mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE BIRTHDAY OF MRS. IRENE BURRUS
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate and honor Mrs. Irene Burrus on the joyous and momentous occasion of her 99th birthday on March 31, 2022. prgtoken Irene has been a supporter, trusted advisor and personal friend of mine since I was a mere kid. I thank God for her and her incredible love, passion, and sincere care for our community at large. prgtoken Mrs. Irene Burrus has been a tireless volunteer in the New Orleans community for more than 50 years. She is a leader and possesses the skills to involve her friends and neighbors in the causes and organizations she believes in. Her kindness and empathy for others makes her a respected member of her community and has inspired many to follow in her service to others. prgtoken Irene was married to the deceased John Burrus, who served our country and was awarded the Navy Cross by President Harry S. Truman. She became involved in many causes for our military and veterans throughout the State of Louisiana. prgtoken Irene worked at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for over thirty years. She has shared an unwavering love and dedication for the city of New Orleans with everyone she encountered. In 2013, at the age of 89, she volunteered three days of her time to welcoming people from over the world to the activities surrounding Super Bowl XLVII. She is well-known to serve breakfast to law enforcement every Mardi Gras. prgtoken A stalwart figure in Louisiana's volunteer circles, Irene was awarded the Heroism of the Year award by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and was one of the first five inductees into the Algiers Wall of Fame for her community service to Algiers and New Orleans. prgtoken Irene's service to causes and organizations is unmatched. She is a member of the Algiers Police Advisory Group, the Welcome Neighbors Organization, the Morning Kiwanis Club, the Algiers Economic Development Foundation, the Tall Timbers Garden Club, the Algiers Development District, the Algiers Charter School Association for Fundraising, the Military Wives Organization, the Old Aurora Neighborhood Association, the Historic French Quarter Easter Parade, the Algiers Women, the Louisiana Women, and the Algiers Courthouse Board of Directors. prgtoken Throughout her life, Irene has been ``Shero'' to the countless families she has helped along prgtoken the way. She has showered blessings upon everyone she has loved so deeply, and we are eternally grateful. I wish her the happiest of birthdays surrounded by family and friends and pray we celebrate many more years to come.
REMEMBERING DON YOUNG
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-4-1

this past week, we celebrated the life of Don Young, the dean of the House with 49 years here representing the State of Alaska. He was a . But before he was a , he was an American. He wanted this House to work and this House to work together. prgtoken Don Young voted for the bipartisan infrastructure bill because he knew infrastructure, roads, airports, river ports, and trains made this country move and made business happen. prgtoken I hope we will not forget Don Young, not just because of his oversized and loveable personality and the warmth that he exuded to all of us, but for the fact that he was bipartisan and wanted this House to work. prgtoken There is a motto up there, above the 's lectern, that says: Get something done while you are here that is memorable and important. prgtoken Look at that and remember Don Young.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-1

I rise in support of this legislation because it is long overdue for our Federal laws to catch up with the legal reality in almost every State in the Union, and because Federal reform must place restorative justice as the top priority. prgtoken I thank Pelosi, Chairman Nadler, and my fellow chairs for once again bringing this legislation to the House floor. prgtoken , voters in States like New York have led the way in changing their cannabis laws, emphasizing restorative justice for our most marginalized communities. This bill takes a meaningful approach to undo the wrongs of the failed war on drugs by removing cannabis as a schedule I drug and encouraging States to expunge low-level possession records. prgtoken Importantly, the MORE Act also helps entrepreneurs access affordable capital to start a legitimate business, which too often is a barrier to entrepreneurship for people of color regardless of industry. prgtoken As chair of the Committee on Small Business, I am proud the MORE Act includes measures my colleagues and I championed to ensure SBA programs, like the flagship 7(a) Loan Program, the disaster loan program, and Small Business Development Center resources, are available to legitimate cannabis businesses. The MORE Act is the best proposal to ensure communities disproportionately impacted by the prohibition of cannabis are best positioned to profit from its legalization. prgtoken , for that reason, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-4-1

the MORE Act is a historic piece of legislation, no question about it. It removes criminal convictions for marijuana use that have stigmatized the lives of thousands of individuals in our country, particularly those of color. In addition, tragically, our veterans have been denied access to medical marijuana for treatment of pain management and also post-traumatic stress syndrome after they have offered their lives and put their lives in danger for us. prgtoken Supported by public vote, Nevada legalized medical marijuana in 2001, decriminalized marijuana use in 2017, and has shown that regulating marijuana works. Most of the other States have done the same, so it is time for the Nation to follow suit. prgtoken With the passage of the MORE Act, the marijuana industry can become a key element of growing and diversifying our economy, creating more good jobs, and putting more folks back to work as we recover from the pandemic. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-1

it is a multibillion-dollar industry also that brings tax revenue of billions to our States. Over 950 are people arrested daily for marijuana-related offenses. This is truly unjust. So we must end this failed policy of marijuana prohibition, which has led to the shattering of so many lives, primarily Black and Brown people. And yes, that is extremely important. prgtoken , it is time to repair the damage. It is time to provide equal justice for those who have been unduly incarcerated. Public opinion supports this. prgtoken In fact, over 50 years ago, the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, or the Shafer Commission, formally recommended to Congress this be done. We are doing it today.
RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF GUAM ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY AND CELEBRATING THE 54TH ANNUAL GUAM CHARTER DAY
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the University of Guam (UOG) and join the People of Guam in celebrating both its 70th Anniversary and 54th Charter Day. I extend my sincere congratulations for their decades of achievements and commend them for their countless contributions as a leader in the continued transformation of our local and global communities. prgtoken UOG Charter Day is an annual celebration that marks the 1952 founding of the institution and 1968 signing of the charter that renamed the Territorial College of Guam as today's University of Guam. In the years since then, the institution has remained an unwavering force in building strong educational foundations, fostering a breadth of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and creating new spaces for our people to rise as leaders in every level of society. From healthcare and education to business and public administration, every aspect of life on Guam has been deeply impacted by the very students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administration of UOG. Having earned an unprecedented 16 years of continuous accreditation, maintained an outstanding reputation as the only four-year U.S. accredited land-grant institution in the Western Pacific, and conferred over 19,914 degrees to its students, the University of Guam is an instrument of positive change that will continue to shape our island, region, nation, and world in the future ahead. prgtoken This year's Charter Day theme, ``Charting a Course for New Horizons,'' and platinum anniversary theme, ``70 Years of Transforming lives and Advancing Communities,'' further speak volumes about the ways in which UOG uniquely embodies its mission to enlighten, discover, and serve. Consistently taking its commitment far beyond the confines of academics and research, the institution has navigated a critical role in supporting the evolving needs of our community. Most recently, this has materialized in the provision of a central island vaccination clinic, personnel support for widespread community testing, online COVID-Ready Caregiver courses, tele-health counseling services, COVID- 19 tele-education, a health clinic and outreach events, and COVID-19 awareness presentations in partnership with numerous community-based organizations, the Guam Army National Guard, and Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Madam , the University of Guam is a pillar of excellence and beacon of promise for generations past and generations more to come. Once again, I would like to congratulate the University of Guam for seventy years of prgtoken service, and I look forward to witnessing the continued progress this fundamental institution will realize for the People of Guam and our region.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 3617, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, or the MORE Act, is long-overdue legislation that would reverse decades of failed Federal policies based on the criminalization of marijuana. It would also take steps to address the heavy toll these policies have taken across the country, particularly among communities of color. prgtoken For far too long, we have treated marijuana as a criminal justice problem, instead of as a matter of personal choice and public health. Whatever one's views are on the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, the policy of arrests, prosecution, and incarceration at the Federal level has proven both unwise and unjust. prgtoken That is why the MORE Act would set a new path forward and would begin to correct some of the injustices of the last 50 years. The bill decriminalizes prgtoken marijuana at the Federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. This change applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions. It does not, however, undermine the ability of States to apply their criminal laws to marijuana or to legalize and regulate it as they see fit. prgtoken The bill also eliminates barriers to medical research, allows the VA to recommend medical marijuana to veterans living with PTSD, and it allows financial institutions to service the marijuana industry. It provides for expungement or resentencing of certain Federal marijuana arrests and convictions and supports expungement programs at the State and local levels. prgtoken In addition, the bill authorizes a sales tax on marijuana sales and directs those revenues to an Opportunity Trust Fund to support communities harmed by the war on drugs. It also establishes a wide range of grant programs to support equal access to the benefits of decriminalization. prgtoken When it comes to our immigration laws, the bill prospectively and retroactively ensures that marijuana will not be considered a controlled substance, directly mirroring the protection and relief under the criminal justice provisions of the bill. This protects individuals from the collateral consequences for marijuana activity and ensures that immigrants can participate in their State's legal cannabis industry. prgtoken In recent years, 36 States and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis. Nineteen States and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use. prgtoken If States are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the Federal Government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with Federal law has become untenable. prgtoken While I am proud to be the sponsor of this legislation, there are many people who are responsible for getting us to this point today. I want to thank them for their efforts. prgtoken This includes Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the mother of th
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-4-1

. Madam , I thank the gentleman, the whip from Louisiana, for yielding. prgtoken On Monday, the House will meet at 12 p.m Madam , for morning-hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. prgtoken On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning- hour and 12 p.m. for legislative business. prgtoken On Thursday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. prgtoken The House will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. The complete list of suspension bills will be announced by the close of business today. prgtoken The House will consider a resolution from the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol recommending the House ask the Justice Department to charge Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino, Jr with criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to testify about their actions and knowledge relating to the violent effort to prevent the certification of the 2020 election. prgtoken Additionally, Madam , the House may consider legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional legislative items are possible.
VATSANNA BRINES
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Vatsanna Brines for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken Vatsanna Brines is an 11th grader at Vantage Point High School and received this award because their determination and hard work have allowed them to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Vatsanna Brines is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Vatsanna Brines for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of their future accomplishments.
INSULIN COSTS TOO MUCH FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-1

the Affordable Insulin Now Act is a just act. prgtoken This personal affliction of diabetes affects millions of families every day. The price of insulin is too much for hardworking American families, and the Affordable Insulin Now Act is something that is going to bring life to individuals and opportunity for families. prgtoken My father died from diabetes 10 days before our son Cristian was born. I hoped and prayed that he would live long enough so I could present him to his grandfather, but that didn't happen. That is what this affliction does. It robs time. It robs the life out of people, and that doesn't need to happen. prgtoken For $35 a month--no, not hundreds of dollars--this act will help relieve families. prgtoken I thank Representatives Craig, Kildee, and McBath for introducing this bill.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-4-1

I thank the lead sponsor, Chairman Nadler, for problem solving, along with Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Cohen, Congresswoman Lee, and all of those who galvanized all of us. I was pleased to be able to lead this through the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee. prgtoken The war on drugs simply failed, and I am glad that one interpretation that has just been evidenced by my good friend on the other side of the aisle will have little weight and little basis because what we are doing here is solving a problem. prgtoken Let me just indicate from the Health Affairs Culture of Health, a Black person is still nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than a White person. prgtoken To summarize this bill, it deals with Federal decriminalization, taxation, and expungement. It does not stop the DA, the Department of Justice, the FBI or anyone else from doing their job. The bill would remove cannabis from the list or schedule of federally controlled substances. prgtoken This means that, going forward, individuals can no longer be prosecuted federally for marijuana offenses. This does not mean that marijuana would now be legal throughout the United States. The bill would simply remove the Federal Government from the business of prosecuting marijuana cases, which would leave the question of legality to individual States. Forty-seven States already have some form of legal use of marijuana. prgtoken Let me share, my friends, the points that they are going to make. The bill was designed to help individuals who have been caught up in the criminal justice system for possessing more small amounts of marijuana for personal use. It was not designed to help drug traffickers. prgtoken By the way, the President has given over a billion dollars to Ukraine as one of the steadfast leaders and has galvanized NATO and our allies, and not one of us needs to challenge the President or any one of us in our fight to help Ukraine. prgtoken Let me make it very clear about crime. Read the President's budget. He has a massive piece in there to reduce crime. It is everywhere, including rural America, where s say they are, but I don't look at it that way. It is Americans, we stand together. This bill is about America. prgtoken The expungement provisions are limited to nonviolent marijuana possession convictions that have loaded up our Federal prisons. If an individual has other criminal convictions in addition to a covered nonviolent offense, prgtoken marijuana offense, the bill already includes a stated exemption for drug kingpins, meaning anyone who received an increased sentence for being a leader or organizer of drug trafficking will not qualify for expungement. prgtoken Once this bill is passed, it would enable individuals to possess and use marijuana for personal use. Marijuana will be regulated as a commodity, but let me tell you what else will happen. We will be able to research, the scientists will
TRANSFORMING STUDENT DEBT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to reintroduce our Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act. prgtoken Home ownership is a key that opens the door to the middle class for tens of millions of Americans. But today, too many young workers and their families are weighed down by student loan debt that keeps this dream out of their reach. prgtoken The Transforming Student Debt to Home Equity Act would create a pilot program to test various approaches that combine student loan payments and mortgage payments into one monthly bill. It would empower hardworking Americans that are current on student loan repayments to actually combine their loan costs, allowing them to build home equity. prgtoken The purpose of this act is to move forward with those pilot projects, and with millions of vacant homes around our country, this legislation would spur neighborhood revitalization and improve our quality of life. prgtoken The promises of the American Dream should be available to all, so let us lift up and invest in new means to help the next generation and invest in middle-class workers and families that build up our Nation by investing in it.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-4-1

I rise today about an amendment that I think is critically important to this legislation. It addresses a topic that I am concerned about, and I know many are as well, to make sure that law enforcement has the tools they need to ensure that our roads are safe and that when they pull someone over for whatever purpose, they are able to actually have the tools they need to assess the situation. prgtoken My amendment would make sure the Secretary of Transportation can conduct a study on technology and methods that law enforcement can use to determine whether a driver is impaired by marijuana. The study will give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the resources they need to conduct this study. prgtoken I think it is important and will make this legislation even stronger. prgtoken , .
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-4-1

I thank the chairman and I thank everyone that my colleague, Barbara Lee, acknowledged earlier. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the MORE Act and on behalf of the countless families that have been disrupted and destroyed by our Nation's failed drug policies and the devastating war on drugs. prgtoken As a result of the war on drugs, the United States has a higher rate of incarceration than such human rights-abusing governments as Russia, Belarus, and Iran. It also wastes more money than any other country locking up its citizens for personal drug use. prgtoken Racial justice and cannabis decriminalization are inextricably intertwined, and the former cannot be achieved without the latter. By decriminalizing cannabis, we can reverse the trend of over- incarceration and get one step closer to dismantling the systemic racism so pervasive in our criminal justice system. prgtoken The MORE Act is an important step in rewriting our future, and I urge my colleagues to support it.