mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HELP FOR THE SURVIVORS OF THE LAHAINA FIRE
Jill N. Tokuda (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-2-14

last week on Thursday I flew to Maui to be with our Lahaina ohana as we mark the 6-month anniversary of the fires. prgtoken On Sunday, our hearts were full and our eyes were misty as we watched our Lunas do the coin toss at the Super Bowl. prgtoken Just yesterday, Maui police confirmed the identity of the 101st victim, Mr. Paul Kasprzycki. He was 76 years old. prgtoken It is a stark reminder of the pain and loss that our people feel and the roller coaster of emotions our community experiences every single day. prgtoken According to a preliminary study of Maui's fire survivors released last week, 55 percent of people surveyed are exhibiting signs of depression. prgtoken Survivors also report higher than average rates of low self-esteem and suicidal ideation. Our people are hurting. prgtoken The reality is we can clear debris, we can rebuild our schools and reopen roads, but healing the pain and the trauma you can't see but people feel, that is much harder, which is why we need to hold wellness fairs and meet people where they are. prgtoken We need to make sure that the work of our Federal public health officers are supported so they can be there for survivors and frontline workers. prgtoken There is a mental health crisis ravaging our people now. All of us need to be there for them, and we must do everything we can to provide all of our survivors and disaster responders with the mental health care and support they need now. Mahalo.
STORM DAMAGE
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2024-2-14

since December 18, 2023, my home State of Maine has endured a barrage of devastating storms causing severe flooding, power outages, and millions of dollars in damages. prgtoken The sheer destruction that these storms have done to our working waterfronts is astonishing. prgtoken More frequent, intense storms, floods, and rising sea levels mean our communities will continue to be faced with the kind of devastation we have seen in Maine over the past few weeks. prgtoken At the same time, our working waterfronts are rapidly disappearing nationwide due to heavy development pressure. prgtoken When fishermen must grapple with the loss of wharves, processing facilities, and other essential infrastructure, in addition to navigating the challenge of climate change, it threatens the very survival of our communities. prgtoken My and Congressman Wittman's bipartisan Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act will help reverse a worrying trend of shrinking waterfronts while simultaneously protecting jobs and preserving the character of our coastal communities. prgtoken Congress must act to protect our working waterfronts and the more than 30,000 Mainers and 2.3 million Americans who rely on marine- related industries for their livelihoods. This is bigger than any of us.
RECOGNIZING MINNESOTA SOYBEAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BOB WORTH
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to congratulate outgoing Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) President Bob Worth. prgtoken Bob has served more than two decades with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association in various roles: beginning as a volunteer, treasurer, secretary and lastly as president. MSGA is our nation's longest-running state soybean association, and Bob is the only Minnesota farmer to have served multiple, two-year terms as president. Bob also has worked on his father's corn and soybean farm in southwest Minnesota for more than 50 years with his wife Gail, their son Jon and Jon's family. prgtoken I'm thankful for our strong working relationship during his time with MSGA. During his tenure, Bob has become a national spokesperson for rural mental health awareness; in this role, he's bravely shared his story and encouraged his fellow rural residents to rally around each other. Bob is also a strong advocate and leader in expanding and protecting renewable biofuels. Thanks to the hard work from leaders like Bob, Minnesota became the first state to require biodiesel in our diesel fuel blends when Bob first served as MSGA president. prgtoken In Congress, I am proud to be a co-chair of the bipartisan House Biofuels Caucus and a strong advocate for renewable biofuels. In particular, I have urged the FDA to consider how biofuels can address climate change and improve emissions factors. Homegrown biofuels are tools we have at our fingertips right now to help address climate change, thanks to leaders like Bob. prgtoken I'm grateful for our partnership, and I wish Bob and his family the best in his next chapter.
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-2-14

up to 40 percent of the food produced in our country goes to waste. Food waste packs our landfills, increases harmful emissions that contribute to our climate crisis, and drives up costs for producers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. prgtoken With 44 million of our fellow citizens struggling with food insecurity, it is clear we need a better nationwide strategy to divert food that is perfectly good to eat from landfills and to the plates of hungry families. prgtoken I am grateful for the efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration for their work in leading an interagency task force to tackle this very issue. prgtoken Their work, coming out of the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, has resulted in a comprehensive Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics. prgtoken The strategy, which I ask all of my colleagues to read, details how each and every one of us, from citizens to government agencies, can do our part to reduce food waste as we work to end hunger now.
APPEASEMENT DOES NOT WORK
Greg Landsman (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to address the very serious national security and global stability crisis that we face--preventing a global war in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East. prgtoken There is now a bipartisan bill that should be brought to a vote to prevent what we all know could happen because it has happened before. prgtoken It was 1938 when Hitler took Austria. A policy of appeasement was pursued. A year later, Hitler invaded Poland. Appeasement didn't work. prgtoken In fact, appeasement cost American taxpayers the equivalent of $4 trillion, over 400,000 soldiers killed, and 6 million Jews murdered. prgtoken We may not get this bipartisan national security and global stability bill because of the dangerous ideology of appeasement. prgtoken Unless folks are compromised, it is appeasement. Encouraging Putin to do whatever he wants--which are the actual words of the former President, and something that many in this Chamber believe--is shocking. prgtoken We cannot appease Putin as others did with Hitler. We must push Putin back and get him out of Eastern Europe now. We have to pass this bill, and when the brings it to the floor, we will.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Madam , I have a strong belief in the power of international trade agreements to make a profound difference. It is not just because 95 percent of the global economy is outside the United States. These agreements are necessary to raise standards, protect the environment, and to avoid the tragedy of the commons. prgtoken I have seen the global economy raise living standards in China, Africa, and India, Singapore being the most powerful example. However, there were decidedly mixed results with Mexico. The gap between theory and practice showed that the promise of NAFTA was overblown and that the critics were right. prgtoken Poor Mexican farmers could not compete against massively subsidized American corn, and U.S. workers could not compete against $3 an hour Mexican factory workers. prgtoken Too much of American business was focused on financial and tax engineering, not actually engineering better products. They were gaming the tax system and extending patent protection, not winning new patents. The worst example was GE's downward spiral under Jack Welch's ruthless capitalism. However, I have been encouraged with the administration's worker-centered trade policy. prgtoken I am proud of my work as the lead on the Ways and Means Committee dealing with international trade, working to level the playing field, fighting to improve trade agreements. prgtoken We made major advances, for example, reducing illegal logging by more than 40 percent and providing legislation that was a model for other countries to help stem this damaging practice. Our May 10th Agreement provided enforceable labor and environmental standards. prgtoken I was pleased to help lead the effort to revise NAFTA to strengthen its environmental protections, worker protections, and the enforcement of agreements to protect these advances. I hope these NAFTA revisions will start a new era of trade policy, but it is time to push back against the Chinese. prgtoken I am tired of their two-tiered system where they claim to be a developing country when it works to their advantage while being an economic powerhouse, one of the largest and most powerful in the world. prgtoken We must fight to protect and strengthen the WTO. There is no substitute for our being engaged in Geneva along with 163 other countries. It is hard work, but it is worth it. prgtoken Finally, we must battle to have China honor their WTO commitments made three decades ago. I have a special concern about the de minimis loophole, a provision in our tax code that allows China to ship directly to American consumers $800 or less in terms of product value. It is going to allow a billion packages into the United States economy untaxed, uninspected. We have 15 attorneys general who have raised the alarm about this provision. We are seeing shoddy products made with slave labor. They are shipping fentanyl precursors directly to American drug dealers. It is time to stop that practic
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH HONOREES
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-14

today I rise to honor and recognize a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to preserving African-American history and enriching our understanding of our shared past. prgtoken Crystal Jackson, born and raised in Pacoima, California, has dedicated her life to the telling of stories that often go unheard. prgtoken Crystal Jackson is not only an author, filmmaker, and historian, but a trailblazer whose unique stories about an often overlooked but rich cultural African-American history have captivated audiences in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Her impressive body of work reflects her unwavering commitment to shedding light on the untold stories that have shaped our Nation. prgtoken In 2019 Crystal released her critically acclaimed history book, ``The Entrance: Pacoima's Story.'' In over 676 pages, she meticulously traces the 1,500-year history of Pacoima, one of Los Angeles' oldest towns. prgtoken Through 5 years of research and countless interviews with current and former residents, Crystal has brought to life the rich tapestry of Pacoima's history, ensuring that the stories of its people are preserved for generations to come. prgtoken Beyond her work as an author, Crystal has made significant contributions as a filmmaker. She has written several motion picture screenplays and directed the award-winning film ``PacoimaStories: Land of Dreams,'' which was nominated for best feature documentary at the Pan African Film Festival. prgtoken Through her films, Crystal has brought attention to the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of the community she calls home. prgtoken In 2022 Crystal released her first biographical fiction book, ``Not Colored,'' a historical novel based on the life of the first woman to work in the LAPD's detective unit who happened to be Black. This work not only explores historical milestones but also challenges prevailing narratives, offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of underrepresented individuals. prgtoken In addition to her creative endeavors, Crystal is a dedicated community leader. She serves on the advisory council for the Getty Conservation Institute and the City of Los Angeles Office of Historic Preservation. prgtoken Crystal is also a special consultant for the UCLA History and Geography Project, working to incorporate local history into the LAUSD curriculum. She also serves on the board of directors at both the Center for Advanced Learning Charter School and The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. prgtoken As the president of the Pacoima Historical Society, Crystal has become a driving force within her community utilizing her extensive social media following to amplify the importance of preserving and celebrating African-American history. prgtoken I commend Crystal Jackson for her outstanding contributions to African-American history, her dedication to preserving untold stories, and her unwavering commitment to community service. prgtoken Through her wor
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-2-14

this is Black History Month. This is a moment to recount the journey of African Americans in America. prgtoken I rise today to speak about H.R. 40, the Commission to Study Slavery and Develop Reparation Proposals introduced by John Conyers almost 40 years ago. I was honored and privileged on his retirement for him giving me the honor of carrying this legislation. prgtoken For many in this body, one would wonder why we need to retrace that history of slavery. It is an amazing and powerful history. It is an amazing history of unselfishness, but at the same time the dividing of families, the blocking of learning to read, and the violence of the whole condition of slavery. prgtoken Again, it is a time in America's history that we must review and understand. prgtoken As a Member of the United States Congress, I have introduced this legislation and look forward to its passage by executive order. At the same time, I want my colleagues to come join me, to walk the Emancipation Trail, which I have introduced and it has passed in this House. That is the trail that slaves took in 1865 after General Granger came and indicated that slaves west of the Mississippi were free. prgtoken That trail has not yet been finalized, but, , this will be a major part of America's history. Join me in supporting the Emancipation Trail.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7176, UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-14

by ignoring the bipartisan Senate bill to provide support to our allies, instead of keeping faith with our allies in Ukraine, who have stood proudly and strongly against all odds and against all expectations, and who continue to do so, instead of voting to send them the support they need, to have our allies' back, we are debating this same stuff over and over. prgtoken We all know why. It is at the direction of one former President for political, selfish reasons, the same person who called my brothers and sisters in arms suckers and losers. He is now the puppet master as Putin gets every single thing he wants. prgtoken How can I look this young man and all the people who we are sending to all of our service academies in the eye, when we can't even have a vote? If you don't want to vote for democracy and freedom, fine, but at least be proud enough and brave enough to stand on the floor of the House of Representatives and let your constituents know that. prgtoken , I won't use the full balance of the time that the gentleman yielded. I just strongly urge all of my colleagues, not as partisans, not as politicians, but as patriots, demand a vote on this bill and stand and be counted. prgtoken Let us stand with our allies in Europe. Let us stand with our allies in the Middle East against Iran. Let us stand with our allies in the Indo-Pacific. That is what we owe the American people.
WITNESSING THE AUTO INDUSTRY BAILOUT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-14

it is a privilege to be on the House floor this evening, this Valentine's Day, collecting my thoughts and remembering a bit of history. prgtoken We had quite the whirlwind year last year in Michigan and in this country. As I think about the fall, we were preparing to appropriate fiscal year 2024's authorizations, and we were stalemated and still in a continuing resolution of funding the government. prgtoken At the same time, we were also witnessing our United Auto Workers union set forth a record strike effort, targeting all of the Big Three for what they dubbed as record profits, meaning a record contract. That was, in many respects, a whirlwind time period. Then, to add to it, our beloved ally in the Middle East, the only democratic nation in the Middle East, Israel, was attacked. prgtoken Members of Congress, residents in Michigan, and people across this country, our heads were certainly spinning in many respects. For those of us tied to the auto industry, we were looking at the strike that took place, and we were being reminded of a little bit of history. We were being reminded why the UAW, at that moment, was saying we have record profits in the auto industry, but now we are looking for a record contract, because 15 years ago, the UAW made major concessions. prgtoken They made major concessions during a strategic effort led by the administration and carried over from the administration. The administration said we are going to leave this to the next administration for how we make decisions impacting the auto industry. prgtoken Fifteen years ago, we were in the wake of the Lehman Brothers crash. We saw our economy spinning out of control, unemployment shooting up in ways that we hadn't experienced as a country since the Great Depression. We had pressure on our insurance industry and our housing sector. We had a foreclosure crisis, and then we had the unbelievable challenges that were facing our auto industry. prgtoken The Troubled Asset Relief Program was passed through this very Chamber at a time when I was on the campaign trail. I was working to elect the next President of the United States of America. This very Chamber, under the leadership of then- Pelosi, passed the Troubled Asset Relief Program to stabilize our financial sector that had gotten in trouble due to lack of regulation, to stabilize the insurance industry, to stabilize the housing sector, and some emergency relief dollars for the auto industry, which President gave in a temporary fashion and then said, very famously, whoever is elected President will inherit the ability to make the decisions. prgtoken We know that in this country, we used to have a longer transition process. Presidents would get elected in November and then be sworn in in March. Now, you get elected in November and are sworn in in January. prgtoken I had the very sincere privilege of working on President 's campaign. I was in the policy operation f
FIRSTENERGY INDICTMENTS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-14

. Admiral Williams strongly condemned the malfeasance and nuclear endangerment attendant to the top managers and corporate chieftains, and that kept on year after year after year. prgtoken As I have cautioned before, corporate nuclear culture influences safety culture. We need only look at the troubled history of multiple major nuclear safety violations and criminal conduct at FirstEnergy's Davis-Besse nuclear plant in our district for evidence of this relationship. It is a sad story for America. prgtoken One must ask whether and how the fines and penalties at FirstEnergy and its subsidiary, Energy Harbor, have had to pay to avoid criminal and civil trials. prgtoken How will America deter future misconduct by the commercial nuclear power energy companies? Federal regulators didn't do their job. prgtoken What is clear is that more justice must be achieved to make Ohio ratepayers and our communities safe and whole again. prgtoken A class action suit settled by FirstEnergy in August of last year netted payments to individual ratepayers--get ready--a mere $10 to $20. prgtoken Moreover, Ohio consumers continue to subsidize FirstEnergy's antiquated coal-fired power plants even outside Ohio under the portion of HB6 that passed the State legislature that has yet to be repealed. prgtoken Another casualty is the local school district in Oak Harbor, Ohio, where the Davis-Besse plant is located. It continues to suffer millions and millions of dollars of tax losses due to the incremental devaluation of the plant's public utility property values over the years. prgtoken I continue to urge the State legislature, State and Federal prosecutors, and State and Federal regulators to take bold action. prgtoken Let's right these wrongs, and let's assure Federal authorities achieve safe, clean, modern, and responsible nuclear energy production in Ohio and in this country. This slipshod, corrupt nuclear energy must never, ever, ever happen in America again. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record an article from The Blade titled: ``Reactor Near to a Dismal Record.'' [From the Toledo Blade, Aug. 31, 2003] Reactor Near to a Dismal Record (By Tom Henry) Still defending itself from allegations that it may have caused the nation's worst blackout, FirstEnergy Corp. is about to break the previous record for futility at Davis- Besse. On Wednesday, Davis-Besse will have sat idle for 565 days, setting a plant record for consecutive days without producing electricity. The previous record was 564 consecutive days between June 9, 1985, and Christmas Day, 1986. The cost of the current outage is more than $500 million, and is starting to approach the $642 million price tag that it cost to build the plant in 1977. The 1985-86 shutdown occurred after a series of pumps and valves failed, causing a loss of coolant water to