mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MARKING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PELL GRANT PROGRAM
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Pell Grant Program. prgtoken In 1972, Congress amended the Higher Education Act by creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant. This legislation provides direct financial aid to low-income students so they can have the same access to higher education and opportunity for success as their higher income peers. This program was later named the Pell Grant for its original sponsor, Sen. Claiborne Pell, from Rhode Island. The original bill was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, and the program has maintained this original bipartisan support over the last 50 years. prgtoken The federal investment in Pell Grants is targeted to students with demonstrated financial need, with most families at incomes of $40,000 or less, and can be used to fund career and technical education, community college education, university education, and post graduate education. The investment pays off by increasing college completion and boosting economic mobility. prgtoken To date, more than 80 million students have received a Pell Grant to go to college since the program's creation. Currently, nearly 7 million students are going to college with Pell Grants, or about 40 percent of undergraduate students. prgtoken In my congressional district, 6,796 students are receiving $28,721,279 in Federal Pell Grant funds to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges. In my state of Washington, 87,342 students receive $357,725,397 in Federal Pell grant funds. prgtoken I look forward to Congress continuing the bipartisan support for low- income student access to college through the Pell Grant for another 50 years.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-24

pursuant to House Resolution 1204, I call up the bill (S. 2938) to designate the United States Courthouse and Federal Building located at 111 North Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the ``Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building'', and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments to the House amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERARY OF THE PELL GRANT
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Pell Grant Program. prgtoken In 1972, Congress amended the Higher Education Act by creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant, to provide direct financial aid to low-income students so they would have the same access to higher education and opportunity for success as their higher income peers. This program was later named the Pell Grant for its original sponsor, Sen. Claiborne Pell, from Rhode Island. The original bill was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, and the program has maintained this original bipartisan support over the last 50 years. prgtoken To date, more than 80 million students have received a Pell Grant to go to college since the program's creation. Currently, nearly 7 million students are going to college with Pell Grants, or about 40 percent of undergraduate students. prgtoken In my congressional district, 4,626 students are receiving $17,586,937 to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges. prgtoken The federal investment in Pell Grants is targeted to students with demonstrated financial need, with most families at incomes of $40,000 or less, and the investment pays off by increasing college completion, and economic mobility. prgtoken Madam , as we approach the 50-year mark on the Pell Grant program, I look forward to Congress continuing the bipartisan support for low-income student access to college through the Pell Grant for another 50 years. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan resolution declaring June 23, 2022, National Pell Grant Day this year, and in the future.
REFLECTING UPON TODAY'S DECISION BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , as today marks my 39th birthday and an uncertain number of years that I will still be able to bear children, a chill rides up my spine for the healthcare that I can no longer receive in the United States of America. prgtoken In a country with the highest maternal mortality rate of the industrialized world, the action of the Supreme Court is to overturn Roe v. Wade, taking away the constitutional right of women to make their own health care decisions. I shudder to think about what comes next. For the young girl with her whole life before her--will she be able to determine the outcomes of her life equally? How will we achieve equality, accessibility, and economic progress with women unable to make their own health care decisions? We are so much more educated, connected, and liberated than we were in 1973. prgtoken I know a new time will mark a new moment for people wishing to conceive freely and fairly on their own terms. Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, and Attorney General Dana Nessel are standing with the women of this Nation. I want everyone to know they have a champion in me, and together, the views of the majority in the Nation will rise again.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-6-24

I rise today in strong support of S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. prgtoken As we speak, our Nation is being wracked by an epidemic of gun violence. Every year, 40,000 Americans die from guns, more than 110 every single day, many of them children. We have the power to prevent this carnage, but for decades, Congress refused to act. Well, no more. prgtoken , this bill is not perfect. No bill is. But this legislation will save lives. Once signed into law, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will help keep guns out of the wrong hands. It will protect survivors of domestic abuse by closing the boyfriend loophole. It will crack down on straw purchases and improve background checks for people under 21. It will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars for improved mental health services, community-based violence prevention initiatives, and school safety. prgtoken The issue of gun safety is personal to me. It is about time that Congress takes action. Let us pass this historic, bipartisan bill and send it to the President's desk today.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO S. 2938, JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE...
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , the American people know that we cannot sit idly by and watch preventable gun deaths happen day after day, year after year. prgtoken Over the past few weeks, I have heard from hundreds of constituents of all ages and all walks of life who are demanding action to reduce gun violence. prgtoken When our Framers gathered in Philadelphia to write the Constitution, they were explicit about the purposes of that entire document: . . . establish justice, to insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense''--not individual Armageddon--``promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.'' prgtoken With those words, our Government was created to meet the needs of the people. prgtoken But how can we meet the needs of the people if we don't take action to prevent them from being gunned down in their schools, workplaces, houses of worship, or neighborhood streets? prgtoken How can we be faithful to the purposes of the Constitution while allowing the routine terrorization and slaughter of our children, neighbors, teachers, doctors, and seniors? prgtoken I refuse to tell the American people, and particularly our children, that they must be sacrificial lambs to a twisted theory of armed Second Amendment liberty that defies the express purposes of our Constitution by undermining the general welfare and destroying domestic tranquility. prgtoken The American people know, as well as we do, that the time is now to act. The Safer Communities Act is a minimal first step in taking action to keep our children and communities safe. But after 30 years of Senate inaction, it is a step, and we know that it should not be the last. prgtoken Our children deserve a brighter future in which they can enjoy the blessings of liberty, instead of being traumatized by active-shooter drills and actual active shooters.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-6-24

today I rise as a father, a combat veteran, a gun owner, and the Representative of a community devastated by gun violence. prgtoken My constituents are family and friends of those who were killed at Columbine, at the Aurora Theater, at STEM School Highlands Ranch, and at the Boulder King Soopers. As a community, we consoled each other after each one of these terrible shootings, and we demanded commonsense reform, but for too long our Nation's leaders refused to act. prgtoken When I came to Congress I promised my constituents that I would fight to protect our community from gun violence. prgtoken Today, I am proud to vote for the first comprehensive gun violence package in 30 years. This bill is a first step. It doesn't have everything we would hope for, but it is a step in the right direction. prgtoken Today's success belongs to every Coloradan who turned their hurt into action. This long overdue progress is theirs. prgtoken , I plead with my colleagues for a ``yes'' vote.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-24

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his extraordinary leadership in bringing this very important legislation to the floor. I commend the chairman, as well as Mr. Mike Thompson, the chair of our Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and so many others who have participated in so many elements of this legislation. prgtoken , I rise in support of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a strong step forward to combat America's epidemic of gun violence and to protect our precious children. prgtoken As lawmakers, we share a sacred responsibility to keep our kids safe from harm. But according to new data from the CDC, guns are the number one killer of children in America; more than car accidents or cancer. Our hearts remain shattered by the rampage at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, as they do from the massacre at Sandy Hook, and countless other communities across the Nation. prgtoken Indeed, we know these schools could have been in any one of our districts--and have been in some, those families could have been any one of our neighbors--and have been, and those children could have been our own. prgtoken All of us who have met with survivors in the wake of the tragedies have heard their message loud and clear. We must do something. prgtoken Today, in their honor, we heed their powerful cry, sending a major gun violence prevention legislation to President 's desk for signature. We send it to the President for his signature, with gratitude for his leadership on this important issue. He was the author of the Brady Law in 1994 and has been a champion ever since. prgtoken This legislation, the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, includes several strong steps to save lives not only from horrific mass shootings, but also from the daily massacre of gun crime, suicide, and tragic accidents. prgtoken Included in this package are two major provisions which we have championed here in the House: prgtoken First, this bill includes significant investments to help States establish Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws, otherwise known as red flag laws. prgtoken Thanks to the leadership of Representative Lucy McBath, who has been our inspirational leader on this subject in our caucus and this Congress, and Salud Carbajal, these provisions will keep deadly weapons away from those who pose a threat to themselves and to others. prgtoken Secondly, this bill takes strong action to combat straw purchases, a cause Congresswoman Robin Kelly spearheaded in our Chamber. Although we hear about the notorious mass murders every day on our streets and in our country, murders take place. Doing so will make it illegal to buy guns on behalf of those who cannot legally purchase. prgtoken If I can pass the test, I buy the gun. And then I sell it to you because you can't pass the test. prgtoken Straw purchase. Very dangerous. This bill addresses that. That is a giant step. prgtoken This package also includes additional initiatives that will help reduc
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-6-24

I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. prgtoken We are here today to protect our constituents and save lives. We have waited far too long for this day. prgtoken Elements of my bill, the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, are included in this legislation to crack down on the illegal gun trafficking and straw purchasing that is bringing guns into communities across the country. prgtoken I know just how detrimental trafficking can be to a community. Last year, in Chicago, a single stolen gun was linked to at least 27 separate shootings before it was taken off the street. Two dozen people were shot during its use and two of them killed. prgtoken More than half of guns used in Chicago shootings are brought into the city by trafficking. Thank you, Wisconsin and Indiana. prgtoken We have lost so many people and traumatized countless others. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation to help make Chicagoland a safer place.
BUILDING A BETTER AMERICA
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to applaud President and House ' efforts to lower the cost of goods for hardworking American families. prgtoken As we have seen, war criminal Putin has caused price hikes by way of his cruel war on Ukraine. As a result, Americans are seeing rising costs at the gas pump and the grocery stores and across the shelves of stores. prgtoken While extreme MAGA s have chosen to play the blame game, President and House have decided to take action. Together, we are delivering results. prgtoken We have passed key bills like the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, which will strengthen supply chains and produce cleaner and cheaper gas. This will lead to lower prices. prgtoken You see, are laser focused on lowering costs for hardworking families, not helping greedy billionaires and greedy companies. Together, we will continue building a better America.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-24

I believe we are here today and today is a very heavy day for so many of us across the country. prgtoken Every single one of us woke up today with less rights than we had yesterday. Pregnant people, in particular, are in more danger in the United States today than we were yesterday as a result of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. prgtoken I think what we are experiencing here--it is important to tell the truth of what is going on. With so many individuals out here, I think it is important for us to also tackle this myth that this is somehow about babies or children or life because the same individuals who purport and who claim to be protecting life, fight against universal healthcare. prgtoken Do they believe in universal childcare? prgtoken Do they believe in life after birth? prgtoken From their policy positions, I assure you the evidence is lacking. prgtoken A party and individuals who claim to protect the lives of children, just weeks after over a dozen children died in Texas, now claim to support their life--the lives of the young. prgtoken Who are we protecting? prgtoken Who does this protect? prgtoken No one. prgtoken Overturning Roe puts every single one of us in danger. What I think many of our colleagues perhaps haven't quite--or perhaps they have-- fully understood is that this also undermines the right to privacy in the United States of America. We are here to solve this issue. Our job is to develop a path forward. In that, we know that this House has passed and is willing to codify Roe. prgtoken What we also need is answers from our colleagues in the United States Senate. To those Senators who voted for these Justices under the claim and the guise that this would not happen, this decision falls on them. prgtoken What will they do--as they were lied to? prgtoken What will they do as a consequence of this decision, whether that be or ? prgtoken We cannot allow this to go unanswered. We are talking about a court, with the majority of Justices appointed by a party that has not won a popular Presidential election more than once in 30 years, ruling against the majority of Americans. We have a Senate that is controlled by minority rule. We have a House suffering from the impacts of gerrymandering that amplifies and undermines our democracy. prgtoken We are in a very dangerous moment, not just for women, not just for LGBT communities, not just for all of us, but we are in a dangerous moment in the world because this is not just about the right to choose. This is about rule of law and democracy, and who is a full person in the eyes of the law. prgtoken To all of those who are watching today's events unfold in fear, in anger, in rage, in depression, in anxiety, one thing remains steady: that we will not stop fighting until this is fixed. I say that to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We are not going away. We stay. We fight. We push. We will not be silenced.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-24

the leading cause of death of kids in America is now gun violence. prgtoken , 110 Americans die every day in America because of gun violence. prgtoken Five weeks ago, ten people from my community of Buffalo, New York, were shot dead by a white supremacist who planned an attack, drove 300 miles to Buffalo and a Black community of our city. prgtoken There was a retired police officer by the name of Aaron Salter. A 30- year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, he was working security that day. prgtoken Someone once said that the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Officer Aaron Salter was a good guy with a gun, but he didn't stand a chance. He didn't stand a chance because he was outgunned and outequipped. prgtoken Our police officers in America, in Buffalo, and throughout the country are outgunned by the bad guys. They are outprotected by the bad guys.
HONORING THE LIFE OF U.S. NAVY HOSPITALMAN CHRISTOPHER GNEM
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of U.S. Navy Hospital corpsman Christopher Gnem, who died in a Marine landing craft accident off the coast of Southern California. Christopher, a hospital corpsman with Bravo Company, BLT \1/4\, 15th, MEU, was among nine servicemembers who were killed in the accident. prgtoken Christopher was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton, California. He is remembered by his family, and friends for his kind spirit and the positive impact he made on those around him. prgtoken Our community mourns the loss of Christopher, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Christopher selflessly chose to serve our Nation, and his commitment to our country will not be forgotten. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to remember Christopher Gnem and the brave men and women who place themselves in harm's way in service to our country.
CRACKING DOWN ON UNFAIR SHIPPING FEES
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have contributed to rising prices across America. These disruptions included considerable congestion at our ports last year. prgtoken In this void, the Port of Cleveland in my district, increased its tonnage by nearly 70 percent, helping to keep goods moving across America and beyond. prgtoken Yet, even as congestion has eased, international shipping companies have been charging extremely high fees to transport goods. prgtoken This is driving up costs on store shelves and hurting our small businesses while leaving key products waiting on our docks. prgtoken Last week, the House passed, and President signed into law the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The law cracks down on these unfair shipping fees. prgtoken This will help goods get in and out of docks like the Port of Cleveland quicker, it will reduce costs for families, and it will level the playing field for our businesses. I call that a win-win.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-24

I associate myself with the comments of my esteemed colleague from Michigan. Under California law, `dating relationship' means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional or sexual involvement independent of financial considerations. Similar to the law in Michigan, the law in California very clearly parallels the definition of `dating relationship' in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and it is my intent and understand in voting for this bill that a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against a dating partner under California law is sufficient to trigger the expanded dating violence prohibitor.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-24

I am prayerful today, and finally today, that I can come on the floor of the House and say to the victims of gun violence and say to those who lost their lives, and to their families, that I can be on the floor of the House today, not just saying, I give you my thoughts and my prayers; not just saying, I want to send to you my sympathies. prgtoken I can't tell you how tired I have been coming to the floor, feeling hurt in my heart, and all I could say is thoughts and prayers. prgtoken Today I can vote on something that is going to make a meaningful difference to each and every one of them.