mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE BIRTHDAY OF MR. ZEDDIE COLEY
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to honor the 90th birthday of Mr. Zeddie Coley, a remarkable member of the OH-11 community. prgtoken Mr. Coley was born in Albany, Georgia in 1933 and graduated from Monroe High School is 1950. He earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1953 from Albany State College, where he also became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. In 1974, he completed his master's degree in education from Cleveland State University. After receiving his formal education, Mr. Coley served in the United States Army. prgtoken Mr. Coley was married to Shirley Ann Jackson (1932-2019) for 68 years and together they have two daughters, Carma Coley (Warrensville Hts.) and Cynthia Coley-Anderson (Chicago), both retired teachers. He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. prgtoken Mr. Coley began his teaching career in 1955 in the Cleveland Public Schools system as a fourth-grade teacher at Wade Park Elementary. Moving forward, he continued his career in the East Cleveland City Schools as a science teacher, retiring as an administrator in 1984. He continues to maintain contact with many of the students he has taught throughout the years. prgtoken Since 1964, Mr. Coley has lived in the Lee-Harvard Community. There, he served as an active member of the Harvard Community Services Center, a member of their Board of Trustees for 27 years and as president of the Walden Avenue Street Club for 30 years. In addition, he served as an Education Association Committee Chairperson. During his tenure, he was active in hiring several principals in the Lee Harvard area schools and spear-headed the track and field stadium renovation committee for John F. Kennedy High School. Mr. Coley has received numerous honors-- Harvard Community Services Center's Lifetime Achievement Award, Senior of the Year for Ward 1, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Black Diamonds Award, John F. Kennedy's Community Volunteer Award, and the Neighborhood Leadership Award, to name a few. prgtoken He has been an active member of the East Zion Baptist Church for over 60 years. As an avid gardener. he takes pride in harvesting vegetables to share with his neighbors. When asked what he loves most about Cleveland, he says, ``Cleveland gave me my wife, which makes me love it the most.'' prgtoken Happy birthday to Mr. Coley.
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2023-6-23

. Mr. Chair, I missed something because I didn't know that the administration was involved in this debate or had any involvement at all with this discussion. prgtoken At the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to the bill. prgtoken My amendment would make the $3.2 billion surplus this bill generates available for Federal programs to assist homeless individuals and families. Instead of making housing more expensive for our constituents, we should be ensuring that every single American is able to live with dignity and comfort. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of the amendment. At the end, add the following new section:
ADDRESSING GUN VIOLENCE
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise to address the epidemic of gun violence our country is experiencing. prgtoken On average each year gun violence in America kills some 43,000 people and injures around 76,000 more. prgtoken Over and over, our communities are left reeling from senseless tragedy, stuck in a devastating cycle of violence. We can no longer allow this level of pain to be our normal. Change must happen and happen now. prgtoken I am proud to have signed the discharge petitions to bring essential gun violence prevention legislation to the House floor, including the Assault Weapons Ban, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and the Enhanced Background Checks Act. prgtoken These are rational and commonsense bills. They are not about taking away rights. They are about protecting our children, families, and communities. They are about taking the fear out of the every day. prgtoken Going to school, the grocery store, or even making a wrong turn should not be a death sentence. Our communities deserve better, and I vow to continue to fight for long overdue action to address gun violence in our beloved country.
CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH IN PENNSYLVANIA'S 17TH DISTRICT
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-6-23

June is Pride Month, a month that celebrates the contributions and importance of the LGBTQ+ community all over the country and in Pennsylvania's 17th District. prgtoken My home borough of Aspinwall hosted Pride in the Park, a festival to connect and celebrate the community with history walks, community resources, art, music, and a vendor fair of local LGBTQ-owned small businesses. prgtoken Pride is celebrated all across western Pennsylvania, from a Pride- themed Roller Derby bout in Cheswick, to festivals in Dormont and Mt. Lebanon. There is also Prom in Millvale, online writing groups for seniors, a parade and music in Swissvale, and lots more. prgtoken It is a busy month for our community and one that centers around freedom at its core. It also remembers those who fought tirelessly for equal rights and those hurt by discrimination or lost to senseless hatred and violence. prgtoken America was founded under the ideals of liberty and justice, not censorship, discrimination, or control. All people shall have the freedom to love who they love, to be who they are, to be accepted, to feel safe, and to be treated equally under the law. prgtoken On behalf of the good people of western Pennsylvania, I will keep fighting for these freedoms here in Washington.
ASSESSING FAST FASHION
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2023-6-23

satellite images have identified a pile of discarded clothing in Chili, sent there from Europe, Asia, and America. It is so large it can be seen from space. prgtoken This mountain of textile waste illustrates the environmental toll of what is called fast fashion. Unfortunately, fast fashion has become very popular with consumers, but it comes at a high cost to our planet. prgtoken Fast fashion relies on cheap manufacturing, frequent consumption, and short-lived garment use. This constant cycle of production and disposal is exemplified by these mountains of discarded shirts and skirts. prgtoken Textile waste has increased dramatically over the last two decades and, in the process, has become a massive environmental challenge. In 2018, 17 million tons of textiles were generated in the U.S. and 11.3 million tons were thrown into landfills. prgtoken As the rate that clothing is produced and discarded increases, only 15 percent of the clothing in the U.S. is recycled or reused, with the rest either incinerated or sent to landfills for disposal. prgtoken I am formally calling on the GAO to assess what actions the EPA has taken and can take to combat fast fashion waste. prgtoken In Maine, we have a deeply ingrained sense that you can always get a little more use out of something. I agree. The Federal Government can and must do more to stop waste and pollution. Fast fashion should be sustainable fashion.
HONORING REVEREND MARIE GALATAS ORTIZ
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to honor Reverend Marie Galatas Ortiz, Louisiana's matriarch in the civil rights movement. prgtoken After the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Ortiz became increasingly involved and determined to work toward equality in her community. She founded the Grass Roots Organization for Women, GROW, in 1975, aiming to encourage women's participation in leadership roles and challenge patriarchal social systems. prgtoken Ortiz also led protests and demonstrations, including one demanding justice for the death of Stanley Magee. She actively fought against racially motivated violence and worked to remove Confederate statues in Louisiana. prgtoken Ortiz remains committed to her spiritual mission and continues to support underserved individuals through various organizations. prgtoken , I thank Reverend Galatas for her hard work and dedication. I pray that she will continue to fight assuring a successful and bright future for all men and women. Today, we give her roses while she lives. prgtoken God bless Reverend Galatas, and may she continue her great work.
MORGAN HALLETT IS A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT ATHLETE
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to recognize Morgan Hallett, a rising senior from Norton High School, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. prgtoken Morgan recently won her second straight Division II State title in the discus, blowing out her competition with a record-breaking throw of 170 feet, 8 inches. prgtoken After putting on a brilliant athletic display, which Morgan and her dad fondly call the ``Mo Show,'' Morgan now has the longest throw in a Division II State meet and is tied for the longest throw in Division II history. prgtoken Morgan has established herself as a truly exceptional student athlete, and her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are truly outstanding. prgtoken Morgan's achievements have made her family, teammates, coaches, school, and community proud. Once again, I congratulate Morgan Hallett on her second straight Division II State title in discus and the best of luck as she reaches her third next year.
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-23

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , I oppose H.R. 3564, which harms middle-class home buyers and their ability to access homeownership on fair and affordable terms. prgtoken This bill responds to a misinformation campaign, again initiated by a friend of the s, FOX News, and propagated by extreme MAGA s. It protects wealthy home buyers and imposes billions in new fees on all home buyers. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I also oppose this bill because it completely ignores our Nation's worsening housing crisis, which is locking millions out of the dream of homeownership. MAGA s are instead focused on a minuscule fee in the home-buying process that does nothing to address our Nation's housing shortage and rising housing costs that are driving inflation. prgtoken We have a shortage of 14 million homes nationwide and more than 582,500 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, with homelessness rising faster in rural communities than anywhere else in the country. Meanwhile, U.S. renters are paying more of their income on rent today than ever before. These are the real problems that s should be working to solve, not increasing fees by billions of dollars according to the CBO. prgtoken In fact, this bill is opposed by Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Responsible Lending, the National Fair Housing Alliance, the National Housing Law Project, and the National Housing Resource Center. Industry groups such as the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are also very concerned about this. prgtoken s are forever worried about the fact that we are not making enough cuts. Yet, in the negotiations that just occurred on raising the debt limit, they wanted to cut, cut, cut, cut. They are not only jeopardizing middle-class homeowners, but they are increasing the amount of money--more than even needed--than the Congressional Budget Office has said the bill would cost. prgtoken Why $5 billion? I don't get it. I don't understand, but I am through with it. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I simply ask for a ``no'' vote on this bill, and .
RETIREMENT OF DARLA SIDLES, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK SUPERINTENDENT
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to honor the legacy and retirement of Darla Sidles, the first female Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park. prgtoken For the last seven years, Darla has been in charge of managing and supervising all operations within Rocky Mountain National Park--the Nation's fourth busiest national park--an area I am lucky to represent in the United States Congress. Rocky Mountain National Park surpassed 4 million visitors for the first time the year before she took over, and it has exceeded 4 million almost every year since, prgtoken Darla has helped Rocky Mountain National Park navigate unprecedented challenges like record levels of visitors, the global pandemic forcing a closure of the park in 2020, and then another closure of the park that same year as a result of Colorado's two largest wildfires ripping through Rocky Mountain and burning about 10 percent of the park. Through it all she remained dedicated to improving and protecting our treasured public lands. prgtoken Darla has served at the National Park Service for 34 successful years. She has been a trusted and valued partner to my office and to the Town of Estes Park. We are sad to see Darla go, but wish her a happy retirement.
HIGHLIGHTING THE SERVICE OF LEWIS LYMAN SUMNER
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-6-23

I often say that Vermont is held together with duct tape, twine, and hundreds of volunteer hours. prgtoken I rise today to highlight the work of Lewis Lyman Sumner. His 54-year commitment to the Halifax community has been immeasurably impactful. He served for over half a century on the Halifax Select Board and gave 6 years of service to the National Guard. He is also a 50-year member of the Grange--such incredible public service. prgtoken The Sumner family has deep roots in Halifax and has been a staple in that community since they settled there in 1783. Lewis and his family continue to operate their family farm. prgtoken Lewis served his community as emergency management director for eight FEMA disasters, working tirelessly to keep Vermonters safe during these emergencies. prgtoken Lewis and his wife, Laura, are both dedicated public servants. Laura served as town clerk for 43 years until her retirement in 2010. prgtoken I close by thanking Lewis, Laura, and their family for their years of service to southern Vermont.
MOURNING THE LOSS OF EUGENE GATES
Jasmine Crockett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-6-23

today I rise to mourn the loss of my constituent and a beloved member of the United States Postal Service, Eugene Gates. prgtoken On Wednesday, Mr. Gates passed while delivering mail on his route in Dallas, Texas, where the heat index reached temperatures of nearly 115 degrees. prgtoken My heart breaks for Eugene's wife, Carla, his children, grandchildren, and everyone in Lancaster, Texas, who called him neighbor and friend. prgtoken Mr. Gates was a 40-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service and will be remembered and mourned by many in north Texas who looked forward to his visits every day. He had the heart of a public servant and will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. prgtoken As a member of the Oversight and Accountability Committee, I have continued to uplift and fight my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for respect and to protect and honor those Federal workers just like Mr. Gates instead of belittling them. Mr. Gates should be here. prgtoken It is past time that we do the people's work in the people's House. I pray that we honor Mr. Gates' life by offering pragmatic solutions along with our prayers. We need to do this for Eugene, his family, and for all of our letter carriers putting public service before self every single day.
CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month and stand with all members of the LGBTQ community. prgtoken June celebrates the LGBTQ community and the Pride movement's progress. It also reminds us of our history. prgtoken We have made progress in our efforts to further the LGBTQ movement and prgtoken promote nationwide allyship, yet anti-trans legislation continues to be presented in legislative bodies across the country, and hate crimes targeting LGBTQ communities continue to rise. prgtoken The LGBTQ community and its allies will not be silenced. prgtoken The cities of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C both hosted their annual Pride parades on June 11 and 9, with thousands participating in both. It is a beautiful sight to see such strong, growing support in our hometown of Los Angeles and right here in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken Let's recommit to defending the rights and privileges of all LGBTQ people as they face a hate-filled wave of anti-equality legislation across our country. prgtoken For all this and more, I stand and celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month this June.
CELEBRATING ROB STOKER
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise to recognize the service of the president of the Building Trades Council of Alameda County and longtime member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 (Local 104), Rob Stoker, on the occasion of his retirement after over 30 years of service on Saturday, July 1, 2023. prgtoken A lifelong resident of the Bay Area, Rob grew up in Castro Valley and graduated from Castro Valley High School in 1982. Rob's career in sheet metal began when his father, Wayne, signed him up for a class at Laney Community College. Upon completing his sheet metal apprenticeship in 1989, Rob began working at the Monterey Mechanical Company in Oakland, moving his way up from a journeyman to a division manager. prgtoken Rob is a proud Local 104 member. He has served as a part-time instructor for the union's apprenticeship programs and as Local 104's executive board officer. Rob was elected as Local 104's union business representative in 2006, where he found his passion for recruiting future unionized sheet metal workers. prgtoken Rob has remained a fierce advocate for all trade workers throughout the Bay Area in his roles as Local 104's political and public relations director and then eventually assumed the role of president of the Building Trades Council of Alameda County. He has negotiated countless project labor agreements, including with large Bay Area municipalities, major transit agencies, federal government bodies, and nonprofit agencies. prgtoken More specifically, Rob's advocacy efforts helped pass CA Assembly Bill 841 in 2020, creating the School Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program providing funds for schools to test and assess HVAC systems and supporting unionized labor. prgtoken For over 30 years, Rob has dedicated his career to the industry and the men and women that work within it. He has remained an integral part of the building trade community in the Bay Area, and I am sure he will be missed at both Local 104 and the Building Trades Council of Alameda County. I wish him prgtoken well-deserved rest and relaxation, filled with quality time with Christine, his wife of 34 years, and his children Will, Lane, and Natalie as he enters this new chapter.
HONORING PERRY MILLER
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to honor Perry Miller, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Region Airport Commission, which owns and operates the Richmond International Airport. prgtoken Perry is an airport executive with a distinguished career spanning three decades. He graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Airway Science and a Master of Science degree in Transportation Planning and Management. Perry began his airport career with the Houston Airport System, where he spent 25 years serving in several capacities that are critical to the smooth functioning of our Nation's airports, including airport operations, maintenance, properties management, and business development. His positions there included Airport Manager of Ellington Airport, Airport Manager of William P. Hobby Airport, and Interim Manager of Intercontinental Airport. prgtoken In 2015, Perry became the Chief Operating Officer of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2019, Virginia was fortunate to have Perry accept the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Region Airport Commission. In the four years since he has been there, Perry has successfully led the Richmond International Airport through the COVID crisis, has worked to increase the level of air service for the Capital Region, and has undertaken a comprehensive infrastructure program to meet our region's current and growing needs. prgtoken In recognition of Perry's distinguished career, his peers in the airport community previously elected him to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Airport Executives, the world's largest professional organization for airport executives. Founded in 1928, AAAE has 9,000 members from more than 800 airports. prgtoken Most recently, Perry became the Chair of AAAE, the highest volunteer leadership position within this prestigious national organization. Achieving this senior position is clear testimony to Perry's distinguished career in the airport community, the high regard his fellow airport executives have for him, his high level of professional achievement, and his dedication to public service. prgtoken , I wish to congratulate Perry Miller on this significant accomplishment. We are grateful for his many contributions to our Nation's aviation system and look forward to his continued contributions in the years ahead.