mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY ACT OF 2019
Conor Lamb (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-11-15

I thank Madam Chairwoman for her work on the underlying bill. prgtoken , I am offering this amendment because one of the most pressing problems in my district in western Pennsylvania and in America as a whole has been the massive erosion of our manufacturing and industrial base, particularly in the last 20 years. Many people view this as an older problem, but, in fact, it is since the year 2000 that we have shed millions and millions of jobs, lost mostly to China and some to Mexico. prgtoken But today, in my district, there still remains a plant that makes large steel components for nuclear reactors and nuclear power plants and the Navy's nuclear fleet. They are organized by the IBEW. These are good-paying jobs in the manufacturing base that have remained. prgtoken And so the question is: How did those jobs get there, and why did they remain? The answer is because the United States Government has performed its historic role to drive open and create a new market and preserve that market with the partnership of private industry--and that is the market for nuclear energy. prgtoken If the United States hadn't made its investments in the 1940s and 1950s, they never would have opened the first nuclear reactor for civilian use in my district in Beaver Valley; we never would have had 15,000 people working in nuclear energy directly in Pennsylvania today: 71 additional companies and thousands and thousands of more manufacturing jobs that allow us to sell nuclear technology all around the world. prgtoken Of the many tools the U.S. Government has used for this purpose, the Export-Import Bank is an important one. They have helped drive open these new markets overseas and make it possible for historic companies like Westinghouse to sell their technology all over the world, with it still being made and manufactured in the United States. prgtoken And so, today, as we vote to reauthorize this Bank, I would ask to add an amendment that will make sure that not only will we defend the jobs we have already created, but we will play some offense and create some new jobs. And if we are going to play offense, we will keep score; we will make sure we know exactly how many jobs are both preserved and created in the energy and related manufacturing sectors. prgtoken In our district, there is a company called Eaton that makes software and hardware products to integrate clean energy into the grid both in the United States and overseas. They are one of the biggest users of Ex-Im financing in my district. For them to create new manufacturing jobs to sell new ways to integrate clean energy all over the world, they need this reauthorization. prgtoken Just earlier this year, I met a Pennsylvanian who is working on a design for wind turbines that look a lot more like helicopter blades than they do like the windmills we tend to see today. An entrepreneur like this will benefit from the role his government plays in reauth
SANTA CLARITA
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to address yet another tragic school shooting. Yesterday, a gunman killed two students and wounded three others in Santa Clarita, California. prgtoken While we continue to gather the facts and pray for everyone in that California community, we must also continue to fight for action on gun violence. prgtoken It has been 261 days since the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. That bill is buried in Mitch McConnell's legislative graveyard. In that time, at least 320 mass shootings have occurred. prgtoken While I don't expect Senate s to agree with every word of every bill that we pass here in the House, I do expect them to do their job. They need to hold hearings. They need to have a vote. prgtoken The American people deserve better.
STOP EITC AND CTC SEIZURES
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-11-15

the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit are some of the most effective, bipartisan antipoverty programs to come out of Congress; yet many hardworking individuals are unable to access well-earned EITC or CTC refunds. prgtoken In some cases, the U.S. Treasury has seized an individual's tax credits if they owed student loan debt. These tax credit seizures, in many cases, have pushed families into homelessness. Some have lost their homes; some have lost their cars; others can't even put food on the table for their loved ones. prgtoken I am filing a bill this morning that seeks to protect these most vulnerable people from EITC and CTC seizures. It would prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from automatically seizing an individual's EITC or CTC refund for the purpose of paying back student loan debt. prgtoken This is the right thing to do. No one should have to decide between paying off their student loan debt and providing for their family.
IN RECOGNITION OF WAYNE OLIVEIRA
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Mr. Wayne Oliveira, a veteran of the Fairhaven Fire Department with forty-two years of service. prgtoken In 1977 Wayne Oliveira started his career as a call firefighter. Years later, Wayne would be appointed a full-time firefighter and EMT by Fire Chief Donald Bernard. Shortly after his appointment, Wayne began taking on numerous responsibilities. Wayne was elected secretary of the firefighter's union, a position he would hold for the next twenty years. He became a Public Fire Educator in 1989, prioritizing informing children and seniors about the importance of fire safety. Developing the SAFE program, Wayne taught classes in child car seat installation as well as CPR. Continuing his outreach efforts. Wayne organized Public Safety Open Houses for the public long before prevention programs became standard practice. prgtoken Wayne was named Standard Times Man of the Year in 2012 for his wide array of volunteer work. From cleaning the traffic island outside of the local high school to fundraising for a new memorial sign which he personally maintains. Wayne sets an incredible example of selflessness in the work he takes on. He has engaged with the town at large as Co- prgtoken Chairman of Fairhaven Outdoor Movie Night, Captain of Artillery for the Fairhaven Village Militia, as well as Chairman of the Bicentennial and Beautification Committees. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor the retirement of Wayne Oliveira and offer my gratitude for his years of service and care for the town Fairhaven. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing him for his retirement and wishing him nothing but the best in the years to come
HONORING OFFICER JONATHAN DIAZ
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Officer Jonathan Diaz, of the Lemoore Police Department who passed away on November 2nd at the age of 31, while intervening in a domestic violence incident while off duty. prgtoken Officer Diaz began his law enforcement career in his hometown of Huron, CA in 2014 as a Reserve Police Officer and in 2015 was chosen as Officer of the Year. prgtoken He was hired by Lemoore PD in August of 2016 and was an asset to the community from the day he joined. prgtoken Officer Diaz received many commendations during his time with the force, including being selected to be the Recruit Training Officer for Tulare-Kings Counties Basic Police Academy, Field Training Officer for his department, being appointed as the Gang Investigator for the Kings County Major Crimes Task Force, and in September 2018 was awarded Lemoore PD's Public Safety Officer of the year. prgtoken In addition to keeping our community safe, Officer Diaz mentored at- risk youth in Lemoore through the Youth Adult Awareness Program. prgtoken Officer Diaz leaves behind his girlfriend, Victoria Gonzalez and their IO-month-old daughter, Stephanie, along with sons Jonathan Jr Damian, his parents Juan Sr. and Blanca Diaz and three younger brothers.
GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTION AND ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , the shooting in Santa Clarita yesterday marks the 365th mass shooting this year. At least one of those shootings rocked my own community. prgtoken Today is exactly 9 months since the senseless workplace shooting in Aurora, Illinois, that took the lives of Trevor Wehner, Clayton Parks, Russell Beyer, Vicente Juarez, and Josh Pinkard. Some of the heroic police officers who responded to that shooting just returned to full duty this week. prgtoken This does not have to be the norm. This year, the House passed bipartisan legislation that would save lives by implementing universal background checks for every gun purchased. The Senate needs to pass it and to send it to the President. prgtoken And we should do more still. I support legislation that would prevent gun violence by: one, committing Federal funds to study it for the public health crisis that it is; two, keeping guns out of the hands of known domestic abusers; and, three, just this week, I cosponsored the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019, because weapons of war do not belong in our neighborhoods. prgtoken These are commonsense policies that would save countless lives: children's lives, first responders' lives, our own neighbors' lives.
UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY ACT OF 2019
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Mr. Chair, my amendment would direct the U.S. Export Finance Agency to develop and place minorities and women in paid internships. prgtoken While the agency has done important work to expand market opportunities for American businesses around the globe, diversity in the workforce is equally as important. prgtoken In today's economy, internships often act as the gateway to a professional career for a recent graduate. These experiences allow people to make connections and gain valuable experiences that prepare them for a full-time job. prgtoken Unpaid internships can be a barrier to entering a desired career field. While some young people can take an unpaid internship, many people lack the resources to do that. This barrier has a disproportionate impact on minorities, low-income individuals, and women. prgtoken When we do not have adequate diversity in internships and low-level positions, the pool of diverse individuals who can grow to serve in leadership positions in our businesses is severely stunted. prgtoken That is why I introduced this amendment, to highlight the importance of paid internships. All entities should focus their efforts on compensating interns for the valuable work they contribute to their workplaces. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge support for the amendment, and .
UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY ACT OF 2019
Xochitl Torres Small (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise to offer amendment No. 21 to H.R. 4863, the United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019. prgtoken Today's world shows an alarming trend: Human trafficking is on the rise. A report published earlier this year by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found the global trend has increased steadily since 2010. prgtoken This is an issue found worldwide, in the United States, and in my home State of New Mexico. Women and girls are especially targeted. prgtoken We know that these victims are sexually exploited and forced into labor, slavery, or forms of servitude by perpetrators who manipulate them using prgtoken coercion, fraud, deception, and abduction. prgtoken That is why New Mexico has launched a number of interagency initiatives and collaborations with nonprofits and the Federal Government to prevent, prosecute, and protect sex trafficking survivors. prgtoken That is why the Ex-Im reauthorization bill we are voting on today includes forcefully stated and required exclusions to prohibit the Bank's board of directors from approving transactions with end users, obligors, and lenders involved in sanctionable activities and other violations of law. prgtoken But to reinforce the point about this particularly menacing crime, I am offering this amendment to make it clear that these prohibitions against entities and individuals sanctioned for global human rights abuses include those who recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, receive, or facilitate the trafficking of men, women, and children. prgtoken Sanctions alone are rarely, if ever, the entire solution to human rights or corruption crises, but they play an enormously important role to stop money from going to bad actors who seek to do bad things around the world. Every time we use these tools to disrupt that flow of money, we keep our country safer. prgtoken This applies to individuals, but also to the transnational criminal organizations which, among other bad acts, manage the networks that exploit and facilitate the abuse of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. and abroad. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to join together to support this amendment and the underlying bill to offer a united, bipartisan front against human trafficking. prgtoken .
IN HONOR OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY OF MALCOLM THOMAS
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor the remarkable legacy of Malcolm Thomas, a selfless community servant and business leader, whose many contributions to the state of Alabama have served to uplift the state socially and economically. From his impressive career as CEO of his own engineering service firm, to his support for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), to his exemplary leadership as Exalted Ruler of R.E. Nelms Elk Lodge No. 977, Malcolm Thomas has spent much of his life in the pursuit of success and excellence, not only for himself, but for the greater community. prgtoken Born in Selma, Alabama to the late Reverend George Thomas and the late Mrs. Lovie Thomas, Malcolm Thomas was taught the importance of high-quality education from an early age. He attended college at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration. It was during his time at Alabama A&M that two lifelong interests were sparked, in business and in the preservation and continued vitality of HBCUs. prgtoken Founded in 1875 by a former slave, Dr. William Hooper Councill, Alabama A&M is a proud member of the HBCU system. As a student there, Mr. Thomas saw first-hand the importance of ensuring that A&M and other institutions like it, historically established for the African American community who had been barred entry to traditionally white institutions, be fully funded, providing students with top tier professors and facilities. Mr. Thomas' commitment to ensuring the continued vitality of HBCUs was recognized by Governor Riley, who asked Mr. Thomas to serve on the Governor's Commission on Historically Black Colleges and Universities between 2003 and 2008. prgtoken After graduating from Alabama A&M, Mr. Thomas worked in several corporate positions before becoming the owner and CEO of Malcom Thomas Industries, a certified engineering services firm. Now semi-retired, Mr. Thomas has extensive expertise in marketing, negotiating and event planning. Today, he works part-time as an event planner, based in Huntsville, Alabama. prgtoken A selfless community servant, Mr. Thomas boasts membership (past and present) to countless boards and charitable organizations, including the Huntsville Housing Authority Board of Appeals, the North Alabama Sickle Cell Board of Directors and the Vocational Education Advisory Council for Huntsville City Schools. He was formerly Chairman of the Engineering Technology Advisory Committee at Alabama A&M, a founding board member of the Alabama A&M University Foundation and a charter member of 100 Black Men of Huntsville. Politically active, Mr. Thomas served on the Executive Committee of the Madison County Men's Club and on President George H.W. 's Personal Advisory Committee. Further, he claimed membership to the Black Americans for President George H.W. Committee of 100. prgtoken Mr. Thomas has been a member of the f
CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF PHYLLIS LYON
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise with joy to recognize an icon of San Francisco, a trailblazer in the fight for civil rights and a dear friend, Phyllis Lyon, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday. prgtoken Beginning in the 1950s, Phyllis and her late wife, Del Martin, were on the vanguard in the fight to make real the promise of equality for LGBTQ Americans, forming our nation's first lesbian civil rights organization, Daughter of Bilitis, and establishing the first nationally distributed lesbian newsletter, the Ladder. They worked tirelessly to ensure that every woman could live without fear of violence or persecution. prgtoken As a journalist, community organizer and clarion voice for justice and equality, Phyllis has dedicated her entire life to uniting diverse communities to create fundamental change. From working to decriminalize homosexuality, successfully advocating to outlaw employment discrimination in San Francisco and ensuring that our city respected the dignity of everyone, Phyllis's work has had a powerful impact that has strengthened our communities and our democracy. prgtoken For 40 years, the Lyon-Martin Health Services, named in honor of their dedication to the health and well-being of all women, has been a model for community-based health care that provides lifesaving services, case management and care for women of every age, race, disability, socio-economic condition and sexual orientation. Phyllis' unwavering commitment to caring for our most vulnerable continued as my appointee to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, where she was a strong voice for the rights of lesbian seniors and all women. prgtoken Phyllis and Del's relationship and service to our community has been a source of inspiration to me and all who are fortunate enough to know them. In 1996, during the Floor debate on the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, I was privileged to display their picture, asking my colleagues, ``If you knew Phyllis and Del . . . why would you not want them to be treated equally?'' This year, I once again recognized them on the House Floor as we voted to pass the landmark Equality Act to finally, fully end discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and guarantee the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of who they are or whom the love. prgtoken Phyllis and Del's marriage in 2004, the first same-sex wedding to be recognized in San Francisco, was a joyous celebration. When the California Supreme Court voided their marriage, they recommitted to the fight for equality until the decision was finally overturned in 2008, when they became the first LGBTQ couple to be legally married in California. prgtoken While Del sadly passed away a few months later, Phyllis continues to be a blessing to our community, using her vision, values and voice to build a brighter future for San Franciscans and all Americans. On behalf of the House of Representatives, it is a pleasure to wish Phyllis Lyon a happy 95th birthday and a y
UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY ACT OF 2019
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-15

I thank the gentlewoman for offering this thoughtful amendment. prgtoken This amendment strengthens the bill's emphasis on small business. While we have a lot in this bill for small businesses, the gentlewoman's amendment further strengthens these efforts by requiring that the agency emphasize outreach to small businesses in sectors that have been impacted by retaliatory tariffs. prgtoken , I strongly support the gentlewoman's amendment to further help small businesses that have been caught up in this tariff war.
IN MEMORY OF U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN ANTOINE LEWIS
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-11-15

I rise to remember the late U.S. Army Captain Antoine Lewis of Matteson, Illinois, in the Second Congressional District. prgtoken I was shocked and saddened to learn that Captain Lewis was among the 157 people killed in the tragic plane crash in Ethiopia on March 10. His funeral was November 9 because his family just received his remains. prgtoken This incredible young man had so much more to give the world and constantly gave of himself to others. He possessed an irrepressible curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place. prgtoken Captain Lewis was a man of passionate commitment to his family, to the Matteson community, to our country, and to his faith. He was a one- man recruitment team when it came to getting so many in his own family to enlist. An honorable man, he represented the very best of America whenever he served in uniform or wherever he traveled in the world. prgtoken Captain Lewis was a patriot who proudly served his country. He had been stationed in Afghanistan, South Korea, and Canada. prgtoken He had an adventuresome and free spirit and was filled with wonder and curiosity about other people and cultures. While he was raised in Matteson, he belonged to the world. prgtoken He, like many others, went to Africa to offer hope and opportunity to others through mission work. As called to do by St. James, he put his faith into actions and deeds that uplifted others and worked to build a better world. prgtoken As we grieve with his family and friends, we are comforted by the knowledge that he did fulfill his desire to make the world a better place by the love he gave to every person and mission that he encountered.
IN RECOGNITION OF DENISE DALRYMPLE FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Denise Dalrymple on her retirement and recognize her years of distinguished service with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Ms. Dalrymple's contributions to the Michigan community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken In 1912, the first Girl Scout troop was established in Savannah, Georgia by Juliette Gordon Low. She envisioned gathering a group of women who would empower each other, build courage, confidence, and character, and always strive to make the world the better place. Over a century later, the Girl Scouts continue to honor their founder's dutiful vision by offering girls a chance to cultivate leadership, experience adventure, and to aspire for success. Through the Girl Scouts' wide breadth of programs, thousands of girls have learned they are strong, capable, and powerful leaders who can tackle challenges, solve problems, and achieve anything they set their minds to. prgtoken Since joining the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan as Chief Executive Officer in 2008, Denise Dalrymple has been instrumental in the Girl Scouts' continued success. Under her leadership, the organization has provided its services and programs to over 24,000 girls in eight Michigan counties: Sanilac, St. Clair, Genesee, Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Monroe. Beloved by many, Ms. Dalrymple is known amongst her friends, family, and colleagues as a dedicated, humble, and effective leader who endeavors to make everyone's lives a little brighter. Beyond her service in a professional capacity, Ms. Dalrymple also serves as a role model who leads by example and inspires thousands of girls across our community. She has touched the lives of many and truly embodies the Girl Scout Promise every day. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Denise Dalrymple for her years of service to Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. We thank her for her outstanding and impactful work and wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.