mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-7-27

I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy and her courage, and I welcome this commission's coming forward. It is part of a dynamic that is playing out across American cities. In my community, the cries for racial justice and the recognition of the challenges that have been faced by Black men and boys in this commission is a step in that direction. prgtoken But I would say this Congress can take another step. We have the MORE Act which would legalize cannabis. The selective enforcement of the prohibition of marijuana against Black men and boys has been a tragedy. It has ruined hundreds of thousands of lives. prgtoken This Congress can take action. The bill has already passed out of our Judiciary Committee with a bipartisan majority. We ought to include that in our next package and start to right the wrongs and pry away the cold hand of Richard Nixon's misguided war on drugs that has had such a vicious impact on Black men and women. prgtoken We ought to start with that now.
CHILDCARE IS ESSENTIAL
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-7-27

I rise today to speak in support of two pieces of legislation coming to the floor this week, the Child Care Is Essential Act, and the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. prgtoken This pandemic has exposed fault lines that exist just beneath the surface of our society. Whether it is a broken healthcare system or the consequences of our Nation's history of racial injustice, this pandemic is exacerbating harms done by systems that fail our families. Our system of childcare is no exception. prgtoken Childcare is a powerful tool for educating our children and for fueling our economy. If we unite around its utility and take decisive action to save the childcare sector, we can help rebuild and revitalize our future. prgtoken Simply put, childcare is essential. But ignored, underappreciated, and neglected for so long, our system of early care and education is now at a breaking point. prgtoken Right now, 40 percent of our Nation's childcare centers and family childcare homes will be forced to close permanently without immediate financial support. Our children, moms, dads, doctors, nurses, teachers, small business owners, and over 23 million families will have nowhere to turn. prgtoken Think about that. Before this pandemic, it was difficult and sometimes nearly impossible for working families to find quality, affordable childcare. If the pandemic destroys 4 out of every 10 childcare spaces, how will parents return to work? How will businesses reopen? How many children will be pushed out of their classrooms? prgtoken Great outcomes for an entire generation of children are at stake and could be impacted for years if we don't invest now in early care and education. With proper investment, childcare can combat the economic and social inequities of our time, in addition to providing a foundation for our children. What is more, with an investment in childcare, we can stabilize and secure American families. prgtoken Before the pandemic, childcare costs often exceeded a family's rent or mortgage payment, driving parents out of the labor market entirely. Parents of color face even more hurdles and costs in finding affordable, high-quality care. prgtoken Economists are predicting that losing access to childcare is not just about losing 2 or 3 years of income. It is an entirely different trajectory for the rest of a parent's life. This also disproportionately impacts women in the workplace. prgtoken The rising costs of childcare are associated with a 13 percent decline in employment of mothers with children under 5. Investing in childcare is about ensuring moms can pay the bills and pursue their dreams. It is also an investment in opportunity and in equality for our Nation's mothers. prgtoken These bills will also honor our Nation's caregivers, who provide an essential service to our children, economy, and community. In an industry where 96 percent of childcare professionals are women, and 40 percent of them are women of color,
HONORING CARMEN CASTELLANO
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise to recognize the many contributions of Carmen Castellano to educational, philanthropic, and artistic pursuits in our San Jose community. Carmen has passed away at the age of 81 and is survived by her husband, Al, and their three children, Maria, Armando, and Carmela. This loss is deeply felt across our community. prgtoken Carmen was born in Watsonville and graduated from Moreland Notre Dame High School, later completing the Executive Secretary program at Heald Business College. She worked as an Executive Secretary at Cabrillo College. I first met her when she worked as an administrative secretary and office manager at San Jose City College which she did for 33 years. During her time at City College, she was president of the classified employees' senate and co-founded the Latino Education Association. For her support of San Jose City College, the school named its arts center after her in 2012. prgtoken I've never been a big fan of the California lottery, but it was wonderful and exciting when Carmen and Al won hundreds of millions in the lottery. It couldn't have happened to a nicer couple. When I knew Carmen and Al before the lottery win, I knew them as a team that was constantly volunteering for the community. I have very fond memories of the hours they dedicated to raising college scholarship money with the American GI Forum. It wasn't a surprise to me, then, that they took the lottery winnings and used them for good in our community. prgtoken Almost immediately after their win, Carmen and Al formed the Castellano Family Foundation and started directing grants in support of Santa Clara County causes. They focused their Foundation on the Arts and Latino organizations, and it served to amplify artistic voices in our community. Through the Foundation, they helped fund a black-box theater at the MACLA gallery in downtown San Jose, the Castellano Playhouse, and, among many others, provided support to Cinequest, Teatro Vision, San Jose Jazz, and Los Lupenos de San Jose. The City of San Jose honored Carmen and Al for their work with the creative community with the Cornerstone of the Arts Award in 2015. prgtoken In addition to the Castellano Family Foundation, Carmen was active on several Boards throughout the years, including the Board of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, as well as the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Artspiration initiative steering committee. Admirably, Carmen pushed every organization that she worked with toward diversity and inclusion--toward equity. For many, she has been a role model and a beacon. Her legacy helps fuel the work that is still cut out for all of us in San Jose. prgtoken Madam , it is a privilege to recognize and commend Carmen Castellano for her unwavering commitment to the vibrancy of our community. We miss her greatly.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding to give me an opportunity to speak on behalf of H.R. 2420, legislation introduced by our esteemed friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano), a pioneer and a powerful advocate for Latino people in his time in this Congress. And the whole Nation, all Americans have benefited from his work, and we are all grateful for what he has done for many people in this country. prgtoken I have a brief story. You will hear a lot about the statistical importance and the history that needs to be told, but I have a brief story. You know, I am a first-generation American citizen. My parents migrated and immigrated into this country with the distinct goal of giving their kids a chance. And to that end, they did. But, see, my story is not unique, nor is it, for that matter, extraordinary. It is the story that binds all the diversity of Latinos together, a shared experience and a shared demand for respect, fairness, and to be treated as equals. prgtoken The Latino Museum, this vote, comes at a time of forced divisions in this country, attempts to demonize and marginalize Latinos by the highest voice in this land. Our American history and identity are also Latino history and identity and, through this history, the United States exists. prgtoken Latino history, like American history, is ongoing, it is evolving, but to tell the full stories, the scars, the current wounds, the changes, the unsung leaders in all arenas, with that story also comes hope. And today and tomorrow, as we honor our great friend and leader and beacon, John Lewis, here at the Capitol, for being the person that he was, and a great American--you know, my proudest moment and privilege was to be arrested with him in a civil disobedience protest on behalf of immigrants, DACA recipients, and their families. prgtoken So today, we are voting for 2420, and we are saying ``yes'' to the Latino Museum, but I think, more importantly, this ``yes'' vote by Congress is also a vote that extends respect, provides acknowledgment, provides equity, and begins to tell the story of all Americans in this country. prgtoken Madam , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.
REMEMBERING STEPHEN D. SUSMAN
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-7-27

on the day that we are remembering our dear friend and colleague John Lewis, ``someone who got in good trouble, someone who got in the way,'' I rise to join with my colleague from the State of Rhode Island to offer tribute to a dear friend who also knew how to get in good trouble and get in the way. prgtoken Our friend Steve Susman of Houston, TX, at age 79, passed away on July 14 after sustaining serious injuries from a cycling accident and suffering from COVID-19. Steve will be remembered by all he inspired as one of the greatest trial attorneys ever in the United States. Steve is someone who, with incredible skill, prepared painstakingly, mastering the facts, so that he could back up every single thing he said in front of a jury. prgtoken When it came to courtrooms, it is said that Steve was the smartest guy in the room, but he also believed deeply in teaching young lawyers trial skills. And unlike many famous and leading trial attorneys, he was happy to share the spotlight with younger lawyers--in fact, insisted on it. Two of those younger lawyers happen to be friends of mine from law school, Jonathan Ross and Andrew Golub, who first introduced me to Steve and gave me the joy of getting to know him and all who practiced with him. prgtoken Steve was passionate about law and justice. He spent his entire life thinking and talking about and working for ways to improve the system of civil justice in America. Motivated by a deep passion for the law, he fought to improve our system and was a crusader. Respected broadly for his leadership and his ability to achieve justice for his clients, Steve is someone who left a lasting impact on his community and our country. prgtoken His incredible generosity to Yale University, to the University of Texas Law School, to the NYU Law School Civil Jury Project, and to the Anti-Defamation League, among many others, will be remembered for years and years to come. Steve had boundless energy, deep affection for his family, and a passionate commitment to the law. prgtoken This is a difficult time for his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his loved ones. I want to give my special condolences to his wife, Ellen; his children, Harry, Stacy, Whitney, and Amanda; his brother, Tommy; and his eight grandchildren. I share with them my deepest and sincere condolences in the passing of this lion of the law. We will not see his like again. prgtoken to my colleague from Rhode Island.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-7-27

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I want to begin by acknowledging the extraordinary leadership of Frederica Wilson, who has spent her entire life dedicated to the well-being of young Black men and boys and has decades and decades of incredible support of young people in her community. This commission is a reflection of that commitment. prgtoken Merely because of the color of their skin, Black men and boys are criminalized, separated from their families and communities, and targeted for police violence at alarmingly high rates. Black men are 250 percent more likely to be killed by police than White men. That fact is a stain on the soul of this country. prgtoken But America's sins extend far beyond the deadly disparities in policing. Racism touches nearly every aspect of our lives, oftentimes in the most insidious and subtle of ways, yet still in plain view in the areas of healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. prgtoken We must address the sins of America's past that have revealed themselves in the inequalities of America's present. The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys moves us one step closer to building a more perfect Union where all Americans, regardless of race, have an equal opportunity, not just to get by, but to get ahead. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman for his courtesy, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this excellent bill.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I also rise in support of H.R. 2420 for several reasons. prgtoken If you look at the impact of the Hispanic culture here in the United States, all you have to do is go back. The first language that was ever spoken in the United States, a European language, was Spanish. prgtoken The first settlement in the United States was St. Augustine, Florida. prgtoken And if you look at the impact that the Spanish culture has had on the U.S all you have to do is look at the State symbols like the State coats of arms, seals, and flags, and you will see that the coats of arms and the flags of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, St. Louis, San Diego, Baton Rouge, Riverside, Pensacola, Cupertino, and St. Augustine all have the symbol. prgtoken Finally, let me just say this as I close. Even the U.S. dollar has had an impact. When the Spanish explorers developed settlements in the United States, they brought along the trading coins, or Spanish dollars, that were used regularly by the people in that region.
Remembering John Lewis (Executive Session)
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2020-7-27

today marks the third day after a pretty emotional weekend for the folks of Alabama, for the folks of America. prgtoken Earlier this afternoon, we had a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda to pay our respects to the late John Robert Lewis, a true American hero. prgtoken A native of Alabama, John grew up in the cotton fields of Pike County, AL, in Troy, to become one of the most influential Members of Congress and, perhaps, one of the most influential Americans this country has ever seen. prgtoken He was a remarkable human being whose life and work are examples to us all. It is now up to us to carry on, to make ``good trouble,'' to fulfill the dream, the promise of a more equal and just nation. prgtoken As a son of Troy, AL, John Lewis loved our country with all his heart, and he set out to make it a stronger, more democratic, more equal, more just nation for every person. prgtoken To persevere toward that end in the face of the hate and violence he so often faced is a testament to the strength of both the character and the heart of John Lewis. prgtoken John was a dear friend to my wife Louise and me, and we are both profoundly grateful to have had him in our lives. prgtoken John's long life represented an unbroken thread from a very painful past to a more hopeful future. He gave us all reason to hope. More importantly, he gave us the courage to pursue the bright future we all want for ourselves and for our children and for our grandchildren. prgtoken You know, it struck me earlier today, as we had one of the most emotional things that I have been a part of with John in the Capitol Rotunda: I was in Selma, AL, on Saturday evening--my last trip with John; I have had many--at Brown AME Chapel, historic Brown Chapel, for a service. Martin Luther King III was there. Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a daughter of Selma, was there. So many of the foot soldiers who marched with John were there. I was struck by his passion, by his courage, and I thought to myself: What can I say that has not already been said about John Lewis? The words just escaped me. prgtoken The following day, we were in Montgomery. John took one last journey across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL. This time, on the other side of that bridge, he was met again by State troopers from the State of Alabama, but instead of tear gas and billy clubs, he was met with salutes as people lined the streets, shouting: We have got this John. We will carry on. prgtoken Then he went to Montgomery along the same path that they marched in 1965 to make sure that Americans could vote, and vote easily, without paying a poll tax, without having to count jelly beans or guess at the number of jelly beans in a jar or take another kind of test. prgtoken John marched, and he walked all the way from Selma to Montgomery. In Montgomery yesterday afternoon, his body was placed in the capital of the State of Alabama, Montgomery, which was the birthplace of the Confederacy, the
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise to support this legislation--long overdue. prgtoken I want to say to Congressman Serrano how I have witnessed his persistence and his commitment, and I want to thank the gentleman so much for finally getting this bill to the floor and making it a bipartisan bill. prgtoken I was born and raised, of course, in El Paso, Texas, and the wonderful history of our Latino community finally now, as a result of this bill, will be brought forth for the American public and really for the public and for the world to see and recognize and lift up. prgtoken Madam , I just want to say to Congressman Serrano, and to all of those who are supporting this, that the beauty of diversity in this country is what makes America America. This is another step toward achieving that perfect Union. All of our young people, everyone throughout the world, need to understand the history and the heritage of the Latino community. prgtoken To think that it is going to be now part of the Smithsonian on The Mall is just really exciting, and I hope we pass this today in a bipartisan way. prgtoken I want to thank all of you and thank Congressman Serrano for giving us the privilege to support such a historic effort.
Remembering John Lewis (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-7-27

a short time ago, a ceremony honoring the life of the great Representative John Lewis was held in the Capitol Rotunda--the first time in our Nation's history that an African- American lawmaker had laid in state. prgtoken Last week, I shared my reflections on the life and legacy of John Lewis here on the floor. In the story of America, John was one of those special heroes whose moral clarity shown out like a beacon for others to follow, a North Star who inspired his fellow Americans to join him in the glorious work of perfecting our Union. prgtoken Today, as we honor his extraordinary life here in the Capitol, many of us--his friends, his colleagues--are filled with a deep sense of loss, but I want to share a short message of hope. It seems easy to forget that John Lewis was just a teenager when he started the work of ``redeeming the soul of America,'' as he put it. He was 18 years old when he first met Dr. King, 21 when he was arrested as a freedom fighter, 25 when he was beaten bloody on a Sunday in Selma. prgtoken The fight for civil rights has always been driven by the righteous indignation of our young people, and our time is no different. Once again, young people across the country are rising in a mighty movement for justice and equality, supported by the vast majority of Americans. The memory and legacy of John Lewis's life lives on in each and every one of them, and that fills me with hope
HONORING LARRY HYDE
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Larry Hyde, the 2020 Napa Valley Grower of the Year. prgtoken After attending the University of California at Berkeley for political science and the University of California at Davis for chemistry, Mr. Hyde began his career in the wine community as a vineyard crew supervisor at Ridge Vineyard. Over the next decade, he worked for several prestigious vineyards, including Gallo, Cuvaison, Stag's Leap, Robert Mondavi, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards. In 1979, he established Hyde Vineyards in Napa. Originally 72 acres, Hyde Vineyards has grown to nearly 200 acres and produces more than 15 vineyard designated wines. prgtoken Mr. Hyde's contributions to the wine community extends beyond the confines of his vineyard. His leadership within the industry is exemplary, having served as a director of the Napa County Farm Bureau, a founding director of the Carneros Quality Alliance, and a board member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. He has also worked with the County of Napa to implement plans to eradicate invasive pests that threaten vineyards across the region. prgtoken Perhaps the best testament to Mr. Hyde's dedication to his fellow viticulturists is his extensive work with the University of California at Davis' Foundation Plant Services. For years, he has helped the FPS map plant material from historic California vineyards and gather plant material from his own vineyard to be classified. Because of his efforts, more than 45 different clones of grapes have been preserved by FPS, many of which would have been lost without him. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Hyde is a community member we should all strive to be. His passion for viticulture and dedication to his fellow viticulturalists makes him deserving of the title of Napa Valley Grower of the Year. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Larry Hyde here today.