mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE MASSACRE RIM WILDERNESS STUDY AREA
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-4-4

I come forward today to recognize the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's designation as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Located 150 miles north of Reno in Washoe County, NV, Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is a region with rolling hills, buttes, plateaus, and narrow canyons, covered in sagebrush and junipers. Massacre Rim is a natural, undisturbed, and isolated environment that offers visitors rare opportunities to enjoy scenic vistas of up to 60 miles, as well as solitude away from development and distraction. Thanks to the location's remoteness, Massacre Rim's night views are completely uninhibited by light pollution. These unique qualities allow for nearly unparalleled stargazing, which has attracted visitors from around the world. prgtoken On March 30, 2019, the International Dark-Sky Association designated the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, only the fourth location to achieve this distinction in the United States and the seventh in the entire world. The International Dark-Sky Association deemed Massacre Rim worthy of this honor due to its qualifications as ``land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.'' prgtoken For most of human history, a night sky teeming with stars and shooting comets was a regular occurrence for our ancestors. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, one could look to the sky and find awe- inspiring wonder, intrigue, and entertainment. For most of us, that is no longer the case. According to a 2016 National Geographic article, 80 percent of Americans cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution. While light pollution is a necessary and small consequence to our growth and development as a society, it is imperative that we recognize the significant value in our increasingly rare dark sky places, such as Massacre Rim. Fortunately, for visitors and residents of the great State of Nevada, views of both the Milky Way and our neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, are available at Massacre Rim. prgtoken Our State's booming outdoor recreation economy is a testament to the success of our public lands and highlights the importance of keeping our invaluable natural resources available for all to utilize and enjoy. I commend the nonprofit organization, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, for spearheading the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, and for continuing to educate others about the natural wonders available in the Silver State. prgtoken From Massacre Rim, to the Lake Tahoe Basin, to the Ruby Mountains, residents and visitors can attest that prgtoken our public lands allow us to connect with our collective past and preserve our shared treasures for future generations.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , as the gentleman may know, the invited Mr. Lighthizer to address members of the ic Caucus on where we stood. prgtoken As you know, that agreement has not been submitted. The said the other day that, in order to consider that in a positive way, the Mexicans, whom the President has been somewhat critical of through the years, take certain actions which make sure that our workers and their workers are treated fairly so we are competing on an even keel. prgtoken But we certainly are in discussions. There are a number of items of concern, which have historically been of concern, regarding the environment, regarding workers' rights, regarding the availability of prescription drugs for people, as well as enforcement, dispute resolution. prgtoken So those are being discussed. The conversations are ongoing, and I believe that the administration will make a determination when they believe it is timely to submit that document to us. As the gentleman knows, once they do so, there is a timeframe in which the House and Senate must act. The committees must act within, essentially, a 3-month period of time. prgtoken So we are in discussions. We are waiting on the administration's judgment as to when to submit. And I am sure they are discussing with us as to when we think that is timely as well, but there are still substantive matters that are being discussed. prgtoken I would presume some of those are on your side as well.
COORDINATING AND LEVERAGING ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL SECURITY ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-4-4

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1593, Class Act of 2019, which addresses the increasing risks of security in schools. prgtoken As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I ensure you that this bill will improve the safety plans and policies within our schools as well as the communication between the homeland security and the Homeland Security Committee. prgtoken This Class Act will ensure a council within the Department of Homeland Security that coordinates with school security departments of their policies, plans, and activities in regards to security, and require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress on the council's effort. prgtoken Between January and May 2018, school shootings averaged one per week. prgtoken Schools need to be buildings of safety where children can gain an education in peace. prgtoken During Homeland Security Committee markups of H.R. 1593, the ``Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School Security Act.'' prgtoken I want to thank and recognize Chairman Payne for his tireless work to improve the Department of Homeland Security's capability and capacity to provide services to our youngest citizens. prgtoken His dedication to meeting the homeland security needs of children is greatly appreciated. prgtoken The amendment I offer to H.R. 1593, the ``Coordinating and Leveraging Activities for School Security Act,'' directs that any engagement with stakeholders should be reflected in the final report provided by this bill. prgtoken There are many factors that contribute to school security that we should acknowledge in the bill's report. prgtoken I am particularly interested in the work of school architects who design schools and, for decades, have worked successfully to address difficult safety challenges in school design. prgtoken As a direct result of school architects, schools are engineered to be resilient against fires, and high winds caused by tornadoes. prgtoken School architects are taking on the challenge of addressing the threat of active shooters in schools by developing designs that create visual blind spots in classrooms and hall-ways as well as engineering features that would delay an active shooter long enough to allow first responders to arrive. prgtoken It is my hope that stakeholders will also include students and teachers who can provide different perspectives on what constitutes school safety. prgtoken For these reasons, I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1593.
VOTE FOR THE BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I rise to encourage the of the House to let us vote on H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. It is more than common sense; it is common decency legislation being put forth to end the barbaric act of infanticide. prgtoken Every day, Kansans watching from back home assume this must already be law. There is no way that, in America, it is legal to murder a child who already has been born. prgtoken Sadly, in some parts of this country, it isn't common sense; it isn't common decency. In some parts of the country, it isn't something inherently wrong to kill a child who was born alive. prgtoken This is murder. It is appalling that it is being protected. This is murder. prgtoken Madam , let us vote.
CLOTURE MOTION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Lucy Kuelper, a sixth grader from rural Rio, IL, hopes that she may have a way to stop the terrible losses. prgtoken from New York. prgtoken Lucy is just 12 years old, but she knows the fear of watching someone you love go to work and the worry that you might never see them again. Lucy's dad, her hero, John Kuelper, is also a State trooper. prgtoken When Lucy learned about the number of State troopers who had been hit and killed recently, she asked her dad: What can I do? prgtoken Together, they came up with an idea. With help from her mom, Jessica, Lucy created a Facebook page to raise awareness about Scott's Law. She calls her page the Move Over Project. prgtoken She posted the photo, shown here, of herself standing next to her dad, holding up a sign that says hashtag ``move over . . . for my DAD.'' prgtoken She asked other loved ones in the police force and other emergency services to post similar photos with hashtag ``move over for . . .'' and fill in the blank. prgtoken In 5 days, Lucy's Facebook page received more than 14,000 ``likes.'' People have sent in photos from all over the country. They want people to move over for their dads, moms, sisters, brothers, uncles, and friends. There are photos of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and tow truck drivers standing next to spouses, children, infants, parents, friends, and pets. prgtoken This week, the State of Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service honored Lucy with its Volunteer of the Week Award. She deserved it, but Lucy says the only reward she wants is for people to follow the law and move over, so her dad and others like him who do dangerous jobs will be able to come home to their families at the end of the day. prgtoken I want to thank Lucy for her efforts in starting the Move Over Project. Look at the faces and the families involved. Remember them the next time you see an emergency vehicle on a highway with its lights flashing parked along a roadway. Move over and save lives. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL S. LIONEL
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-4-4

it is my distinct honor to recognize Samuel S. Lionel, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. Considered the ``Dean'' of the Nevada Bar, Sam's defense of Nevada values stands as a strong reminder of the tremendous work he has done for our State. prgtoken For decades, Sam has represented one of the largest law firms in Nevada, fighting for critically important issues such as our thriving tourism industry and defending Nevada's unique western heritage. The dedication he has placed into his practice has strengthened our State's economy and helped shape the Las Vegas Valley that we know and love today. In fact, it was Sam who played a key role in the conception and development of many of the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, setting the stage for Nevada's unprecedented growth and its booming entertainment scene. prgtoken Sam is known for his philanthropic heart. He remains particularly active in Jewish philanthropy, and we share a long history of working together in our synagogue, Congregation Ner Tamid. Sam has also been a central benefactor of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, endowing the namesake Samuel S. Lionel Professor of Intellectual Property Law position at the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2016. I know firsthand the wonderful leader Sam is, and his philanthropic work has distinguished him in the Jewish and legal communities not only in Nevada but also throughout the United States. Sam's name is and will always remain synonymous with his professional and philanthropic dedication to the Silver State. prgtoken Happy birthday to Sam, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, servant leader, and loyal friend.
HONORING MR. ANTONIO ``TONY'' FRIAS
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Antonio ``Tony'' Frias of Hudson, Massachusetts who is turning 80 years old on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Tony dedicated his life to his community and business, as the co-founder of S&F Concrete Contractors, Inc. Tony has lived his life admirably, and his legacy of hard work and public service continues to inspire many in our community. prgtoken Tony Frias was born in Santa Maria Island, Azores and left school after the 4th grade to immigrate to the United States in 1955 with the earnest pursuit to create a better future. Before becoming involved in construction, Tony challenged himself in various positions, building skills, determination, and exploring interests to cultivate. After seven years of working in the concrete construction industry, Tony and his brother Joseph joined forces with Jack Santos to establish S&F Concrete Contractors, Inc. Today, he continues his work with over 50 years of construction experience at the forefront of the company. prgtoken Tony's lifetime commitment to our community and his work at S&F Concrete Contractors has been invaluable to Massachusetts. I am proud to rise in honor of Tony's 80th birthday and look forward to his continuing to inspire others in our community. prgtoken Madam , it is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Antonio Frias today.
CELEBRATING REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the bipartisan reauthorization today of the Violence Against Women Act. prgtoken In 2013, this legislation was one of the first votes I took as a new Member of Congress. This year, I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the bill to ensure survivors have access to essential services and justice. prgtoken It is a sad fact that VAWA remains critically important. Despite some progress, the rate of domestic violence remains far too high. prgtoken I recently acquired a painting created by a survivor of domestic violence. It is a beautiful scene of a woman standing in a field of sunflowers with a blue sky. But upon a closer look, you see the broken chains at her feet, chains representing her former prison of domestic abuse. prgtoken While the woman in the painting was fortunately able to break free, so many others cannot. Today's legislation helps both groups. prgtoken I am particularly glad that this year's bill makes improvements to help the victims of dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and increases resources available to vulnerable populations, including Native American women and the LGBTQ community. prgtoken In our communities, there are many local organizations doing amazing work to help women escape situations of domestic violence and rebuild their lives, including A Safe Place in my district. I commend their work and the work of all groups like this across the Nation, and I hope this legislation will provide additional support and resources for their important mission.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam Chair, I appreciate what my colleague across the aisle is saying; however, our debt can be looked at in many ways to amend. However, our local police officers, our local communities, and our organizations that support victims with assistance are in dire need of the additional funding. prgtoken I would argue that this administration is the cause of this major debt that we have, and we should not take that out on our local communities that I know are supported across the aisle. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
AUDREY E. WILLIS CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Audrey E. Willis for her 100th birthday. prgtoken Audrey was born on April 9, 1919 in Trenton, New Jersey. She graduated from Trenton Central High School and completed courses at Mercer County Community College. prgtoken Audrey's 100 years of life have been filled with great success. She served 34 years with General Motors before retiring; she went on to work, and retire again, for Mercer County government as a Senior Citizen Program aide. Audrey was also an active member of the Neighborhood Civic Association for the Trenton Housing Authority. Despite a busy life, Audrey has always found time to give back to her community, frequently volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Audrey continues to be an active member at my church, Shiloh Baptist in Trenton, and serves as a Trustee Aide Member and Senior Ministry Member. prgtoken In 100 years, Audrey has been blessed to see her family grow and prosper. With her husband, the late Lloyd Willis, Sr Audrey raised two sons, the late Lloyd Willis, Jr. and Forrest Willis. She also has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. prgtoken I have had the pleasure to know Audrey for more than 50 years. As an integral part of our church, she always shares her warmth and caring personality with anyone she meets. Although she has a quiet demeanor, Audrey is a social butterfly who will find a way to go everywhere. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Audrey's 100th birthday. We wish you a wonderful and joyful birthday, and many more blessings in the year ahead.
DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken In closing, let me say this. Everyone who knows me knows that I hold Iran guilty to many nefarious things that are happening in that region. This is not really about Iran. Iran is providing dangerous weapons to the Houthis, and the Houthis have starved the Yemeni people, killed civilians, and diverted assistance. I am not here to defend the Houthis. prgtoken The Saudis do have legitimate concerns about the Houthis, and the Houthis are not my vision of good and righteous. Quite the opposite. prgtoken But this resolution doesn't empower Iran. Quite the opposite. The longer the conflict goes on, and the longer the United States supports it, the better off Iran is. prgtoken We are really doing two things here. We are saying to the administration--and I, frankly, would say this, given my experience over the past two decades--to any administration. There is no blank check for war. We have abrogated our responsibility in the years that I have been here--and I am as guilty as anyone--by allowing administration after administration after administration to conduct wars that this body should have voted on. prgtoken Only Congress can declare war. And if we ignore what is happening with the civilian population in this war with the Houthis, then we do so at our own peril. We then say that, because Saudi Arabia does have legitimate concerns--and they do--we are giving them a blank check to do whatever they want. prgtoken No blank checks anymore. No blank checks to say the administration can run wars without getting the approval of Congress. And no blank checks to indiscriminately bomb and have innocent civilians and schoolchildren in buses be killed, and people starving in a humanitarian crisis. prgtoken We can't just sit back and say: ``Well, you know, we have difficulties with Iran, so we are going to look the other way.'' I have lots of difficulties with Iran, but we can't look the other way when people are starving or when people are being killed. That is what we are doing now. prgtoken So we are doing two things. We are saying no more war in which we are complicit, where a population is wholesale starving. We are also saying that this body is not giving a blank check to every administration. And I would be doing this no matter who the President of the United States was. prgtoken We need to reclaim our authority. We have fought in war after war after war. As everyone knows, we haven't declared war since before all of us were born, since December 7, 1941, when President Roosevelt stood up right here and declared war. That was the last time. prgtoken I hope this will be the start of Congress taking back its constitutional power, not for the sake of having a fight with the executive branch, but for the sake of doing what we are supposed to do. prgtoken Congress has the power to declare war. Congress has the power to say what we do when it comes to war. We are taking th
CLOTURE MOTION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-4-4

. Thank you, . prgtoken I rise in opposition to the nomination of Mark Calabria. He is the wrong man for this job. prgtoken Sometimes I kind of can't believe this place. I see these people. I see the President of the United States, who never really experienced any of these challenges that homeowners in Cleveland, OH, or in Muncie, IN, face. He can't even get a loan from a local bank; he has to go to Germany to go to Deutsche Bank. That is really beside the point. prgtoken I just don't understand, when we have these academicians or people who work in government for a while, and then they go out and they do these writings, and over time--I look at someone like Mark Calabria. He seems like a genuinely nice fellow and an honorable guy, but some of the things he said and has written in his career--let me start with this. He questions the need for the 30-year mortgage. A lot of Members of Congress, a lot of people voting on this nomination, and a lot of people in the White House--the White House looks like a retreat for Wall Street executives. The majority leader's office down the hall has a stream of lobbyists going in and out from the banks and the oil companies and the gun lobbyists and all that. prgtoken Mr. Calabria has said he questions the need for a 30-year mortgage. Many of my colleagues here and in the White House don't really have to worry about paying their mortgage. They don't have to think about saving for retirement and planning for retirement and thinking: I have 7 years until I want to retire; I have 14 years to save money for my children to go on to college, to go to Lorain Community College, or to go to Dennis Center, or to Ohio State, or to go to Bloomington, or to go the University of Indiana. prgtoken Mr. Calabria's questioning of 30-year mortgages--most people can't afford to buy a house if they don't have a long-term 25- or 30-year mortgage. They can't put 50 percent down, like it was before Franklin Roosevelt, and then pay it off in 5 years. That is how we did homeownership in this country 70, 80, or 90 years ago. That is why there wasn't much homeownership then, and then we figured out how to do it. prgtoken Mark Calabria just wants to blow all that up and say: I don't really like the idea of a 30-year mortgage. prgtoken He is not being nominated for the Secretary of the Interior. He is not being nominated for the EPA. He is being nominated for the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It is a critical job. prgtoken We know we have a housing affordability crisis in this country. Think about this. One-fourth of all renters pay at least half of their income in housing costs. That is one-fourth of people who rent. I assume it may be higher in Indiana, as it is in Appalachia, OH, or it may be higher in East Cleveland or in Gary than it is in some other places, but whatever the number, overall, one-quarter of renters in this country pay 50 percent of their income in housing. Do you know what