mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PRIDE MONTH
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. It is an honor to host this Special Order hour in collaboration with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Equality Caucus. As Congress' first out person of color, it is an honor to lead this time on the floor. prgtoken As we near the end of Pride Month, it is important to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community's contributions to our country, our fight for equal rights, and the work that still has to be done. prgtoken I am proud to be joined by several of my colleagues in this House, and I appreciate their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. prgtoken Last year, I was joined by Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the co-chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and the LGBTQ+ activists to reintroduce the Equality Act. We stood together in solidarity and on the shoulders of many pioneers of the LGBTQ+ movement to demand equal protections for LGBTQ+ people. Former Congressman David Cicilline entrusted me with this landmark piece of legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and I take that responsibility very seriously. prgtoken The Equality Act was passed twice under the leadership of Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and today it has the support of every House . prgtoken The story of LGBTQ+ equality is not complete without the passage of this legislation. From the Stonewall riots in 1969 to protest the over- policing and criminalization of the LGBTQ community, to the lives lost to the AIDS crisis, to the heroes of this movement like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, our community has endured adversity, prejudice, and bigotry. prgtoken Unfortunately, the ugliness of hatred persists. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is still active, and violence against more vulnerable members of our community is increasing. prgtoken The Equality Act would send a message to all LGBTQ+ Americans that their government wants to ensure their dignified existence while honoring those who came before us. In a political moment where the LGBTQ+ community is used to stoke fear and distrust, the Equality Act stands as a way to unite us under principles that this country was founded: liberty and justice for all. prgtoken I am proud to come to the floor to during Pride Month to highlight this legislation and to send a message to not only the LGBTQ+ people who are living as their authentic selves and who have enjoyed the celebrations and festivities that this month has to offer but, also, those who, for whatever reason, cannot live or love in a way that is true to themselves out of fear of retaliation. prgtoken To those individuals, I want to say: you are not alone, and you have allies in places you may not expect. You have allies in the nine out Members of the House of Representatives, and you have allies in all of the vice chairs and members of the Congressional Equality Caucus. prgtoken We cannot wait for the day when LGBTQ+ people don't have to make the impossible choice of choosi
RECOGNIZING AMIE BACA-OEHLERT
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise today to recognize Amie Baca- Oehlert for service with the Colorado Education Association (CEA). prgtoken Amie is a bold and courageous leader who served for over a decade in leadership, including six years as president of CEA. Amie made prgtoken hard decisions throughout her tenure and led during unprecedented times--including the COVID-19 global pandemic. prgtoken During COVID, Amie led with incredible power and grace. She formed new coalitions with healthcare and public health organizations, which was critical in supporting educators with vaccine and PPE access, important scientific knowledge about the virus, and information on how to keep themselves and their students healthy. prgtoken She was also at the helm during the murder of George Floyd and spoke out publicly against racism and police brutality. Amie made it clear that educators and CEA would not sit on the sidelines in the fight for racial, social, and economic justice. prgtoken Amie has committed her life and her career to improving the quality of life for people throughout Colorado. She has championed affordable housing, gun violence prevention, school funding, and mental health for educators and students. Our schools, our students, our educators, and our communities are better off thanks to Amie's leadership. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to thank Amie Baca-Oehlert for her tireless work and dedication to our community.
RECOGNIZING THE REMARKABLE CAREER OF DR. LAWRENCE ROUSE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise to recognize the remarkable career of Dr. Lawrence Rouse as he begins his well-deserved retirement. prgtoken Dr. Rouse has dedicated an impressive 42 years to higher education, serving as the president of the Pitt Community College Bulldogs for the past 6 years. prgtoken Throughout his tenure, he has been an instrumental force in the growth and success of students across eastern North Carolina. prgtoken Before this, Dr. Rouse served as the president of James Sprunt Community College for 13 years. He earned the distinguished title of North Carolina Community Colleges System President of the Year in 2016. prgtoken Dr. Rouse's dedication to North Carolina students has been unwavering despite his South Carolina roots. prgtoken Madam , I acknowledge, too, the vital role that his wife, Janie, has played in supporting him throughout his career. I say thank you to Janie, and I sincerely thank Dr. Rouse and bid him a fond farewell as he enters retirement.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. PAUL RAYMOND BUITRON
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-27

today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Paul Raymond Buitron, a pillar of our community, for his 49 years of dedicated service to patients in Laredo and South Texas. His contributions to our medical community saved his patients' lives and exemplified selfless care throughout South Texas. prgtoken The highly personal nature of his care made Dr. Paul Raymond Buitron stand above the rest. Dr. Buitron compassionately tailored treatment plans for his patients, whom he knew well. His commitment to their well-being extended far beyond traditional medicine, he worked to foster open communication and build deep, trusting relationships with his patients. Buitron's treatment was the perfect example of what a doctor should provide theft community. prgtoken Dr. Buitron was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University before moving south in 1975 to earn his medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma De San Luis Potosi Facultad De Mediona in Mexico. After his journey through medical school, Dr. Buitron found his passion in otolaryngology, also known as ear, nose, and throat, at St. Joseph Hospital. He then completed his residency at the University of Louisville School of Medicine before returning to Laredo to secure his Texas State Medical license, where he served local patients ever since. prgtoken Dr. Buitron may have passed away earlier this month, but his memory will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of the South Texans who knew him. He leaves behind his son and two daughters, Paul Raymond Buitron, Ill, Delilah Buitron Arrebola, and Dubelza Buitron, as well as his grandchildren, Nara Buitron, Paul Raymond Buitron IV, Olivia Buitron, Lennon Wolfgang Gardener, and Ringo Sebastian Arrebola. Dr. Paul Raymond Buitron provided compassionate care and demonstrated unwavering dedication to his patients, leaving a lasting legacy in the Laredo community.
CONGRATULATING ABI CARTER
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate our very own Indio native Abi Carter for her remarkable achievement of winning season 22 of ``American Idol'' last month. Abi captured the hearts of millions of Americans, won the popular vote, and emerged as the champion. prgtoken My family and I cheered for her and have followed her incredible journey. We enjoyed witnessing the talent and passion Abi brings to her art and listening to her powerful and angelic voice. prgtoken Abi's story is one of humility, determination, passion, and resilience. As a Cal State University San Bernadino alumni and a George Washington Charter School alumni, Abi served as a role model and inspiration to young students in my district and across the Nation. prgtoken Abi was homeschooled during high school so that she could get a job and support her family. She grew up in a musical household, singing in church and talent shows and several local competitions. prgtoken Her dedication and passion are an inspiration to us all, reminding us to dream big because dreams really do come true. prgtoken We congratulate Abi. Cheers to her, her talent, and the promising future ahead. We are all immensely proud of her for her well-deserved achievement and we will continue to support her every step of the way. We have her back.
PRIDE MONTH
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , there is a mental health crisis among our LGBTQ+ youth in our country. Far too many of our young people are struggling right now to access the care they need and deserve. prgtoken We know that rightwing politicians, including many in this Chamber, continue to carry out relentless attacks, just unbelievable attacks, on our LGBTQ+ people and push for discriminatory policies. This constant fear-mongering, rejection, and discrimination have real human consequences. prgtoken According to the Trevor Project, nearly half of our LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year alone. At least one of them attempts suicide every 45 seconds. prgtoken This is the heartbreaking reality that we are facing, so our words matter. The bills that we introduce matter. prgtoken These young people, like all people regardless of how they identify or who they love, deserve the opportunity to grow up and to live with human dignity and equal rights free from discrimination. prgtoken Our fight for LGBTQ+ rights is connected to our fight for human dignity for marginalized people everywhere. We must pass the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination at work, in housing, and in public accommodations and guarantee them equal protection under the law. prgtoken Madam , we must also pass legislation that increases access to mental health care like the Pride in Mental Health Act, which would fund mental health resources, training for our caregivers, school bullying prevention, and more. prgtoken To my residents in 12 District Strong, your Congresswoman sees you and loves you. I will continue fighting for the collective liberation of all of our people.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. No funds in the State and Foreign Operations bill go toward the humanitarian pier built by the United States Department of Defense off the coast of Gaza, just an FYI. prgtoken This is not political talk. If you know what is taking place in Gaza, people are desperate. The distribution of aid from the pier is at least partially managed by USAID, period, including support for the World Food Program. prgtoken I am also frustrated that we have to resort to these extraordinary measures to get aid into Gaza. In an area that is nearing collapse and where one million people are facing catastrophic hunger, we need to utilize every channel that is available, if you care about human life. prgtoken This month, Israel facilitated 204 humanitarian missions into Gaza. It also denied or impeded another 76, and another 38 were canceled due to insecurity or logistical reasons. There simply is not enough aid getting in. prgtoken The current humanitarian pier is only supposed to be in place for a few more weeks before the weather makes it untenable. There are no current plans to use the pier into fiscal year 2025, which is the focus of this amendment. prgtoken I pray that we will not be in this situation next year, but I refuse to take any tools that will help innocent civilians off the table. prgtoken The suffering of the civilian population of Gaza will not make Israel safer. It is contributing to its insecurity and is counterproductive, and so it is important that those who value human life not support this amendment. prgtoken I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and .
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I missed thirty votes today due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted: prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 297, Brecheen Amendment No. 1; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 298, Brecheen Amendment No. 2; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 299, Brecheen Amendment No. 3; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 300, Burchett Amendment No. 4; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 301, Burchett Amendment No. 9; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 302, Gosar Amendment No. 13; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 303, Gosar Amendment No. 14; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 304, Gosar Amendment No. 15; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 305, Gosar Amendment No. 16; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 306, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 18; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 307, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 19; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 308, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 20; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 309, Hageman Amendment No. 21; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 310, Hageman Amendment No. 22; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 311, Mace Amendment No. 35; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 312, Mace Amendment No. 36; prgtoken AYE on Roll Call No. 313, Moskowitz Amendment No. 45; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 314, Ogles Amendment No. 50; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 315, Perry Amendment No. 54; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 316, Spartz Amendment No. 59; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 317, Steube Amendment No. 61; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 318, Tenney Amendment No. 63; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 319, Tenney Amendment No. 64; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 320, Tiffany Amendment No. 68; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 321, Waltz Amendment No. 72; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 322, Wilson of South Carolina Amendment No. 75; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 323, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 56; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 324, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 57; prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 325, Jayapal Amendment No. 72; and prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 326, Moore of Alabama Amendment No. 129.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for the time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my colleague's amendment. We should all be supporting funding for national security, but should any department or agency really get an opportunity to request additional funding that is outside of the President's request by any administration's request? prgtoken Either all agencies should have the authority to do it, or none of them should. This should not be unique to the Armed Forces and the combatant commanders if it is such a good idea. prgtoken The service chiefs appear before the committee each year to discuss how their budgets meet the needs included in the national defense strategy. Most of the combatant commanders also testify annually before the committee. prgtoken Congress is able to assess with stringent oversight what we believe the country needs for its national security. prgtoken Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. If this really is such a fabulous idea that we have these unfunded opportunity lists, then we should do it for the EPA. We should do it for the National Park Service. I could think of a lot of things that the American public would like to know about, if this is such a good idea, that aren't able to be funded in the current time in the President's budget.
HONORING SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT LAURA McKEE
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-6-27

today I rise to present Laura McKee, Assistant Chief Inflight Refueler and member of the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron, with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Hero Award for this month of June. Inspired by its namesake, this award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community, country, and nation is unparalleled. prgtoken Called to be a freedom fighter, Laura McKee worked to proudly serve her country by acquiring a bachelor's certificate from Indiana University and two associates degrees from the Community College of the Air Force. prgtoken Equipped with the skills she garnered from her Aviation Operation Aircraft Technology and Systems Maintenance Technology degrees, Laura McKee provided vital assistance to the Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Operations. Her service in combating authoritative beliefs, insurgency, and securing a free world is admirable. prgtoken The experiences she collected while deployed not only fueled her aspirations to support a free, just world, but broadened her scope of how she can best support the peers that came before and after her as military personnel. Today, she is among Indiana's champions for women veterans, and she strives to increase veteran education and access to federal and state benefits and resources. Having recently been named Indiana's first Women's Veteran's Coordinator for Indiana Veterans Affairs, I am confident her recent appointment will continue to create a positive impact for all veteran women. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Laura McKee as we celebrate her legacy of outstanding accomplishments and advocacy.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the majority's Defense appropriations bill. prgtoken First, I would also like to thank the majority and minority staff, particularly Jennifer Chartrand and Jason Gray for their efforts, and I extend my deep thanks to Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum for their work on this bill. Unfortunately, I cannot support this bill at this time. prgtoken With this bill, Congress has the unique and solemn responsibility of appropriating the funds necessary to defend and to protect our Nation. prgtoken I come from a defense-dependent State. I understand the importance of making investments and the kinds of investments we make in this bill, but this bill still does not advance our national defense capabilities. prgtoken There is a path laid out for us to responsibly strengthen America's national security and support our armed servicemembers. Instead, under the majority's partisan process, we are considering a bill that promotes chaos in Congress over prioritizing our national security, which sows division instead of supporting our servicemembers' morale and unity. This bill undermines democracy here and around the world, and it disarms our military in the face of the climate crisis. prgtoken Especially in an election year, we should not consider legislation that would neutralize the Department of Defense's ability to counter disinformation campaigns when we know foreign actors and our adversaries are seeking to meddle in our elections and our democratic processes. prgtoken Why, after this Congress has repeatedly demonstrated broad bipartisan support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian tyranny, are we considering a bill that fails to fund the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, rewarding Russia? In addition to fighting Russian aggression, USAI helps Ukraine integrate with NATO and Western forces, directly supporting our broader national security and defense objectives. prgtoken Recklessly, this bill ignores our military leaders. Even under President , our military acknowledged and warned about the dangers of climate change, what it poses to our national security, our military assets, and our servicemembers around the world. prgtoken Secretary Mattis said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee: ``Climate change is impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today. It is appropriate for the Combatant Commands to incorporate drivers of instability that impact the security environment in their areas into their planning.'' prgtoken We ought to be ensuring our military's readiness and adaptability in the face of a changing climate and worsening disasters, not denying the scientific and strategic reality of the threats that we face. prgtoken Finally, this bill contains a laundry list of partisan proposals that divide Americans and divide the Congress, including provisions that hurt women and LGBTQ+ servicemembers and obstruct
CONGRATULATING FLORIDA PANTHERS ON STANLEY CUP VICTORY
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the new 2024 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. I proudly introduced a resolution commending the team for this historic win. prgtoken June 24, 2024, will forever be reminders of a monumental day for south Florida. For the first time in their 30-year franchise history, the Florida Panthers have won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in an exhilarating game 7. prgtoken For 30 seasons, Florida Panthers fans, myself included, have eagerly waited to see our favorite team raise the Stanley Cup. Led by the outstanding performance of Captain Aleksander Barkov and Head Coach Paul Maurice, our Panthers showcased the very best of south Florida's competitive spirit. prgtoken I also want to pay tribute to the devoted Panthers fans. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm were crucial in propelling the players forward game after game to finally finish the hunt. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, and the entire Panthers organization. Let's bring the cup home again next year. prgtoken As always, go Cats.
CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING OF THE EAST WIND FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH'S CHINATOWN COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise today to celebrate the Grand Opening of the East Wind prgtoken Foundation for Youth's Chinatown Community Cultural Center. prgtoken Since opening its doors in 1972, the East Wind Foundation for Youth has been committed to empowering young Angelenos to become the next generation of global leaders. Headquartered in Chinatown, this non- profit equips young people with the skills they need to cultivate an inclusive community that brings families, friends and neighbors together while honoring their Chinese culture. prgtoken The East Wind Foundation for Youth hosts countless cultural programs throughout the year, such as their annual essay writing contest, lion dance performances, martial art training and community service. Through these opportunities, young people are encouraged to think critically, build up their self-confidence and create lasting friendships while celebrating their shared Chinese heritage. prgtoken While the foundation's programming is aimed at uplifting students, its impacts reverberate throughout our Los Angeles neighborhoods, improving the lives of families and entire communities. By providing creative and academic outlets for students, the foundation is reducing the likelihood that young people engage in gang violence, and is thus promoting safer neighborhoods. prgtoken The grand opening of the Chinatown Community Cultural Center allows the non-profit to further expand its arts and educational services to constituents of California's 34th Congressional District, with a focus on the history of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles as well as the history of the organization. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for the East Wind Foundation for Youth.