mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ACCOUNTABILITY AND STATE PLANS
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-2-7

today I rise to voice my strong opposition to H.J. Res. 57, which is another proposal to erode the oversight and enforcement authority of the Department of Education. prgtoken In 2015, Congress responded to the voice of the American people by passing the Every prgtoken Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) with bipartisan and bicameral support. This sweeping rewrite of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act gave states and local boards of education greater flexibility to implement plans to ensure student achievement, resource equity and greater accountability. prgtoken I was happy to support the ESSA after seeking the advice of experienced educators and education stakeholders from Rockdale, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties, as well as throughout Georgia. prgtoken H.J. Res 57, on the other hand, flies in the face of Congressional intent by gutting a key ESSA rule developed with, and supported by teachers, civil rights organizations, parents and states. H.J. Res 57 removes civil rights protections and blocks improvements to our nation's public education system by dismantling data-reporting requirements that ensure that the needs of underperforming groups in all subgroups are adequately supported. This includes African Americans, Latinos, and students with disabilities. The Administration and my colleagues are playing political games that will ultimately harm taxpayers, teachers, and our nation's most disadvantaged students. prgtoken During my time in Congress, I have worked to ensure that all students have access to a world-class education regardless of their background or zip code. I believe that all children deserve a quality education and that no child should ever fall between the cracks. I will continue fighting against republican attempts to divest funding from public education and reduce equal opportunity for all students.
CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS ARE PLAYING CHICKEN WITH HEALTH INSURANCE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-2-7

Americans have too much to lose for Congressional s to play chicken with their health insurance. prgtoken Take a family in my district, Kevin and Kim Filiatraut. Kevin and Kim are young parents of two beautiful children, ages 7 and 5. As an attorney in Cleveland, the family uses insurance through Kevin's employment. Kim's job of 15 years at KeyBank was outsourced to India in 2014. They own a home, and their children go to public schools in Bay Village. prgtoken In 2015, at age 39, Kim was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. When it was found, it had already spread to her liver, and she has been on chemotherapy ever since and will be evermore. There is only hope and medicine, indefinitely. prgtoken She is covered now, but with this preexisting condition, a repeal of the ACA is daunting. The ACA establishes that she can never be denied enrollment, but congressional s could take this surety away with their brash, nearsighted objective of full repeal of the ACA. prgtoken Why would we get rid of something that does so much good for Ohioans, for Americans, with nothing and no plan to replace it? prgtoken Kim's treatment costs over $500,000 a year. Repeal of the ACA could very well bankrupt this family. prgtoken And according to The Washington Post, repealing the Affordable Care Act will kill more than 43,000 people in our country, annually. Repeal of the ACA would be the most anti-life measure ever considered or passed by this Congress. prgtoken Please vote against repeal now.
RECOGNIZING THE THOMAS IRVINE DODGE NATURE CENTER
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise today to recognize the volunteers, staff, visitors and supporters of the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center in West Saint Paul, Minnesota on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the center. Founded in 1967 by Olivia Irvine Dodge, the center has served as a pioneering venue for environmental education and a premier outdoor classroom for generations of Minnesota students. prgtoken Dodge Nature Center is a rare jewel, located on 460 acres of land minutes from downtown Saint Paul, where visitors can hike for miles through prairies, hardwood forests, lakes, wetlands, and visit a working farm, orchard and bee apiary. The various biomes and landscapes provide an ever changing classroom for which to learn about the natural environment of Minnesota. prgtoken Olivia Irvine Dodge was a true trail blazer in environmental education, and the core mission of Dodge Nature Center is teaching children about the inherent beauty and complexity of the natural world around us. Throughout the past five decades, environmental educators at the center have developed an expansive environmental curriculum that has introduced hundreds of thousands of students from the Twin Cities to the science of the great outdoors. Because of the vision of Olivia Irvine Dodge and the center board and staff, children and adults alike learn how to care for and appreciate the incredible splendor of Minnesota's natural surroundings. prgtoken Growing up in neighboring South Saint Paul, I was fortunate to have many opportunities to visit and learn at Dodge Nature Center both as a child and as a young. Leading groups of children through the nature center to learn about the plants and animals around us was a highlight of my summers as a YMCA camp counselor. Then as it is now, the Dodge Nature Center is an integral part of our community that allows children and adults alike to connect with nature, and enables them to learn about science and conservation. Today, opportunities to visit Dodge remain special events for me. Whatever the season, I look forward to walking trails to experience nature right in the backyard of Minnesota's capital city. prgtoken On February 9th, Dodge Nature Center staff, volunteers, friends, family and supporters will gather to celebrate five decades of the center's mission to connect people to nature through education. In honoring this occasion, it is particularly fitting that Richard Louv will headline the gathering. As a world renowned author and environmental educator, Mr. Louv literally wrote the book about how to counter nature-deficit disorder and reconnect children and their families with the natural world. His work has sparked an international movement for the great outdoors that builds on the foundation forged by Olivia Irvine Dodge. prgtoken , please join me in rising to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Dodge Nature Center, and commend the passion and dedication of so many volunteers, staff and board members fo
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO TEACHER PREPARATION ISSUES
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise in opposition to this measure. And I do so as someone who, in 2008, actually was a member of the conference committee when we passed the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Unfortunately, that is the last time Congress has moved forward, and we are about 3 or 4 years overdue in terms of modernizing and updating that law. prgtoken But I can tell you, , having been to the meetings--and we actually met as conferees and we had votes and we had discussion, unlike a lot of the short-circuited processes that unfortunately dominates most of our business these days--it was a healthy process. prgtoken This issue of teacher preparation in setting up standards was totally noncontroversial. There were a couple of items on which the two sides actually debated, but this one was a no-brainer. It just makes perfect sense that we want to make sure that there is at least a minimum standard out there to make sure that kids are getting the opportunities they need, particularly with the changing demands and needs of the workforce. prgtoken What also just sort of astonishes me is the manner in which this regulation was issued, which was only last October. The ink is, really, barely dry on it. We have a new incoming administration with a new Secretary, whom I will talk about in a second, and they have more than ample opportunity to go back into the regulations process and amend it, make changes, if they so choose. Instead, rather than using a scalpel, we are using a chain saw to basically carve out, in essence, a section of the law because the ability of the Department's to go back and do a similar regulation is not allowed under the Congressional Review Act. prgtoken This is a measure which, as I said, was just totally noncontroversial, on which we had a very strong vote, by the way, in terms of the final result of the conference that took place back in 2008, and the process that is being used is just tremendous overkill.
LET'S KEEP ALL AMERICANS HEALTHY
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise this afternoon because I am appalled by President and my colleagues' attacks on the health of Americans. My colleagues have spent 6 years disparaging the Affordable Care Act from its very inception, describing it as a ``death spiral,'' ``failure,'' and ``collapsing,'' but zero time offering up any viable alternative. prgtoken After 6 years of hollow grandstanding, s now face the clear realization that repealing the Affordable Care Act will dump massive costs on families and businesses, blow a hole in the Federal budget, and strip coverage for more than 30 million Americans. prgtoken New Jersey has been a positive example of ACA implementation. Since enactment, Medicaid expansion through ACA has insured more than 700,000 middle-income New Jersey residents who couldn't previously afford it. The uninsured rate in New Jersey dropped from 13.2 percent in 2013 to 8.7 percent in 2015. prgtoken , these are positive trends, but President and s in Washington callously disregard these facts so they can live up to their reckless promises. I hope that they will see the wisdom in their mistake and make sure that we keep all Americans healthy.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. ECKERD FINDLEY
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Eckerd Findley, an outstanding South Carolinian, who is retiring from Piedmont Airlines this month after 40 years of service. prgtoken Mr. Findley was born on May 4, 1953 to the late Reverend Alex and Ms. Ethel Findley. He graduated from Columbia, South Carolina's Booker T. Washington High School in 1972. prgtoken After graduation, Mr. Findley went to work for Mount Vernon Mills, a textile company which was housed in the building that is now the South Carolina State Museum. It was at Mount Vernon Mills that he met his wife Ann. They were married in 1973 and in 1975 they were blessed with a son, Edward. Their daughter, Antonitte, was born in 1984. The Findleys currently have four grandchildren. prgtoken Mr. Findley's father, the Reverend Alex Findley, worked for Delta Airlines from 1944 until his retirement in 1986. Eckerd decided to follow in his father's footsteps and in 1976 he landed a position at Piedmont Airlines. He has been with the company ever since, helping it to grow into US Airways, which recently merged with American Airlines. prgtoken Eckerd was taught and--in turn--has taught his family Matthew 22:39, ``love thy neighbor as thyself,'' and that lesson shows in the way he works and lives. He is a member of Pleasant Springs AME Church and is a pillar of the community. prgtoken , I ask that you and the Members of this House join me in recognizing the outstanding service and example of citizenship that have been shown by this fine gentleman, Eckerd Findley. I wish him a long, productive and rewarding retirement.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO TEACHER PREPARATION ISSUES
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-2-7

on Monday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 7, 2017, I was unable to return to Washington, DC for recorded votes due to inclement weather at home in the Puget Sound region. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 79 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 689). ``Yes'' on rollcall vote No. 80 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 337). ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 81 (on ordering the previous question on H.Res. 91). ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 82 (on agreeing to the resolution H.Res. 91). ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 83 (on passage of H.J.Res. 44). ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 84 (on passage of H.J.Res. 57). ``No'' on rollcall vote No. 85 (on passage of H.J.Res. 58).
REDUCTION IN STUDENT LOANS FOR STEM MAJORS
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-2-7

here in America, we are changing the world with our ingenuity and technological advances. prgtoken It is our creative and innovative spirit that allows us to continue to be a leader in the world economy and raise the quality of life of the human race. We know that jobs of the present and the future will require many new students and retrained workers to pursue STEM degrees--those in science, technology, engineering, and math. prgtoken While many politicians have talked a good game about encouraging students to pursue these degrees, it is time to put our money where our mouth is. Today I introduced the ASPIRE Act, H.R. 926, the American Science Principal and Interest Reduction and Employment Act. This act would grant a 25 percent reduction in student loans for any student who graduates with a STEM major. prgtoken According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, one million new STEM jobs are projected to come online between 2012 to 2022, for a total of 9 million, 13 percent growth over the decade. This means we must act now to meet these needs, and I encourage all of you to cosponsor this important legislation. prgtoken It is time to create real incentives to encourage our students to aspire to new heights and create the jobs of tomorrow today.
HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF DAVID CULP
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-2-7

I would like to honor the life and work of David Culp who passed away over the weekend. prgtoken This is a monumental loss to supporters of peace everywhere. David's tireless efforts in promoting sane nuclear policies and fighting for a safer world spanned decades. prgtoken David was a ``go-to'' advocate in the arms control community. Many, including myself, relied on his advice, knack for technical details on policy proposals, political insights, and collaborative focus. He played an instrumental role in the campaign to secure Senate ratification of the New START treaty and in the defeat of legislative proposals to proliferate new nuclear weapons. prgtoken Not only was David a wise, steadfast, effective voice for disarmament, but he was kind and genuine--a true pleasure to be around. His good nature came through in his personal life, where he spent time working to preserve the environment and enjoying the outdoors. His involvement in the cleanup of the Anacostia River is but one example. prgtoken My deepest condolences go out to those near and dear to him. He will be missed, and I hope his family, friends and colleagues take some measure of solace in the knowledge that he has made a tremendous difference.
IN HONOR OF MONSIGNOR MICHAEL J. DOYLE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise today to honor Monsignor Michael J. Doyle on the occasion of the City of Camden, New Jersey naming a street in his honor on Monday, February 6, 2017. This street is in proximity to Sacred Heart Church, which Father Doyle has shepherded since 1974. prgtoken Monsignor Doyle is a man of conviction who was born in Ireland in 1934 and came to the United States of America by boat. He chose the Catholic Diocese of Camden for his priestly vocation in the late 1950s and started serving the City of Camden in 1967. Before taking the helm at Sacred Heart, he taught students in Diocesan schools. prgtoken Always willing to fight for what he believed was right, Monsignor Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. In the 1970s, he was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War. He's known to those in his parish as someone who is not afraid to fight for peace. prgtoken Monsignor Doyle is also known for his service to the poor, as well as his poetry. Actor Martin Sheen narrated a documentary entitled ``Poet of Poverty'' which focused on Monsignor Doyle's poetry and letters to his congregation. prgtoken While the City of Camden has its challenges, Monsignor Doyle chooses to focus on the beauty of the community he calls home. His congregation consists of people from the City, but also a large number of individuals visit Sacred Heart from surrounding suburbs. prgtoken Monsignor Doyle has been a champion of the arts and community gardens. He has been a longtime advocate for improved housing, better medical care, community beautification and better educational opportunities for his neighborhood. He believes his two greatest achievements are keeping his parish school open, and opening a community gym called the Doyle Fieldhouse, where all are welcome. prgtoken For these reasons and countless more, it is fitting that we honor this man for his great works and contributions. His dedication to God, the City of Camden, his parishioners and his community are unrivaled. I am fortunate to know him. And as a resident of the City of Camden, I can say our City is grateful to have him as a faithful steward. Thank you, Monsignor Doyle for what you continue to do for us all
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ACCOUNTABILITY AND STATE PLANS
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 57 today for two reasons. I believe that the majority's repeated use of the Congressional Review Act this week prgtoken and last week is unnecessary, constraining, and, in this case, adds cost. The Congressional Review Act has only been used successfully in 2000 one time, and already this month the House is considering its eighth joint resolution of disapproval. prgtoken I believe in our role of oversight of the executive branch, but using the blunt tool of the CRA to block regulatory action in an effort to support and improve public education is an abuse of the CRA. The newly confirmed Secretary of Education can already amend targeted rules like the one this resolution is addressing without fully repealing the guidance and preventing similar rules in the future. prgtoken The Every Student Succeeds Act was a major bipartisan accomplishment, and I am particularly concerned about the uncertainty for the States and local stakeholders caused by repealing these accountability standards in the underlying rule. prgtoken In Delaware, just as in States across the country, local stakeholder groups and State departments of education have been working together to provide thorough feedback and guidance on these accountability rules that the majority wants to repeal. prgtoken I have heard from my State board of education that repealing these regulations would cause States to delay the development of their plans, potentially costing them both time and money to gather feedback on a significantly different set of guidelines for the plan, and, most importantly, further delaying the implementation of changes to the education system that our students need and deserve. prgtoken , my question to my colleagues would be: Why get rid of the whole rule when it comes from a bill that ultimately happened in such a bipartisan way? Why prevent accountability and guidance for States?
H.J. RES. 57 AND H.J. RES. 58
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-7

today, I voted against H.J. Res. 57 and H.J. Res. 58, two pieces of legislation which threaten students' right to a high-quality education. prgtoken In 2015, I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized federal regulations for K-12 education. It is shocking that scarcely one year after ESSA was signed into law, Congress is trying to pass these resolutions which will devastate public education, particularly for minority and vulnerable children. prgtoken H.J. Res. 57 prevents the federal government from uncovering discrimination and civil rights abuses in our schools. Under this resolution, the U.S. Department of Education cannot require states to provide data about vulnerable student groups. This prevents the department from holding schools accountable for academic performance and disciplinary practices. prgtoken H.J. Res. 58 makes it more difficult for prospective teachers to find programs that will prepare them for success in the classroom. It also removes incentives to make our teaching workforce more diverse. This is especially troubling at a time when California is suffering from a teacher shortage. prgtoken Sadly, these resolutions arrive on the same day that the United States Senate voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Unfortunately, Senate s ignored grave concerns from parents, teachers, and students nationwide about her lack of familiarity with basic public education issues, federal laws, and her refusal to protect public education and civil rights. prgtoken As the Congresswoman for California's 40th District, I will fight against any policy that jeopardizes the ability of students to receive an excellent education. That is why I oppose H.J. Res. 57 and H.J. Res. 58.
WHAT HAS WASHINGTON DONE TO YOU?
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-7

. Mr. Panetta, thank you so very much for joining us this evening. Thank you for your statement of your life and your family's work. We know your father. Leon has been a dear friend of mine and most of us here in the House. You're going to really be a tremendous addition to this House. Your experience as a prosecutor and in local government and county government positions you very well to bring the message. prgtoken Certainly, the Salinas Valley is one in which immigrants are the history, and they are the reality of today. Thank you so very much for watching out for them, for your passion, and for your extraordinary background in making all of us aware of what happens when sanctuary cities, immigration laws, and others are just tossed around without much thought about what the impact is in the community and to families, as well as to the economy of the community. I appreciate that and hope you will come back and join us on another Special Order. prgtoken From the other side of the country, we have Mr. Raskin, another new Member of the House of Representatives. Welcome. You have a fascinating background, and I look forward to your comments today. prgtoken , from Maryland (Mr. Raskin).
MIDDLE CLASS JOBS CAUCUS
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-2-7

as debates over the meaning of last fall's elections continue, one fact is not in question: The American people want us to work together on commonsense, bipartisan solutions to grow our economy and create good-paying, middle class jobs. Neither party can meet this challenge alone. prgtoken I am proud to say that Congressman Mike Gallagher and I have joined together in founding the Middle Class Jobs Caucus to bring greater attention to these issues and to advance proposals to address them. The caucus will meet regularly to address a wide array of key issues facing working families, such as job training and infrastructure and transportation modernization. prgtoken Every era of prosperity in our history has been built on a thriving middle class. In the plainest terms, middle class jobs mean a strong America. I encourage all of our colleagues to join us in helping families reach the middle class and stay there.