mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARKLAND SHOOTING
Jared Moskowitz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Madam , today is Valentine's Day, but I don't celebrate Valentine's Day anymore. I haven't celebrated Valentine's Day in 6 years. Today is a difficult day for myself, many in the city of Parkland, and my constituents. You see, it is the sixth anniversary of the mass shooting at my high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas in my hometown of Parkland. prgtoken I remember February 14, 2018, like it was yesterday. I was in Tallahassee when my wife called and said something terrible has happened at the high school around the corner from our home. I was informed that there had been a mass shooting. prgtoken I immediately traveled home to Parkland. I went to the school that I graduated from and saw what it looks like when your high school is turned into a war zone. prgtoken I then went to the hotel where they were keeping the families of the kids who were missing. I knew they weren't missing. prgtoken For 8 hours, they waited in that hotel while the Broward Sheriff's Office and the FBI told them what happened to their kid. They pulled families out one by one into a separate area of the ballroom separated by a partition. The process went on from 12:30 in the morning until 3 in the morning. I didn't hear crying. I heard screaming. It haunts me every day. prgtoken Madam , 17 innocent people didn't make it out of that building on that fateful day. I knew we had to do something, and so I brought my colleagues from the Florida legislature to see the building firsthand and see how it affected families in my community. prgtoken What we saw was unfathomable to imagine--the sight of the deadliest high school shooting in American history. prgtoken Families now have empty rooms in their homes. They have empty chairs at the dinner table. My own son, who was 4 years old at the time, went to preschool right around the corner separated by a traffic light from Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The teacher that was with my 4-year-old in a closet that day, her daughter was killed. While she was protecting my son, her daughter, Jaime, was killed at Douglas. prgtoken Like previous Valentine's Days, parents and wives will spend their time visiting their children or their husbands at the cemetery. prgtoken I remember parents telling me one thing, and they said it over and over, and it has stuck with me ever since. They said that the only thing I did wrong was send my kid to school. That is not on them. That is an indictment on us. It is an indictment on the elected officials who have failed to do nothing to keep our kids safe in school. prgtoken I mean, look at them. These were babies murdered in their classroom. They were teachers. I went to high school with Aaron Feis. He was on my football team when we were in high school. He became a football coach. He ran in to try to help, and he was gunned down. prgtoken At least in Florida we did something after the shooting at my high school. The Florida legislature passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety
GAMBLING ADDICTION
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to highlight a growing public health problem in this country. It is estimated that nearly 7 million Americans are suffering from a gambling addiction, and while it may not be as visible, it can be just as harmful as any other addiction. prgtoken About 90 percent of gambling addicts reported having one or more mental health disorders, as well as increased dependence on alcohol and other substances. prgtoken Problem gambling can also cause deep financial and emotional harm to families when the gambler takes on debt to pay for their addiction or manipulates loved ones to get what they want. prgtoken Clearly, this is a serious problem that must be addressed. It is why I have introduced the Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and Treatment, or GRIT Act last week. This legislation would utilize current revenues to devote funding toward gambling addiction, research, and treatment. prgtoken My bill would give State health agencies and nonprofits the resources they need to study this kind of addiction and get more people into recovery. prgtoken This is a commonsense solution that would improve mental health and well-being for countless families across America. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the GRIT Act.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7160, SALT MARRIAGE PENALTY ELIMINATION ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 987, DENOUNCING THE HARMFUL, ANTI-AMERICAN ENERGY POLICIES OF THE BIDEN...
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-14

let me remind everyone how we got here. State and local taxes were always deductible--State and local taxes-- since the Civil War, before we even had a tax code, until the House s and Mr. stole the deduction in the 2017 tax scam. prgtoken Do you remember that? It wasn't advertised as a tax increase. It was, furthermore, buried over $600 billion was buried. Where did that money go? You know where it went. prgtoken Despite pervasive half-truths and outright lies, SALT has always been about the middle class. The $10,000 cap s imposed has been a heavy burden for middle-class families across this Nation, and our public services relied on SALT absolutely. prgtoken All told, firefighters, police officers, first responders, teachers, mayors, county officials, and Governors have begged us to fix this. prgtoken passed a full repeal through this Chamber. We passed SALT relief numerous times. Over and over, we have been blocked. We have never given up, and we won't. prgtoken Multiple times this term, Ways and Means s voted down an amendment which I put forth to raise the deduction and fix the marriage penalty. This is double taxation. I thought this was what we were trying to get rid of. Instead, they had a tax cut in 2017 where they hid getting rid of the deduction. Now, it is a $10,000 minimum. prgtoken My amendment is the same as legislation put forth by Mr. LaLota of New York, a . When we tried a few weeks ago, every committee voted ``no.'' prgtoken This badly flawed measure is a far cry from middle-class tax relief, and it is really the bare minimum we could do. prgtoken This certainly is no way to enact tax policy. This is no way to treat tens of millions of Americans and communities. prgtoken What we have before us is a fig leaf to paper over that s opposed middle-class tax relief. I believe, in the election of 2018, this was one of the issues.
GUARANTEED INCOME FOR FOSTER YOUTH
Robert Garcia (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Madam , I rise today to urge my colleagues to help improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable youth across our country. prgtoken Our Guaranteed Income for Foster Youth Act will create a new Federal program to provide $1,000 a month to young adults exiting foster care and helping them pull themselves out of poverty, as well as build healthy economic communities across the country. prgtoken It is no secret that there are major gaps in the Federal foster care system. More than a fifth of foster care youth experience homelessness within 1 year of emancipation. It is critical that we uplift our foster youth during such a transformative and vulnerable time in their lives. prgtoken For my entire career, I have been a strong advocate for guaranteed income programs. When I was the mayor of Long Beach, we built and launched a transformational guaranteed income program that is now directly helping over 900 low-income individuals, including over 500 children. prgtoken I have also had the pleasure of working with the Mayors for Guaranteed Income, to show how providing direct payments can end poverty in the United States. prgtoken Across the country, guaranteed income programs have done incredible things for families. They have pursued higher-paying jobs, obtained undergraduate degrees, paid off debt, and afforded basic necessities like food and utilities. prgtoken The evidence across the country is clear: Guaranteed income programs have been incredibly successful in lifting people out of poverty and helping to preserve economic freedom and independence. prgtoken Working together, we can ensure that children leaving the foster care system can have the foundation they need to thrive in our community.
HONORING DR. SANDRA ORTEGA
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to honor the selfless service and incredible accomplishments of Dr. Sandra Ortega, a United States Air Force Veteran and retired Chief Master Sergeant. She was the first African-American woman to join the Air Force in 1958. prgtoken Under the direct commission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Ortega dedicated her military career and life after serving to improving the lives of countless military families and communities. It was in the Air Force where she challenged and broke down racial and gender stereotypes and barriers. During her service, Dr. Ortega worked as the Chief of Social Actions where she implemented programs to help servicemembers and their families remain as constructive members of their military community and educate them on drug and alcohol addiction prevention. Her service has had ripple effects across New Jersey and the Nation. prgtoken Not only did Dr. Ortega dedicate her life to serving our country, she has worked to improve the lives of communities around the world. She worked to improve education and health infrastructures across Africa, rebuild and stabilize communities in the former Soviet Union after its dissolution, and other emergency management and relief efforts in disaster-stricken communities. prgtoken Dr. Ortega earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Morgan State University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from La Salle University. Today, she spreads her love for, and the importance of, education through her role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. prgtoken The scope of Dr. Ortega's work has touched so many lives, including some in my home of Burlington County. A resident of Marlton, she has been elected three times as the ic Committeewoman representing Evesham Township, New Jersey in the Burlington County ic Committee. prgtoken Dr. Ortega not only excelled at serving her country and community, but she is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to her late husband, Julio Ortega, for over 60 years and has four daughters and nine grandchildren. prgtoken While many community members locally know Dr. Sandra Ortega and her positive impact in our community, today I'm proud to honor her tenure as a public servant and veteran of the United States Air Force. We are lucky to have her inspiration in our community.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF DR. DOLLY PATEL SKEETE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-2-14

with a heavy heart, I rise to honor the memory of Dr. Dolly Patel Skeete, who left this world way too early, on January 29, 2024, at the age of 49. prgtoken Dolly's journey, from an injured leg at 11 to becoming an all- American runner at the United States Air Force Academy in the class of 1996, truly embodies the essence of the American Dream. prgtoken As an orthopedic surgeon, wife, and mother of three, Dolly shattered stereotypes, radiating positivity. From running cross-country to deploying to Afghanistan, she illuminated the lives of those around her. prgtoken Dolly leaves a legacy challenging us to live life fearlessly, uplift others, and relentlessly pursue our dreams. May her story inspire generations to come.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to celebrate Valentine's Day. The day began to honor St. Valentine. Some believe that he was a priest who married Romans in love to defy an emperor's ban. Others believe he helped Christians escape brutal Roman prisons. prgtoken Either way, the spread of Christianity helped February 14 become St. Valentine's Day in the fifth century. prgtoken Europeans associated the day with love because it coincided with the mating season for some birds in Europe. prgtoken My favorite English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, first wrote about St. Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in 1375. prgtoken In 1415, the Duke of Orleans wrote the first valentine to his wife while in prison in the Tower of London. prgtoken Today, at least 30 countries celebrate Valentine's Day, and an estimated 145 million Valentine's Day cards will be sent out. prgtoken If you have been busy, I encourage all my colleagues to pick up some chocolates and flowers before you head home tonight.
LIFE AND LEGACY OF CECILIA GENTILI
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to reflect on the life and legacy of beloved Queens community leader, Cecilia Gentili. prgtoken Cecilia was a beacon of hope for so many communities in my district. She was only 26 when she fled Argentina to seek asylum in the United States. She arrived in New York City in 2003 and lived her truth as a trans woman. She was finally granted asylum in 2012, as well, and she devoted much of her life to uplifting our trans and undocumented community in Queens. prgtoken Most recently, Cecilia shined in her artistic pursuits as an author, playwright, and actress. Cecilia was a leader in the fight for HIV/AIDS healthcare and founded a free healthcare clinic in New York City. prgtoken At the State level, she championed the Gender Expression Non- Discrimination Act, GENDA, which was signed into law in 2019. Today, Cecilia would have also wanted to continue to uplift her advocacy against dangerous proposals like KOSA that would allow States to cut off access to lifesaving online resources for isolated trans youth, like healthcare information. prgtoken Our community will continue to remember Cecilia as an unwavering leader in the fight for equality.
CONDEMNING RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY HAMAS IN ITS WAR AGAINST ISRAEL
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-14

all acts of sexual violence are horrific. We should all be fighting to end it here at home and all around the world. prgtoken So, while the resolution on the floor today rightfully denounces any sexual violence by Hamas, I am disturbed that it completely ignores and erases any sexual violence and abuse committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians, especially children. prgtoken War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. We must stand up for everyone's safety and human rights, no matter their faith, no matter their ethnicity. prgtoken There are numerous, well-documented reports of sexual violence, including rape, committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians in their custody; children detained and stripped to their underwear in public for the world to see. prgtoken , I call your attention to a Haaretz article titled: ``Cigarette Burns, Beatings, Attempted Sexual Assault: Settlers and Soldiers Abuse Palestinians,'' which can be found at: https:// www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-21/ty-article-magazine/.premium/ beatings-burns-attempted-sexual-assault-settlers-and-soldiers-abused- palestinians/0000018b-530f-d1d7-ab8b-7f5fca1d0000. prgtoken The U.N. and human rights groups have raised alarms for years, but Congress did nothing. They never cared. prgtoken We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. This resolution falls well short of that responsibility, .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7160, SALT MARRIAGE PENALTY ELIMINATION ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 987, DENOUNCING THE HARMFUL, ANTI-AMERICAN ENERGY POLICIES OF THE BIDEN...
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to implore House s to bring the bipartisan national security supplemental to the floor for a vote. All we want is a vote. prgtoken I just returned from Ukraine with a bipartisan group where we met with Ukrainians, and I can tell you that these folks are fighting and dying, not just for their own freedom and their own democracy but for freedom and democracy around the globe because Vladimir Putin and Russia will not stop at Ukraine. They will continue marching if they are not stopped here. prgtoken This national security supplemental bill, this is not charity. We are not doing this simply out of the goodness of our hearts. This is in the best interests of Americans and American national security. prgtoken Let's break this down. By providing this support, we will be able to stop Russian from its march anyplace else in Europe. prgtoken We will be able to protect the 100,000 servicemen and -women, Americans and their families who live in Europe and work with our allies and who would be at great risk if Putin is not stopped here. prgtoken We also protect our largest trading partner in Europe and our largest security partner. Our economy and our businesses rely on a stable and prosperous Europe. prgtoken We would also be protecting the world's food supply and food prices, keeping food prices lower and making sure that food supplies are not interrupted. That is all the things that this bill will do. prgtoken Let's also talk about how this bill is structured and how it provides that support. It provides that support by spending over half of the money right here in the United States in U.S. businesses and on U.S. workers, from places like Texas and North Carolina and Pennsylvania and Colorado, all throughout this Nation who will be building the equipment and supplies that we will be sending to our military, because that is another part of this. prgtoken Our military sends our old equipment to Ukraine, and Ukraine uses it with great effect on the battlefield, then the new stuff is kept by our military. prgtoken Let's break this down. We are supporting our economy. We are protecting our 100,000 troops. We are ensuring a stable and prosperous Europe. We are defeating the Russian military. We are ensuring food supplies. We are updating our own military stocks. We are infusing money in the U.S. defense industrial base and into our own workers and businesses. We are doing all of this for less than 5 percent of our annual defense budget. prgtoken That is a great deal for the American taxpayer. It is a great deal for the American people. We would be remiss if we didn't act now and take this up. prgtoken There are moments in history that will judge people and determine the course of the world. We are at one of those moments now. prgtoken I implore you. Bring this for a vote so we can ensure a stable and prosperous world and make sure it is one that our children and grandchildren want to grow up in.
HONORING LONG'S DRUG STORE
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Madam , today I rise to honor Judge Joe Duncan as he celebrates his 100th birthday. prgtoken Joe was born February 11, 1924, in Scott County, Tennessee. prgtoken He was raised on a farm with his nine siblings where his parents taught him all the values of hard work, responsibility, and a good education. prgtoken During World War II, Joe enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, and he was honorably discharged in 1945. He then got his law degree from the University of Tennessee. Later on, he worked as a special agent for the FBI and was given a letter of commendation from none other than J. Edgar Hoover when he retired. prgtoken He also served as the Knox County criminal court judge and spent 15 years on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. prgtoken In 1946, Joe married the love of his life, Louetta; and they had a son, Phillip, and two grandchildren, Meredyth and Tyler. prgtoken Joe and his family have been working in public service in east Tennessee for many years. Joe supported his brother John's successful bid for Knoxville mayor in 1959 and 1963, as well as John's successful campaign for U.S. House of Representatives in 1964. Joe also supported the political careers of his nephew, my predecessor, John Duncan, Jr who was Tennessee's Second District Representative in Congress before me; as well as his niece, State senator, Becky Massey; and his son, Falls Church city councilor Phillip Duncan. prgtoken Judge Duncan has lived a beautiful and full life in public service, and I am honored to wish him a happy 100th birthday on the House floor today. Recognizing Charlie and Patsy Daniels' 70th Anniversary
CONDEMNING RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY HAMAS IN ITS WAR AGAINST ISRAEL
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-14

on October 7, 2023, Hamas infiltrated Israel and brutally attacked and murdered thousands of men, women, children, and babies, taking 240 hostages, including those that were so unbelievably innocent. prgtoken Women were beaten. Women were raped. They were paraded around covered in blood. Some were so brutally raped that their pelvises were broken. They begged for mercy, but none was given. They begged to die, but Hamas would not allow that until they were first dehumanized, beaten, and raped. prgtoken Hamas celebrated. They celebrated, and they took photos and videos of these horrific crimes. Families were forced to watch videos of their loved ones, their daughters, their babies, their wives, their mothers being brutalized, raped, and killed. Babies were decapitated. They were put in ovens. prgtoken This was not a military operation. Hamas is not a military group. They are not freedom fighters. They are not fighting against oppression. They are nothing more than the face of evil. prgtoken This vote is not complicated. You can vote to stand against rape, torture, and murder of women. You can vote to stop the innocent from being harmed. You can vote to stand alongside those who committed these horrific, evil crimes, or you can vote to say that it is awful. prgtoken It is up to the men and women in this Chamber. It is a simple choice. Every single Member of Congress should acknowledge that these actions are despicable, barbaric, disgusting, and evil. Every single Member of Congress should stand on this House floor and vote to condemn these violent acts and show your support for the innocent victims of these terrorists. Every single Member of Congress must stand on the right side of history. prgtoken I stand with Israel. I stand with these women, with these babies, and with these mothers. I hope that we all do.