mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY RELATING TO "CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM NEW MOTOR VEHICLES: HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE AND VEHICLE...
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-23

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to this resolution. prgtoken It is said that two certainties in life are death and taxes. Someone suing over an EPA standard must be a close third. Yet, when this rule was proposed, no one from industry or the environmental community challenged it based on EPA's legal authority, the Agency's analysis, or the administrative process. That is because it was carefully developed. It was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. It is achievable, and it provides flexibility for manufacturers. prgtoken Most importantly, it will result in significant health and economic benefits for all Americans--far more than the costs of compliance. Those benefits include fewer premature deaths, fewer hospital visits, fewer missed days of school and work, and yes, fewer cases of childhood asthma. prgtoken Despite being a relatively small number of vehicles on the road, heavy-duty vehicles covered by this rule, including semitrucks and buses, are significant sources of NOX pollution. prgtoken This standard will especially help protect the tens of millions of Americans that live, work, or go to school near highways, ports, and other high-traffic, high-pollution areas along our Nation's freight network. prgtoken It is hard to believe that the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 were enacted by a vote of 401-25. Protecting public health from air pollution was a commonsense, bipartisan issue. Nearly everyone understood we had to balance industry interests with Americans' right to breathe and breathe safely. prgtoken We have reached a point where it is difficult to imagine a potential EPA prgtoken air rule that would not immediately be CRA'd by our colleagues in the majority. prgtoken This opposition is not based on rigorous analysis, but an ideological belief that anything done to reduce air pollution simply cannot possibly be worth the tradeoffs, even when the benefits would be undeniably huge. prgtoken , I urge Members to allow EPA to move forward with flexible and achievable public health protections, like this heavy-duty rule. I ask all of my colleagues to oppose this resolution.
REMEMBERING LIVES LOST IN CHARLOTTE FIRE
Jeff Jackson (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-23

last week there was an enormous fire in Charlotte. An apartment building that was under construction caught fire. Within an hour, it became a five-alarm fire. prgtoken Ninety firefighters from the Charlotte Fire Department responded. They were able to heroically rescue 15 construction workers, including one from on top of a crane. Tragically, two construction workers were not able to be rescued, and they died: Reuben Holmes and Demonte Sherrill. prgtoken Reuben was loved by his family. He was set to have lunch with his sister on Saturday, and they just can't believe what happened. prgtoken Demonte was a father of four. Obviously, this is a tragedy that will reshape their families' lives but also a big part of our community. prgtoken We honor the first responders who sprang into action and did everything they possibly could under extraordinary circumstances, a fire that burned at a temperature of 2,000 degrees. prgtoken We call upon the members of our broader Charlotte community to do everything that they can for these families that have suffered truly unimaginable loss.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY RELATING TO "CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM NEW MOTOR VEHICLES: HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE AND VEHICLE...
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-5-23

I rise in opposition to S.J. Res. 11, the latest attack on clean air protections. prgtoken Heavy-duty vehicles make up approximately 6 percent of vehicles on the road but generate 59 percent of dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOX) pollution. This rule, issued in December 2022, is targeted at reducing the air quality impacts of heavy-duty engines beginning in Model Year 2027 and protecting clean air. Changing the standard for heavy-duty engines and vehicles is expected to reduce dangerous NOX pollution by nearly 50 percent by 2045. This rule was created with trucking, engine manufacturing, and other industry stakeholders and will be the first update to heavy-duty vehicle emission standards in 20 years. prgtoken Every American deserves access to clean air, yet approximately 72 million Americans are exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to their close proximity to high-traffic trucking routes. These Americans are more likely to be low-income and communities of color. It is estimated that the EPA's new rule will lower respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and cases of childhood and adult asthma caused by exposure to dangerous pollution. I am proud of the historic investments made last Congress to develop cleaner, zero- emission technologies that will protect public health. Passing S.J. Res. 11 would abandon the progress we have made to address public health concerns and promote environmental justice in our Nation's infrastructure. prgtoken , not only will S.J. Res. 11 disproportionally harm children, the elderly, and communities of color, but it would block the Administration, or any future administration, from taking meaningful action to curb dangerous NOX pollution from heavy-duty vehicles. prgtoken It should be rejected.
TAKE ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-23

I rise today to remind Members of this Chamber what happened just 2 weeks ago in Allen, Texas. prgtoken Eight people were senselessly murdered by an extremist armed with an assault rifle--a 3-year-old boy and his mom and dad, who left behind a 6-year-old orphan who survived the mass shooting. prgtoken Two young sisters, one in the fourth grade and the other in the second grade, who were described as rays of sunshine, and three young adults each had their entire life ahead of them. All of them were simply minding their own business at the outlets on a Saturday, not knowing it would be their last day. prgtoken The news cycle may have changed--something many in this Chamber were waiting for--but each of these victims leaves behind loved ones who are still mourning an unimaginable loss. prgtoken Each of these victims, like every victim of a mass shooting before them, deserved better. They deserved real action that could have prevented a person deemed unfit to serve in the United States Army from accessing an assault weapon that he used to kill them. prgtoken They deserve better than their Member of Congress going on national television that same day and saying that thoughts and prayers are enough to stop gun violence and that if you disagree, then you don't believe in an Almighty God. prgtoken They certainly deserve better than platitudes from a Governor more concerned about his grade on the NRA scorecard than the number of victims of mass shootings in his State. prgtoken , I stood here at this podium 3 weeks ago after three 9- year-old children and two teachers were murdered in their classrooms in Nashville. I pleaded with the majority to bring legislation to the floor to prevent another mass shooting. prgtoken I listed bills we could have considered: the assault weapons ban to get weapons of war, the gun of choice for mass shooters, off our streets; the Bipartisan Background Checks Act to make sure guns aren't falling into the hands of individuals who shouldn't have them; and the Enhanced Background Checks Act to ensure that a full background check is actually completed before the firearm sale is processed. prgtoken Yet, here we are, 17 days since Allen, Texas, 57 days since The Covenant School, and 1 day before the first anniversary of the massacre in Uvalde, and what are we being forced to vote on this week? A piece of legislation that will make it harder to stop air pollution. Are they serious? This is a colossal disconnect. prgtoken There is a witness from a shooting just 2 weeks ago who talked about how he went to help a little girl whom he thought was hiding, and when he went to check on her, she didn't have a face after being shot with an AR-15-style assault weapon. prgtoken We can't even get a vote on whether these guns should be available. It is no wonder people think Congress is out of touch. prgtoken The United States is the only developed nation in the world where this kind of thing keeps happeni
DEBT DEFAULT NOT AN OPTION
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-23

defaulting on our debt is not an option and would only cause economic uncertainty for eastern North Carolina and rural America at a time when most are just trying to break even. prgtoken According to recent reports, a default would kick nearly 96,000 families across the First District off of food and health programs at a time when they can least afford it. It would also jeopardize benefits that support nearly 50,000 veterans in my district, causing delays in the delivery of care and poor health outcomes for our Nation's heroes. prgtoken A default that lasts as little as 6 weeks would result in nearly 7 million jobs lost, doubling the unemployment rate to 8 percent. prgtoken , we must focus on keeping America's full faith and credit intact.
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIANA JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-5-23

it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to congratulate the Indiana Jewish Historical Society as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, I would like to take the time to honor the Jewish community in the state of Indiana and to commemorate the organization's mission of historic preservation. prgtoken The Indiana Jewish Historical Society is a non-profit organization that works to collect and safeguard historical Jewish records, documents. photographs, and other pertinent materials related to the history of Jewish people throughout the state. Through exhibits, educational programs, publications, and a yearly podcast, the organization continues to share the story of Indiana's Jewish community with the public. As our society faces increasing division and intolerance, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society seeks to promote understanding and to celebrate diversity. For its remarkable contributions to preserving Jewish history and culture throughout the state of Indiana and beyond, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society is to be commended. prgtoken At this time, I would like to acknowledge the leadership and Board of Directors consisting of members from throughout the state of Indiana. The Executive Director is Michael Brown, and the Board of Directors includes Kevin Krulewitch, Barbara Goldman, Lori Katz, Larry Adelman, Alan Gilbert, Trent D. Pendley, Elaine Zuckerman, John Planer, Sheila Greenwald, Kevin Corn, Mike Wolinsky, Isabel Silverman, Alex Feldman, Tory Schendel-Vyvoda, and Steven Bulloff. prgtoken , I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Indiana Jewish Historical Society on its 50th anniversary. The work of this truly admirable organization is a great asset to the people of Indiana, and the leaders and members are worthy of the highest praise.
SUPPORTING 4-H CLUBS
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-23

``I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.'' prgtoken If it wasn't clear, I am a 4-H'er. prgtoken A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting with 4-H student ambassadors from across California. They shared how the 4-H program has empowered them, from building water filters from reusable materials to developing public speaking and organizational skills. prgtoken 4-H doesn't discriminate between urban, suburban, and rural communities. I am here today representing Orange County because of my experiences from this 4-H program. prgtoken As Congress begins consideration of the farm bill, let's continue to invest in our Nation's young people with robust funding for the 4-H program because our future leaders might be 4-H'ers themselves.
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE DAVID N. CICILLINE
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank prgtoken you for bringing us together so that we can pay our respects and gratitude to the great Congressman from Rhode Island. prgtoken On a personal note, just listening to his comments there, he and Congresswoman DeLauro have a competition about pizza. They don't know that most people come to San Francisco to learn how to make pizza. I say that in sharing the pride we take in our Italian-American heritage, and the knowledge that we have about food. prgtoken In any event, I thank Mr. Cicilline for his great leadership in this Congress. He has been a champion on policy issues. He spelled them out here. prgtoken I will never forget the day that he joined John Lewis, Katherine Clark, John Larson, and others, to have a sit-in on the floor of the House. prgtoken , they did not tell us that they were doing this because as leadership we would have said you are not allowed to do that. They could anticipate that I might say that. They just protected the leadership from having to make that statement, and they launched their sit-in on the floor of the House. prgtoken It was very successful because, by coincidence, we had planned a rally about gun violence prevention, and they were having a sit-in on gun violence prevention on the floor of the House. prgtoken The whole world found out about it because Mr. Takano spread the word through his telephone, even though the s turned out the lights in the House and nobody could see what was going on in here. He spread the word through his telephone. Actually, it became a sit-in heard around the world. I thank Mr. Takano, John Lewis, and Mr. Cicilline. prgtoken You heard him talk about the issues and the knowledge he has about them, the judgment he has about prioritizing and the legislative strategic thinking of trying, in the most possible way, to be bipartisan and to be transparent and to be accountable. prgtoken Representative is a job title Mr. Cicilline has. It is his title, and it is his job description for representing the people of Rhode Island. He loves his district. He loves his State. He loves his country. prgtoken By being a Representative, coming to the floor and speaking for those people, every time he did, he did so with great pride. Again, he is a man of many issues and many talents. He also has many ethnicities. prgtoken When he came, I thought, oh, good, we have more Italian Americans in the Congress. I would see him at the Italian-American events. When I would go to Jewish events, he would be there as a Jewish Member of Congress. Of course, there was the LGBTQ+ community. So he was a man for all seasons, all ethnicities, all orientations. That made him a very great Representative for our entire country across the board. prgtoken There are many Members who want time to sing the praises of this great man. I have many stories I could tell about how, in his role as leader in our ic Policy and Communications
REMEMBERING JUDY GILBERT-GOULD
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-5-23

it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the remarkable life of Judy Gilbert-Gould. prgtoken Judy Gilbert-Gould, a lifelong resident of Miami, passed away on April 21, 2023, at the age of 88. She was the daughter of the late Stanley C. and Martha M. Myers and sister to the late Kenneth M. Myers. prgtoken As a young woman, Judy became involved in the National Council of Jewish Women, eventually serving as president of the Miami chapter. In recognition of her service, Judy was awarded NCJW's highest honor, the Hannah G. Solomon Award, for her commitment to the advancement of human welfare. prgtoken Judy later served in several other important professional and leadership capacities. prgtoken Working under then-Dade County State's attorney Janet Reno, Judy was the director of victim-witness services in the State's Attorney's Office to help prepare rape victims to testify in court. prgtoken Later on, Judy's professional career concentrated on working for the Jewish people. In 1983, Judy joined the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where she served for many years as director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, the JCRC. prgtoken As the JCRC's executive director, Judy adroitly mobilized and engaged Miami's Jewish community on many levels. She led our citizen activists in building relationships with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, was pivotal in the pro-Israel movement here at home, and successfully advocated for the national agenda supported by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. prgtoken On a personal note, we worked closely together to address a multitude of issues facing our community, from the scourge of anti-Semitism to ensuring we maintain our strong U.S.-Israel relationship. prgtoken Shortly after I was first elected to Congress, under Judy's leadership role at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, she approached me with the idea to sponsor legislation that would create a month during which we honor the contributions American Jews have made to the fabric of our Nation. prgtoken I introduced a resolution, and since 2006 our Nation has celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month each May to educate Americans about the contributions Jewish Americans have made and continue to make to our country, helping to reduce hate, anti-Semitism, and bigotry. prgtoken Judy's commitment to Miami's Jewish community and the State of Israel was exemplary, and I will miss her guidance and wisdom. prgtoken My heart is with her family in mourning the loss of this kind, generous, and compassionate soul. We were forever privileged to have shared this time with Judy. May her memory be for a blessing.
CONGRATULATING ROB GELDER
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-5-23

I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and to wish a hearty farewell to one of my constituents and friends, Rob Gelder. Rob is leaving his post as Kitsap County Commissioner to work as assistant county manager for Thurston County. prgtoken After receiving a degree in political science from the University of Rochester in 1988, Rob relocated to the Pacific Northwest in January of 1990. Commissioner Gelder worked for Group Health Cooperative for over eight years, before joining Hopelink and then the Washington Health Foundation. With over a decade in senior leadership and executive management, he moved to Poulsbo to become part of the leadership team of Martha & Mary. prgtoken Rob was first appointed to Kitsap County's Board of Commissioners in 2011 and just celebrated 12 years of service to the residents of Kitsap County. prgtoken Commissioner Gelder has been an active member of the Kitsap community and has been involved with the Poulsbo Historical Society, Jewelbox Theatre, Poulsbo Rotary Club, and Hospice of Kitsap County. Rob is also a member of the State Council on Aging as well as the board of the Washington State Association of Counties. prgtoken He has been integral in creating a positive culture of collaboration between the various jurisdictions, elected officials, and staff for which our region has benefited. prgtoken Some of the Commissioner's accomplishments over his time in office include making the Kingston Village Green community center a reality, partnering with Coffee Oasis to expand into the Kingston community, adding over 4,000 acres of public open space for community enjoyment, and partnering with the Suquamish Tribe to create the Port Madison Dialogues. prgtoken , it is an honor today to recognize Rob's dedication and service to Kitsap County. He has been a great friend and partner to me. His leadership and commitment to the community have never wavered. He has made a tremendous difference in Kitsap County and throughout the state of Washington. His service to our community is greatly appreciated and will be long remembered. We wish him all the best on his next endeavor.
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE DAVID N. CICILLINE
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-5-23

I rise today to celebrate the distinguished congressional career of one of Rhode Island's finest public servants and my good friend, Congressman David Cicilline, who will be retiring from the House this week. prgtoken A born and raised Rhode Islander from a proud Italian and Jewish family, David served as a State representative before making history being elected as the first openly gay American to be mayor of a major city. prgtoken In his two terms as mayor of Providence, David restored ethics and vitality to city hall, and he was then elected to represent the First Congressional District in 2010. prgtoken For over a decade, David has served the people of Rhode Island with honor, courage, and decency in the House of Representatives. Through his work on the House Judiciary Committee, Representative Cicilline has become a nationally recognized leader in the fights to prevent gun violence and enforce antitrust laws to protect working Americans. prgtoken As chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, David has helped lead the charge for LGBTQ+ rights. David also served ably on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chairing the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee in the last Congress and he served multiple leadership roles in the House ic Caucus. prgtoken Our Nation will always be indebted to David Cicilline for his role in holding former President accountable for inciting the deadly assault on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. David cowrote the Articles of Impeachment as the attack was still in progress and ably served as a House impeachment manager. prgtoken I know I speak for many of my colleagues when I say how much I will miss David's energy and intellect in the House, but David's lifetime of service is not yet complete. Come June, he will be taking on his new role as president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, one of the Nation's foremost community foundations. prgtoken I look forward to working with him in his new role, and I join all of Rhode Island in thanking him for his many years of dedicated public service to our State. prgtoken , .