mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATION MOMENT OF SILENCE TO REMEMBER FORMER MEMBERS JOHN OLVER AND BRIAN DONNELLY
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , I join with my Massachusetts colleagues to mourn the passing of two of our former colleagues, Congressman John Olver and Congressman Brian Donnelly. prgtoken John Olver, an MIT-trained chemist, dedicated his life to public service, working as an educator at the University of Massachusetts before beginning his political career. He spent 12 years in the Massachusetts Legislature prior to his election to Congress. prgtoken Over the course of his 22 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, John was an effective leader and a steadfast advocate for the people of western and central Massachusetts. prgtoken His approach to policymaking was a good lesson for all. It wasn't about tweeting or texting or cable TV appearances. He lacked any malice whatsoever, and he always had the purest of intentions, focusing solely on delivering for the people he felt privileged to represent. In addition, I don't know anybody who mastered the details of public life and complicated policy more than John Olver. prgtoken He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rose, of 55 years and a loving father to their children. prgtoken Madam , we send our best wishes to them at this difficult time. prgtoken Madam , I likewise rise to honor our former colleague Brian Donnelly, a close personal friend of mine for the years that we served together in this institution. prgtoken He was a steadfast public servant, a son of Massachusetts, and, perhaps more importantly, a son of Dorchester. prgtoken From his days in the Boston Public Schools to the State legislature to the hearing rooms of the Ways and Means Committee, Brian lived the American Dream. prgtoken I will forever be grateful to him for his retirement plan that opened up a seat on the Ways and Means Committee for me, understanding that for 70 years, Massachusetts, in straight order, has had a seat on the Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken He grew up in a working-class, Irish-American household. He never forgot his ancestral roots in Galway, and he used his time in Congress to advocate for Irish nationals both in Ireland and the United States. prgtoken Thousands of young immigrants secured visas through what is known as the Donnelly visa program, giving countless families the opportunity to live out the same American Dream that he knew so well. prgtoken Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Donnelly family during this difficult time, and I appreciate, Madam , you providing us the time for a moment of silence.
GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , I rise today, yet again, to speak about gun violence in our communities. prgtoken I would like to read the words of Troy Forbush, a survivor of last month's horrific mass shooting at Michigan State University in my home State. Troy said, ``Seconds after being shot clean through the lung, two entrance wounds and two exit wounds, laying in a state of shock, that will never leave my mind and forever haunt me.'' prgtoken He continued to say, ``I fell to the ground from my seat and tried to act as if I were already dead. As he panned the room with his handgun, I pled for my life and screamed, `Please don't shoot me.' We were met face to face with pure evil.'' prgtoken No person, Madam , or child should ever have to go through what Troy and the countless others continue to experience in our country of being gunned down while learning, gunned down while praying, gunned down while shopping, gunned down, gunned down over and over again. prgtoken This is the reality of the United States of America, where gun violence is the number one cause of death for our children. prgtoken How is this acceptable? prgtoken We must pass comprehensive gun reform immediately. Enough of the bloodshed.
TRIBUTE TO SCOTT LEONARD
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-3-30

I rise today to recognize the long career of Scott Leonard, of Milwaukee, as he retires from Amtrak after 19 years of dedicated service. Born in Milwaukee on April 2, 1961, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. His first job was with the blood services division of the American Red Cross, first in Wisconsin, then in Washington, DC. prgtoken Scott always loved trains, especially passenger trains. As a child, he would ride some of the storied trains that travelled through the Badger State. His interest and passion for the railroad led him to a position with the National Association of Railroad Passengers--NARP--an advocacy group supporting the growth of rail passenger services in the United States. There, he worked with the membership of the association to advance ideas to Amtrak for improved service and to communicate back to NARP what they could do to support Amtrak. Scott was an ever-present figure on Capitol Hill providing information and support to the Members and their staffs as they worked on the important rail bills of the late 1980s and 90s. prgtoken In 2004, Scott joined Amtrak's government affairs office and was responsible for handling congressional correspondence, managing special projects, and assisting with VIP travel. He is well regarded for his thorough and prompt replies to queries and ability to provide personal and professional service to inquiries or complaints. Members of Congress, foreign dignitaries and other important passengers came to know Scott on a first-name basis as he met or escorted them to the station or their train. Leaving the office and headed to the station, suit and tie, clipboard in hand, his friends in government affairs would say: ``Somebody is about to get the Scott Leonard Treatment.'' For many, he was Amtrak, a recognized face in the crowd, a measure of consistency in a harried world. prgtoken Scott also holds the unique distinction of travelling every mile of Amtrak's 21,400-route system, one of only two people known to have that achievement. As in every large endeavor such as this, one needs a playbook or guide so others may follow on a clear and consistent path of requirements. In a system as large as Amtrak's, there are many anomalies. Scott organized the ``playbook'' right to down the last switch, siding, and alternative route options. There are others chasing this goal, and maybe someday there will be created the ``Leonard Prize'' for those who do indeed cover that last mile. In addition to his knowledge of Amtrak's system, he can recite the beginning and end of the U.S. highway system and possesses excellent mapmaking skills and a deep knowledge of American geography. prgtoken Some might say that Scott was lucky to get a job that allowed him to pursue his passions and interest. However, the truth is that Amtrak was lucky to have Scott. He lives the values of the company every day, and he is a beloved colleague to those aroun
HONORING CENTRAL FLORIDA'S OUTSTANDING WOMEN
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor some of the most powerful and outstanding women in my hometown of central Florida during Women's History Month. prgtoken These awe-inspiring women broke glass ceilings, pioneered change, fought for equal rights, and championed a better tomorrow for the people of Florida: prgtoken Congresswoman Corrine Brown, part of the first group of Black lawmakers from the State of Florida to serve in the United States House of Representatives since 1876. prgtoken Linda Chapin, the first elected mayor of Orange County. prgtoken Stina D'Uva, who serves in our community through the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Veteran Tangia Hill-Smikle, who gave back to central Florida in too many ways to count. prgtoken Suneera Madhani, a pioneer in financial technology. prgtoken Linda Landman Gonzalez and Kay Rawlins, leaders with our local beloved sports teams, the Orlando Magic and Orlando City Soccer Club. prgtoken Lastly, human rights advocates like Nikole Parker and Martha Are, and journalists like Beth Kassab are on the front lines of fighting for the free press. prgtoken Today, I honor them and thank them for all they have done for central Florida. prgtoken Madam , I also have to say, moments of silence are incredibly important to remember those who have been taken from us, but faith without work is dead. If we don't work to end gun violence, our children will suffer the same fate.
HONORING GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY'S CORRECTIVE ACTION TO THE INSTITUTION OF SLAVERY
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , and still I rise. I rise as a proud descendant of the enslaved people, who constructed the foundation upon which the greatness of America resides. They are the foundational mothers and fathers of this country. prgtoken Today, I rise, Madam , because I was accorded the preeminent privilege of speaking at the Georgetown University Law Center and I was accorded this opportunity to talk about the conscious agenda. prgtoken In so doing, we, my staff and I, did some research on Georgetown University and we discovered some things that I will share with you today. prgtoken First, I do want to thank the persons who made it possible for me to have this opportunity to speak today at Georgetown. I would like to thank Juan Thomas, the chair of the ABA Section of the Civil Rights and Social Justice Entity. This is an entity that is associated with the American Bar Association, and they were hosting this event today. prgtoken I would like to thank Dean Treanor. He is the executive vice president of Georgetown University Law Center. prgtoken I would like to thank Professor of Law Edelman. He is a person who has, quite frankly, helped to set a course of conduct that has made a difference in the lives of many people at the institution. prgtoken Today, Madam , I, having had this opportunity to visit Georgetown, would like to commend the university for what it has done and I would like to do so for things that persons ordinarily might not assume one would stand before the Congress, the country, if you will, and give such a commendation. prgtoken I am honored to do this because I think Georgetown University is the supreme, superb example of what an institution should do that has had some association with the institution of slavery. prgtoken I think that Georgetown University is a university that has set an example for the country, indeed for the United States of America itself, in terms of how we should respond to questions related to our association with the institution of slavery. prgtoken Today, I want to honor Georgetown University, founded in 1789 by John Carroll, who was later appointed Archbishop of Baltimore in 1808. I honor this institution today because it took affirmative action to correct its association with the institution of slavery. prgtoken In 1838, 272 enslaved persons worth about $3.3 million in today's dollars were sold in part to help pay off the school's debt. Obviously, this was not something that I would in any way celebrate. It is something that I find horrific. prgtoken The question then becomes: How has Georgetown University responded since this occurrence? Well, in September 2015, Georgetown University formed a working group on slavery, memory, and reconciliation to explore this history that it has associated with slavery. prgtoken In 2016, Georgetown created a department of African-American studies and set plans to establish an institute for the study of racial justice. prgtoken These two things alo
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2023-3-30

the Senate has just come together to do our job by Passing the Veterans' COLA Act. We would now urge our House colleagues to quickly follow suit. Let's continue to show our fighting men and women that when you get sent off to war, it is with the promise that you will be cared for when you return home, not through words but by action. prgtoken With that, . prgtoken .
SUPPORTING PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-3-30

I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. prgtoken While the majority claims this bill would lower America's energy costs, this bill would directly result in policies that would add to the deficit and incur billions of dollars in environmental costs. prgtoken This bill puts polluters over people by putting taxpayers on the hook for environmental cleanup of our public lands. Public lands are just that: They are public. They belong to the people, not to major corporations, not to foreign-owned mining companies who would ship mined materials over to China for smelting, or to be sold on the global market. How does that protect our national security? prgtoken Let me be clear: We need to reform the permitting process to guarantee our transition to a clean, green energy economy. When it comes to leasing our public lands, local communities and Tribal Nations need to be front and center, not oil, gas, and mining interests. prgtoken When companies pollute, they need to be held responsible for the cleanup, not the American taxpayer. I support people over politics. H.R. 1 should be rejected.
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-3-30

5 years ago, I stood in this Chamber and condemned the Saudi military campaign in Yemen. Today, I rise once again to condemn the egregious violence that continues to haunt the Yemeni people. prgtoken Last weekend marked the 8-year anniversary of the start of the conflict--8 years of families being torn apart by war; 8 years of children going without access to food, healthcare, and quality education; 8 years of destruction that has caused one of the greatest humanitarian crises since World War II. prgtoken The Republic of Yemen has been torn apart by multiple armed conflicts, and, as a result, the Yemeni people have been caught in between an internal power struggle as well as a regional proxy conflict. Saudi Arabia has taken advantage of Yemen's domestic strife and led a military campaign that has only heightened the conflict and caused further destruction. prgtoken The previous conflicts, along with the current war, have collectively eroded central governance in Yemen and left more than 24 million of Yemen's 31 million citizens in dire need of assistance and protection. prgtoken I am proud that Michigan is home to the largest Yemeni population outside of Yemen. The diaspora community is vibrant and has endured harms that no community should have to. prgtoken The circumstances under which many have immigrated to the United States is truly devastating. It is estimated that there are roughly 4.5 million displaced Yemenis as a result of this conflict, with a majority of those displaced still in Yemen. Those that remain continue to face food and housing insecurity, with over half of the total population requiring humanitarian assistance. prgtoken We have failed the Yemeni people with our longstanding military support for the Saudi Arabian military coalition in Yemen, and I applaud--I applaud--President 's decision to end all U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen. We must continue to build on this measure and ensure that the United States is in no way--in no way-- involved in the continuation of this war. prgtoken The failure of warring parties to come to an agreement to extend the U.N.-backed truce demonstrates that this conflict is, unfortunately, far from over. The United States must continue to leverage all diplomatic tools available to assist in the peace process. prgtoken As we enter into the ninth year of this conflict, I encourage all of my colleagues to reflect on the lives lost, the children who never got to grow up, and the communities that will never be the same. The Yemeni people have remained resilient in the face of extreme adversity, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to be strong partners in providing aid and securing peace. prgtoken .
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2023
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-30

I am extremely pleased that the Senate will be voting shortly to confirm Ambassador Richard Verma to be the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources at the Department of State. This role is one of the most critical positions at the Department of State. prgtoken DMR, as it is known, has wide-ranging responsibility for overseeing personnel and ensuring the Department is sufficiently resourced to carry out effective U.S. diplomacy. prgtoken And there are no shortages of challenges. As we reorient our foreign policy toward strategic competition with China, as we counter malign influence by Russia across the globe, as we work to address global health, food insecurity, and climate crisis, it is imperative that our diplomatic corps has the tools they need to address the challenges ahead. prgtoken Ambassador Verma is superbly qualified to lead this part of the Department in confronting these challenges. His long public sector career, which includes service in the Air Force, the Senate, and the State Department, will help him be an effective leader who can advance the Department's modernization agenda. prgtoken And as our first-ever Indian-American Ambassador to New Delhi, he has firsthand experience leading a major U.S. Embassy and a deep understanding of the strategic advantage of cultivating and retaining a diverse and expert workforce. prgtoken I have full confidence that Ambassador Verma will be a constructive partner with Congress and work to make sure the Department has the support, the resources, and the leadership it needs to succeed. prgtoken Given the challenges ahead, I am pleased that we are finally voting to confirm Ambassador Verma today, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this nomination. prgtoken .
MILITARY PROMOTIONS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-30

on the Senator from Alabama's holding up military nominations, the Senator from Alabama continues his hold on-- more than 180 now--promotions, military promotions, blatantly ignoring the many warnings of the harm he is causing to our national security. It is reckless. It is just reckless. prgtoken Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin warned that blocking prgtoken these promotions ``creates a ripple effect through the force that makes us far less ready than we need to be.'' prgtoken Do you hear that, the Senator from Alabama? The Secretary of Defense is saying that what you do makes us far less ready than we need to be at a time when China and Iran and Russia are all causing all kinds of security problems and threats. prgtoken But Secretary Austin also emphasized another point, a very important point: The Senator's stonewalling is having consequences--bad consequences, heart-wrenching consequences--for our military families. By blocking these promotions, the Senator from Alabama is blocking pay raises for these officers and their families. By blocking these promotions, the Senator from Alabama is blocking military kids from starting at new schools, setting them back in their educations. prgtoken When a member of the military serves, their family serves, too. Does the Senator from Alabama understand the disruption and chaos he is causing for military families? prgtoken These are people serving us. They are not political. They have worked hard. They have done a good job. They got a promotion. A promotion means moving--a change of venue, a change of school. It means a career path--how long you have been at one rank and then to another. prgtoken The Senator from Alabama is playing havoc with so many military families, who are nonpolitical, who have served our country well, who thought they were ready for promotions until this cruel act of the Senator from Alabama stopped them. These military families have done nothing--nothing--to deserve the disrespect and disdain shown by the Senator from Alabama. It is insulting to our servicemembers that one Senator--just one--is holding up what has long been a routine and nonpartisan process. prgtoken Again, I urge my colleague from Alabama to think this through and stand down. We understand he has passion on the issue. We disagree with it vehemently; so do most Americans. But passion on the issue is not an excuse for causing havoc in the military in terms of force and in terms of the lives of the families. prgtoken I would again plead with my colleagues, whether it is public or private, to go to the Senator from Alabama and dissuade him from his folly.
Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mr. Smith of New Jersey
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-3-30

I thank Ranking Member Grijalva for yielding and for his leadership in opposition to the polluters over people act. prgtoken I must say that the concern of the gentleman from New Jersey--we just heard about ocean animals--is touching, considering the effect that climate change will have on all wildlife and all of us, for that matter. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to this bad faith amendment aimed at slowing our Nation's transition to the affordable clean energy economy we need to address the climate crisis and create good-paying American jobs. With nearly 164,000 New Yorkers already working in the clean energy industry, the State is expected to create more than 10,000 additional jobs through its commitment to developing 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy in the coming years. prgtoken , if you are worried about the potential adverse effects of wind energy development, you will be pleased to know that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is already required to perform substantial environmental reviews. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Renewable Energy Program subject matter experts are best equipped to analyze potential environmental and industry impacts of offshore wind. prgtoken Considering this, it is strange that my colleague from New Jersey is supporting an appropriations request to defund the Renewable Energy Program. prgtoken It is also strange that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim to worry about the industry's impact on whales when most of them oppose the prgtoken North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction rule. The data shows that most whale killings are attributed to vessel strikes. prgtoken Again, , this is a bad faith attack on offshore wind, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.
BUDGET MUST RESPOND TO AMERICAN PEOPLE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-30

. Madam , in a Budget Committee hearing yesterday, I could not restrain my pain to raise the question of three little babies and three adults killed in Nashville with assault weapons. prgtoken Does anyone know the costliness--over $200 billion of gun violence in America. I raised that in the Budget Committee because the witnesses were trying to blame all of the deficit on President . prgtoken I believe in a balanced budget for States and cities like Houston. We can do that. Please understand that the Federal Government is the umbrella on a rainy day. prgtoken A disaster in Mississippi--the Federal Government comes. A disaster in Ohio, in East Palestine--the Federal Government comes. Raging hurricanes--the Federal Government comes. Raging fires. prgtoken As a member of the Budget Committee, I can assure you we will look to the President's $6.7 trillion budget, but we are looking to also bring down the deficit as we responsibly need to do. prgtoken I will not support eliminating Medicare payments for those who need it, Social Security payments for those who need it, education funding that the Federal Government does through Pell grants, climate change dollars, or being able to ensure that we are the umbrella on a rainy day. prgtoken The budget of the American people must respond to the American people. We will get the right budget and lift the debt ceiling.