mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , let me first take a moment to thank Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for her leadership and to thank the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the entire Congressional Black Caucus for leading this tribute tonight to our colleague, our sister, and our friend. prgtoken To Sheila's family, her community, her friends, my deepest condolences. You know how much we love Sheila, and we know how much they loved her and how much she is missed already. Now, let me say a couple of things. prgtoken First of all, I met Sheila before I met Sheila. This was when I was in the legislature. I went to the graduation where my niece was attending college, Prairie View College right out of Houston, Texas. prgtoken There was a great orator who spoke at that commencement. This was probably '95, '96. This orator spoke for probably about 2 to 3 hours in the hot sun. It was a great speech, and I will never forget that speech. It was over 2 hours, and everyone was listening intently in that hot sun. prgtoken Finally, when I actually met Sheila, coming to Congress, I felt that I knew her because this speech was so profound. prgtoken She was, first of all, an effective legislator. We know her well as being right down here on the floor. prgtoken I think she had an amendment for every single bill that came to the floor, and they passed. She worked with s. She worked with all of us. She was at the Rules Committee until midnight. She had more energy, but she was brilliant with her energy, and she knew how to effectuate legislative change and get bills passed. prgtoken Of course, she led the effort for reparations, for the study and development of reparations. She picked that bill up, H.R. 40, from our beloved John Conyers. She led the effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. She was the lead author of Federal legislation for the Juneteenth National Independence Day. We cannot forget that. I have to remind people of that, in her absence this year. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we cannot forget the name Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken My grandfather and my great-grandmother were born in Galveston. I had never visited Galveston until Sheila invited me to Galveston to be with her the first year the legislation passed. What a reunion that was. To be with Sheila Jackson Lee in Galveston, Texas, was the highlight of that year for me. prgtoken She also was a constituent advocate. Let me tell you, right after Katrina, members of the Congressional Black Caucus were in New Orleans. Sheila went back to Houston because she received so many evacuees. She called me up and said: Barbara, I don't care wherever you are going, you better come here to Houston. prgtoken I said: Yes, ma'am. prgtoken I went to Houston, and I saw how Sheila Jackson Lee in many ways ministered to these evacuees. She had me out there, and I was honored to be out there with her feeding people, clothing people, finding shelter, on the phones being advoca
VICTIMS' VOICES OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE COURTROOM EFFECTIVENESS ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 3706, the Victims' Voices Outside and Inside the Courtroom Effectiveness Act, or the Victims' VOICES Act, is bipartisan legislation that would amend the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act to make certain family members, friends, legal guardians, and others eligible to receive repayment for expenses incurred as a result of helping victims of crime seek justice and restorative care. prgtoken While the intention of the MVRA is to ensure that victims of violent crime, crimes against property, and other crimes are compensated by defendants for their losses, the limitations placed on who may receive restitution can create unfair consequences for those who have provided much-needed support to victims. prgtoken That is why it has become necessary for Congress to consider the broader impact of the diverse judicial interpretations of the MVRA on those individuals who play a vital role in helping victims recover and heal. prgtoken Victims of crime often experience a range of emotional, physical, and psychological challenges that can make it difficult to navigate the complex, legal, and therapeutic processes involved in pursuing justice and healing. prgtoken In the wake of these crimes, particularly violent crimes, support from family members, friends, legal guardians, and others is crucial for victims not only to actively participate in the investigation and prosecution of their cases, but to receive the medical care, psychological treatment, and other support services that they so desperately need. prgtoken These exceptional people play a critical role in providing comfort and assistance to victims of crime, which requires significant time and effort. Oftentimes, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, guardians, and best friends take on the daunting responsibility of transporting their loved ones over several weeks and months or sometimes even years to meet with investigators and prosecutors or to receive treatment, therapy, or other services. prgtoken They sit through monthslong trials, sentencing hearings, and other court proceedings alongside their traumatized loved ones, providing support and encouragement while spending countless hours away from their jobs, needing additional childcare, and spending huge amounts of money on travel. prgtoken Unfortunately, several jurisdictions have refused to allow repayment of the money spent or not earned by family members and others who they have determined do not meet the MVRA's definition of ``victim.'' prgtoken Despite recognizing the good policy reasons for allowing a court to order reimbursement to a victim's representative for such expenditures, the Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth Circuits, as well as many lower courts, have held that the language of the MVRA limits restitution to losses incurred only by victims and not by those who help them. We must not allow this injustice to persist. prgtoken It is, therefore, necessary tha
RECOGNIZING KEN HAYWARD'S INDUCTION TO THE MICHIGAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to recognize Ken Hayward, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the occasion of his induction into the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. His contributions to Wolverine athletics and the state of Michigan are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Ken was born in 1963 to Bud and Pat Hayward as their only child. A native of Waterford, Michigan, Ken's talent and passion on the baseball diamond was evident from an early age. After a tremendous high school career, he received a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Michigan. prgtoken A four-time letterman, Ken was also a four-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree. His time on the team saw the Wolverines win two Big Ten Conference Titles, two NCAA Regional Championships, and multiple trips to the College World Series. He still holds Michigan career records for batting average, RBIs, and games played. Going the extra mile for his team, Ken also pitched for his last two seasons, going 12-2 and recording 7 saves. In 1985, as a senior and team captain, Ken batted 432 with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs in 65 games. His achievements earned him a Big Ten Medal of Honor and the 1985 Michigan Athlete of the Year award. prgtoken Shortly after he graduated from the University of Michigan, Ken embarked on a long and successful career in the hospitality industry. Starting in 1985 as a sales representative, by 2010 he was the Executive VP and Managing Director of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, consistently ranked as one of the world's top hotels. Ken was appointed to the Michigan Travel Commission by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2005 and then reappointed in 2008. Ken served as the commission's chairman from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure as chairman, Travel Michigan secured funding to develop the Pure Michigan advertising campaign, which continues today as a national brand and marketing effort for Michigan travel and tourism. Since 2021, Ken has been a VP at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, directing their social mission and community affairs. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Ken Hayward and all the accomplishments he achieved on behalf of our Wolverines and the entire State of Michigan. A consummate professional, we couldn't have asked for a better representative of our great state. I thank Ken and congratulate him on this tremendous achievement.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-22

I invite my Texas colleagues, particularly, and others who may want to come up to honor our colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee. prgtoken , I rise to honor our colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee. It is strange to be here and not see her at a microphone because we know her as the outspoken and the oft-spoken colleague in this House. prgtoken When I was elected back in 1994, Sheila and I were part of a very small class of 13. Even then, certainly, and even last year or even a couple of months ago, I never thought that I would be memorializing her after an illness that took her far too swiftly. prgtoken She is an icon in Houston and in Texas politics. She always showed up for her constituents, just as she always showed up here. She chose to spend some of her final days helping those who were trying to recover from Hurricane Beryl, personally passing out food and water and connecting families to necessary assistance. prgtoken Sheila is known all over Houston for being a fighter for her community. Here in Washington, she was certainly a fierce advocate for many causes, but particularly racial justice and equality. She was responsible for our Nation now recognizing in the bipartisan effort she made with Senator Cornyn Juneteenth as a Federal holiday to recognize the horrors of slavery and our recovering from them. prgtoken She fought relentlessly to end the scourge of community violence in her work on the Violence Against Women Act, the Sentencing Reform Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearms Safe Storage Act. prgtoken Of course, she treasured her children, Erica and Jason, and her grandchildren, Ellison and Roy, as well as her dedicated staff members here in Washington and in Houston. prgtoken She graduated with honors in the first Yale University class to include women. She was a trailblazer there, as she was here, and a mentor to many. While a demanding boss, she had a great sense of humor, a side many do not remember. She seemed to be everywhere and involved in just about everything here, providing inspiration to many with her determined advocacy. prgtoken The stories from her former staff members who knew her best attest that she played a major role in their professional development and provided a launching pad for their careers. prgtoken With the bipartisan support of so many here, I ask that all join our delegation in a moment of silence for our prgtoken respected colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee. Let's be inspired by her legacy to meet the challenges that we face.
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken The Nation mourns the loss of a tireless advocate for justice and a beacon of hope for so many. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was not just a Member of Congress. She was a force of nature, a relentless champion for civil rights, and a voice for the voiceless. prgtoken For nearly three decades, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's work in this Chamber showcased her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Her reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is just one example of her dedication to fight for equal justice. prgtoken This bill, which I was so proud to cosponsor, aimed to hold law enforcement accountable, improving training, and rebuilding the trust of the communities they serve. It is a testament to her vision for a fair and more just America. prgtoken Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee believed deeply in the power of the Federal Government to enact meaningful reform. She knew that while no single policy could erase decades of systemic racism, it was imperative to take bold steps toward structural change. Her legacy will be felt in every stride we make toward justice. prgtoken To me, Sheila Jackson Lee was the originator. We always joked around when she said: She is the first Sheila, and I am the second Sheila. I always said: Sheila, you are the originator. prgtoken Every time she saw me, she asked if I needed anything. I remember when I last spoke to her, I said: Sheila, you sound strong today. And she said: Sheila, whatever you need, call me. I will be there. If you need to know how to do it, I will show you. She made me a promise. She said: I will always be there. prgtoken The day she passed, I said: Sheila, we will remember your legacy. She was at every Special Order hour, every single one, and the last one I looked back, and I said: Sheila, are you ready? And she said she couldn't do it. Jonathan held her, and I knew that was the last time. prgtoken Rest in power, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. .
HONORING AMBASSADOR GILAD ERDAN
Ritchie Torres (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-22

today, I rise to recognize the extraordinary career of Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Ambassador Erdan began his career in public service as an advisor, first to Ariel Sharon and then to Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2003, Ambassador Erdan was elected to the Knesset as a member of Likud. During his fourteen years as a Member of the Knesset, Ambassador Erdan served in a variety of ministerial positions. He was first appointed as the Minister for Environmental Protection following the 2009 elections. In this role, he worked to clean rivers, increase recycling, and protect Israel's coastline. In 2013, Ambassador Erdan was appointed the Minister of Communications and Minister of Home Front Defense. Subsequently, in 2014, he served as the Minister of Interior. Following the 2015 elections, Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed him Minister of Public Security. In this position, he combated terrorism, reformed cannabis law, and worked to protect children from online predators. prgtoken In 2020, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Erdan would serve concurrently as Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States--a distinction not bestowed upon an ambassador since the 1950s. In 2022, he was elected the Vice President of the 77th General Assembly, a major honor for any diplomat. While serving as Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Erdan has fearlessly advocated for Israel's interests in front of the assembly. In his role as Ambassador, I have had the pleasure of working with him and witnessing his commitment to Israel first-hand. I wish him the best in his next role and am confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for the people of Israel.
REMEMBERING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I thank Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus- McCormick and Congressman Jackson for convening this Special Order hour for, indeed, a special woman. prgtoken Madam , I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas' 18th District. prgtoken Sheila was a legislator, scholar, orator, truth teller, and justice seeker. prgtoken From Houston to Boston, from the Nation's Capitol to throughout the African diaspora, Sheila Jackson Lee is a name you should know. If you don't, trust me, you have benefited from her work--recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, advocating for police accountability, reparations, and so much more. prgtoken Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will always be remembered as a force to be reckoned with, who loved her constituents dearly, and represented them with sincerity. prgtoken I can see her now in my mind's eye: folders full of notes spilling over, research, question lines, floor statements, multiple bags, and layered clothing. She wore a colorful scarf to beat the chill and show her own unique style with her hair always in a regally braided crown. prgtoken With nearly 30 years of service in Congress, she spent every moment working toward progress. In our final text exchange before her transition to ancestor, she said to me, keep working on our priorities. We cannot give up. prgtoken So in her memory, alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, her staff, current and former, her constituents and her family, we will continue the fight for justice. prgtoken SJL, I already miss your rich and powerful voice, but most of all, I will miss how you used it for the people. Rest in peace and power.
CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE NEW WINNERS CHURCH BUILDING IN DUMFRIES, VIRGINIA
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise to recognize Winners Church of Dumfries, Virginia and extend my congratulations to them on the completion of their new church building. This expansion will enable them to continue their mission of service to the community. prgtoken Winners Church has served the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District for more than 13 years. Under the direction of Senior Pastor Henry Godwin, Winners Church has enriched the lives of Dumfries residents by fostering a sense of community and providing invaluable support to their congregants. This new building serves as a symbol of the continued dedication to service that Winners Church nurtures in their community and will continue to grow through their love and faith. prgtoken The mission of Winners Church is to be a place where overcomers are raised, hope is restored, purpose is realized, and potential is maximized. Since the church's founding in December of 2010, they have continuously provided for their community through annual events such as the turkey giveaway, back to school giveaway, tissue drive, and quarterly visits to shelters and assisted living homes throughout Dumfries. I applaud Pastor Godwin and the entire Winners Church family for their tireless work to develop a welcoming environment for the people of Dumfries and beyond, and for the support they have provided to our community. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Winners Church on the opening of their new house of worship. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their unwavering dedication and their deep commitment to serving the people of Dumfries, Virginia.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PAUL COTTON
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to honor the life and service of Paul Cotton. prgtoken Paul Cotton departed this earth at the age of 69, surrounded by his loved ones at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital in Germantown, TN. Born on August 21, 1954, in Marks, MS, to the late Prince and Hazel Lee Cotton, Paul was one of twelve children raised in Jonestown, MS. prgtoken Paul embraced his faith in Christ early in life, which guided him throughout his journey. He graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High School and pursued a carpentry trade at Coahoma Junior College in the 1970s. prgtoken On February 24, 1974, Paul married the love of his life, Madgeline Cotton. Their union was blessed with six children: Gwendolyn, Shuwanda, Angela, Myrtis, Paul Jr and Jerel. Paul also had a daughter named LaKeesha. At his passing, he was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. prgtoken In 1979, Paul joined the United States Army Reserve, later extending his service with a contract until July 30, 1985. He earned honorary medals for his M-16 and hand grenade expertise and was honorably discharged after approximately five years of dedicated service. prgtoken Paul's vocation was in construction, where he built buildings, homes, highways, and roads across the United States for fifty years until his retirement. He was affectionately known as the ``Jack of all Trades.'' Paul worked for Ingalls Shipyard in the late 1980s in Pascagoula, MS, and later for Mississippi Limestone. He also worked as an independent contractor and repaired cars in his spare time. prgtoken As the patriarch of his family, Paul was deeply loved by his wife, siblings, children, and grandchildren. His humble and kind-spirited nature made him one of a kind. To his children, he was a King, embodying work ethic, love, and values. Paul's memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of his loved ones. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Paul Cotton.
RECOGNIZING JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR. ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today with gratitude to recognize a great Missourian, Javier M. Perez, Jr for his accomplishments with the Amalgamated Transit Union as he heads towards retirement. An experienced leader, dedicated professional, and advocate, Javier serves as a prime example of a true public servant and most importantly, a kind human being. prgtoken Javier began his illustrious career when he began driving a bus for the Kansas City Area Transit Authority in 1974. He became a member of Local 1287 and served as steward, Executive Board member, Vice President and was elected President in 1987. Furthermore, Javier earned a bachelor's degree in labor studies at Antioch University through the George Meany Center, now known as the National Labor College. He also attended and completed the Trade Union Program at Harvard University in 2009. prgtoken As a dedicated advocate, Javier has continuously been involved in advancing the rights of Latinos. He has been an active community service volunteer heading voter registration drives and assisting with summer Mural projects as a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). Javier also served as a liaison for Cesar Chavez on two occasions during Chavez's trips to Kansas City in 2002. prgtoken Javier continues to be a force for positive change within Kansas City. Javier was appointed by Missouri Governor Bob Holden to serve on the Kansas City Missouri Police Board as a commissioner and later was elected President of the Board. Javier was elected an International Vice President in September 1995 and has worked with many locals large and small. On August 29, 2013, Javier was unanimously elected to be the International Executive Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, becoming the first Latino to reach this milestone. prgtoken Beyond his extraordinary career achievements, Javier's tight-knit family continues to serve as an important pillar of his life. Javier spent over 40 exciting years with his lovely wife Lee Ann Perez until she passed into Glory in 2020. He continues to reside in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has three grown children and three grandchildren. Mr. Perez announced his retirement from the Amalgamated Transit Union, holding the second highest office in the international union. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me and Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in congratulating Javier M. Perez, Jr. as he retires from his successful and impactful career representing Amalgamated Transit Union Members on the local, state, and national levels. Mr. Perez will continue to impact communities across Missouri and in his beloved Kansas City. On behalf of my colleagues and a grateful Nation, we thank him for his dedication and commitment to transportation improvements across the country.