mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-29

I am glad that I am on the floor today to hear the previous speakers. I think Senator Collins of Maine gave a thoughtful presentation about the substance of this bill and addressed many of the worries and criticisms that were raised on the floor earlier. prgtoken I think one thing stuck with me: If there is a protection under Obergefell, it is the same protection under this bill. It is not an expansion of rights. prgtoken But I also want to thank the Senator from Wyoming. That was an outstanding statement. It really was, and I join Senator Collins in commending her for saying it. I am sure her position has not been an easy one at home, but it reflects some thoughtful consideration on her part. Most importantly, it reflects her appeal to us in this Chamber and to the Nation to really seize this opportunity for tolerance. If there was ever a time when we needed more of that in this Nation, I can't imagine when it was. We need it now more than ever. prgtoken It wasn't but just a few days ago that there was a mass shooting involving those who were at a gay nightclub, and innocent people were killed. Now, more than ever, we need to stand up and say there needs to be tolerance in America, and her statement really touched my heart. I thank her so much for coming to the floor and delivering it. prgtoken I take a look at this and say many times I have been critical of Supreme Court Justices, particularly Supreme Court Justice Thomas. We disagree more than we agree. But I, in a way, have to be grateful to him for bringing us to this moment because it was his statement in the Hobbs decision about the possibility of raising questions on other Supreme Court decisions that led us to the introduction of this Respect for Marriage Act. prgtoken s who led in that effort. I want to make sure that the Record reflects Senator Baldwin, Senator Collins, Senator Portman, who spoke on the floor earlier, and Senator Sinema and Senator Tillis, the original cosponsors--bipartisan cosponsors--of the Respect for Marriage Act. prgtoken What we are considering here is very fundamental. I went back to read Obergefell, and what Justice Kennedy wrote in that majority opinion was the acknowledgement that there is a constitutional protection based on due process and equal protection under the laws for same-sex marriage-- fundamental. He said we don't have to wait on the legislature to spell this out; it already exists. And that, to me, says how powerful this issue is. prgtoken My wife and I are blessed to have so many friends who are in same-sex marriages and are wonderful people in so many respects. It has really opened our eyes to the reality of life for so many good Americans who simply want to have the opportunity under the law to marry the people they love. prgtoken The vast majority of Americans believe in that. I do, and I think what we are trying to do today is to protect that right as best we can. Maybe
PROTECTING FIREFIGHTERS FROM ADVERSE SUBSTANCES ACT
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-29

. This important bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and first responders all across this country. prgtoken We must get this important, commonsense, and bipartisan legislation to the President's desk without delay to protect our firefighters and the communities they serve. prgtoken Finally, I thank leadership for bringing the PFAS Act to the floor under suspension today. I express a special thanks to Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson and Ranking Member Frank Lucas--who has really worked with me closely on this--and each of their staff for continuing to work with me to advance this critically important bill to the floor. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to support this PFAS Act. This is an important bipartisan and meaningful bill to protect the health and safety of our first responders from harmful PFAS in the line of duty.
Respect for Marriage Act (Executive Session)
Kyrsten Sinema (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-11-29

. Yes, it is my understanding section 6(b) bars any civil claim or cause of action relating to a nonprofit religious organization's refusal under that section to solemnize or celebrate a marriage and that such a refusal cannot create a civil claim or cause of action. prgtoken The text of section 7 also makes no reference to ``compelling governmental interests.'' Section 7 provides nothing in this bill should be construed to deny or alter the benefit, status, or right of an otherwise eligible individual or legal entity in relation to tax- exempt status, tax treatment, contracts, loans, scholarships, licenses, and other agreements not arising from a marriage. prgtoken In conjunction with section 2 of this bill, which eliminates a successful analogy to the Bob Jones case, is it your understanding, Senator, that section 7 would prevent the Internal Revenue Service from using the Respect for Marriage Act to alter or remove the tax-exempt status of an entity for expressing beliefs in opposition or support of same-sex marriage?
PROTECTING FIREFIGHTERS FROM ADVERSE SUBSTANCES ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-29

the balance of my time. prgtoken , we stand here today in strong support of S. 231, the PFAS Act, and certainly recognize the leadership that has come from the Michigan delegation here in the House with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who has been steadfast, dedicated, and dogged. You don't travel through Michigan without hearing Congresswoman Dingell talk about PFAS. prgtoken We also appreciate the Senate leadership of Senator Gary Peters, particularly in his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, in partnership with the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) who just spoke, along with our full committee chair, Eddie Bernice Johnson, who has been a real role model for leadership and support in this body for bipartisan, collaborative legislation. prgtoken As I stand here with the last month of this term upon us in the 117th Congress, I can't help but thank Ranking Member Lucas for his very dedicated and remarkable leadership. One might say it is an anchor of sorts as we move to be bipartisan. Over the course of this term, I have had the privilege of sitting next to him in committee, and I will take the time to let him know that he has taught me a few things this term, which I greatly appreciate. prgtoken As we move forward, , I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in this Chamber to continue to showcase the best of what America can be, coming together to solve problems and deliver for the American people. prgtoken , .
UYGHUR POLICY ACT OF 2021
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-29

such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. prgtoken , passing H.R. 4785, the Uyghur Policy Act of 2021, would send a message loud and clear that the PRC's inhumane policies to dilute and destroy the identity of the Uyghur people have no place in today's world. prgtoken The United States stands firmly with the Uyghur people and we will continue pushing to end the PRC's horrific and inhumane behavior. prgtoken We need to show strong bipartisan House support to the administration to use its tools to help protect the Uyghur culture and identity and promote respect for human rights and religious freedom of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups in China. prgtoken The House also stands in strong solidarity with the Chinese people protesting all over China in recent days. prgtoken , I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this, and .
JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH COLLABORATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 3846, the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act of 2022, is bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize and make necessary improvements to the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, or JMHCP, within the Department of Justice. prgtoken Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the country have grappled with worsened mental health. There continues to be a need to adequately address the mental health needs of our communities and to redirect people in crisis away from the criminal justice system and into the healthcare system. prgtoken State and local governments use JMHCP grants for critical services to address the mental health needs of their communities, including by establishing diversion programs, creating or expanding community-based treatment programs, supporting the development of curricula for police academies and orientations, and providing in-jail treatment and transitional services. prgtoken Additionally, grant funds are used to train law enforcement on identifying and improving their responses to people experiencing a mental health crisis. This program, which was first created in 2004, was reauthorized in 2008 and again in 2016 with bipartisan support. prgtoken S. 3846 will make needed improvements to the grant program by strengthening support for mental health courts and crisis intervention teams; supporting diversion programming and training for State and local prosecutors; strengthen support for co-responder teams; and supporting the integration of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system into the existing public safety system. prgtoken This bill will also increase allowable uses for grant funds to include suicide prevention in jails and clarify that crisis intervention teams can be placed in 911 call centers. prgtoken This bipartisan bill improves the efficacy of the JMHCP grant program and is supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Addiction Policy Forum, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and many others. prgtoken I thank Senator Cornyn for introducing the bill and Congressman Bobby Scott for introducing the House version of this important legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill, and .
IN MEMORY OF DONALD McEACHIN
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-11-29

I rise today in shock and feeling an immense loss for the Member that will not be with us, Donald McEachin, the gentleman from Virginia, a dear friend. prgtoken The members of the Committee on Natural Resources extend to his family, his wife Colette, his children and his grandchildren, his loved ones, and his loyal and capable staff, our condolences, our sympathies, and our comfort. prgtoken This imposing man, Donald McEachin, was more than that. His strength came from his heart, his faith, his empathy, and his compassion for other people. prgtoken On this journey, I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with him for over 3 years to develop legislation that would assure every American had clean air, clean water, and a clean environment. That piece of legislation is historic, and it is the creation of great work on the part of Donald McEachin. prgtoken It is his legacy that I hope we address, but it is also his character and his strength, as he guided me and other Members through a process that is sometimes difficult, sometimes contentious, but a process that at the end of the day has produced something that will be part of the legacy of a man that served his community, served his country, served his family, and gave honor to all of us. This is a deep loss, an immense loss, and one that I share with everyone.
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Continued
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-11-29

before the Thanksgiving break, I planned to use my time today to talk about the Respect for Marriage Act, with which the Presiding Officer has had such an important role playing, and I want to congratulate her on the incredible work that she has done to get this over the finish line, because we are on the verge of passing the Respect for Marriage Act in the U.S. Senate. It is a historic piece of legislation to ensure that if a same-sex or interracial couple marries in one State, that every State has to honor that marriage. The Federal Government has to honor that marriage as well. prgtoken There may be no right closer to the heart than marrying the one that you love, and Colorado understands that. And I was going to come down here to talk about how, over decades, my State has led the way on equality. We recognized civil unions in 2013. We banned conversion therapy in my State. We passed our own version of the Equality Act in Colorado. prgtoken I was going to come down here and tell you about how Colorado understands what equality has come to mean in America in 2022, but in the last week, I have been reminded again just how far we have to go. prgtoken Last Sunday, Coloradans woke up to the news that Club Q--a loving, accepting, 20-year old LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs--had been the target of a mass shooting. Five Coloradans were killed, and at least 22 were injured. prgtoken In the days since, Coloradans have described Club Q as a center of community building, a place where everyone could be their true selves and live without fear. prgtoken Club Q's owner, Nic Grzecka, said he founded the club to ``be that safe place for people to come and feel and understand that they are normal--that the way they feel is normal and there are people just like them.'' prgtoken As a father, that is what I hope for my three daughters, and, as a former school superintendent, that is what I wish for the children that I worked for. We want our kids to feel normal and loved and like they belong. prgtoken But on November 19, these feelings of safety and acceptance that Club Q had built over two decades were shattered. On the same day that we recognized Trans Day of Remembrance, we added more names to the solemn toll in this country, when a violent young man, radicalized by hateful and divisive rhetoric, killed five people and forever changed a community, forever changed my State. prgtoken In minutes, he robbed from us brothers and sisters and daughters and sons, friends, and loved ones, who were there just being themselves, not bothering anybody. prgtoken He took from us Derrick Rump, a 38-year-old bartender and co-owner of Club Q, who bought groceries for others during the hardest 2 months of the pandemic; Daniel David Aston, 28 years old, a bar supervisor known as the ``master of silliness'' because of his contagious happiness and joy; Kelly Loving, 40 years old, who had just moved to Colorado and was trying to enjoy
DELIVERING OPTIMALLY URGENT LABOR ACCESS FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS ACT OF 2022
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-29

I thank the chairman for his dedication and the efforts of his entire team in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the ranking member for his support of this bill. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, the DOULA for VA Act. prgtoken Maternal mortality in the United States is a public health crisis. While maternal mortality rates have declined globally over the past three decades, the United States' maternal mortality rates have climbed. prgtoken As we work to address this serious public health issue, we have a responsibility to make sure that our pregnant veterans are included in the conversation. This is because veterans who have experienced pregnancy disproportionately experience mental health afflictions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. prgtoken Studies have found that pregnant veterans were twice as likely to have a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and stress disorder, and more than those who had not experienced a pregnancy. prgtoken We must provide veterans who have served our country optimal maternal and mental health care that takes into consideration their veteran- specific experiences. prgtoken Doulas have a proven positive effect on the health outcome of the mother and child. As the use of doula services continue to grow, we must look at ways to expand maternal health services for our women in the VA. prgtoken , I thank the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues for supporting this effort, the House leadership and their hardworking staff, and the amazing committee staff for working to advance this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support it.
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-11-29

on behalf of Vermonters, today I was proud to vote for the final passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. Today, we became a slightly more perfect union by recognizing the sanctity of marriage between two individuals, regardless of gender or race. prgtoken In August of this year, Marcelle and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. Marrying each other was the most important decision of our lives--not a decision taken lightly, but a deeply personal commitment. A decision such as who to spend your life with should not be determined by a State, local, or Federal government. It is regrettable that throughout our history, too many Americans have been denied the right to marry who they love based on their gender or race. prgtoken In 2012, I was proud to cosponsor an earlier version of the Respect for Marriage Act to codify the right for all Americans to marry who they love. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I also convened the first ever hearing to examine the harmful consequences the Defense of Marriage Act had, and still has, on American families. prgtoken I am a proud cosponsor of this version of the Respect for Marriage Act. This bill--as most bills are--is far from perfect, but is a product of a bipartisan compromise. I want to acknowledge my friend from Wisconsin, Senator Baldwin, whose steadfast resolve is the reason why this bill passed the Senate today. In the face of Supreme Court Justices determined to turn back the clock on basic rights, a group of bipartisan Senators remained committed to the principle that all legally valid marriages between two people who love and care for each other deserve equal treatment under the law everywhere in our country. prgtoken My home State of Vermont is no stranger to making history. Vermont has been a pioneer in the movement for LGBTQ rights. In 2000, Vermont became the first State to introduce civil unions and the first to offer a civil union status encompassing the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. The State again made history in 2009 when it was the first State to allow same-sex marriage without being required to do so through a court prgtoken decision. Just last year, I was so proud when former Vermont Supreme Court Justice Beth Robinson became the first openly gay woman to ascend to our Federal circuit courts, on the Second Circuit. prgtoken Over the years, I have heard from Vermonters, colleagues, my staff, friends, and family on this issue. They have told me what I already know from my marriage to Marcelle. The right to marriage--the right to love someone and build a life with them--should be equally available to all Americans. prgtoken As I have said before, when common ground is fertile, we must plant the seeds of progress. And I believe that the Senate did that today by passing the Respect for Marriage Act.
INTERNATIONAL TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-12-1

I come to the floor today to get this body to act in the face of one of the most heinous forms of exploitation on the planet, which is human trafficking. prgtoken The year is almost over; the Congress is coming to a close; we are running out of time; and the Senate still has not passed the Menendez- Risch International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which was reported out of the Foreign Relations Committee by voice vote over 5 months ago. prgtoken Therefore, as in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar No. 407, S. 4171.
HONORING MR. GEORGE HOLLAND, SR.
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-12-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the extraordinary work of George Holland, Sr and his indispensable contributions as an advocate in the fight for equal rights and racial justice, as the President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Oakland. prgtoken Mr. Holland was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in California, where he resided in segregated housing projects until his early adulthood, experiencing the impacts of institutional racism firsthand. In South San Francisco, Mr. Holland's family resided in the Lindenville Housing Project. The Lindenville Housing Project had a ``Colored Section,'' where he, his family, and 71 other Black families lived. Mr. Holland's experience living in segregated housing continued in 1955, when his family relocated to the Sunnydale Housing Project, which had only desegregated earlier that year. prgtoken Mr. Holland was a trailblazer from a young age, he was the first member of his family to attend college, earning his Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State College. He then earned his Juris Doctorate from the Golden Gate University School of Law. Mr. Holland went on to serve as a board member for several legal associations, including the Bar Association of San Francisco and the Bar Association of Alameda County. prgtoken Mr. Holland's legacy lies in his championship of civil rights throughout his academic and professional career. As a young community activist, Mr. Holland participated in civil rights demonstrations in the 1960s throughout San Francisco, Oakland, and the greater Bay Area to advocate for racial equity. As an attorney, he contributed to the founding of the California Association of Black Lawyers, California's first legal association dedicated to addressing the needs and struggles of Black lawyers and to eradicating racism imbedded in our legal system. Since 2005, Mr. Holland has continued his service to our community as the President of the NAACP chapter in Oakland. prgtoken Throughout his exemplary tenure as President, Mr. Holland's efforts have distinguished the Oakland NAACP chapter for its engagement with the local community and for its leadership on national issues. Under his guidance, the organization collaborated with the Oakland Mayor and School Superintendent's ``Oakland Promise'' program, a community-based non-profit that aims to triple the number of college graduates from Oakland within the next decade. Further, under Mr. Holland's leadership, the Oakland NAACP chapter partnered with the Chapel of Chimes to construct the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Memorial at Skylawn Memorial Park. Mr. Holland also oversaw the creation of a police commission in Oakland to improve police accountability and community trust in law enforcement. prgtoken George has been a dear friend and loyal supporter. Whenever I needed help, he was there for me and our community. If ever, I needed anyone to watch my back--there he was, generous an