mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-6-13

I rise in support of the motion to discharge Senator Paul's joint resolution, S.J. Res. 20, from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the hopes of having an urgently needed discussion about these sales. prgtoken Over the past 2 weeks, Congress's legally mandated role in the arms sales process has recently garnered a lot of prgtoken attention among the Members of the body and the American people. Reviewing and approving arms sales across the world is a core function of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It is an integral exercise of congressional oversight of the executive branch, and it is legally mandated. prgtoken So as we consider Senator Paul's resolution today regarding arms sales to Qatar and Bahrain, I would first like to make a few points of clarification. prgtoken First, the resolutions of disapproval before us today are completely unrelated to the administration's bogus ``emergency'' notification of the 22 sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the 22 resolutions I filed with a bipartisan group of Senators in objection to them. prgtoken Second, the resolutions before us today have already gone through the regular committee process. As is normal procedure, the administration notified us of these sales. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee then conducted our due diligence, after which we, in fact, agreed with the administration that these sales should go forward. prgtoken However, I do support the Senator from Kentucky's right to seek full consideration of them by the Senate. Given the administration's decision last month to completely flout congressional review over arms sales, I am supporting this motion in order to once again emphasize the importance of congressional oversight and due diligence. prgtoken With that in mind, I appreciate Senator Paul's--as well as Senator Graham's, Senator Young's, and Senator Lee's--cosponsorship of my 22 resolutions of disapproval regarding the administration's so-called emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. prgtoken I am glad to know I am not the only one in this body disturbed by the President's willingness to bypass Congress and sell this weaponry without any consideration of the recent events that have strained our relationship with Saudi Arabia, and I certainly look forward to a more robust debate and vote on those sales next week. prgtoken But let me start by saying that I placed holds on specific sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over serious, credible concerns that these weapons were being used to target civilians. Through the regular review process, I sought answers from the State Department about how these sales were promoting our interests and what steps we were taking to get guarantees from the Saudis and the Emiratis that these weapons were being used in a way consistent with our interests, with international humanitarian law, and with r
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-6-13

I appreciate the comments, and I understand the deep concern. We have deep concern on this side of the aisle about the administration's attitude, for instance, when they take children from their parents and send them to far-off places and don't keep sufficient records to reunite those children. prgtoken So, yes, we share the concern about the humanitarian crisis, but we are also concerned that the administration that has done some of the things that it has done and that has made it much more difficult for people to pursue asylum to which they may be entitled under American law, we want to make sure that, in fact, we are dealing with humanitarian issues that the gentleman raises and not issues that seem to be related by this administration. prgtoken We have cause for concern and we have cause for caution, but I am hopeful, as I said, that we can get this done, because I don't disagree with the gentleman, and The New York Times and we don't disagree. prgtoken There is a very serious challenge at the border to make sure that people are safe, kept in places where they are warm and out of the elements and where they can be treated in a way that Americans would want to treat others and would want to be treated themselves. So I am hopeful that we will get this done sooner rather than later. prgtoken But Mr. asked for that supplemental. The other thing he asked for for many, many years was let's get a comprehensive immigration bill passed. In my view, had that been put on the floor, it would have had a majority of votes in the House. It was never put on the floor for years--not months and not days, for years. That is part of the solution. Irrespective of that, we need to act as soon as possible, hopefully, within the week. prgtoken Much work is being done on this to resolve the concerns of those who have some of the most knowledge, and that is members of our Hispanic Caucus who live on the border, who interface on the border and who see, every day, the consequences of what is happening. They want to make sure that, yes, there is humanitarian assistance and people are treated humanely, safely, and with respect. But they don't want that money used to treat other people who are in this country in an arbitrary and capricious way. prgtoken So I want to join the gentleman, , and assure him that I share his concern. We are urging everybody to work as hard as they possibly can to get to an agreement, and I am hopeful that we can do that in the very, very near future. I am told leaving here without doing that would not be acceptable.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER KELLY RAPP
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , it is with great sadness today that I rise to honor the life of Mr. Christopher Kelly Rapp, a husband, son, musician, and public servant from Virginia's 7th Congressional District whose life was taken too early on May 31 of this year. prgtoken Friends and colleagues describe Mr. Rapp as empathetic, honest, and helpful. As a public works employee for Virginia Beach, Stafford, and Powhatan, he dedicated much of his working career to improving the lives of those around him. A man of deep faith, Mr. Rapp was also a devoted volunteer. In fact, he was scheduled to volunteer at an event to help the less fortunate on June 5th--an event which he was never able to attend. prgtoken In addition to his commitment to service, Mr. Rapp was known for the true and abiding love he possessed for his wife, Bessie. When they met, she was a travel agent and he wanted to travel the world. As husband and wife, they spent 24 years traveling it together. This abiding love also led to Mr. Rapp embracing his wife's culture by becoming an active member of Kultura Filipino. Through this group, he learned Filipino dances, empowered Pinoy children by teaching them about Filipino culture, and made his home a central location for all types of cultural communities from the Tidewater to Central Virginia. prgtoken Chris loved the experiences of life and was a life-long learner. Whether it was buying a Tagalog dictionary on his wedding day, starting piano lessons in his mid-50s, or avidly writing short stories, he capitalized on every second of life. He was renowned for his passionate performances on the bagpipe and served as a member of Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums, as well as Tidewater Pipes & Drums. These bands remember him for his love for music and eagerness to share his sound with the community. prgtoken I am heartbroken by the death of Mr. Rapp during the senseless shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. While I know that I can offer no true consolation, I offer my prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Rapp's wife, parents, family, and friends. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in commemorating the life of Mr. Christopher Kelly Rapp.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-6-13

let me thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for their great leadership. But let me thank the gentlewoman from New York again for her overall leadership as chair of the Appropriations Committee, and her ranking member as well. prgtoken These are the tools of female genital mutilation. Around the world, there are young girls and women who are facing this kind of brutal attack. My amendment, which makes a good bill even better, provides $1 million more to help combat the draconian practice of female genital mutilation, cutting, FGM/C, abroad. prgtoken Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical purposes. prgtoken This practice is rooted in gender inequality and is often linked to other elements of gender-based violence and discrimination, such as child marriage, recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. prgtoken Unfortunately, this means an estimated 200 million girls and women alive today have been victims already of FGM/C, female genital mutilation, with girls 14 and younger representing 44 million of those who have been cut. prgtoken For example, around the world, at least five girls are mutilated, cut. More than 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk. prgtoken The impacts of this on the physical health of women and girls can include bleeding, infection, obstetric fistula, complications during childbirth, and death. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to think about their children, their girls. prgtoken According to UNICEF, FGM/C is reported to occur in all parts of the world, but is most prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. prgtoken So I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. prgtoken I wish to thank Chairman McGovern and Ranking Member Cole of the Rules Committee for making this Jackson Lee Amendment in order. prgtoken I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Rogers for their hard work in bringing Division D, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs portion of this omnibus appropriations legislative package, to the floor. prgtoken I thank them all for this opportunity to explain the Jackson Lee Amendment, which makes a good bill even better by providing $1 million more to help combat the draconian practice of Female Genital Mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) abroad. prgtoken I have been a dedicated champion against this practice for a long while, even working with former Congressman Joe Crowley of New York to introduce legislation targeted at supporting the elimination of this ludicrous practice of mutilating young women. prgtoken Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. prgtoken T
TRIBUTE TO BOB COFFIN
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-6-13

today I would like to congratulate Bob Coffin on his distinguished career and commend his 37 years of dedicated service to Nevada. prgtoken Bob Coffin was first elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1982, where he served for two terms. He was then elected to the Nevada State Senate, where he served until 2010. After leaving the State Senate, Coffin continued his career as a public servant, and since 2011, he has worked to represent the city of Las Vegas Ward 3 as councilman, a position he will retire from this June. prgtoken Councilman Coffin has deep roots in downtown Las Vegas, having been a resident in and around Ward 3 for more than 60 years. He has raised his family less than a mile from his childhood home. prgtoken Growing up in Las Vegas, Councilman Coffin developed a passion for two things--his Mexican-American heritage and the sport of golf. His family emigrated to Southern California from Mexico, and he saw firsthand the discrimination his mother faced as a young woman. The councilman has spent much of his career fighting this type of injustice. He has traveled to Central America to help children and families and has been an active member in the Latin Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken As a young man, Councilman Coffin attended Bishop Gorman High School and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he earned an accounting degree. While concentrating on his studies, he also continued to focus on his favorite pastime, golf, and was named the Nevada Amateur Golf Champion at the age of 27. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army and today owns a successful insurance business. prgtoken Councilman Coffin has been repeatedly recognized for his community service, receiving dozens of awards during his career. Most recently, he was named Person of the Year by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the Professional Golfers Association and received the Charles Dick Medal of Honor Award from the U.S. National Guard. He has twice been honored by the Latin Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Hispanic Citizen Award and the Public Service Award. prgtoken As a councilman for the city of Las Vegas Ward 3, Bob Coffin prioritized keeping our communities safe revitalizing older neighborhoods by building new parks and fostering economic opportunity and development in our great city. prgtoken Today, Bob Coffin continues his commitment to the public by serving on a number of boards and commissions, including the Board of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame, Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium, Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial, Debt Management Commission, Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority. prgtoken Bob Coffin has left his mark on Nevada and his community and has impacted countless Nevadans through his public service and community engagement. I am grateful for all of the work he has done for our State and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. MALCOLM JOHN REBENNACK, JR.
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of musical icon Mr. Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr universally known as Dr. John. Mr. Rebennack passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at the age of 77. prgtoken During his iconic career, Dr. John won several Grammy awards, released more than 30 albums, and was highly regarded not only as a performer, but also as a songwriter, composer, and producer. His sound played a pivotal role in shaping New Orleans culture and the music that makes it so distinctive. prgtoken Dr. John was born on November 20, 1941 in New Orleans' 3rd Ward. A precocious young talent, he honed his God-given gifts at Jesuit High School where he grew immensely at his craft. His time spent with older musical peers helped Dr. John lay the foundation for the success he would enjoy later in his career. prgtoken After serving time in the 1960's, Dr. John spent some time in Los Angeles, California before releasing his debut album, ``Gris-Gris'' in the beginning of 1968. The album, which could be described as an eclectic mixture of rock and traditional New Orleans-themed music, included ``I Walk on Guilded Splinters,'' which is widely considered one of his most recognizable songs. prgtoken Four years later, Dr. John released ``Dr. John's Gumbo'' followed by ``In the Right Place'' in 1973, and ``Desitively Bonnaroo'' in 1974. prgtoken Dr. John performed at several large platforms during his career, including the White House and the 2006 National Football League Super Bowl in Detroit where he performed the national anthem with Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville as part of a tribute to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. prgtoken Dr. John was a Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer who proudly spread New Orleans culture through his music. He embodied New Orleans and personified its bold character. While he will be sorely missed, his imprint and legacy in New Orleans history will remain present for a lifetime to come. prgtoken Madam , I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my amendment to H.R. 2740, which ensures vital funding for the ongoing demining and rehabilitation projects in Nagorno-Karabakh. prgtoken In 1992, during the fall of the Soviet Union, war broke out in Nagorno- prgtoken Karabakh. Twenty thousand people were killed and hundreds of thousands more were displaced before the conflict froze. prgtoken While an agreed upon ceasefire has been held for over 2 decades, the lack of a formal end to the war has left the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh isolated. prgtoken Un-detonated mines and cluster bombs from the conflict remain in the region. As a result, Karabakh has one of the world's highest civilian casualty rates from land mines and the explosive remnants of war. prgtoken According to the HALO Trust, there have been nearly 400 civilian casualties from mines and unexploded ordnance in Karabakh over the last 2 decades, and a quarter of those land mine victims have been children. prgtoken In 2013, a needs assessment estimated that the HALO Trust's interventions in Karabakh have benefited over 80 percent of the region's population. prgtoken Mr. Chair, families and children shouldn't have to live in fear of dying due to a land mine accident. That is why I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support my amendment. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO PERMIT THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-6-13

. Madam , today, I introduce a bill that would make a small but respectful change to federal law by adding the Mayor of the District of Columbia to the list of named principals for whom the President can order the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff. Current law states that the President shall make this order ``upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.'' Surely the death of a current or former D.C. Mayor should qualify as a principal. My bill would add D.C. Mayors, who have the same responsibilities as state and territory governors, to the current list of officials. This bill is a continuation of our ``Free and Equal D.C.'' series to ensure fair recognition of the nearly 700,000 citizens of the District of Columbia. prgtoken Congress has already acknowledged that the District of Columbia is entitled to a place among the states for certain honors. The requested addition is not as significant as others Congress has already recognized. For example, legislation has ensured that the District of Columbia War Memorial honors only District residents who served in World War I, as intended, and that D.C.'s Frederick Douglass statue sits in the Capitol, alongside statues from the 50 states. We also successfully worked with the U.S. Postal Service to create a D.C. stamp, like the stamps for the 50 states, and worked with the National Park Service to add the D.C. flag alongside the state flags near Union Station. prgtoken Legislation was also enacted to give D.C. a coin after it was omitted from legislation creating coins for the 50 states. Legislation was prgtoken needed to require the armed services to display the District flag whenever the flags of the states are displayed. With these significant actions by Congress, it is not too much to ask to add the Mayor to the list of principals who are recognized upon their deaths. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-6-13

I rise to support the en bloc amendment which includes my amendment to prevent funding for the proposed Commission on Unalienable Rights at the Department of State which has been proposed by Secretary Pompeo in order to promote natural law and natural rights. prgtoken Now, I would wholeheartedly support a concerted focus on human rights by this administration. prgtoken Instead of any really coordinated human rights policy, this President and the Secretary of State have cozied up to dictators and made excuses for flagrant human rights violations, even by some of our supposed allies. prgtoken No, unfortunately, it is clear that this proposed commission is an attempt by the administration to co-opt American policy on human rights to give preference to an ideology that has been associated with discrimination against marginalized communities, including the LGBT community, women, and religious minorities. prgtoken The State Department already has an entire bureau--the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor--dedicated to defending human rights, yet the Secretary is proposing to bypass the official structure of the diplomatic corps to create an ideologically motivated commission, without congressional approval or oversight, to promote natural rights based on natural law. prgtoken These terms have no legal meaning and have deep associations with homophobic and discriminatory movements. prgtoken There should be no place for this at our Department of State, which should be a leading voice in the protection and promotion of human rights for all. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the en bloc amendment, and I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.