mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-5-26

I strongly believe that crimes against children are particularly egregious. It is our duty as members of Congress to do everything we can to prevent these crimes and hold offenders accountable. However, I felt compelled to vote against H.R. 1842, H.R. 1862, and H.R. 1761, as each of these flawed bills would increase the application of mandatory minimum sentences in the U.S. criminal justice system. Judges already have the ability to impose harsh sentences in these cases as they see fit. Mandatory minimum sentences make it impossible for judges to take context or circumstance into consideration, which eliminates judicial discretion and compromises the futures of those at the hands of our justice system. Mandatory minimums create a glaring disproportionality between crime and according punishment and subsequently expand prison populations, strain resources and structures of support, and disproportionately impact communities of color. Because of my stance on this issue and my steadfast resolve to fight any expansion of mandatory minimum sentences, I have voted against each of these bills. I remain committed prgtoken to protecting our children and doing everything in my power to prevent crimes against children from happening, but expanding mandatory minimums is not the answer. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle as we continue to pursue critical reforms to the criminal justice system.
STEM OPPORTUNITIES ACT OF 2017
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-26

I am proud to be introducing the STEM Opportunities Act of 2017. A very similar bill passed the House as part of the America Competes Act of 2010, but unfortunately didn't make it into the enacted law. As a result, every Congress since then, I have worked hard to keep the legislation updated and to convince my colleagues of the urgency of the challenges this bill addresses. Today I am reintroducing this bill with 20 cosponsors. And my colleague Senator Hirono is introducing a Senate companion bill. The goal of our legislation is to develop and implement evidence-based policies to promote the progress of women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies and research careers. prgtoken The need for full engagement in STEM by women and underrepresented minorities goes beyond enabling individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming a scientist. Our economic future relies on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent that will be necessary to meet the demands of an increasingly technological and knowledge-based economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that STEM employment is the fastest growing sector, with computer science and engineering jobs among the fastest growing STEM occupations. prgtoken If things continue as they are now, however, I fear we will be ill equipped to fill these jobs. We are seventeen years into the 21st century and the demographics of the STEM workforce do not reflect the diversity of the nation. In 2015, women earned only 19 percent of bachelor's degrees in engineering and 18 percent in computer science. Black and Hispanic students are similarly underrepresented in these fields at the undergraduate level, and the problem is even more pronounced in STEM faculty. Women hold only 23 percent of all tenured and tenure-track positions, while Black and Hispanic faculty combined hold a dismal 6.4 percent of these positions. We need to leverage all of our human capital if we are to achieve the necessary capacity to innovate and to discover. prgtoken The STEM Opportunities Act is focused on addressing the leaky pipeline for those who have already chosen a STEM path. First, so that we better understand the nature and scope of the challenges, the STEM Opportunities Act requires more comprehensive demographic data collection on the recipients of federal research awards and on STEM faculty at U.S. universities. These data would be available to researchers to study the participation and trajectories of women and underrepresented minorities in STEM so that policy makers can design more effective policies and practices to reduce barriers. prgtoken Next, this bill requires the development of consistent federal policies, such as no-cost award extensions, for recipients of federal research awards who have caregiving responsibilities, including care for a newborn or newly adopted child and care for an immediate family member who is sick. The bill also requires
RECOGNIZING PROFESSOR JEFFREY FAHRENWALD
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-5-26

I rise today to recognize Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald who is retiring from Rockford University. Professor Fahrenwald has become a pillar in the Rockford community, and he will be greatly missed. prgtoken Professor Fahrenwald is the Director of the MBA program at Rockford University, where he has taught in areas of human relations, management, leadership and international studies. He has enriched our community through his leadership in small business development, in addition to serving on numerous not-for-profit boards. Professor Fahrenwald's contributions to our community have not gone unnoticed, and he was named one of our region's ``People You Should Know'' in 2011, and ``Citizen of the Year'' in 2014 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for all his tireless work to empower those living in the Rockford community. prgtoken It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Professor Fahrenwald that I am especially proud to serve Illinois l7th Congressional District I would like to again formally congratulate Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE BERKNER HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-30

today I recognize several important people in the Richardson Independent School District music community: First, the students and band directors of the Lloyd V. Berkner High School Full Orchestra under the leadership of Craig Needham and Jason Schayot for receiving an invitation to the 2016 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois; second, the Liberty Junior High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Christopher Pineda for receiving an invitation to be a guest performing band at the Midwest Clinic, hosted by Berkner High School alumnus and outstanding music educator, Frank Ticheli; and, third, Frank Troyka, a Former Head Band Director at Berkner High School, nationally renowned clinician, music educator, and teacher, for his induction into the 2016 Bands of America Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have greatly impacted the nation's bands and music education. Again, congratulations for your outstanding achievement and national recognition
RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE & LEHIGH NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR AS A SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATE
Charles W. Dent (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-30

today I have the privilege of recognizing the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor as it becomes an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. prgtoken Earlier this year, the heritage corridor completed a five year merger process with the National Canal Museum. As a result of this merger, the Canal Museum's Smithsonian Affiliate status will transfer to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. prgtoken The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, also known as the D&L Corridor, is part of our nation's National Heritage Area system. The corridor spans 165 miles from the mountains of northeast Pennsylvania through the Lehigh Valley, and it preserves and showcases the cultural resources that are an integral part of this region's history. As part of its efforts, the D&L Corridor has developed a curriculum offered to 4th and 5th grade students in the area, titled ``Tales of the Towpath,'' which provides them with the opportunity to explore mid-19th Century life along the Lehigh and Delaware canals. By merging with the National Canal Museum, the D&L Corridor is able to utilize the museum's artifacts and exhibits--including Pennsylvania's only mule-drawn canal boat--to bring its curriculum to life. prgtoken In addition to the National Canal Museum, the D&L Corridor also includes other important sites such as the National Museum of Industrial History, Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, and numerous other National Historic Landmarks. For these reasons, the D&L Corridor has achieved a Smithsonian-National Heritage Area Partnership, which is the first of its kind in the United States. prgtoken The D&L Corridor has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich history and culture of our beloved region in Pennsylvania, and I am proud that it now has even greater resources to share with those who visit. I wish them the utmost success as they pursue this endeavor.
SUPPORTING TAIWAN'S PARTICIPATION IN WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-5-30

I rise today in support of Taiwan's true, meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). prgtoken It is unfortunate that, almost 13 years after Congress made it an annual requirement to have an unclassified report from the Secretary of State on the U.S. plan for Taiwan to gain observer status at the WHO, and eight years since Taiwan was first invited to the World Health Assembly (WHA)--the governing forum of the WHO--as an observer, it remains necessary for Members to again raise their voices on this issue. prgtoken Since 2009, Taiwan has been allowed to attend the annual meeting of the WHA as an observer, but last year, its invitation was held up due to pressure the People's Republic of China wished to place upon the incoming administration of Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen. The current WHO Director-General has shown hostility to Taipei before. When last year's invitation arrived, it contained insulting, unnecessary language referring to the October 1971 UN General Assembly resolution replacing the United Nations delegation from Taipei with the delegation from Beijing, as the basis for Taiwan's attendance. Additionally, the invitation stated that Taiwan's participation should be conditioned on the ``one-China'' principle. This, too, was unnecessary, as President Tsai has stated Taiwan's commitment to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. prgtoken This year's WHA is currently taking place in Geneva. It began on May 22 and will conclude May 31. As of yet, no invitation has been issued to Taiwan. prgtoken As my colleagues are aware, it is the stated policy of the United States, over successive administrations, that Taiwan should be allowed meaningful participation in international organizations where it cannot become a full member. I submit that Taiwan's current level of participation is neither satisfactory, nor meaningful. prgtoken , this situation is unacceptable. As an advanced democracy, economy, and society, with one of the most-developed health care systems in the world, a proven track record controlling infectious diseases, and a history of providing humanitarian relief, Taiwan has much to offer. Neither Taiwan, nor the international community, is served by restricting Taiwan's access to timely information and important resources. prgtoken The situation necessitates that we reiterate our full support for Taiwan's inclusion at the WHA and in the other work of the WHO. The WHO Secretariat should continue to uphold its independence and impartiality, and should not be at the service of any particular member state. I ask my colleagues to join me in encouraging the administration to work with Taiwan and our member friends at the WHO to secure Taiwan's invitation and meaningful participation at the WHA now and in the future.
THE BALANCING TRADE ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-5-30

I rise today to introduce the ``Balancing Trade Act,'' an important bill that requires U.S. policy to take the trade deficit seriously. prgtoken This legislation provides actionable steps to re-balance our trade deficits with countries with which we have a deficit of $10 billion or more for three consecutive years. Following the administration's recent Executive orders on U.S. trade policy, and recent letter to Congress to renegotiate NAFTA, this legislation offers actionable steps to the Administration. prgtoken Bad trade deals have contributed to a loss of nearly 4 million American jobs and a deficit of $43.6 billion. President promised a trade deal that would get Americans back to work and reduce our deficit. By prioritizing our worst trade deals, we are ensuring that some of these promises are met. prgtoken An old adage reminds us: there are two kinds of failures: ``by those who think and don't do, and the other by those who don't think and do.'' Our ``free trade'' deals have been a major failure of the second order. prgtoken Persistent, massive trade deficits are a drag on the U.S. economy and impair job creation. Now more than ever we need a trade policy that grows the economy and creates jobs in the United States.
REMARKS IN OPPOSITION TO H.R. 1862
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-5-30

today I rise in opposition of H.R. 1862, the Global Child Protection Act of 2017. prgtoken Studies completed by the Centers for Disease Control show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are sexually abused before the age of 18. Furthermore, these numbers may not be completely accurate--acts of child sexual abuse are often not reported, and experts agree that incidence is higher than what is discovered by authorities. These acts can be detrimental to youth, multiple studies have shown that child sexual abuse victims are twice as likely to develop mental health conditions. In my home state of Georgia, 800 children suffered from sexual abuse in 2015. prgtoken As a member of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, I am in prgtoken strong support of giving law enforcement any and every legal tool they need to protect children and punish abusers. However, as someone who is passionate about criminal justice reform, I cannot support the current version of this bill. prgtoken Crimes against children are pathetic and disgusting, and those who hurt children must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. While we want to protect these vulnerable individuals, it is also important to consider the legal ramifications of this bill. We are considering a bill that would impose a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment in many cases. Repeat offenders should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, I do not believe that mandatory minimum sentences are an effective solution. Congress does not know the facts of every case--but the judges will. That is why I do not support legally binding judges to give mandatory sentences--but instead giving the judges the freedom to consider each option available. prgtoken Again, I fully support the goal of this bill--punishing those who commit horrible crimes against children. However, if we are going to make such substantial changes to U.S. federal code, I believe that this bill requires more discussion. In its current form, I cannot support H.R. 1862. prgtoken I would encourage my colleagues to vote NAY on this resolution.
IN RECOGNITION OF MAE JEMISON FOR HER OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AS AN ASTRONAUT AND SCIENTIST
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-5-30

I rise today to recognize Mae Jemison, a physician, scientist and astronaut whose pioneering career has furthered our understanding of the world around us. Dr. Jemison has achieved excellence across a number of disciplines as a result of her hard work and perseverance. prgtoken After receiving a medical degree from Cornell Medical College and completing her medical training, Dr. Jemison served as a Peace Corps Medical Officer, treating Peace Corps volunteers in Liberia and Sierra Leone. She was then accepted into NASA's astronaut program in 1987, providing launch support and assistance until her space mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in September 1992. During her mission, Dr. Jemison conducted scientific experiments on bone cell research and the effects of weightlessness on the human body, which contributed to advancements in our understanding of life sciences. She then resigned in 1993 from NASA, and has since founded several companies, including BioSentient Corp. which develops treatments for chronic pain and stress disorders. prgtoken Dr. Jemison has had an extraordinary career and has affected countless lives through her work. In addition to breaking down barriers as the first black woman in space, Dr. Jemison has utilized her medical background and business acumen to develop novel medical treatments for a variety of illnesses. She has also excelled in academia, working as a professor at Dartmouth and Cornell, and is the founder of the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit that promotes science education initiatives. Collectively, Dr. Jemison has had an indelible impact on a variety of disciplines through her work, and she continues to inspire new generations of scientists. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in honoring Dr. Mae Jemison for her outstanding career. Dr. Jemison's work with NASA, in medicine and in business has impacted and inspired countless individuals.
TRIBUTE TO MR. SCOTT GLABB
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-2

I'd like to take a few moments today to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Scott Glabb, for his contributions to Orange County youth over the last twenty years. prgtoken Mr. Glabb has been an important figure as a teacher and wrestling coach at Santa Ana High School. After wrestling in college for Pacific University and Eastern Washington University, Mr. Glabb took his talents to Santa Ana High School in 1990, where he became a teacher and head wrestling coach. prgtoken Leading by example, Mr. Glabb's dedication has led Santa Ana High School to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championships year after year. Mr. Glabb also coached two individual National High School Champions: Tony Perez in 1998, and Jose Leon in 1999. He had similar success through coaching two female Wrestling State Champions: Lizette Tenorio in 2009, and Berenice Blanco in 2012. prgtoken Mr. Glabb focused on more than winning, and has always made an effort to better his students. He has taken kids from a challenging neighborhood and made them leaders. Because of his guidance, many have gone on to pursue higher education. prgtoken Recently, Mr. Glabb was inducted into both the California's Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the California State Wrestling Hall of Fame. Mr. Glabb's tremendous efforts are not left unnoticed and his accolades are well-deserved. More important than his awards is his impact, which made our community a better place. prgtoken , I am honored to recognize Mr. Glabb and the positive impact he has made on the Santa Ana community.
RETIREMENT OF PATRICIA BROUGHTON
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-2

I rise today to recognize Patricia Broughton, a dedicated public servant who is retiring after serving five members of Congress in the Los Angeles Harbor Region. This week is Patricia's last week as my San Pedro caseworker. I like to call her a miracle worker. Patricia is retiring after a 29 year long distinguished career advocating for the interests of constituents and our community. I extend my sincerest appreciation to her for her decades of dedicated service to the Los Angeles Harbor Region and our nation. Patricia was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. She spent her formative years in Japan and returned to the United States in 1963. After her studies, she moved to Long Beach, California, and began her congressional career in 1989. Over the years, Patricia has developed a reputation in the Los Angeles Harbor Region as a champion for constituents. My predecessors-- including former Representatives Janice Hahn, Jane Harman, the late Steve Horn, and the late Glen Anderson--and I have received countless letters of appreciation from those whose lives were positively impacted by Patricia, and in 2011 the Wilmington Coordinating Council awarded her their ``Outstanding Civil Servant'' award. As I mentioned, Patricia is a miracle-worker, and has handled virtually every type of case that is referred to a congressional office. She has solved complex Social Security and Medicare claims for seniors, helped disabled veterans who were not receiving their earned disability checks, and assisted those who had trouble with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Internal Revenue Service. Patricia has been a voice for those in need and a source of comfort for those trapped in the bureaucratic maze that is the federal government. For example, Patricia successfully prgtoken helped a Vietnam veteran get compensation with the Department of Veterans Affairs for a $200,000 claim. Among her many other responsibilities and accomplishments include organizing workshops for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals beneficiaries, and resolving thousands of casework files. Patricia is also devoted to the humane treatment of animals. She heroically rescued a dog that was hit by a car and abandoned in front of my predecessor's district office, taking the injured dog home and making it a part of her family. Her coworkers and I have enjoyed working with her and will miss her warm heart and signature elegance. Her compassion, persistence, and dedication have left a lasting mark on thousands of residents in my district and the Los Angeles Harbor Region. I am sure that I speak for the dozens of people who have worked with Patricia throughout her career in congratulating her upon her retirement and extending our heartfelt gratitude for her remarkable dedication to public service.
HONORING THE VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 400
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-6-2

I rise today to honor the extraordinary men and women from Oakland who gave their lives serving our country in the Vietnam War. I recognize their invaluable sacrifice and offer my gratitude for their bravery during a contentious time in American history. prgtoken Unfortunately, Vietnam veterans have not received the proper recognition for their service. Prejudice overshadowed praise, as many of the stigmas associated with the war wrongfully biased the public against the soldiers. Veterans have endured decades of misplaced criticism, blame and ignorance--this must be corrected. prgtoken It is time that we, as Americans, give these brave veterans the commendation they deserve. We must honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom and that of our country. It is critical that we acknowledge the important servicemen and women, as they are fundamental to the preservation of our democracy. prgtoken Since 1979, the Vietnam Veterans of America has served to support and advocate on behalf of this generation of Veterans. The organization has worked tenaciously to promote greater public awareness of the issues surrounding Vietnam-era veterans in attempts to reform the public's general perceptions. The VVA has given veterans a voice in our government, advocating on behalf of the injured, ill, and all others in need. By holding government agencies accountable, the VVA ensures equitable and beneficial policies for this generation and those past. prgtoken As someone whose father served in the Army, organizations like the VVA are incredibly important to me. I personally understand the sacrifices that these men and women make on a daily basis and believe they deserve my utmost respect. prgtoken I commend the Vietnam Veterans of America for installing the Vietnam War memorial honoring the 100 men from Oakland who were killed in action. This monument will serve as an important reminder of the sacrifices made to assure our freedom and the freedom of others. The memorial will help properly commemorate not only Vietnam Veterans, but all who dedicate their lives to serve and protect us on a daily basis. prgtoken On behalf of the 13th District, I thank the Vietnam Veterans of America for its dedication to aiding and bettering the lives of well- deserving Veterans in America.