mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING CARTER GILMORE
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-6

I rise today to honor the memory and service of a pillar of the Oakland community, the Honorable Carter Gilmore. Although Mr. Gilmore passed away in 2006, the Oakland African American Museum and Library will be unveiling an exhibit focused on his life and career on December 9th, 2017. prgtoken Carter Gilmore was born on May 30th, 1926 in Grapeland, Texas, and served in the US Navy during World War II. In 1947 he married Liz Hampton, and the couple soon moved to Oakland, where Mr. Gilmore worked as a plant manager for Granny Goose Foods. prgtoken In 1977, Mr. Gilmore made history when he became the first African American elected to the Oakland City Council. During his tenure, which lasted until 1990, Mr. Gilmore made important contributions to the City of Oakland through his role in the creation of the citizen's police review board, and the city's anti-blight ordinance, among many other initiatives and accomplishments. prgtoken In addition to his work on the City Council, Mr. Gilmore was also an active member of his church, Bethel Missionary Baptist, starting when he first moved to Oakland in the 1950's. prgtoken Mr. Gilmore's life was guided by a belief that we should all work to improve our communities, and the lives of our neighbors. He was also staunchly committed to civil rights. prgtoken That belief in social justice led him to join the Alameda branch of the NAACP, and he later served as the chapter president. He also served as president of the NAACP's Northern California division. In 1990, he helped lead the investigation into racial discrimination against African American employees at UPS, resulting in the largest settlement in the NAACP's history to that point. prgtoken On a personal note, Carter was one of the first people to act as a mentor and advisor to me as I began my career working for Congressman Dellums. He always took time to prgtoken help clarify issues for me, and he was a true trailblazer who educated our community about the importance of black political power. I will always remember his wise counsel and his friendship. prgtoken Though Carter Gilmore died in 2006, his trailblazing legacy as the City of Oakland's first African American elected to the City Council continues to inspire younger generations to aspire for heights that they may not have ever considered without his example. prgtoken Today, the Oakland African American Museum and Library is unveiling an exhibit dedicated to Carter Gilmore's life and legacy. Therefore, on behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I join the family and friends of Carter Gilmore in celebrating his life of public service. I offer my sincerest gratitude to him for all that he did to pave the way for future generations of community-oriented leaders.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2017
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-12-6

I want to thank Mr. Nadler for yielding to me. prgtoken , that is just the way it is. Since the start of 2017, more than 14,340 people have been killed by gun violence in the United States, more than any other country on Earth. That is just the way it is. prgtoken More than 29,150 have been wounded. More than 680 of those have been children. prgtoken In October, 58 people were killed and 515 wounded in Las Vegas in the worst mass shooting in our Nation's history. prgtoken But we don't have a bill on the floor to prevent the creation of machine guns, which are illegal, by bump stocks. prgtoken Just 5 weeks later, a gunman entered a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and killed 26 worshipers, while wounding 20. prgtoken The majority's response? prgtoken Bring to the floor a bill that makes America less safe, more replete with people carrying and concealing weapons in our communities. This bill says: If you want to carry a concealed weapon in a State that doesn't allow it constitutionally, no problem. Get your concealed carry license in another State that does. prgtoken In other words, every State, no matter their own judgment, talk about States' rights, no matter their own judgment, must be subjected to the policies of the least protective State in the Nation. prgtoken Instead of addressing the very serious problem of rampant gun violence in a constructive way, the majority is bringing to the floor a bill that makes it easier to hide dangerous weapons in public. prgtoken Newtown, Aurora, Orlando, Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, and community after community after community. What will it take for this Congress to act? What will it take to face this challenge instead of ignoring it? How many more will not live to see the new year or begin it with debilitating injuries they will carry for the rest of their lives? How many times will we have a moment of silence and a year of no action? prgtoken , defeat this bill. Its rational provision of NICS, making sure people report, does not justify the danger it expands. Support the rights of States to protect their residents from hidden firearms. Do not ignore the crisis that confronts our country. Have a moment of action, a moment of legislating more safety, not less; not simply a few seconds of silence to lament the loss of life, whether it be in Las Vegas or Orlando or in our own communities. Defeat this bill. Come back and do some positive, constructive work that makes America safe again.
HONORING HARRY O. BLACKWELL
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-6

I rise today to honor the memory of Trenton's beloved Harry O. Blackwell, affectionately known as ``Chubby.'' prgtoken I was saddened to hear of his untimely passing; he was a tireless advocate for youth programming for decades in our capital city. prgtoken When we examine the life and passion of Chubby Blackwell, his compassion for the youth cannot be ignored. He dedicated his life to mentoring and teaching young people skills that could transform their future. Countless Trenton youth have memories of participating in sports leagues, golf lessons, and summer camps because of Chubby Blackwell. prgtoken Chubby's advocacy for children was effective because he made it his business to know the whole family. For many, Chubby Blackwell was that consistent and strong life force that kept them on the straight and narrow. Chubby had a zero tolerance for foolishness; his love was not always friendly--sometimes tough--but always consistent. prgtoken Today as we celebrate Chubby we celebrate a life of service to others whose impact will be felt for generations because his commitment was purposeful and motivated by love. prgtoken God Bless Chubby Blackwell and thank you to his beautiful family for having shared him with countless young people and indeed this entire community. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of Chubby Blackwell and sending our sincere condolences to his friends, family, and to the families he has helped over the years. May Chubby be blessed and rest in peace.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2017
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-12-6

I oppose H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. prgtoken While I am opposed to restricting law abiding citizens' access to firearms, I feel that this bill does not adequately address many of the requirements that states have instituted in passing their own concealed carry laws. prgtoken I am a big supporter of concealed carry and was the lead author of a bill in 1991 in the State Senate to create local concealed carry. The way this bill is written would strip many protections that are currently afforded to Texans. prgtoken Texas has many requirements for a person to be able to get that license including live-fire training. As a state, we also bar convicted domestic abusers and those convicted of violent crimes and stalking. Under this bill, an individual who had committed those crimes could conceal carry their weapon in Texas if they got their permit from a neighboring state that lacked these requirements for concealed carry like Mississippi. It is for these reasons that I do not support this bill as it is currently written. prgtoken If we are going to create a federal reciprocity standard for concealed carry it should be a standard that takes into account many of the protections individual states have created. I would proudly vote in support of a bill that addressed these standing issues.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY BILL
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-12-6

next week is the fifth-year anniversary of the horrific shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. For a brief moment, it looked like we would actually honor those victims by voting on a bill that would improve background checks to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals, but we should never have gotten our hopes up. prgtoken There is one winner in the House, and it is the gun lobby. The majority has combined the background check bill with a bill that helps move forward the gun lobby's ultimate agenda: gutting States' gun laws. This bill forces every State to accept the concealed carry laws of every other State, including the 12 States that don't even require a permit to carry a concealed weapon in public, even into a school. prgtoken Let's take one example of the dangerousness of this bill. A woman in an abusive relationship is five times more likely to be killed by her abuser if there is a gun involved. prgtoken Let that sink in: bringing a gun into an abusive situation means the chances of a woman dying increases by 500 percent. prgtoken So it makes all the sense in the world that, if this Congress were interested in public safety, saving lives, curbing gun deaths, that we would be talking about keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people. But that is not what is happening here. We are talking about a bill that invites domestic abusers to buy a gun in a State with lax laws and legally carry that gun into any other State. prgtoken This bill creates not only added danger for the public, but for law enforcement. And there is an extra kicker: this bill includes civil liability for police officers as they try to identify who can legally carry a weapon. prgtoken The National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence wrote: ``The complete lack of consistent training standards, the different standards for identifying individuals that are too dangerous to carry, the uncertainty of a document's validity, and the exposure of agencies and police officers to civil liability create unacceptable risks to our Nation's 900,000 police officers and the public at large.'' prgtoken Read the letters from prosecutors, from attorneys general, from law enforcement, all warning of the dangers of this bill. Anyone with common sense can tell you, this is not only an abdication of our duty to keep Americans safe; it is an overt favor to the rich and powerful gun lobby. But it is no surprise because the gun lobby is the only one who gets a vote on these issues in Congress. prgtoken If you are a survivor of domestic abuse fleeing across State lines to protect your family, you do not get a vote. prgtoken If you are a mom whose 6-year-old was murdered in Sandy Hook, you do not get a vote. prgtoken If your mother or sister was gunned down during a prayer service at Emanuel Church, you do not get a vote. prgtoken If you are one of the 93 people who die from gunshots every day in this country,
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2017-12-6

it is an honor to recognize Dr. Charles McMillan for his leadership and service at Los Alamos National Laboratory as he plans his retirement at the end of this year. prgtoken For 6 years, Dr. McMillan has served as director of Los Alamos, which employs some of the best and brightest minds in the Nation and is indispensable to our Nation's security and scientific and technology innovation. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. McMillan to support LANL's national security missions and position the lab so it will continue to play vital role in nuclear security, cutting-edge research, and scientific advances in the decades ahead. prgtoken Under Dr. McMillan's leadership, LANL has undertaken critical work to modernize our nuclear weapons complex through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. prgtoken The multidisciplinary science and engineering at LANL has also produced new materials and technologies with applications such as earth system modeling, supercomputing analysis, exploration of Mars, and improved responses to global health crises. prgtoken I have especially appreciated Dr. McMillan's commitment to working with the lab's surrounding communities in northern New Mexico. prgtoken The incredible success of Los Alamos depends on building trusting relationships with local communities. prgtoken I have been proud to work with Dr. McMillan to bring together LANL leadership, regional colleges, universities, and public schools to train more New Mexicans to become part of LANL's future workforce. prgtoken I am grateful for the steps Dr. McMillan has taken to engage with the regional coalition of LANL communities on important issues such as contracting with local small businesses and cleaning up legacy waste. prgtoken I commend Dr. McMillan for his incredible record of service to our Nation addressing some of our most complex issues and challenges. prgtoken It has been an honor for me to know Charlie, and I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--Continued
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-6

my motion to instruct the Senate conferees would simply insist that the final conference report does not increase the number of individuals who do not have health insurance and does not increase health insurance premiums. prgtoken It has been stated on this floor by my colleagues on this side of the aisle that this bill is a blow to our deficit, that it is a blow to our budget, and that it is going to hurt families, particularly in States like mine, with the elimination of the State and local tax deductions. We also know that it could be a bill that could literally threaten the lives of Americans as well. prgtoken The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has said that it will increase premium costs by 10 percent and cause 13 million people to lose their coverage, increase premiums and hurt people. prgtoken We know that this bill as it is currently written threatens Americans who rely on Medicaid, including children, people with disabilities, and seniors in nursing homes, because of the bill's potential to impact a State's ability to access funds for its Medicaid Program--again, the State and local tax deductions. prgtoken It is also going to possibly trigger cuts to Medicare. Because the bill that passed the Senate would possibly add $1.5 trillion to the deficit, it could trigger automatic cuts to government programs, including an annual cut of $25 billion to Medicare. A cut that size will significantly limit Medicare beneficiaries' access to essential health services in everything from cancer screenings to chemotherapy. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support my motion. The Senate conferees must insist that the final conference report of this harmful bill at the very least does not contain any provision that would increase the number of Americans who do not have health insurance or that would increase health premiums for already cash-strapped American citizens. prgtoken Thank you.
TRIBUTE TO MARGIE ALT
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-12-6

Margie Alt belongs on the Mount Rushmore of environmental advocates. For more than three decades, first at U.S. PRIG and then Environment America, Margie has been one of the leading generals in this monumental fight to combat climate change and protect our environment. prgtoken It was Margie's vision that transformed U.S. PIRG and Environment America into the powerhouse environmental advocacy organization it is today, with more than 1 million members across the country. Because of her leadership, EA doesn't just stand for Environment America, it also stands for everywhere in America, because that is where she planted the seeds of grassroots change and political activation. prgtoken As a tireless consumer protection champion, she has ensured that America's air and water is clean, our beaches and waterways are protected, and the public is safeguarded from toxic threats. She led groundbreaking work to organize the majority of State Renewable Electricity Standards in America, laying the foundation for the clean energy revolution that is now unstoppable. Her voice, passion, and strategic brilliance have been indispensable as the environmental movement she helped build takes on climate deniers and corporate polluters. prgtoken For her entire career, Margie has stood up for the public's health, stood against the special interests who would despoil our lands, and stood for integrity and progress. She is truly Massachusetts' commitment to public service personified. America has been fortunate to have had Margie Alt's extraordinary leadership for these many years, and I have been fortunate to call her my friend.
HONORING THE MINNESOTA CHAPTER OF THE COUNCIL ON AMERICAN ISLAMIC RELATIONS
Timothy J. Walz (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-12-6

I am honored to rise today in recognition of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Council on American- Islamic Relations--Minnesota Chapter (CAIR-MN). CAIR-MN works, as part of a nationwide network of chapters, to diligently protect and enhance some of the fundamental principles that have shaped America since its inception. They fight to defend the constitutional right to religious freedom. They promote community engagement, inspire civic activism, and defend civil liberties. CAIR-MN's work with Muslims in America has expanded the notions of social justice in our communities and supported the active participation of all our nations' citizens and residents. prgtoken Today, too many Americans have a distorted, inaccurate, or unclear understanding of Muslims, who they are, and what they believe. Fortunately, for ten years now, CAIR-MN has taken on the truly difficult, necessary, and rewarding task of dispelling misinformation, enhancing our society's understanding of Muslims and Islam, and combatting bigotry and intolerance. It is my hope that CAIR-MN will continue its remarkable contribution to our society for many more decades to come. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing CAIR-MN for the ten years of invaluable service they have provided to the State of Minnesota and the United States of America.
CONFIRMATION OF KIRSTJEN NIELSEN
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-12-6

I rise in opposition to the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. While I believe that Ms. Nielsen has a solid understanding of the Department that she seeks to lead, I am not yet convinced that she will be a counterweight to the rabid anti-immigration policies coming out of the White House. prgtoken I appreciated the opportunity to speak to Ms. Nielsen prior to the vote about my concern over the status of the Dreamers and temporary protected status, TPS, recipients. Dreamers were brought to this country through no fault of their own and are in limbo after the President abruptly canceled DACA and set arbitrary renewal and termination deadlines. TPS recipients, many of whom have been here for almost two decades, would have their lives endangered if forced to return to their home countries. prgtoken While I understand that Ms. Nielsen cannot make ironclad commitments on how she would handle these issues, I could not in good faith support her nomination without clearer guidance and assurances about how she and the administration intend to resolve these matters. Many of my colleagues who supported her predecessor, General Kelly, have complained bitterly that promises he made to them have not been kept. Moreover, both as General Kelly's chief of staff at DHS and later as his deputy at the White House, I have to assume the Ms. Nielsen has been very involved in the development and implementation of the immigration policies of this administration. My vote yesterday was not so much a vote against Ms. Nielsen, as it was a vote to protest the anti-immigration policies flowing from the administration. prgtoken I am hopeful that, in the coming months, Ms. Nielsen will be able to provide a check on the worst impulses of this White House. I am not yet convinced that will happen and hope to be proven wrong. I do look forward to working with Ms. Nielsen once she is sworn in.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-12-6

I rise today to offer a tribute to a friend, a leader, and one-of-a-kind, Rich Heffron. prgtoken My colleagues in the Delaware congressional delegation--Senator Carper and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester--join me in congratulating Rich Heffron on his long record of service to Delaware. Rich will soon be retiring as the president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and I wanted to take the time today to honor his many contributions not just to Delaware's business community but to our legal, educational, and governmental communities, to all of Delaware. prgtoken Rich moved from Philadelphia to Wilmington back in 1971, attending Delaware Law School and serving as an intern for then-Senator . Rich later functioned as finance director for 's 1978 senatorial campaign. Rich's career took off in 1985 when he started as a special assistant and top aide to then-Wilmington mayor Dan Frawley. Mayor Frawley wisely recognized Rich's business acumen and promoted him to director of the Department of Real Estate and Housing in 1987. There, Rich helped establish the Wilmington Housing Partnership and became one of Mayor Frawley's most trusted advisers, a key part of his ``kitchen cabinet.'' prgtoken Rich later departed Wilmington city government in 1992 to embark on his journey with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, where he would serve for more than a quarter of a century. Mayor Frawley was sad to lose Rich but recognized his great value to our entire State through the chamber. ``If I were the president of the state chamber, I would want to be able to communicate across political lines, across community and business lines,'' then-Mayor Frawley said. ``Rich has demonstrated that reach that goes beyond partisan.'' prgtoken At the State chamber, Rich managed the government affairs department and was the organization's chief advocate for Federal, State, and local issues, and it was in this role that I first met him. Under Rich's great and lasting leadership, the State chamber has been a strong organization, representing the business community on a very wide range of issues. He expanded the chamber's advocacy role across the State and recently helped guide the modernization of the Coastal Zone Act and advocated for the creation of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership to help Delaware's economic development for the future. prgtoken His insight was and still is frequently sought after in many policy areas, including government fiscal and tax policy, healthcare issues, land use management, and workers' compensation. Rich's depth of knowledge has been a resource for everyone who has spoken with him. His weekly emails, webcasts, and television and radio appearances are insightful, informative, and engaging. In short, he has long had his finger on the pulse of Delaware. prgtoken Throughout his tenure at the chamber, Rich has served on many boards and commissions, and I will mention just a few: t