established Red Gate Farm. The family farm quickly grew into a heritage breed meat business, where General Pogorek transitioned his service and dedication from country to community. General Pogorek and his family developed relationships selling their meat to local farmers markets as he adapted to life as a farmer. prgtoken General Pogorek's family and friends describe him as a kind, humble, funny, and resilient man. He had a passion for learning and inspired those around him, both within his career of service and outside of it. Those who knew General Pogorek recognized his dedication to his country and family, and admired his loyalty, kindness, and leadership. We are forever grateful for his selfless service and sacrifice. prgtoken During this difficult time, my thoughts and condolences are with his wife Whitney, his children, Megan, Jacob, Jenna, Jason, and Jackson, his mother Mary, his siblings, Karen, Donna, Kevin, and Sandra, and all of General Pogorek's loved ones. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend General Pogorek for his exemplary service and sacrifice to our Nation. His legacy will endure, and he will be dearly
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Kweisi Mfume (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. I know there are a lot of people who have a lot to say about someone whom we cared about and loved, and so I do appreciate this opportunity. I thank her and the honorable gentleman from the State of Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who is the chair of the caucus, for convening this Special Order tonight. prgtoken It is a Special Order for a lawyer and a legislator, a woman who saw things that were not and found it in her heart to find a way to make those things come into existence. I extend my condolences to her husband, Elwyn, to her two adult children, to other members of the Jackson Lee family, and to the people of Houston who knew her, embraced her, loved her, and kept her. prgtoken I first heard of Sheila Jackson Lee before she ever got here. In fact, I was a Member of the House then, and she came in with a big class. I think she got here in `95, and she won the election in 1994. I think Jim Clyburn was a part of that class, Bobby Scott, and Maxine Waters, a number of people prgtoken who came in the door bigger than life, and there was Sheila who was also bigger than life. prgtoken They taught us along the way things that were sometimes not so obvious about fighting for what you believe in. She was a member of the Houston City Council before she got here, and they didn't know what to do with her because she would not stop fighting for the things that she believed in. Madam , one of which was gun control and gun safety long before it became something popular for people to talk about and to advocate. prgtoken It was in that Houston City Council that Sheila passed their first- ever gun safety ordinance, putting the onus on parents to keep guns away from children in the house, to keep them locked, or to not have them there altogether. Some people thought it was an overreach, but nobody knows to this day how many lives may have been saved and how many children could have been injured that were not. It was many years later that that same council and many of the people of Houston thanked her for what she had done. prgtoken Before Sheila got here, Craig Washington was the elected Member of that district, and in his first term, Sheila challenged him for the congressional seat. prgtoken She said: I need your support. prgtoken I said: Sheila, Craig just supported me to be chair of the Black Caucus 2 years ago. I can't turn my back on him. prgtoken She said: Well, don't turn your back, turn your front. Just stay out of it. prgtoken I said: Okay, I am going to stay out of it. prgtoken Everybody said she couldn't do it, you can't beat Craig Washington, and we all now know how that story concluded. prgtoken When she came here and took the oath of office, I, like so many others, gave her a great big hug because I knew not just the Congressional Black Caucus but the Congress in general was going to be made better because of her indefatigable spirit. prgtoken Sheila
ALLOWING CONTRACTORS TO CHOOSE EMPLOYEES FOR SELECT SKILLS ACT
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-7-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in support of H.R. 7887, the ACCESS Act, which is intended to address degree inflation, the growing trend of college graduates filling jobs that don't require college degrees. This can lead to reduced earnings for college degree holders, reduced employment opportunities for nondegree holders, and an overall drag on the economy in a time of very low unemployment, like ours, and of labor shortages. prgtoken Committee are supportive of efforts to eliminate minimum education and experience requirements for jobs that don't actually require such associated skills for successful performance, expanding opportunity for the more than 62 percent of the population, age 25 and older, who do not hold a bachelor's degree. prgtoken The ACCESS Act would prohibit Federal agencies from specifying minimum educational requirements for contractor personnel in solicitations, unless the solicitation also includes a written justification explaining why such requirements are actually necessary. prgtoken I had been concerned that this might create a blanket requirement that could be unnecessarily burdensome for Federal agencies in the instances in which minimum education or experience requirements are commonly and reasonably understood to be necessary, but changes made to the bill after our committee markup have alleviated those concerns. prgtoken There are certainly some jobs for which some minimum education or experience appears to be totally unnecessary. For example, approximately 39 percent of postings for construction managers require a college degree, as do 52 percent of web developer postings and 34 percent of distribution manager postings. prgtoken This suggests that these roles are frequently performed in the economy totally successfully without a college degree and that the requirement is more about the subjective preference or traditions of the employer than the actual demands of the job. It makes sense for agency contracting officers to have to provide a written justification for choosing to require that contractors hire only college degree holders for such jobs, as this bill would require. prgtoken However, there are also an array of jobs for which some minimum education or experience requirements are indeed necessary. For example, in 2022, the Federal Government spent almost $30 billion on medical services contracts and another $29 billion on engineering and technical support services contracts. We do not want our contracting officers to have to provide a written explanation every single time they put out a solicitation that requires healthcare and engineering professionals to have advanced higher education degrees, and the bill has been appropriately and gratefully refined to eliminate this unnecessary burden. prgtoken I understand that the North America's Building Trades Unions have expressed concerns about just this point, but in cases where highly tr
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING PUBLIC ACCESS TO CODES ACT
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-22

here is a paragraph that is important and really places the question before us succinctly: ``In the regime posited by the Pro Codes Act, if citizens, or advocates, or journalists, or business operators, or lawmakers, or even judges wanted to read, quote, or comment on the law, they would have to register and provide their personal information to a private SDO, hand-copy the words of a standard from a read-only website, and if they quoted too much, they would risk being sued by an SDO for copyright infringement. That is not the right way to provide access to our laws.'' prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter signed by 21 groups, ranging from the American Library Association to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or the AFSCME union, Center for Democracy and Technology, Electronic Frontier Foundation, iFixit, and repair.org. Yes, the right to repair movement is threatened by the Pro Codes Act. prgtoken Here is what they said, although the bill does make some publicly accessible material online available, this bill would likely `` . . . entrench some of the most obstructive current practices. . . . '' prgtoken They note further that courts have recognized ``no one can own the law.'' prgtoken Last year, the D.C. Circuit stated that legal text falls plainly outside the realm of copyright protection, and in 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States reaffirmed that if every citizen is presumed to know the law, it needs no argument to show that all should have free access to its contents. April 9, 2024. Re: Opposition to H.R. 1631, the ``Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act'' (Pro Codes Act) Chairman Jim Jordan, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Ranking Member Jerry Nadler, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member Nadler, and members of the Committee: The undersigned organizations write to express our strong opposition to the ``Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act'' (Pro Codes Act). The trade associations and civil society groups that signed this letter agree with the findings of Congress in the Pro Codes Act that technical standards are critical to the public interest. Our interest is in ensuring that copyright law is not exploited to create a monopoly in which private standards development organizations (SDOs) control access to the codes and regulations that govern public health and safety. Further, courts have found there is no evidence to support the SDOs' claims that they have lost revenue due to the public dissemination of their standards. In addition to the substantive issues outlined in this letter, the undersigned organizations are concerned that the committee has
HONORING THE LIFE OF COREY COMPERATORE
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I think what you will hear on this floor tonight is a unified voice that we reject political violence, that we mourn Mr. Comperatore's loss of life, that we wish a speedy recovery to the victims. prgtoken In this country, there ought to be no place for political violence. There ought to be no place for hate in the hearts of freedom-loving people, certainly not in western Pennsylvania, where we reel from it today. prgtoken We can and often do disagree in this body all the time. The American people expect that of us. When we see the votes on the board, we see those disagreements resolved that way. We see them resolved in the ballot box in November. prgtoken We cannot solve our differences with violence. We must always condemn it in all its forms. It goes to the heart of American democracy that when we have those disputes, we resolve them peacefully. prgtoken What we saw in Butler not too long ago when that violence comes to our political system, when it comes to the heart of how we govern ourselves in our elections. We, of course, mourn the consequence, the cost of that violence. Mr. Comperatore, who we have heard so many talk about so eloquently, shielded his family from gunfire that day, showing some courage in the face of violence. prgtoken I wish a speedy recovery to those still recovering, including my constituent from Moon Township, Mr. Copenhaver, David Dutch of New Kensington, the former President, who of course survived this attack, and so many others who witnessed it and I am sure still suffer from it. prgtoken for bringing us together in this important moment. I think it is important the American people hear us with a clear and unified voice calling for unity, rejecting the threat of violence in our elections.
CELEBRATING THE TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ICES PLAIN & FANCY ICE CREAM PARLOR
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today, along with the people of St. Louis, to honor and celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Ices Plain & Fancy Ice Cream Parlor, a beloved institution in our community located in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis. prgtoken Founded in 2014 by visionary entrepreneurs, Ices Plain & Fancy has become a cornerstone of our local culinary scene, renowned for its innovative approach to ice cream making. By utilizing liquid nitrogen to craft their unique flavors, they offer not just a treat but an extraordinary experience for all who visit. It is with great pride that I recognize and celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Ices Plain & Fancy Ice Cream Parlor. prgtoken Over the past decade, Ices Plain & Fancy has continually demonstrated a commitment to quality and creativity. Their dedication to sourcing local ingredients and supporting sustainable practices has garnered admiration and loyalty from their patrons. Ices Plain & Fancy ice cream has brought many St. Louisans welcome respite on hot summer days. Their contributions to the local economy, culture, and culinary heritage cannot be overstated. prgtoken As they celebrate this remarkable ten-year milestone, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at Ices Plain & Fancy. Their passion and hard walk have made a lasting impact on our community, and I look forward to seeing their continued success in the years to come.
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I thank Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, as well as Congressman Jonathan Jackson, for convening us together tonight to host this special tribute to our dearly loved and dearly departed colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken Today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor and remember my colleague, but more importantly, my friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken The Congresswoman led an extraordinary life, and she leaves an extraordinary legacy of legislative and humanitarian service to mankind. Though short in stature, Sheila Jackson Lee stood tall, and she spoke with command and authority. prgtoken Never scared, Sheila was bold and imposing. She never played herself cheap, and she certainly was not going to let anybody else do so. prgtoken She was a taskmaster to all who worked for her, and that included whether or not you were paid or just volunteering. The good thing about it is that when you left her office to go to work for someone else, Madam , they knew, and it was easy for you to get a job because they knew that you had been trained by fire, you had been forged by fire, and you had been trained by the best. prgtoken Like her constituents I often found myself calling her ``Congresswoman.'' I had great respect for her. She was a dear friend who inspired me and countless others with her unwavering dedication, spirit, and work ethic. prgtoken I find solace in the knowledge that her spirit will live on through the lives she has touched and changed and the causes that she has championed. Her legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to build a more just and equitable society. prgtoken I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and constituents. Let us honor her memory by continuing her work, lifting our voices to pursue justice, and most importantly, embodying the values she holds so dear. This is how we can truly honor her legacy. prgtoken Madam , I thank her for her service.