mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOURNALISTS
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-11-15

I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring journalists. A free, independent media is vital to our democracy. It is enshrined in our Constitution. We depend on reporters around the world to both tell the stories that have an impact on our day-to-day lives and dig for those stories that might not be told otherwise. prgtoken Journalists are generally tenacious and dedicated. They ask the tough questions. They challenge special interests. They connect us with our communities and our world. They put themselves in harm's way to tell the unvarnished truth, unfiltered by government propaganda, at a time when the world needs it more than ever, and too often, that comes at a cost. prgtoken Increasingly, journalists find themselves under attack, arrested, or targeted for simply reporting facts. Some even make the ultimate sacrifice to reveal the truth. prgtoken In March, I spoke on this floor about three talented, brave journalists who were killed while reporting on Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine. Since then, at least nine other journalists have been killed in Ukraine, journalists who were covering this war. prgtoken In May, Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed while reporting on an Israeli military raid in Jenin in the West Bank. This danger is not something American journalists are immune from. prgtoken In September, Jeff German, a reporter with the Las Vegas Review- Journal, was murdered--was murdered--for his investigative reporting here in the United States of America. prgtoken These are only a few of the journalists who lost their lives this year while trying to uncover the truth. prgtoken Since Mahsa Amini's death on September 16, Reporters Without Borders has found that ``at least 42 journalists have been arrested throughout Iran.'' The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that since the beginning of 2022--fewer than 11 months--60 journalists--6-0 journalists--have been killed. prgtoken Politicians in this country throw around all kinds of incendiary language describing journalists, making fun of them, demeaning them, contributing to this view too often that could lead to the injury or attacks or even murders of journalists. prgtoken We remember those who lost their lives. We recognize their unwavering commitment to the democratic ideals of truth and accuracy and transparency, a commitment so strong that they put their lives on the line--often putting truth before personal safety--to cover floods and hurricanes and the important stories from global war zones. We have a better understanding of what is happening in the world today because of journalists, because of journalism. prgtoken Our thoughts are with the families and the friends and the colleagues whose loved ones were killed in search of truth, but thoughts and prayers aren't enough. We need to support efforts here and abroad to hold those who kill or even threaten journalists accountable. prgtoken Tha
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. LUMAN HUGHES, JR.
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Dr. Luman Hughes, Jr. Luman was born in Iron River, Michigan on July 21, 1930. He attended the University of Michigan where he played in the marching band, met his future wife, Marilyn Benson, and went on to graduate from the University's A.B./M.D. program. prgtoken After graduating, Luman was an intern at Presbyterian Hospital and was then drafted to the U.S. Navy. He served two years in Japan then completed his OB/GYN residency at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. After posts in North Carolina, Guam, and Oakland, Luman joined the Navy Reserves. Luman was the officer responsible for overseeing medical support for the entire Marine Corps Reserve System until he left the reserves in 1990. prgtoken Throughout his long and distinguished career in medicine, Dr. Hughes has always shown his dedication to providing compassionate care to the Contra Costa community. He joined John Muir's staff in 1968 as an OB/ GYN specialist and was instrumental in the development of many critical programs and projects at John Muir. In 1971, Dr. Hughes founded California's first free-standing surgery center, the Walnut Creek Ambulatory Surgery Center. Additionally, Dr. Hughes co-founded the Muir OB/GYN Medical Group in 1978, served on the Board of Trustees, and was appointed President in 1984. prgtoken Luman is also the founder of Walnut Creek Planned Parenthood, which has provided essential care to patients in our community since 1969. His expertise was also sought out by a variety of institutions and organizations. He has worked as a clinical preceptor at UCSF, assistant clinical professor at U.C. Davis, and consultant of gynecology for the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Martinez. Further, he was the founding president of the Diablo Valley Social Advocates for Youth and a member of Alameda Contra Costa Health Systems Agency's governing body and the medical representative of the agency's BiCounty Foundation Committee. prgtoken Beyond his professional practice, Luman was also a talented musician and an active member of the community. He sang and played trumpet at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, participated in several musical groups in the community, and founded the California Symphony alongside his wife, Marilyn. prgtoken Sadly, Luman passed away on June 7, 2022. He is survived by his brother Timothy Hughes, his wife of 68 years Marilyn, son Luman ``Sandy'' Harold Hughes III (Joan), daughter Laurel DePalatis (Ray), grandchildren Catherine Wrigley (Cody), Jessica Broich (Aaron), Erik Hughes (Erin), and Trevor DePalatis (Katrina), and great grandchildren Kolbie Arcangelo, Symphony Broich, Ezra DePalatis, and two step great grandchildren Mackenna and Kelton Wrigley. He will be remembered for his dedication to service, compassion, and devotion to his family. Please join me in honoring Dr. Luman Hughes, Jr. for his many contributions to our community.
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-15

first, on Respect for Marriage, the 117th Congress will go down, I believe, as one of the most successful Congresses we have seen in decades. We are all so proud of that fact. Over the last 2 years, this Chamber has passed historic and bipartisan bills that have covered everything from infrastructure to gun safety, to CHIPS and Science, to veterans' aid, and more. Again, a common theme for many of these bills was bipartisanship. Very soon, the Senate can add to our accomplishments when we vote to proceed on the Respect for Marriage Act. prgtoken For the information of all Senators, we will hold our first procedural vote on this bill tomorrow, and after that, I hope both sides can work quickly together to move this bill through the Senate and on to the President's desk. prgtoken I firmly believe that passing bipartisan marriage protections would be one of the more significant accomplishments in what has already been a significantly productive Congress. It will do so much good for so many people who want nothing more than to live their lives without the fear of discrimination. prgtoken And make no mistake that passing the Respect for Marriage Act is as personal as it gets for many of us in this Chamber--myself included--so we want to get this done as soon as we can. prgtoken A mere decade ago, marriage discrimination was legal in many places across the country. And just a few months ago, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe, Justice Thomas wrote in a concurring opinion that Obergefell, which recognized the constitutional right to same-sex marriage, could similarly be overturned. I hope that never happens, but the Senate can eliminate the risk of LGBTQ Americans having their rights curtailed if we act now to codify marriage protections into law. prgtoken The Respect for Marriage Act is precisely the kind of bill that and s can rally around together and which Americans across the country want to see us work on. It already passed the House earlier this year with significant--47-- votes, and I am optimistic we can achieve a similar result in this Chamber. Senators Baldwin, Sinema, and a number of my colleagues, including Senators Collins and Portman and Tillis, have done excellent work building support for this bill, and I want to recognize all their efforts here on this floor. prgtoken I hope that, at minimum, 10 s will be ready to throw their support behind this sound, commonsense bill. Millions of people will be better off if we are able to work together on this important and highly personal issue, and so I urge all of us to vote yes when the time comes to move forward tomorrow.
HONORING THE LIFE OF SEYMOUR ``SY'' KAPLAN
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the House passage of my bipartisan bill to designate the Palm Desert VA Clinic in memory of Seymour ``Sy'' Kaplan. prgtoken Sy was a decorated World War II veteran with a relentless passion for service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old and served our country bravely in the 2nd Army, 2nd Corps Division. For his heroism, he earned three battle stars and two Purple Hearts. prgtoken When his military service ended, his service to our veterans began. For 25 years, Sy served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 78, in the Coachella Valley. prgtoken His leadership helped countless veterans find healing, community, and a sense of purpose. He also served as a member of my veterans advisory board, where I looked to him as a trusted adviser. prgtoken We lost Sy 3 years ago at the age of 95. I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to ensure his name is forever etched into our desert's history at a place where our veterans receive quality care at the Palm Desert VA Clinic, the clinic he championed to create.
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2022-11-15

I rise today to celebrate the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law which was signed into law by President Joseph on this historic day last year. prgtoken The bipartisan infrastructure law is undeniably the largest long-term investment in U.S. infrastructure in almost 100 years, in almost a century. As we all know, our great economy relies on an immense infrastructure of roads and bridges, freight rails and ports, electrical grids, access to high-speed internet, and on and on. prgtoken Yet, many of the current systems in place were built decades ago and needed to be enhanced to guarantee our Nation's optimal economic performance. prgtoken That is why, when passing the bipartisan infrastructure law, we knew, as President said, ``We could grow the economy, enhance our competitiveness, create good jobs, and make our economy more sustainable, just, and resilient.'' prgtoken , I believe we have done that. As I explained to many of my colleagues last year, the Infrastructure of my home in the U.S. Virgin Islands has suffered extremely from systematic lack of investment. Our infrastructure issues were further exacerbated by the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which were both Category 5 hurricanes. prgtoken When you hear that 1 in 5 miles, or 173,000 total miles, of our highways and major roads, and 45,000 bridges across the United States are in poor condition, think about what that looks like on a hurricane- prone island where residents may rely on a single road for passage of crucial resources and emergency services vehicles. prgtoken As Americans, the residents of the Virgin Islands needed us, as Congress, to step up. By passing the bipartisan infrastructure plan, we answered the call for all Americans. prgtoken To date, the Virgin Islands has been allocated $18.4 million, of an expected $96 million, to rebuild and strengthen our roads and bridges. In addition, over 1,600 households in the U.S. Virgin Islands have already enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet to every American. That is about 43 percent of the total households on the island of St. John alone who now have access to high-speed internet. prgtoken Turning to the island's power supply, we now have much-needed capital to weatherize our power lines, which will prevent outages and make the power grid more resilient. Put differently, we are now better equipped to save lives. prgtoken In addition to these historic investments, I would like to highlight the announcement of two key projects: prgtoken First, under our Watershed Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will invest $51.7 million to reduce flood risk and damage to the Savan Gut area in our capital, Charlotte Amalie. The area is within the 100- year old flood plain and has recurring flooding problems primarily in the central business district and local elementary school. Therefore, as I am sure you can tell, the compl
DISCHARGE AND REFERRAL--H.R. 884
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-11-15

. I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 884, a bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national aviation preparedness plan for communicable disease outbreaks and for other purposes, and that the bill be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Nomination of Maria del R. Antongiorgi-Jordan (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-15

today the Senate is poised to confirm another prgtoken outstanding judicial nominee, Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan, nominated to the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. prgtoken Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan is a dedicated public servant and accomplished litigator who will be a tremendous asset to the District of Puerto Rico. prgtoken After earning her B.A. from Seton Hill University, her J.D. from the Interamerican University School of Law, and her L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center, Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan began her legal career at McConnell Valdes, a law firm based in San Juan, PR. prgtoken For nearly 20 years, Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan had a wide-ranging litigation practice within the firm. While she focused on complex civil matters, she also was active in criminal defense work through the local Criminal Justice Act--CJA--panel, representing indigent criminal defendants in Federal court. prgtoken In total, Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan participated in 42 trials, serving as chief or cochief counsel in 36 of the 42. prgtoken Today, Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan serves as clerk of the court for the District of Puerto Rico. In that role, she has helped the court navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and kept it functioning on a day-to-day basis. prgtoken Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan boasts widespread support from the Puerto Rico legal community and civic leaders, including Governor Pedro Pierluisi and Stephen Muldrow, the -appointed U.S. Attorney in Puerto Rico. prgtoken I will support Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordan's confirmation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
WELCOMING CONGRESSMAN-ELECT SETH MAGAZINER
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , it has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve the people of Rhode Island's Second Congressional District for the last 22 years. prgtoken Together we have accomplished so much, from strengthening our national security and cybersecurity, in particular, to advancing the rights of people with disabilities, to advocating for our Nation's foster youth, and so much more. prgtoken With less than 2 months left in my term, I will be leaving Congress with a lot of mixed emotions, but I still believe that politics and government is still a noble profession, and I couldn't be more proud of the person who will be succeeding me as the next Congressman for Rhode Island's Second Congressional District, Seth Magaziner. prgtoken Throughout his career, Seth has proved himself to be a committed fighter for working families, and that is exactly what he will continue to do as a Congressman. prgtoken Seth will be laser-focused on cutting costs for Rhode Islanders, from lowering the price of prescription drugs to cracking down on oil and gas companies that are price gouging everyday Americans. prgtoken Seth will fight to combat the climate crisis, and he will work to keep Rhode Islanders safe from the threat of gun violence. prgtoken Seth will always stand up for anyone who tries to cut older Rhode Islanders' hard-earned Medicare and Social Security benefits. prgtoken Madam , I couldn't be more proud of Seth, and I can't think of a better person to serve the people of Rhode Island. Congratulations.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 4524, SPEAK OUT ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , I am looking forward to the fact that by the end of the week, the Speak Out Act will be signed into law. prgtoken While these reforms to the nondisclosure agreements and forced arbitration agreements will only go so far, they will create a more even playing field for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Thousands of people will be freed from the unfair burdens of NDAs, and I sincerely hope this brings justice and closure to those who need it. prgtoken I also recognize that there is a lot more this Congress should do to support both workers and victims of sexual assault. prgtoken We can't ignore the disproportionate power that most employers hold over their employees, which can often lead to unfair outcomes for workers. Whether it is NDA agreements that silence victims, contracts that undercut workers' pay or rights, forced arbitration clauses, or egregious noncompete agreements, there is much more work to do to guarantee an even playing field for all workers in this economy. prgtoken I am proud of the work House have accomplished for workers this Congress. Although the Senate filibuster has greatly curtailed the scope of what we should do, and President have secured multiple wins for workers over the past 2 years, and the Speak Out Act is another victory in that column. prgtoken Madam , I urge all my colleagues to support today's rule.
SENATOR-ELECT PETER WELCH
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-11-15

a few minutes ago, before I opened the Senate, I had the privilege of walking on the floor with Senator-elect Peter Welch of Vermont. I am going to speak more about our new Senator, who will be taking this seat very shortly, within the next few days. prgtoken I would note, as we walked on the floor, unlike the first time I walked on the floor, Senator-elect Welch has a great deal of experience from his years as being one of the leaders in the House of Representatives. As Congressman Welch, he has the right, of course, to come on the floor, but also, as Senator-elect Welch, he has that right. prgtoken I told him that, when I first came here, we were actually a 99-Member Senate because there had been a tied race in my neighboring State of New Hampshire. I was number 99, the most junior Member of the Senate. I would have been the youngest Member of the Senate, but there was one Senator who came in 2 years before who was younger, a Senator from Delaware named . We were the kids of the Senate. prgtoken Frank Church was a distinguished Senator, and I had been meeting with him. A vote was starting, and he said: I have got to go to the floor, but come with me. prgtoken When I got to the door out there, I was still the State's attorney of Chittenden County, VT, and county prosecutor. So, naturally, I stopped at the door. prgtoken He said, ``No, no, Senators-elect have the privilege of the floor,'' which, even if he had not been a Congressman, Senator-elect Welch would have had. prgtoken I started forward, and the doorman said: I am sorry. The Senate is in session. prgtoken Senator Church said: Well, this is Senator Leahy--Senator-elect Leahy. prgtoken It was the first time anybody had called me ``Senator.'' prgtoken Then I saw him go down his list. ``Oh, ah, good morning, Senator Leahy.'' So I am, like, maybe this is going to work out. prgtoken I walked on the floor, and I saw all of these giants of the Senate in here for a vote. It took me a little while to get used to it. I think, with Congressman Welch, on January 3, when I will be privileged to see him be sworn in as a new Senator, he won't take any time to get used to it. He knows the decorum of both bodies. Like the vast majority of Vermonters, I am very proud to have him here. prgtoken Also, in realizing the distinguished Presiding Officer is not allowed to respond to comments about himself, I would note for the record that there were cheers in our very small State of Vermont when our country's largest State reelected the now Presiding Officer. We are pleased--both my wife, Marcelle, and I--to see that. prgtoken .
HONORING ROSELLE WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of Roselle Women on the Move, a volunteer organization making positive impact in the lives of young women in my community that came to see me yesterday here at the Capitol. prgtoken I was impressed with the mentorship Roselle Women on the Move provides. Their mentoring has undoubtedly equipped the young women and girls in my community with the tools they need to achieve their dreams. prgtoken I commend Borough of Roselle President and Councilwoman At Large, Denise Wilkerson, for spearheading this group and the other women and leaders that joined her yesterday for their mentorship. I am grateful to each of them for using their life experiences to improve the lives of our children in my community.