mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Memorial Day (Executive Session)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-5-18

Boston is perhaps a surprising place to begin a tribute to Indiana's veterans on the occasion of Memorial Day, but there, on Augustus Saint-Gaudens' magnificent memorial to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, their names are etched. prgtoken Maybe the coast of South Carolina is no less unexpected a place to continue that tribute, but there, on the shore, they fell, the men who helped save our Union, who forever ended its greatest scourge, who fought for the Declaration of Independence, though they had been denied the unalienable rights it promised. prgtoken Seldom have American soldiers taken up arms and laid down their lives with such selflessness and yet so much at stake. Many Hoosiers were among their ranks. Their names should be known, their stories told. As Proverbs 10:7 says, ``the memory of the just is blessed.'' prgtoken Abraham Lincoln described the Emancipation Proclamation as ``an act of Justice.'' One of the greatest instruments of that justice was embedded at the end of the document. It read ``that such persons of suitable condition will be received into the armed service of the United States.'' ``Such persons'' were Black Americans. prgtoken Lincoln's words spread far and fast and wide. In my capital city of Indianapolis, Pastor Willis Revels petitioned Governor Oliver Morton to raise a fighting force, and when the request was denied, rebels encouraged Hoosiers to join the first all-Black regiment forming near Boston. prgtoken Unable to fulfill its recruitment goals at home, the Massachusetts 54th Infantry sought and welcomed volunteers from across the Union, and Hoosiers answered the call. There were men--men like George Broady, George Charles, Alfred Lewis, George McGowan. They came from across the great State of Indiana, from places like Newport, Richmond, Louisville, and Centerville. They were farmers, blacksmiths, barbers, laborers, and, soon enough, they were soldiers for the Republic. prgtoken There was no doubt of that when the 54th appeared on the dunes of Morris Island, before the twilight on July 18, 1863. They were in South Carolina to take Battery Wagner, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle between the Union Army and the port of Charleston. prgtoken When the 54th had marched to within 300 yards of the fort, shots streaked overhead. They were ordered to the ground until the fire had passed. Then they rose. They charged forward, through sand and marshy water, as the sun sank in the western sky. prgtoken As they reached the fort, Battery Wagner exploded with fire. The 54th was razed, ``like grass before the mower's scythe,'' one Hoosier survivor wrote afterward. prgtoken In the end, the regiment lost nearly 300 men that night--over 40 percent of its ranks. Fort Wagner remained in Confederate hands. Among the dead were Hoosiers Thomas Ampey and John Wilson. prgtoken They didn't simply fall for a good cause. Their bravery at Battery Wagner turned a tide. You see, it shattered prejudi
RECOGNIZING LA RAZA
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise to commend La Raza radio station for its service to the Latino community in Georgia. prgtoken Based in Suwanee, GA, La Raza is the largest Latino radio station in Georgia, informing more than 1 million Latinos throughout the State. The station hosts numerous popular radio shows, including Los Hijos de La Manana, that provide all-day news and entertainment for Latinos across Georgia. Every year, La Raza also hosts a family-friendly festival, bringing nearly 50,000 community members together from across the State to enjoy performances and authentic Mexican food. prgtoken As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend La Raza's 19 years of service to Latino communities in Atlanta and throughout the entire State of Georgia.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-5-18

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. prgtoken This month is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of AANHPI communities and the critical role we have played throughout our Nation's history. prgtoken From trailblazers like Patsy Mink and Anna May Wong to our own Vice President , members of our community have long been leaders in government, science, business, the arts, and more. But while we celebrate our community, this month is also a reminder of how much work remains to advance equality and equity for our community. prgtoken The AANHPI community has long been the target of racism and discrimination in this country. Among other challenges, our communities are still combating anti-Asian violence, suffering from health disparities, and experiencing sex trafficking and violence at alarming rates. prgtoken The AANHPI community is the fastest growing demographic group in the United States. In the past 20 years alone, the number of Asian Americans in the United States has nearly doubled. prgtoken But we are not a monolith. AANHPI communities come from dozens of countries and speak countless languages. The diversity makes our community and our country stronger. That is why, in a moment, I will seek unanimous consent to pass a resolution recognizing AANHPI Heritage Month. prgtoken This resolution highlights many of the leaders of our community throughout history and some of the triumphs and challenges we have faced throughout the years. It affirms the important prgtoken role our communities continue to play in the story of our Nation and has bipartisan support. prgtoken As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 209.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-5-18

this past weekend, families across the country, including my own, celebrated Mother's Day. Many of us honor the extraordinary women in our prgtoken lives with a call, brunch, or flowers. These are all lovely gestures. prgtoken If you ask a mom what she wants for Mother's Day, there is a good chance she will say peace of mind. A call doesn't give a mother time off from work to recover from childbirth and bond with her newborn. Brunch won't provide mental or physical healthcare. Flowers won't babysit or teach our children the alphabet. prgtoken This Chamber must do more for moms. What they need are: prgtoken Paid family leave to close the gender wage gap; prgtoken Access to basic women's healthcare; prgtoken Closing the coverage gap and eradicating bias from medicine to save the lives of women, especially Black women; prgtoken Quality, affordable childcare; prgtoken Universal pre-K to give our generation a strong educational foundation; and prgtoken Peace of mind that their child will not be blown away by gun violence. prgtoken , mothers are telling us what they need. I hope by next Mother's Day we listen.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE JUSTICE FOR SHIREEN ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-5-18

I am proud to reintroduce the Justice for Shireen Act today. I thank my House and Senate Colleagues that joined me to call for a report to Congress from the FBI and State Department, in consultation with the Attorney General, Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence, on the death of American-Palestinian Journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. I send my deep condolences to the Abu Akleh family for this terrible .killing and stand with them to demand justice and accountability. prgtoken Shireen Abu Akleh, an American-Palestinian Journalist, was killed, one year ago, on May 11, 2022. She was killed wearing a clearly marked press vest on assignment, reporting on a military raid which took place in the occupied city of Jenin. One year ago, I led a letter, signed by 58 Members of Congress, to the FBI and State Department calling for an independent and open investigation led by her home country, the United States, and 24 Senators have echoed this request. It is imperative that Congress be given the information it needs to conduct the necessary oversight. We must ensure no taxpayer dollars contribute to human rights violations or anyone's death--most especially an American abroad. prgtoken As an American, Ms. Abu Akleh was entitled to the full protections afforded to U.S. citizens living abroad. As Members of Congress, we need to uphold the values that our Nation was founded on, including human rights, equality for all, and freedom of speech. As Members of Congress, we have a duty to protect Americans reporting abroad. An Israeli investigation has concluded, finding that it was indeed an Israeli soldier that shot Ms. Abu Akleh in her line of duty. It is the responsibility of the U.S. to learn all the unanswered questions leading up to, during and after the fatal shot that killed Ms. Abu Akleh. Additionally, this bill requires an identification of any United States defense materials or services that were implicated in the death of Ms. Abu Akleh. No U.S. weapons and military services by the U.S. should be used to kill Americans on foreign soil. American taxpayers should not be paying for any violation of human rights abroad. prgtoken , I hope my colleagues will join me in calling for justice and accountability for Shireen Abu Akleh.
Debt Ceiling (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise today to unmask one of the major players behind the debt limit brinksmanship. prgtoken With renewable energy outcompeting fossil fuels, Big Oil is worried that its oil well has run dry and wants to keep pumping the American people dry for all that they are worth. So the oil and the gas industry is running its tried and true playbook with Kevin McCarthy taking the snap as their quarterback. prgtoken The s all voted against the Inflation Reduction Act. They turned away from its provisions to create a livable future, its millions of new, clean energy jobs, its investments in environmental justice communities. The only thing s haven't turned away is the billions of dollars in new investments unleashed in their States and districts from this landmark legislation, with $150 billion in investments already announced across the country because of the IRA, because of the largest climate bill in American history. prgtoken I have seen s on TV fearmongering about the Inflation Reduction Act, but I haven't seen a single turn down any of those $150 billion or any of those jobs, or all those benefits for those communities in red States. prgtoken But the fossil fuel industry itself is actually scared that something might happen to their season of record-shattering profits. They are scared that utilities will finally wake up and realize that installing new renewables is cheaper and more cost effective than running existing coal plants. prgtoken Natural gas plants are also set up to go the way of the dinosaur. In fact, we won't have to dig up any more dinosaurs in order to create the fuel. Building new solar and wind, instead of new natural gas, could save American energy customers nearly $30 billion on their energy bills. prgtoken Renewables are outcompeting fossil fuels. The average levelized cost of energy for coal and gas is much higher than wind and solar. How much? Well, coal is nearly double the cost of solar. Natural gas is almost 1.5 times more costly than wind. And this is not accounting for the new IRA subsidies, the new climate bill subsidies from last year. prgtoken These statistics are the real fear of fossil fuel executives. These clean energy gains threaten Big Oil's massive bonus and even bigger profit margin. prgtoken Big Oil more than doubled its profits in 2022, making nearly $220 billion in that year alone and paying out $110 billion to their investors. Those are windfalls made on the backs of American family budgets. s say they care about budgets, but the only budget they are committed to protecting is the one of the big oil and big gas industry across our country. prgtoken That is why attacks on clean energy and climate action are on the s' debt limit and budget agendas. That is why s are attacking tax credits for the American-made clean energy that makes us more secure, saves money, and protects our healt
PASS A CLEAN DEBT CEILING BILL
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-18

meet Janet, a constituent of mine from the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago. prgtoken She is 64 years old and is on Social Security disability. She suffers from chronic mental illness that prevents her from working. Even though she would prefer to work, she really is unable to do so. prgtoken Janet will be devastated by the s holding our economy hostage. She has $1,200 per month, and that is her total income, Social Security. She has no other income. prgtoken If we do not pass a clean debt ceiling bill, Janet will not be able to pay for her medication. She will not be able to get food. She will not be able to pay her rent. There are millions of Janets around this country. We say: Don't hold Janet hostage.
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONDEMNING EFFORTS TO DEFUND OR DISMANTLE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise today to talk about what this resolution is really about. No, it is not just about supporting local law enforcement. It is also about trying to attack and vilify prgtoken the Black Lives Matter movement and the activism that has helped shape our Nation and helped our Nation more clearly see the injustices carried out in our communities. prgtoken In 2020, I myself was on the forefront of this movement. Alongside the world, I watched online, outraged over the killing and lynching of George Floyd, a man who did not deserve to die at the hands of a police choke hold while he called out for his mother. prgtoken Alongside the world, I was outraged over the loss of Breonna Taylor, a young woman who did not deserve to be shot dead in her own home. prgtoken Like millions across this country, I marched for change, marched to fight for our voices to be heard, marched to fight for a world where that injustice does not exist, and marched in a nonviolent way alongside my community in central Florida. prgtoken I saw the pain and the hurt of so many who had spent their lives living in a nation where they feared their well-being every time they stepped outside of their home due to negative interactions with law enforcement. Not every interaction, but many interactions. prgtoken We fought for public safety that centers the community so we can truly tackle crime and conditions that breed it. prgtoken I believed then what I believe now: The color of your skin and how much money you have in the bank should not determine the treatment you get in the eyes of the law. prgtoken The color of your skin and how much money you have in the bank should not be the determining factor of whether you live or die. prgtoken No one deserves to die because they are Black. No one deserves to die because they are poor. prgtoken Yet, today, we are voting on a resolution that does nothing but to divide us as a country. prgtoken It has nothing to do with really supporting police. It has everything to do with vilifying a movement of people and everything to do with trying to rewrite history to make what was a global, mainly nonviolent protest seem evil. prgtoken You can pass all the sham resolutions you want, but you cannot take away our stories. I remember being tear-gassed, maced, arrested, and jailed on the streets of my own hometown. Today, I get to represent those same streets in the United States Congress. prgtoken You cannot whitewash this history. These stories live on in Black Lives Matter.
OPPOSING EXTREME ABORTION BANS
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise today in opposition to an extreme abortion ban that North Carolina s passed through the general assembly after overriding Governor Cooper's veto this week. prgtoken Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade nearly a year ago, North Carolina has become a safe haven for prgtoken women seeking reproductive care across the South. As States like Georgia and Florida enacted dangerous 6-week bans, North Carolina stood as a bastion for women's reproductive freedom. prgtoken , s in my State are now turning the clock back 50 years by enacting a dangerous abortion ban and restrictions on providing healthcare. prgtoken The truth is women will suffer and doctors will be penalized under this dangerous law. We will not stay silent in the face of attacks on our rights and our healthcare.
WELCOMING PASTOR CRAIG PRIDGEN
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise to recognize today's guest chaplain, my friend, Pastor Craig Pridgen. prgtoken Pastor Pridgen serves as the senior servant at True Bethel Baptist Church in Niagara Falls. prgtoken Through his ministry and community service, he is an energetic and effective advocate for those who have none, who have been doubted, underappreciated, and forgotten. prgtoken Buffalo born and raised, Pastor Pridgen has led efforts to promote opportunity through a church-led workforce program, as well as understanding and equality through his position on the board of the National Federation of Just Communities. prgtoken He has also supported community-building and wellness initiatives as president of the Niagara Falls Ministerial Council and a senior adviser for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. prgtoken We are grateful to have Pastor Craig Pridgen in the House Chamber for today's opening prayer, and so very fortunate to have him leading by example in all of western New York.
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONDEMNING EFFORTS TO DEFUND OR DISMANTLE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-5-18

I stand here today to say, yes, I support local law enforcement. Never have my lips ever said the words that would take dollars away from those personnel, their salaries, and all that they need to do. prgtoken I don't know why in a resolution that speaks about honor that we have to mix not even apples and oranges but apples and stench. There is no reason to attack anyone in this. Put a resolution about how much you hate the folks on the other side of the aisle; we will debate that. I don't hate them. prgtoken What we tried to do in committee is to say let us make this a resolution, Federal, State and local folk, and let us not talk about folk who are dismantling anything because I don't know who stood outside of a DA's office and tried to dismantle them. They have an independent decision, right, to make. They are elected by the people. If they are not at the level that the people want, they are gone. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to amend this from the floor. Let this be an amendment that we can all vote for. This is my last word: I support local and Federal law enforcement.
INTRODUCTION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESPONSE ACT OF 2023
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise today to celebrate National Police Week, along with our Oklahoma colleague, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. I am honored to introduce the bipartisan Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2023. prgtoken Congress must support and stand with the brave men and women in law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe. prgtoken Our bipartisan bill provides greater Federal support grants to law enforcement departments at the state, local, territorial, and tribal level to obtain vital behavioral health crisis response training. More safely and effectively resolving behavioral health crisis situations can save lives. prgtoken We all know that post pandemic, too many in our country have experienced mental health crises. Our law enforcement and corrections officers are often on the front lines, responding to crisis calls related to these situations. The opioid epidemic complicates this situation in far too many stances. prgtoken As America's prisons and jails are filled with individuals with mental health challenges, Congress must do more to address mental health across the board. Our law enforcement officers need to be equipped with the proper tools, regimen, and training to adequately address mental health crises. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation to do just that.
COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE AMENDMENT ACT
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-5-18

I rise today as the Senate considers this week the resolution to rescind the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act, passed by the DC City Council on January 19, 2023. prgtoken As a general matter, I believe that the people of Washington, DC, and their elected representatives should have the autonomy to govern themselves. For years, I have cosponsored and fought to pass the Washington D.C. Admission Act, which would admit the District of Columbia as a state. prgtoken I have also long supported funding for the police, as well as reforms, to help ensure that our justice system works for everyone. That includes being the lead sponsor of the COPS Reauthorization Act to provide Federal funding to law enforcement departments across the country to hire and retain police officers. I also support police reform measures focused on holding officers who break the law accountable for misconduct, increasing transparency in police practices, and improving police conduct and training. prgtoken The DC City Council's bill included many changes to strengthen accountability measures and improve conduct, including reforms to prevent the use of chokeholds, limit the use of force, and expand the use of de-escalation tactics. The bill also takes steps to prevent officers who have committed serious acts of misconduct or were fired for disciplinary reasons from serving on the DC police force. I support these efforts, which is why I oppose the resolution. prgtoken It is also important to note that the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Amendment Act does not include changes to qualified immunity. As Congressman Jim Clyburn has said, as we work toward common ground on police reform, we cannot ``sacrifice good on the altar of perfect'' and let disagreements about qualified immunity stand in the way of reform. The men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives every single day must have the confidence to make split-second decisions that can make the difference between life and death. I would not support this measure if changes to qualified immunity were made that put law enforcement officers who act in good faith at risk. prgtoken While there are a significant number of critical reforms included in DC's police reform bill, I am not in agreement with the provisions that prevent the unions that represent DC police officers from including disciplinary procedures in their collective bargaining agreements. All other unions that represent public servants in the District of Columbia negotiate for fair disciplinary proceedings, and while police officers serve a unique role that requires oversight, we should not deny police unions the same opportunity. The DC Council should ensure that police officers who break the law are held accountable, but it should not do so by undermining the right of law enforcement to collectively negotiate. prgtoken I also think changes could be made to provisions that set a fixed timeta