mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REPEALING OF GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-3-22

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1023, the so-called Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act. prgtoken s have, yet again, brought another bill to the floor looking to deceive and mislead the American people and attempting to repeal the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. prgtoken The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was established by the Inflation Reduction Act, inspired by legislation I championed. The program leverages the expertise and existing models of community lenders across the Nation, including in my home State of Michigan. Revoking this program is misguided. prgtoken To my colleagues who want to dismantle this program, I will just say that when we did this in Michigan at the State level a number of years ago, everybody screamed and yelled, but it worked, and energy costs went down. prgtoken Investing in clean energy and the survival of our environment is something we all need to be working on together. We have a moral responsibility, and it is a great economic opportunity. s continue to attack any investment like this, but we need to be investing in American families and manufacturers and working to address the climate crisis. prgtoken I myself am tired of once-every-100-year storms happening every year. We saw the Canadian fires in the Great Lakes region last year. People couldn't breathe and had asthma for weeks. Today, it is snowing in Michigan. It was 70 degrees in Michigan last week. Global climate is real, if my colleagues just open their eyes and watch what is happening. prgtoken We have to level the playing field because China is beating us. We are in a global marketplace. If we do not invest in this country, we are abandoning ourselves. I want our country to succeed. prgtoken The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will help clean-energy financing be more accessible to low-income and underserved communities that have for far too long carried the brunt of environmental pollution. It will help us attack the climate crisis head on. It will create jobs while lowering energy costs. prgtoken I am not going to cede our leadership in innovation and technology to anyone, anybody, anywhere, and we are going to outdo China. It is our responsibility as legislators to protect this prgtoken country. We have a responsibility to compete. prgtoken I have worked hard to ensure that the dollars from this fund support projects that would not be built otherwise and ensure that these investments are additive and do not duplicate other efforts. We have to make sure that these dollars are spent in the right way. prgtoken I know s want to see the EPA and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund fail. I beg my colleagues to work with us to make sure that this program is implemented effectively. I ask them not to bet against it. Give it a chance before trying to defund it, before any dollars have gone out the door. prgtoken Blocking EPA from doing its work is no
RECOGNIZING LISA A. WILKEN
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-3-26

today I rise to honor a Hoosier whose service to country and community has endured for over three decades. Lisa Wilken is a former airman and advocate who has dedicated her career to uplifting her fellow veterans. prgtoken Lisa's service began in the United States Air Force and continues today through her work with veteran service organizations as a fierce advocate for veteran-friendly legislation at both the Indiana Statehouse and the United States Congress. prgtoken As an active member of multiple veteran organizations, Lisa has advocated for veterans at every stage. Far too often the assistance veterans require post-service is not accessible, or just nonexistent. Lisa's experience in the Air Force enabled her to become an advocate for lifechanging legislation at the Indiana Statehouse, including securing tax exemptions for disabled veterans, Veteran Service Officer accreditation, tuition coverage and free programs for dependents of disabled veterans, and the creation of the State Women Veteran Coordinator position at the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs. prgtoken Lisa has prioritized recognizing and serving overlooked constituencies in the military community, especially women veterans. She testified before Congress to raise awareness for the lack of funding for military sexual trauma veterans. In 2017, she was honored by the State of Indiana with the Torchbearer Award, and in 2023, she was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Lisa Wilken has established a legacy in the Indianapolis and surrounding communities that will be felt and deeply appreciated for future generations of service women and men. prgtoken Even within the veteran community, women veterans tend to be overlooked and underrecognized. That is why I am proud to honor the many Hoosier women veterans who selflessly serve our community. Beginning with its namesake, the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community and Nation is unparalleled. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lisa Wilken. I thank Lisa for her service and for her advocacy as she continues to be a voice of her peers, for her persistence, and for her commitment to the veteran community.
RECOGNIZING CHERYL HURD
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-3-26

having been born and raised in Vallejo, California and graduating from California State University, East Bay, Cheryl is a true Bay Area native. With a focus on the local news impacting my constituents most, Cheryl covered a wide range of stories, from community events to breaking news. Her reporting showcased her dedication to providing accurate and impactful journalism to her viewers. prgtoken Her love for covering breaking news was known to anyone who crossed her path. Cheryl was the first to report about the BALCO steroid scandal that rocked the sports world. By shedding a light on the banned performance-enhancing substances, Cheryl was able to hold corporations accountable and protect the integrity of our athletics. I truly admire the tenacity she showed to always follow through on her stories. prgtoken Like many journalists in California, Cheryl was tasked with covering natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes that devastated entire communities. I'm thankful for the compassion she showed to the victims of those events as well as her work to raise awareness of the increasing risks posed by disasters including the flooding, wildfires, heatwaves, and drought Californians now face every year. prgtoken Over her 20-year legacy, Cheryl was honored with an award from the Bay Area Black Journalist Association and four Emmy awards presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences San Francisco. I'm so proud that her years of experience and commitment were met with accolades and applause. prgtoken Aside from her time in broadcast, Cheryl is also one of the founding members of Friends of Faith, a non-profit organization founded 1987, that raises money for women diagnosed with breast cancer in the East Bay. After realizing the financial hardships that East Bay cancer patients are burdened with, Cheryl, along with her peers, began fundraising to provide stipends for women in need of financial assistance during their treatment journey. This is just one of the many ways Cheryl cared for her neighbors. prgtoken Cheryl's professionalism and selflessness has made our community a better place. Now that she has more time, I hope Cheryl is able to enjoy more time with her family and adorable dog, Stripe. I'm privileged to call her a friend, and I wish her a joyful retirement. It surely is well-deserved.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE KERRVILLE VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-3-26

I rise today to commemorate the 100th birthday of the Kerrville Veterans Affairs Medical Center in my district. This beautiful campus serves veterans from across multiple counties in the Texas Hill Country. prgtoken The Benevolent War Risk Society and the American Legion recognized the need for medical care of World War I veterans. Countless veterans contracted tuberculosis during and after that conflict. Fundraising for the hospital began in 1919. The generous Schreiner family of Kerrville donated over 700 acres of land for the hospital grounds. Unfortunately, funding ran out in early 1921. The American Legion came to the project's rescue and eventually donated the hospital to the State of Texas. prgtoken As a result, the name ``American Legion Memorial Sanatorium'' was bequeathed on the facility. The first patients were admitted on June 22, 1921. The federal Veterans Administration began to lease the hospital from the State of Texas two years later. The facility became the 93rd veteran hospital to open in the United States on July 12, 1923, under the name ``Veterans Administration Hospital at Kerrville.'' There were a total of 15 buildings on campus at the time, some of which are still used today. prgtoken President Herbert Hoover created the Veterans Administration in July 1930, changing the name of the hospital yet again. Over the years, efforts were made to expand. A two million-dollar project in 1947 resulted in 400 additional beds and a total of 8 hospital floors. January of 1960 saw the conversion of the facility to full general medical services. prgtoken On March 15, 1995, the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System was created when the Kerrville VA Medical Center merged with the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital in San Antonio. prgtoken Over the years, the Veterans Administration donated most of the original land to various local entities. The current footprint of the Kerrville VA Medical Center is 70 acres, including a Veterans National Cemetery. My constituents will gather on April 12, 2024 to recognize the significant contributions of this medical facility to Texas veterans.
PASSPORT SYSTEM REFORM AND BACKLOG PREVENTION ACT
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-3-26

I would like to include in the Record a letter which my lead ic cosponsor, Mr. Costa, and I received from the U.S. Travel Association expressing the support of the travel industry for the passage of the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act: March 18, 2024. Hon. Darrell Issa, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Jim Costa, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives Issa and Costa: On behalf of the U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel), which represents all segments of America's travel industry, I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 6610, the Passport System Reform and Backlog Prevention Act, which is a bipartisan measure that calls for the modernization of the State Department's passport processing capabilities. H.R. 6610 provides a much-needed framework for meeting the Department's commitment to improve efficiency, security, and customer experience within the passport application process. As you know, America's travel industry plays a vital role in our Nation's economy, contributing significantly to revenue generation and job creation across all 50 states and territories. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States, and H.R. 6610 aligns with that mission. As the travel sector continues to recover from the pandemic, there is an urgent need to modernize that travel experience, improve travel IT infrastructure, and position the Department to meet increased demand for passports. In 2022 and 2023, the Department received a record-breaking number of passport applications driven by the surge in U.S. traveler demand for international trips, thereby causing a massive and persistent backlog in average processing times. While there has been modest improvement in passport processing times since last summer, more needs to be done to bring about sustained progress. Significant improvements in both passport and visa processing times can be readily achieved through the long-overdue modernization of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' outdated IT systems. The legacy systems relied upon by Consular Affairs have significantly hindered the agency's ability to keep pace with demand and disrupted the travel experiences of millions of Americans each year. Accordingly, the modernization of IT infrastructure should be treated as a critical priority for delivering streamlined customer experience for passport and visa applicants, while ensuring the accuracy and security of those functions. This modernization initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote international travel and strengthen diplomatic relations. As the world becomes increasingly
RECOGNIZING TELLER COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-3-29

I rise today to recognize the Teller County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue for their lifesaving work to keep roads clear and restore power during a record-breaking winter storm in March of 2024. This storm brought 40 inches of snow and caused widespread power outages and disruptions to essential services across Teller County. prgtoken Staff from the Teller County OEM, led by Director Jay Teagues, and the Teller County Public Works Department, led by Director Fred Clifford, worked throughout the storm to clear roadways and remove snow from over 500 miles of mountainous roadways in the county. Alongside Teller County Search and Rescue volunteers, they worked to restore traffic, respond to emergency calls, and bring back power to residents. prgtoken Tragically, two Teller County residents lost their lives as a result of the storm. Without the heroic efforts of the Teller County OEM, Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue, as well as neighbors helping each other during times of need, the death toll could have been much higher. Under some of the most extreme conditions possible, these Teller County employees did an exemplary job of saving lives during this storm. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize the Teller County Office of Emergency Management, Public Works Department, and Search and Rescue teams for their outstanding work and service to our communities.
HONORING APOSTLE DR. LEE F. RICE
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-3-29

I rise today, along with the people of St. Louis, to pay tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Apostle Dr. Lee F. Rice, a dedicated servant of God whose impact extends far beyond the walls of Victory Christian Outreach Church. Dr. Rice's commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving his community leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. prgtoken Dr. Rice was more than a pastor; he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving family, including his adult children: Rhoda Rice, Sardius Rice, Pastor Daphne Rice-Bruce (spouse-Alex prgtoken Bruce), Minister Romney Rice-Dunn (spouse-Minister Fred Dunn), and Minister Bryttani Rice. His legacy also lives on through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless other cherished family members and friends. prgtoken The educational background of Dr. Rice and his beloved wife, the late Apostle Dr. Doris V. Rice, speaks volumes about their commitment to ministry and service. Both graduated from Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma and received Family Counseling Degrees from National Lewis College. Their dedication to theological education culminated in the attainment of Biblical Studies Doctorate Degrees from Pillsbury Bible College. prgtoken For over 40 years, they served as shepherds of the house of Victory Christian Outreach Church, nurturing a membership that at one time exceeded 500 members. Their leadership extended to the broader community, where they organized years of outreach events serving families, children, and youth with food, clothing, childcare, family counseling, and utility assistance. In times of crises, their church provided a safe refuge for families in need. prgtoken As Senior Pastors, Church Administrators, and Community Leaders, Dr. Lee F. Rice and Dr. Doris V. Rice dedicated themselves to partnering with local churches to share the Gospel and provide a safe place for worship. Their church became a cornerstone of the community, hosting annual events such as Octoberfest, Be A Blessing, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Their contributions were recognized by the University City School District, which lauded Victory Christian Outreach Church as an outstanding community contributor. prgtoken Pastor Lee and Pastor Doris have also had a profound impact on my life. They were my personal pastors for many years as well as my employers, and their daughter Daphne, who now serves as the current pastor, has been my very close friend since we were teens. Their other daughters, Romney and Bryttani, are like sisters. I am proud to have had the privilege of working at their preschool for a decade, and where I grew to love the important and lifesaving role that childcare providers have in our community. prgtoken In honoring the life of Apostle Dr. Lee Rice, we celebrate a man of faith, integrity, and compassion. His legacy of service and devotion to God will continue
HONORING HERMELINDA SAPIEN
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-3-29

I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Hermelinda Sapien. prgtoken Hermelinda dedicated 55 years to the Center for Employment Training, and for the past 25 years she has displayed her unwavering leadership as President and Executive Director. prgtoken The Center for Employment Training (CET) is an economic and community development corporation. Their job training and placement programs teach marketable skills to people of all educational levels and backgrounds, supporting them through the process of job placement. With 12 locations, including San Jose's, CET's impact is monumental. prgtoken Hermelinda's work with CET began as an Administrative Assistant, and her commitment served her well as she moved up to Human Resources Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Director, and ultimately, President and CEO. prgtoken CET's ability to work with our community and support the dignity of self-sufficiency is largely due to Hermelinda's hard work. She dedicated her career to ensuring CET's financial stability and guaranteeing that the needs of students at CET were being met. prgtoken Thousands of people have received the training and support they needed to find meaningful employment that supports them and their families. Hermelinda's work and that of all the CET staff has changed lives and our community for the better. Hermelinda's leadership has made a profound difference. prgtoken Hermelinda will be retiring in June of this year, and it is with great pride and respect that I recognize her accomplishments. prgtoken I share with CET's Board of Directors in their heartfelt farewell to Hermelinda Sapien, and we will always remember her impact on the Center for Employment Training's success.
CELEBRATING HELEN BANDYKE, DEARBORN'S ROSIE THE RIVETER
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-3-29

today I want to recognize Helen Bandyke, Dearborn resident and one of Michigan's Rosie the Riveters, as she celebrates her 103rd birthday. prgtoken During World War II countless women like Ms. Bandyke from across the Nation and right here in Southeast Michigan took over jobs that had been previously performed by men and held our country down during extremely trying times. Ms. Bandyke proudly worked at Chrysler's DeSoto Plant in Dearborn in 1942 while her husband served overseas. She was among those strong women who blazed the trail for women in the workforce. I am so proud of Ms. Bandyke and her incredible contribution to our Nation's labor movement and our history. prgtoken Please join me and the people of Dearborn and Michigan's 12th District Strong as we honor Ms. Helen Bandyke and wish her the happiest of birthdays.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DANIEL L. GOODWIN
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-29

I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Daniel L. Goodwin, a figure of much acclaim in the real estate industry. prgtoken In 1968, during his time as a science teacher Dan formed an alliance with two fellow teachers to create what would become the Inland Real Estate Group of Companies. Since then, the Inland Real Estate Group of Companies has helped develop hundreds of millions of real estate square footage, closed over $80 billion in commercial real estate transactions, and established ties with countless partners and investors. For his work as Chairman and CEO, Dan received numerous local and national awards and recognitions, including the Ethics in Business Award from the Better Business Bureau in 2009, 2014, and 2019. prgtoken Throughout all this, Dan's passion for education remained unyielding. His alma mater, the Illinois Teachers' College--Chicago North was renamed to Northeastern Illinois University. He served on the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, his alma mater. In honor of his decade of service. Northeastern Illinois University renamed its College of Education in his honor. Additionally, Dan served as the vice chairman of Benedictine University for over 30 years. The Center for Values-Driven Leadership is housed in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Business at Benedictine University, which is named for Dan. This center teaches students a values-driven approach to business, like Dan's own philosophy with the Inland Real Estate Group. prgtoken In Congress, I am proud to serve as the ranking member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on ApproprIations. Given this, I am particularly appreciative of Dan's work on affordable housing for Illinois families. In 1994, Dan founded the New Directions Housing Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation that builds and renovates affordable housing for low-income residents across Illinois. He also served on the board of the Illinois Housing Development Authority Trust Fund for 10 years, helping to raise billions of dollars for affordable housing, first-time family housing, and senior housing throughout Illinois. prgtoken I am forever grateful to Dan for the work that he did to make our state a better place for all lllinoisans. He is certainly missed, but his legacy of service and leadership will live on through the many people he touched.
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMBATING IMPLICIT BIAS IN EDUCATION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-3-29

today I introduce the Combating Implicit Bias in Education Act. This bill would create a $30 million grant program for schools to train teachers, principals and other personnel on implicit bias with respect to actual or perceived race, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This bill aims to reduce the effect of implicit bias on school discipline, academic achievement, and academic attainment. prgtoken In 2019, a report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that students of color with disabilities received far more severe and frequent punishment than their white counterparts. In 2017, the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality released a report finding that people disproportionately think of Black girls as more adult-like and less innocent compared to their white counterparts. This bias has been linked to harsher treatment of Black girls in schools. prgtoken Under this bill, the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences would evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the training. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.