mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EVOLUTION OF BLACK EXCELLENCE THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-2-13

it is with great honor that I rise today to coanchor this CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished colleague, Representative Jonathan Jackson. prgtoken For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to speak directly to the evolution of Black excellence throughout history, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all of America. prgtoken As we celebrate the evolution of Black excellence, I rise today to pay homage to the significant events and trailblazers who played a central role in shaping south Florida's history. In Fort Lauderdale, you can find the historic Sistrunk neighborhood--what we have known to be the heart and soul of the city. Since the very beginning, this vibrant and beloved neighborhood has been the epicenter of Broward County's Black culture and heritage. prgtoken Sistrunk's early days can be traced back to the individuals from Georgia, South Carolina, and the Bahamas who migrated to the region. Some of the neighborhood's earliest inhabitants were railroad workers who resided in shanties prior to the beginning of the 20th century. prgtoken After the railroad tracks were finalized, some workers found other employment and became Fort Lauderdale residents once the city was officially incorporated in 1911. prgtoken If you take a trip down to this neighborhood, you will find yourself on Sistrunk Boulevard, which is named after the trailblazer who changed the trajectory of our region for the better. prgtoken Born in 1891, Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk is a pioneer to whom our community owes a debt of gratitude. prgtoken He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Sistrunk later served his Nation in World War I before relocating to Dunnellon to practice medicine. He later moved to Fort Lauderdale. prgtoken Despite being a qualified surgeon, the color of his skin prevented him from working in White hospitals. prgtoken In 1938, he joined Dr. Von D. Mizell to establish Fort Lauderdale's first medical facility to treat Black patients, Provident Hospital. It opened after a farm truck carrying dozens of Black workers overturned near a Whites-only hospital. The workers were told that they could only receive treatment outside. Once again, let me repeat that. The Black workers could only receive treatment outside. prgtoken During his 44 years of practice, Dr. Sistrunk delivered over 5,000 babies. Throughout Broward County, Dr. Sistrunk would tend to patients in their homes and assist those who were financially strained. After the desegregation of public hospitals, Dr. Sistrunk became an active member of Broward General Hospital. prgtoken This summer, I visited the Holy Cross Health Center located at the L.A. Lee YMCA /Mizell Community Center. It sits on historic land where Provident Hospital once stood and is building on its legacy in providing accessible healthcare. prgtoken As we celebrate Bla
REMEMBERING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE MSU SHOOTING
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-13

today we mark the first anniversary of the shooting at Michigan State University that took the lives of Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner, and physically injured five others. prgtoken I spent today's anniversary on campus in East Lansing, where I saw firsthand how the pain and trauma of that terrible day continues to reverberate throughout the Spartan community. prgtoken I was heartened to see so many people turn their emotions into action through the day of service activities offered at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center and International Center. prgtoken As the first Member of Congress that we can find who has faced two school shootings, both at MSU and Oxford High School, I know too well how these events rip a hole in the lives of the community, one that remains long beyond the headlines. prgtoken A place that is burned into my brain is the place I spent the night that evening a year ago--the East Lansing Police Department--as the hours-long manhunt went on. It seemed fitting to go back today to thank them, the fire department, and the first responders. prgtoken We have responded in Michigan. In response to the MSU shooting, the Michigan legislature stepped up and passed the most robust and comprehensive gun safety legislation in our history. prgtoken In our courts, we just recently convicted the mother of the shooter in the Oxford High School shooting. We are setting an example of how to respond when our kids are crying out for leadership.
GET BACK TO WORK
Glenn Ivey (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-2-13

here we go again. Not even a week after my colleagues failed to advance their unconstitutional impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas, House s again put critical House business on hold while they wasted precious time on another meaningless impeachment vote. prgtoken , the list of things this House majority has ignored is long and only getting longer. House s have failed to pass the key bills needed to avoid a government shutdown in March. prgtoken Congress still needs to reauthorize the FAA bill to improve air travel and safety. We need to reauthorize FISA to bolster our national security. prgtoken House s need to provide critical military aid to our allies in Ukraine and Israel, and the civilians in Gaza and Ukraine need lifesaving humanitarian aid as soon as possible. prgtoken House s can't pass or haven't passed any of these critical bills. I am calling on my House colleagues to get serious and to let us get back to doing the work the American people need us to get done.
BURN FITNESS COMPETITION
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise from this Chamber here in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize 44 days of fitness that has taken place in a humble and independent gym called Burn Fitness. prgtoken For 44 days, incredible people from across Oakland County have been participating in a fitness competition, engaging in spirited activities and spirited training, and I have been so pleased to be a part of that competition. prgtoken We say all the time here in Congress as your Representative that we are really representing the best of Michigan. prgtoken While I cannot be with you all tomorrow for the 45th day of this competition, please know that I am rooting for Sweet Caroline. I am rooting for her great final workout, and I know that she will make us all proud.
SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY AID
Stephen F. Lynch (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , as a member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs, I rise in strong support of emergency aid for our ic ally and partner and for the people of Ukraine, now entering the third year of their fight for freedom and democracy in the face of the brutal invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022. prgtoken This morning, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan foreign aid package that included vital Ukraine assistance by a wide vote of 70-29. prgtoken In stark contrast to this bipartisan effort, the House leadership continues to fall in line behind former President , refusing to act swiftly on Ukraine funding on purely partisan political grounds. prgtoken Regrettably, Johnson has already dismissed the Senate bill as a status quo measure. prgtoken Madam , this is a missed opportunity. Members of this House should have the right to vote on a package of Ukraine funding, Israel funding, and greater security funding for our southern border. prgtoken On the issue of Ukraine funding in particular, this political impasse comes at the great expense of U.S. national security, international peace, and the freedom of the Ukrainian people. prgtoken It also follows repeated warnings from the administration that the failure to enact additional aid will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield. It will allow Putin, an autocratic dictator, to prevail and simply pave the way for a Russian military victory. prgtoken Even the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee recently reported that with the Ukrainian armed forces now desperately rationing munitions, ``We have to get this done. . . . If we do not move, this will be abandoning Ukraine.'' prgtoken The Ukrainian people deserve better. They are valiantly defending their country against relentless campaigns of state-sponsored terrorism that the United Nations reports has killed more than 10,000 and injured nearly 20,000 Ukrainian civilians. prgtoken The war has also forcibly displaced an estimated 10 million people, including 6.3 million people, Ukrainian refugees, who have fled to neighboring countries. prgtoken With Putin vowing to continue this unlawful war until Russia achieves its nationalist and imperialist objectives, I strongly urge my colleagues to abandon their misguided and dangerous deference to . prgtoken At a campaign rally this past weekend, the current standard-bearer of the Party actually stated that if one of our 31 NATO allies did not meet their defense spending goals, he would not protect them as President of the United States in honoring our obligations to NATO. prgtoken In fact, he said he would encourage Russia `` . . . to do whatever the hell they want.'' He would treat the surrender of millions of Ukrainian people as a transaction. prgtoken We must instead be guided by our own founding ic principles, enduring defens
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY LOUISE ORTA
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise today to honor the life of Mary Louise Orta as her family gathers to remember her life and the many people she touched along the way. prgtoken Mary Louise Orta was the matriarch of the Orta Family. She was born in New Braunfels, Texas on November 13, 1931. She met and married Albert Orta in 1949 and began their life together in Texas before moving to California in 1973. prgtoken Mrs. Orta was a military spouse who exemplified the virtues of family, commitment, and service. She supported her husband Albert's career as he served our nation in the United States Air Force, then as an employee of the Department of Defense while traveling to several countries until his retirement in 1980. During this time, Mary remained home and continued her own life of service by supporting his career and raising their 12 children. prgtoken In 1981, at age 50, as her youngest child entered kindergarten, Mrs. Orta joined the workforce volunteering at the local school. Soon thereafter, she was hired by the Elk Grove Unified School District as a full-time employee at Valley High School in Sacramento County where she remained until her retirement in 2001. She was a tireless contributor to her school community, always first to volunteer and never wavered when asked to help. Throughout her twenty-year career, Mrs. Orta received several recognitions and was honored by the California State Senate and at districtwide ceremonies for her many contributions to staff, school administration, and students at Valley High School. prgtoken Mary Orta was a remarkable woman. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, finding joy in the company of family and close friends. She proudly walked with school administration at high school graduations, supported her children and grandchildren at events and family gatherings. Her unwavering love for those she cared for was her driving force and her faith, kindness and compassion will undoubtedly be a continuing source of strength for her family. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Louise Orta as her family gathers to honor her incredible life and legacy.
REMEMBERING RAYMOND L. CORDOVA
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , today I rise to honor the life of my very good friend, Raymond ``Ray'' Cordova, and his legacy of service. prgtoken Ray was a proud Vietnam war vet. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home to help build our Nation through his work with the Communications Workers of America. prgtoken Ray didn't care who you were, or . Ray represented every working man and woman, and he fought for the rights of every worker that he came across. In fact, Ray Cordova is the only man I know that debated Jimmy Hoffa and outlived prgtoken Jimmy Hoffa and lived to tell the story about how he debated Jimmy Hoffa. prgtoken He was a staple in our community, and I was lucky to call him my very good friend. Ray will be remembered for his tremendous service not only to his country but to his family and community. Congratulating Dr. Rafael Luevano Upon Griset Chair Appointment
HONORING 100 YEARS OF THE CULPEPER COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, COMPANY 1
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise to recognize the Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department, Company 1 for their 100 years of dedicated service toward their mission to aid in the preservation and protection of life and property from and during fires, and their commitment to the Culpeper community. prgtoken The Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department was born from a desire to help neighbors in need. Chartered in January 1924, the department was first led by Chief J. William Swan and was comprised of 19 volunteers ready to answer the call. In their early days, they relied on their 1923 American LaFrance Brockway ``Torpedo'' Engine, which they housed on the ground floor of the Municipal Building. Volunteer firefighters used canvas coats with leather gloves bought at local hardware stores, and some donned World War I metal helmets or construction helmets to fight fires. It was not until the early 1950s that Culpeper volunteer firefighters got their first official fireproof gear. Soon after, they relocated to West Davis Street where they are still located today. prgtoken The Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department is a unique and treasured organization. Made up completely of volunteers from all walks of life, these brave individuals respond to emergencies in their community in their spare time. Through their service, they provide fire protection and life-saving aid to more than 54,000 Culpeper County residents and cover 383 square miles. prgtoken What began as a dream to help their neighbors has grown into a strong organization that continues to uphold the founding mission set 100 years ago--``to provide emergency services to the citizens of our entire community . . . achieved through our principles of commitment, education, recognized standards, and professionalism.'' Today they boast a membership of 65 volunteer firefighters. In 2023, they answered 913 calls with a fleet composed of an engine, a pumper, a rescue engine, and more, all purchased with the help of their community through fundraising and donations. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the work and commitment to services that Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department, Company 1 has carried out over the last 100 years. Their service to the community is invaluable, and I wish them the best as they continue their work to help our neighbors when they most need it.
TRIBUTE TO THE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF THE SUMGAIT POGROM
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the pogrom prgtoken against the Armenian residents of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. From February 27 to 29, 1988, Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed Armenians, leaving dozens of Armenian civilians dead and hundreds injured. Women and girls were raped, and some victims were burned alive after being tortured and beaten. Those who survived the carnage fled their homes and businesses, leaving behind all but the clothes on their backs. prgtoken In a pattern all too familiar to the Armenian people, the Azerbaijani authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities in Sumgait to this day, as well as denying the role of senior government officials in instigating the violence. prgtoken In the years that followed this unspeakable massacre, Armenians living in Kirovabad, Baku, and Maragha suffered a similar fate. These pogroms were part of a pattern of hateful, racist anti-Armenian propaganda and activities occurring throughout Azerbaijan, dehumanizing its Armenian residents, and laying the groundwork for decades of aggression and mass violence. This brutality culminated when the Azerbaijani government initiated war against the people of Nagorno- Karabakh, also known as Artsakh. prgtoken Beginning on September 27, 2020, and over 44 days, Azerbaijani forces invaded and murdered innocent Armenians in Artsakh and displaced tens of thousands more. They continued to terrorize the people of Artsakh in subsequent military attacks, and by blocking the Lachin Corridor--which left 120,000 people without access to food, water, medical supplies and services, gas, and electricity for over 9 months. On September 19, 2023, the Aliyev regime took full advantage of a people they had systematically starved, and launched a large-scale attack, further escalating their ethnic cleansing and genocidal campaign against the indigenous Armenian people of Artsakh. At least 200 people were killed, 400 wounded, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forcibly displaced, and Azerbaijan now holds Artsakh's political and military leadership, civilians, and prisoners of war hostage. With no help from the international community to confront Azerbaijan's military aggression, Artsakh was forced to negotiate under duress and consequently agreed to dissolve their democratically elected government. prgtoken There is also real and growing concern that Aliyev has his eyes set on land beyond Artsakh and will continue to seek further territory and concessions from Armenia by force. To this day, Azerbaijani forces remain present on sovereign Armenian land, in violation of Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and last month, President Aliyev made alarming remarks, including his refusal to remove troops from Armenian territory. These are the horrific consequences when aggression and hatred grow unchecked and when Aliyev's hostility is met with deafening silence
HONORING MSU MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH TOM IZZO FOR HIS 700 WINS
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-14

today I pay tribute to a legendary member of the Michigan State University community: head coach of the men's basketball team, Tom Izzo. Now in his prgtoken 29th year as head coach and his 41st overall year with the team, Coach Izzo recently added another accomplishment to his already impressive resume with his 700th career win, all of them with the Spartans. It was quite a present for Izzo to reach this milestone on his 69th birthday, however his dedication to the Spartans, to the MSU community, and to his home state of Michigan is the gift he continues to offer to us all. prgtoken Growing up in Iron Mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, young Tom Izzo dominated his high school football, track, and basketball teams. He didn't know it at the time, but his decision to focus on basketball at Northern Michigan University not only changed his life, but changed the course of the history of the sport. A tireless worker from the very beginning, it's no surprise that Tom Izzo went on to be named an All- American and established the Wildcat record for most minutes played in a season. prgtoken Northern Michigan University is also where Izzo began his collegiate coaching journey, serving as an assistant until a position opened up at Michigan State University. There, he worked under legendary coach Jud Heathcoate until his retirement, and in 1994 was officially named head coach of the Spartans. prgtoken His incredible statistics could fill volumes: Izzo led his team to the 2000 NCAA National Championship, 10 regular-season Big Ten Championships, six Big Ten Tournament titles, eight Final Four appearances, eight National Coach of the Year awards and a Big Ten- record 25 straight NCAA Tournament appearances. When the Spartans were selected for the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Izzo became the first men's basketball head coach in history to lead his team to 25 consecutive appearances. He is MSU's all-time winningest coach, with his accomplishments enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. And now, he joins an elite group of fewer than 40 Division 1 coaches to achieve 700 career wins. prgtoken So beloved by students is Tom Izzo that students must camp out to join the highly coveted ``Izzone'' section of the Breslin Center, resulting in a sea of green and white tents and a 24-hour revival-style demonstration of support and love for the section's namesake. And when tragedy struck campus one year ago and a gunman claimed the lives of three students and injured several others, it was Izzo's voice the community turned to in the hours and days after the shooting. At a campus-wide vigil, he encouraged each and every Spartan to confront fear and to stand together. ``We need each other,'' he told us. ``For 40 years I've always believed that at Michigan State, we are at our own strongest when we are together.'' prgtoken That night, Tom Izzo described himself as ``just a basketball
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Madam , last month, I joined my colleague Jared Moskowitz on a tour of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. prgtoken The school is frozen in time. It is just as it was 6 years ago today when a gunman stole the lives of 17 people. There was a box of chocolates left in a classroom on a stack of textbooks, a stuffed animal with a Valentine's Day balloon sitting on a chair, writing assignments left unfinished, whiteboards covered in lesson plans. prgtoken It was so ordinary, so hauntingly familiar. It is what you would see today if you walked into any high school on Valentine's Day. prgtoken And then there was the horror--the broken glass, the bullet holes, the blood stains, the outlines left by children's murdered bodies, two of them right next to the teacher's desk where their classmates and teacher were hiding inches away. prgtoken Three dads joined us that day. One by one, each of them led us to a spot where his child had been shot to death. One told us of how his daughter had run for safety in a stairwell, how she had missed safety by a split second, and how a single bullet ended her life before it had even begun. Her blood and the blood of her classmates mark the floors of that hallway, and they mark the soul of a country that could have saved them but chose not to. prgtoken The collective failures to prevent this tragedy permeates every corner of that building and every corner of this building: the failure of the good guys with guns to respond quickly and without hesitation; the sheriff's failure to act on a warning of a school shooter in the making; the FBI's failure to investigate a tip about an angry, unstable teenager who wanted to kill people; and Congress' failure to keep an AR-15 rifle out of his hands. prgtoken The men and women in this building could have prevented him from acquiring a weapon designed to kill and kill fast, but no. Nothing. There were no red flag laws, no universal background checks, no crackdown on high-capacity magazines, no assault weapons ban, no safe storage requirements. All of it was rejected by those, Madam , who perversely define freedom as unfettered access to weapons of war. prgtoken Madam , there was no freedom for the students and staff gunned down that day. There is no freedom in violence, in terror, and death. There is no freedom in being forced to wonder if your child will come home from school. Will they live to see graduation? And there is no freedom from the grief of those parents whose worst fears had been realized. prgtoken Along one of those hallways there is a quote painted on the wall: ``Never live in the past but always learn from it.'' prgtoken Madam , that building is just as it was 6 years ago, and so is this country. Our gun laws are frozen in the past as if nothing has happened. In refusing to act, s not only ignore the past, they condemn the children to future violent death. prgtoken Madam , let us honor our past b