mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-3-8

I thank the gentlewoman from Texas and our co-anchors. I want to thank our Chairwoman, Congresswoman Beatty; Congresswoman Sewell, as well; and to all who have participated tonight. Thank you, Brother Torres, as well. prgtoken , I rise in honor of my colleague and friend, my hero, a hero to all of us, John Lewis, and to mark the anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march. prgtoken When our country was founded almost 250 years ago, African Americans were denied full access and participation in society, and we have been fighting to rectify these wrongs ever since. Among the most important influential agents of this mission was John Lewis, the conscience of this Congress; a mastermind of good, good, good trouble; a courageous and compassionate man who gave everything, including his blood and his body, to the civil rights movement. prgtoken From Selma to the U.S. House, John wasn't afraid to put everything on the line for what he believed in. Fifty-six years ago, he marched so that people who look like me could be full participants in our society. Fifty-six years later, we are still fighting to be seen, to be heard, to be counted in our democracy, a democracy that we helped to build. prgtoken For centuries, this country has made promises to marginalized communities that have gone mostly unmet, promises of freedom, equality, and access to opportunity. prgtoken In my home State of North Carolina, discriminatory voter regulations plague our past and even our present. Most recently, we have experienced a decade of voter suppression laws that target minority voters with surgical precision and illegally gerrymandered maps that have thrown our election into chaos. Voting in North Carolina has never been treated as it should be, as a fundamental right for all citizens. The For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will address this by cleaning up corruption in Washington and returning us to a government of, by, and for the people. prgtoken H.R. 1 will protect and expand voting rights, restore integrity to government, and put the priorities of the American people ahead of special interests. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act provides the tools to address discriminatory election practices and will protect all Americans' right to vote. prgtoken These important bills are critical first steps toward healing our democracy. I won't allow voter suppression to continue to be the norm in North Carolina or in our Nation. That is why we must honor our friend John's legacy by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and sending both of these bills to the President's desk. prgtoken Our power, our message.
TRIBUTE TO GAYLE GRIFFIN, AFGE'S DISTRICT 7 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to the career and ongoing legacy of Gayle Griffin, a retired nurse formerly employed at Milwaukee's Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3. She is an exemplary voice in our community and has consistently used her position to defend others. I want to congratulate her on her recent selection as AFGE's District 7 Woman of the Year. prgtoken Gayle is the first African American to ever be elected president of her Local AFGE branch. During her time in AFGE leadership, she has continually used her position to advocate for her members against anti- union executive orders, racism, and other inequities as a fierce champion for social justice. prgtoken Throughout her eleven-year career as a nurse serving our veterans at the Milwaukee VA, Gayle was one of many Black nurses who endured racism in her workplace. However, rather than backing down, she resolutely sought to protect and defend the rights of workers at the Local AFGE branch. She has spoken out about the tremendous struggles that VA nursing staff are facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and has repeatedly called for more honest communication from the Department of Veterans Affairs with its employees. prgtoken On February 21, 2021, Gayle was selected as AFGE's District 7 Woman of the Year. This important award is granted to those who exhibit selfless dedication to union solidarity, public service, and workplace health and safety. This is an honor that Gayle has truly earned. She has fought tirelessly to protect the health of veterans, for workers' rights, and for commonsense workplace safety and equity--especially during the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Her altruistic spirit and inspiring dedication to her colleagues and community are why Gayle is so deserving of the title of AFGE's District 7 Woman of the Year. Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District, and the veterans who depend on the VA for their health care, have been made better as a result of Gayle's phenomenal work. I sincerely respect her determination and applaud her accomplishments. Madam , I am proud to honor my constituent and her recent accomplishment and celebrate the great work that she and others in AFGE District 7 are doing in service to our veterans, our country and the state of Wisconsin.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I will take a few seconds to say thank you to the Congressional Black Caucus, to Congresswoman Jackson Lee; Congresswoman Terri Sewell; the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Joyce Beatty; and so many members. prgtoken , I have been watching the presentation. It is so heartwarming, but I did not want to miss the chance to say thank you to all of you for this commemoration of this 56th anniversary. For so many of us who have gone there many times over, it is a hole in our heart not to be able to be there for our precious John Lewis, who gave us so much. prgtoken In the next couple of days, we are going to be talking about justice, jobs, healthcare, and all the things that he stood for. And we are going to pass H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 and have the John Lewis language become law. prgtoken , I, again, thank the Congressional Black Caucus.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-8

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, who has provided our road map that we are going to use to take this long journey, and we are not going to stop until we finish the job. prgtoken , from Georgia (Mrs. McBath). This distinguished Congresswoman has a voice of passion for an issue that John Lewis had a voice of passion for, and I believe that it clearly was before she came, if I am not mistaken, that John Lewis led a floor boycott so that gun legislation could be passed. prgtoken You see, he is and was the conscience of the Congress. I think he must have known that Congresswoman McBath was coming to Congress.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2021-3-8

I thank the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Joyce Beatty. prgtoken I would like to thank the original anchors of tonight's and every CBC Special Order hour, the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Torres). I thank them for relinquishing to me, just for tonight's Special Order hour, the opportunity to be a guest anchor. prgtoken Yesterday, we commemorated the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, an event in American history where ordinary Americans in my hometown of Selma, Alabama, brought about extraordinary social change as they peacefully demonstrated for the equal right to vote. prgtoken Each year, those foot soldiers would return to the Edmund Pettus Bridge to seek renewal, rededication, recommitment to the cause for which they fought, the cause of justice and equality. These heroes, known and unknown, risked their very lives for the opportunity of all Americans to vote. prgtoken So many people got to read about it in their history books. I got to live it, being a native of Selma, Alabama, a daughter of Selma, but also a lifetime member of the historic Brown Chapel AME Church, where those marchers gathered peacefully before they walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. prgtoken Yesterday was a solemn day. I did so walking across that bridge without John Lewis. Congressman Lewis is known to so many as an icon. But when you grow up in Selma, Alabama, he is more than just that. He was our hero. Only in America could a little, Black girl grow up and watch her hero, year after year after year, always during Bloody Sunday, come back to Selma to remind the world that his cause, their cause, was not over yet. prgtoken We know that progress is elusive. We know that every generation must fight and fight again for the progress that was made by the previous generation, and they must advance it as well. prgtoken When I look at John Lewis on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, I can't help but be reminded of the very young John Lewis who, 56 years ago, carried a backpack. prgtoken Now, you know, madam co-anchor, that in that backpack, he had an apple, he had a toothbrush, and he had a Bible. He said that he wanted to be prepared to spend the night in jail. prgtoken He and Hosea Williams and 600 marchers peacefully marched for the right to vote. But they were met on that bridge by a sea of Alabama State Troopers who told them that they had 5 minutes to disperse--5 minutes to disperse. They wanted to gather and pray. They almost started to kneel, but they didn't have time to do that, because the very people whose job it was to protect and serve the people were the ones who beat them with billy clubs while riding horseback and gassed them. prgtoken When I think about John Lewis, it is this iconic picture of John being beaten at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. prgtoken He wasn't alone. So many people that people don't know about, like Amelia Boynton Robi
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I am so glad he is back. prgtoken Madam , I rise to speak in support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or the PRO Act. prgtoken I am the daughter of a garment worker. So the fight for workers' rights has always had a special place in my heart. My mother toiled and worked every single day in the sweatshops in New Haven, Connecticut, sewing shirt collars and dresses. She was piecework, which meant she got pennies on the dollar. prgtoken As chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, I work every day to ensure that her early struggles were not in vain. prgtoken I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the PRO Act, introduced by the chair of the Committee, Congressman Bobby Scott. It strengthens the right of working people to come together in unions to secure better wages and better working conditions. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the single biggest economic challenge of our times, which is that people's pay does not keep up with the rising costs of healthcare, education, and childcare. prgtoken And from 1980 to 2017, average incomes for the bottom 90 percent of households stagnated to a 1.1 percent increase, while skyrocketing more than 180 percent for the wealthiest 1 percent in this country. It is no coincidence that at the same time, union membership fell for a record low to 10 percent. prgtoken Economists at Princeton found that the alarming rise of income inequality since the 1970s can be at least partially attributed to the decline in union membership. prgtoken The PRO Act is about leveling the playing field for working people. It would directly address the issues facing workers across the entire economy and give equal access to the collective bargaining process. In sum, it would ensure workers' rights keep pace with the new economy. prgtoken As Nobel prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has said: ``Inequality is not inevitable. It is about the public policy choices we make, not globalization, not technology.'' prgtoken Madam , we have the opportunity today to choose a public policy that, in fact, will defend and protect working people in this country. Pass the PRO Act.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLES WALKER PREWITT SR.
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to observe and mourn the passing of a talented scientist, college professor, and most notably a ``citizen of the world'' who passionately advocated for world peace and justice, Mr. Charlie Prewitt, of Mansfield Hollow, Connecticut. My friend Charlie passed at the extraordinary age of 102 on January 7, 2021, sadly due to complications related to the coronavirus. prgtoken My statement today could not begin to encapsulate all that Charlie had accomplished during his industrious life. Born in Indiana in 1918, he showed such academic aptitude from an early age when he entered the second grade by age five. A prolific musician, playing both piano and violin, he received a scholarship to play in the Transylvania University orchestra where he would then go onto earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Charlie also met the love of his life, Virginia Stewart, at his alma mater--a love that would last 65 years. prgtoken Charlie went on to continue his education at Louisiana State University when his graduate work was interrupted by World War II. Due to his background in chemistry, he was conscripted to work at Dupont Chemical on extending the burn rate of gunpowder. That work led him to the Manhattan Project where he collected samples from reactors and ran titrations on plutonium. His involvement in the creation of nuclear weapons and intimate knowledge of their terrifying power was a driving motivation for his determined commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. prgtoken When the war ended, Charlie completed his graduate work, obtaining a Master's in Education at University of Kentucky, followed by a Doctorate in Science Education at Columbia University. In 1952, he and Virginia finally landed in Willimantic, Connecticut when he moved to take a professorship at the then named Willimantic State Teachers College, now Eastern Connecticut State University. His commitment to his students and his passion for educating educators was unmatched. His leadership led to the establishment of a minor degree in Peace and Human Rights at the University and the development of a scholarship program for students pursuing this degree. prgtoken While he remained in Connecticut for the rest of his life and career, Charlie never lost sight of foreign affairs. He accepted a Fulbright Scholarship to Myanmar, a U.S. AID position in Afghanistan and finally joined a Ford Foundation project in Pakistan. His commitment to war resistance, social justice, peace, and advancement of human rights never wavered. prgtoken Charlie and I crossed paths many times during my time in public service, and while we would engage in healthy debate, our conversations always left me with a deeper understanding of the issues and an even deeper respect for his commitment to them. Charlie's loss leaves a deep void in the activist community in Eastern Connecticut and around the world. He now goes on to join his loving wife Virginia, who regretfully prede
HONORING THE LIFE OF HECTOR F. ELIZALDE
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor a true champion for veterans, a dear friend, a wonderful employee and colleague, a proud resident of the City of Monrovia, and a dedicated, caring gentleman in Hector Elizalde, our beloved Deputy District Director of the 32nd District, who died on February 7, 2021, from complications due to COVID-19. For the past 11 years, Hector was truly devoted to his job of defending, advocating for, and serving veterans and their families, and tackling any problem that came his way. He was the embodiment of what it means to serve one's nation and one's community, holding true to his pledge to never leave a soldier behind, whether on the battlefield or city street. prgtoken Hector F. Elizalde was born in Chicago, IL on February 15, 1946. He served in the United States Army from July 31, 1964, until he was honorably discharged on July 28, 1967. Hector later graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He worked for some of America's most recognized companies, such as Anheuser-Busch, Stroh Brewery Company, PepsiCo, and Don King Productions. His career advancements led the Elizalde family to live throughout the country, from 1984, in the states of Michigan, Connecticut, New York, and Florida until his return to California in 1997. Hector could have continued excelling in lucrative professions, but he had a great sense of duty to any and all fellow veterans, and also to his neighbors. prgtoken From the very first day he entered our office in the spring of 2010 until his very last on this earth, Hector honorably served the veteran community. Whether it was helping a homeless veteran find shelter or escorting the casket of a fallen servicemember at the airport, Hector's compassion for helping veterans touched countless lives. Giving out his personal cell phone number was nothing out of the ordinary, and whenever he did so, he made sure everyone knew that it was a 24/7 number. prgtoken Hector understood the frustration many veterans felt because of delays in VA benefits and routine health checkups that would take an entire day. He took this personally and vowed we must do better. Under his tenure as Military/Veterans Liaison, we began to hold an annual Veterans Forum, to bring the VA to the San Gabriel Valley, which grew in size and reach each successive year. As a result of Hector's persistence and laser-focus on the mission, the San Gabriel Valley VA Health Clinic was opened in May 2019 in Arcadia, CA. prgtoken A sharp dresser, but very humble individual, he never sought nor wanted praise. He was there for everybody. He served not only the people of the 32nd District, but all of Los Angeles County, as Chair of the Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission, to which he was appointed by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. prgtoken Since his passing, the outpouring from people whose lives he touched has been immeasurable, becau
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , today, the Committee on Rules met and reported House Resolution 188, providing structured rules for consideration of H.R. 842, H.R. 8, and H.R. 1446. prgtoken For H.R. 842, the rule self-executes a manager's amendment by Chairman Scott, makes in order 19 amendments, and provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking member of the Committee on Education and Labor. prgtoken For H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, the rule makes in order eight and four amendments, respectively, and provides 1 hour of debate for each bill equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken The rule further provides en bloc authority and a motion to recommit for each bill. prgtoken The rule also adds an additional minority member to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. prgtoken Finally, the rule provides for recess instructions, suspension authority, and same-day authority from March 13 through April 22, and activates the Consensus Calendar. prgtoken Madam , this is the first time I have been able to be on the floor and present in almost a year. A year ago, as some of you know, I had an accident and proceeded to spend 6 weeks in the George Washington University Hospital intensive care unit, 4 of those weeks on a ventilator. prgtoken My sons came from California to be told by the doctors in a windowless room at George Washington that I had about a 10 percent chance of survival. The next day, they got a phone call, expecting to hear that their dad had died. Instead, the doctor told them that I was doing better. prgtoken Madam , I know that you know how grateful we are to have the wonderful gift of life, to share it with our children, and to be here in this sanctum sanctorum of American democracy. I am grateful. I am grateful to my staff, to the providence of our creator, and to my family. prgtoken Madam , our Nation is struggling, and not only because of the coronavirus pandemic. Our Nation needs bold, meaningful changes to make a real difference for average Americans. That is what the three bills before us today do. Each addresses its own epidemic: gun violence; inequality; and, unfortunately, an ugly part of human nature, greed. prgtoken Madam , nearly 40,000 people died from firearm injuries in the United States in 2019. History would show that enacting smart, evidence-based policies based on public health premises reduces this sad phenomenon. prgtoken Madam , 22 percent of U.S. gun owners acquired their most recent firearm without a background check. That means that millions of Americans got millions of guns with no questions asked. Approximately 80 percent of all firearms acquired for criminal purposes are obtained through private party transfers, which currently do not require background checks. prgtoken Ninety-six percent of the inmates surveyed, who were prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time they committed their crim
IN HONOR OF DR. ANDREW BROOKS
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today, along with Congressman Soto, to honor the life of Dr. Andrew Ira Brooks, a hero of the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Brooks, a longtime Research Professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, passed away on January 23, 2021 after a vibrant life filled with numerous professional and personal accomplishments. prgtoken Dr. Brooks led the effort to develop the Rutgers COVID-19 diagnostic assay in early 2020. This COVID-19 rapid test received FDA Emergency Use Authorization in March 2020 as the first approved saliva diagnostic and was the first test approved for home use. It is particularly important because this low-contact collection method helps protect our frontline medical workers. To date, there have been over four million clinical tests, undoubtedly saving the lives of many around our country and providing a practical tool for pandemic control. prgtoken Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Brooks went on to receive his Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and became their Director of Medical Center Core Facilities. Four years later, he returned to his home state to direct the joint Rutgers/UMDNJ EOHSI Bionomics Research and Technology Center with an appointment as Research Professor in the Rutgers University Department of Genetics. prgtoken In 2009, Dr. Brooks became Chief Operating Officer and Director of Technology Development of RUCDR, Infinite Biologics, a Rutgers public/ private partnership. He also served 17 years as an advisor to the Food and Drug Administration, as Director of the Harlan GeneScreen Laboratory and as Co-Founding Director of the BioProcessing Solutions Alliance. In June 2020, Dr. Brooks founded Infinity BiologiX and became its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Brooks also made significant academic contributions to the improvement of human health and the field of biomedicine which can be seen in the 70 publications he coauthored, several with over 1000 citations in the literature. prgtoken Dr. Brooks loved golf, playing the sport throughout his life. He was an extraordinarily accomplished amateur, winning international tournaments with his skill, concentration, and friendly competitive spirit. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Phyllis Brooks, his sister, Janet Green, his children Lauren, Hannah and Danielle, and his loving wife, Jil Brooks, as well as many dear friends and colleagues. prgtoken Madam , I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring Dr. Andrew Brooks for his dedication to the medical field and the countless lives he saved by leading the effort to develop the Rutgers COVID-19 saliva test.