mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Cheryl Marie Stanton (Executive Calendar)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-4-9

I come to the floor tonight to oppose the nomination of Cheryl Stanton to serve as Administrator of the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. prgtoken The Wage and Hour Division enforces some of our Nation's most important workplace laws, including the Federal minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor laws, and family and medical leave. Yet, Ms. Stanton has a very long history of siding with employers when they have violated workers' rights. So I will be voting against this nomination, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken I also want to object to the Senate moving on labor nominees without approving nominations for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. prgtoken Last Congress, in an unprecedented display of obstruction, my colleagues across the aisle blocked the confirmation of Chai Feldblum and Mark Pearce for terms on the EEOC and NLRB, respectively. prgtoken Even though both of these nominees were highly qualified, respected by their peers, Senate s refused to give them a vote. prgtoken These are critical Agencies that are responsible for protecting workers' rights. Yet my colleagues across the aisle were more interested in tilting the playing field even more in favor of corporations than providing the Commission and the Board with balanced voices. prgtoken Despite longstanding practice to confirm majority and minority members to independent Agencies, my colleagues across the aisle jammed through nominees only to the Board without Mr. Pearce, the ic nominee. prgtoken leaders allowed one Senator to block the nomination of Ms. Feldblum to the EEOC, meaning that important civil rights agency is unable to do some of its most critical work. prgtoken In this moment, as our Nation is grappling with how to address the epidemic of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace, hamstringing the Agency that is responsible for protecting women's rights and safety is absolutely the wrong message to send to women, to workers, and to businesses. prgtoken So I am going to keep fighting to make sure the nominees to the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission represent all voices, as they are supposed to, not just corporations. prgtoken I urge every man, woman, and worker who believes workers should have a voice to join me in that. prgtoken .
2019 DEMOCRATIC FRESHMAN CLASS
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-4-9

. Well, I couldn't agree more, and I want to associate myself with the remarks of Representative Stevens and Representative Hill. prgtoken We have got an incredible freshman class in this 116th Congress. Not only is it the youngest and most diverse in history, but we got straight to work. We hit the ground running. prgtoken At the end of the day, this freshman class is making a lot of progress, so I would like to give the American people a sense of what the freshman class has been up to. prgtoken Over the last two recesses, the freshman class has held over 100 townhalls and over 400 events. That is a lot of events, Representative Hill.
BUILDING ON REEMPLOYMENT IMPROVEMENTS TO DELIVER GOOD EMPLOYMENT FOR WORKERS ACT
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-9

the balance of my time. prgtoken , I came to this session with the simple notion of coming to do a job and to go do my work. Listening to my colleagues' representations and their articulation of experiences and what this bill really means, I am renewed, and I am delighted because it is an important bill, seriously important. prgtoken Yes, in many places the economy is good; people are able to work. But bridges connect and transport, and this bridge connects people to the opportunity to get a job, to go back to work, to be able to take care of their families, to have money so that their children can go to college or they can sustain themselves while their daughter is completing her education. prgtoken , I commend my colleagues, Mrs. Murphy and Ms. Torres Small; the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mrs. Walorski; and Mr. LaHood, my colleague from Illinois, for their ingenuity, creativity, and for the introduction of this tremendous piece of legislation. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and .
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA STATEHOOD
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-4-9

. Madam , a week from Tuesday will be what we call Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia. We use that occasion to point out the continued inequality of the residents who live in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken Emancipation Day was the day when Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the District of Columbia. Yes, there were slaves working in the District of Columbia. It was considered a Southern State. He freed them 9 months before the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves. prgtoken Yet the residents of the Nation's Capital remain less free than any other Americans. Even without statehood, however, the people of the Nation's Capital have, indeed, made progress. prgtoken Madam , I want to discuss the problems and the progress, especially as we come close to the point when we will bring our D.C. statehood bill to the floor and the House will vote whether to make the District the 51st State. prgtoken We recognize we were the last to be free because we are not free yet. We won't be free until the District of Columbia becomes the 51st State of the United States of America. prgtoken Now, I recognize, of course, there are no slaves living in the District of Columbia today. But there is not a single free and equal citizen resident of the District of Columbia. prgtoken I cannot help but think of the stories that were told me of my great- grandfather, a runaway slave from Virginia. I am a third-generation Washingtonian. He was in the District of Columbia when Lincoln freed the slaves in the District of Columbia, but he was a runaway slave, so he was not free from slavery until 9 months later. prgtoken His name was Richard Holmes. My family tells many stories about Richard Holmes. This runaway slave from the District of Columbia came here to work on the streets of the District of Columbia. Actually, he came to get away from slavery. prgtoken I don't tell any heroic stories of Richard Holmes. I tell it the way it was told me. When nobody was looking, Richard Holmes just walked off that plantation. He found his way to the District of Columbia. There were not enough workers to build the streets of the District of Columbia, so he was able to get work on the streets building this city. prgtoken I understand that slave owners went around the streets of the District of Columbia looking for their slaves. The man who owned Richard Holmes found him and went up to the straw boss and said: That is my slave. I have come to get him. prgtoken The straw boss said: You called out a name. That man never answered to that name. No, he is a good worker. He is not your slave. prgtoken That is how Richard Holmes, whose name was called out, by the slave prgtoken owner, ``Richard,'' remained in the District of Columbia so I could become Eleanor Katherine Holmes and ultimately the Member who represents the District. ``Richard,'' they called out. By not answering to his name, Richard Holmes must have practiced for the day when the slaveholder would
NOAH FALANCE MARTINEZ
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-4-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Noah Falance Martinez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken The Youth Award focuses on teenagers who have overcome personal adversity and created positive changes in their lives and their community. The program provides businesses, the community and civic leaders an opportunity to support young people in their communities and recognize their accomplishments. Noah is the perfect recipient for this award because despite adversities and challenges, he has become an inspiration and role model for his peers. prgtoken The dedication and leadership demonstrated by Noah is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Noah Falance Martinez for this well-deserved recognition. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2019-4-9

basic healthcare coverage for 23 million everyday Americans and thousands of people in my district of the Virgin Islands is at risk of being undermined because our friends across the aisle fail to have the same urgency about these impending calamities. prgtoken Virgin Islanders are at a critical junction. We face a daunting and devastating Medicaid cliff on September 30, 2019, an absolute collapse in Medicaid. prgtoken Our colleagues continue the work to dismantle healthcare for millions of Americans right now. They voted to eliminate protection for preexisting conditions and to strip their healthcare coverage. prgtoken Last weekend, the administration escalated its attack on Americans' healthcare by supporting a Federal judge's ruling that the entire Affordable Care Act should be thrown out. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues: What side will history find you on, protecting American families or the need to protect partisan interests? prgtoken A demonstration of this was the -controlled Senate's failure last week to advance a disaster aid package that includes billions for American families still recovering from 2017 natural disasters. prgtoken Be on the right side of history.
TAXPAYER FIRST ACT OF 2019
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-4-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 1957, as amended, the Taxpayer First Act of 2019. prgtoken I would like to begin by thanking my good friend, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), who is the chair of the Appropriations Committee for her support and helping move this important bill. prgtoken , this is not a or a ic bill. It is an American one. I am proud of the process and the product. I also want to thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady; the Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Kelly, my good friend; and all members of the Subcommittee on Oversight for joining me on this bill. prgtoken I also would like to thank our former subcommittee chairs, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan) and our former colleague from Kansas, Ms. Jenkins, for their great work. prgtoken In addition, I am pleased that Chairman Grassley, and Ranking Member Wyden introduced a companion bill in the Senate. prgtoken , I would also like to congratulate all of the House Members and Senators who have bills and ideas that are included in this bill. prgtoken , as you well know, and as I know, and as other members of the committee know, this is a good bill. It is a necessary bill to do what is right and what is fair. prgtoken In particular, I would like to thank our staff, Karen, Rachel, Susan, Isabella, Zach, Lindsay, Jason, Lori, Michael, and Jamila. They worked so hard on this important bill, and I have faith that this time we will cross the finish line. We have been trying for years. Three times this bill passed the House. These individuals worked so hard on this important bill, and I have faith that this time we will do more than just cross the finish line. prgtoken For many years, the Oversight Subcommittee worked in a bipartisan manner to improve the IRS. This bill is the result of many hearings, thoughtful oversight, and help from stakeholders we took our time and we did it right. prgtoken We asked and Members to provide feedback. We reached out to taxpayers and advocates. We asked questions and listened to the response. We listened to the answers. We learned that we all share the common goal of finding ways to help American taxpayers, and there is no time like the present. prgtoken , this is the season when millions of Americans are working around the clock to file their taxes by April 15. I am proud that this Congress will respond to their concerns with this bill to improve taxpayer services, protect taxpayers during enforcement, and strengthen the appeals process. prgtoken , the Taxpayer First Act contains many commonsense policies to achieve these goals. For example, the bill provides for matching grants for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which help low-income and moderate-income taxpayers complete and file their taxes. prgtoken This bill also protects low-income taxpayers and people who receive Social Security disa
CELEBRATING ROMANI AMERICAN HERITAGE
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-4-9

today I rise to celebrate International Roma Day, which occurred yesterday, April 8, 2019. Last week, Senator Wicker, the Helsinki Commission's Senate cochairman, and I introduced a resolution that celebrates Romani American heritage. prgtoken As a member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism & Intolerance, I have long worked to improve the situation of Roma throughout the OSCE region. prgtoken The resolution we introduced on April 4 does four things. prgtoken First, it recognizes and celebrates Romani American heritage. Roma have come to the United States with every wave of European migration since the colonial period. In the United States,there may be as many as 1 million Americans with some Romani ancestry, whether distant or more recent. Romani people have made distinct and important contributions in many fields, including agriculture, art, crafts, literature, medicine, military service, music, sports, and science. prgtoken Second, it supports International Roma Day and the Department of State's robust engagement in activities to honor that occasion. On April 8, 1971, the First World Romani Congress met in London, bringing together Roma from across Europe and the United States with the goal of promoting transnational cooperation among Roma, combating social marginalization, and building a positive future for Roma everywhere. April 8 is now celebrated as International Roma Day around the world. U.S. Ambassadors and our Embassies across Europe are frequently asked to participate in April 8 celebrations across the region. I commend the important work they are doing as they demonstrate U.S. commitment to inclusive societies not only on April 8 but throughout the entire year. prgtoken Third, this resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the so-called Gypsy Family Camp at Auschwitz. Experts estimate that 200,000 to 500,000 Romani people were killed in death camps and elsewhere throughout Europe. On August 2 to 3, 1944, Nazis murdered between 4,200 and 4,300 Romani men, women, and children in gas chambers when the Nazis decided to liquidate this camp. A number of governments have taken important steps in recent years to commemorate the genocide of Roma, to remember the victims, and educate future generations. Germany took an important step when it opened a memorial in Berlin for Sinti and Roma victims of national socialism. I also commend the Czech Government for its decision to remove the pig farm at the site of the Lety concentration camp and address remaining issues regarding the proper memorialization of that sensitive site. prgtoken Finally, this resolution commends the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for its critically important role in promoting remembrance of the Holocaust and educating audiences about the genocide of Roma. The U.S. H
2019 DEMOCRATIC FRESHMAN CLASS
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-4-9

. Madam , I thank Congressman Neguse for sharing some of his time with Congresswoman Hill from California. prgtoken This Special Order hour has truly been special, and what a delight to reflect on these first 100 days with a historic freshman class in a new season here in the Nation's Capital. prgtoken Madam , I would like to conclude this Special Order hour of the freshman class of the 116th Congress, and .
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail (Executive Calendar)
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-9

. from Tennessee. prgtoken Dr. King continues: You may well ask: ``Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?'' You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word ``tension.'' I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue. One of the basic points in your statement is that the action that I and my associates have taken in Birmingham is untimely. Some have asked: ``Why didn't you give the new city administration time to act?'' The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act. We are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell as mayor will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is a much more gentle person than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, dedicated to maintenance of the status quo. I have hope that Mr. Boutwell will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuh
WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-4-9

when we took our oath in January, no issue before us was more critical than healthcare. prgtoken Over the past 100 days, we have fought the administration's efforts to gut the Affordable Care Act at every turn. We must keep at it because the ACA has allowed 53,000 New Hampshire residents to enroll in Medicaid expansion. The coverage for substance use disorder makes it the best tool we have to fight the opioid crisis. prgtoken We also voted to empower House counsel to defend coverage for those with preexisting conditions. Half the adult population in my State of New Hampshire has a preexisting condition. We can't go back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against them. prgtoken We have also introduced legislation that will lower premiums, strengthen patient protections, and crack down on junk plans that could send New Hampshire families right into bankruptcy. prgtoken Lowering costs and expanding access to care must continue to be at the top of our priority list. Nothing is more important to the health of our districts and the well-being of this Nation. prgtoken Let's work together to improve our healthcare system, not play politics with it.
SAVE THE INTERNET ACT OF 2019
Antonio Delgado (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-9

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, I want to first thank my colleague, Chairman Doyle, for his leadership on this bill. prgtoken The Save the Internet Act restores critical net neutrality protections that the FCC repealed last year. This legislation is necessary to hold on firm legal ground the net neutrality principles we should all support: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization. prgtoken While ensuring a free and open internet is of the utmost importance, so, too, is ensuring broadband internet access for all. In fact, according to the FCC's 2018 Communications Marketplace Report, nearly one in four Americans lack access to broadband internet service at home. prgtoken As a proud Representative of one of the most rural congressional districts in the country, I cannot overstate what prgtoken a huge problem this is. Individuals and small businesses in my district still lack access to stand-alone broadband internet because of high service costs, a lack of broadband infrastructure, and outdated and unreasonable bundling practices that require consumers to purchase a home telephone service or a cable package as a condition for purchasing broadband internet service. prgtoken In today's global economy, broadband shouldn't come with any strings attached. That is why my amendment would give GAO 1 year to report to Congress on the benefits to consumers of making broadband internet service available to everyone on a standalone basis. prgtoken Additionally, it would include recommendations to Congress on ways to increase the availability of stand-alone broadband internet service to consumers, particularly those living in rural areas. prgtoken Consumers increasingly don't want to buy big cable bundles. They just want access to the internet. That is why I urge support for this amendment and for the underlying bill. prgtoken Madam Chair, .