mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RICHARD ROHRMAN
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Richard Rohrman on his retirement and thank him for his 26 years of dedicated service to New Community Corporation. prgtoken Mr. Rohrman has done tremendous work for Newark and my 10th Congressional District as CEO of one of our most important community development corporations. New Community Corporation was founded in Newark, New Jersey in 1968 during a time of great civil unrest throughout the community. At the time, it provided local services from housing to healthcare to banking to help it rebuild after the Newark Rebellion. The mission of the corporation is to ``help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual, God-given dignity and personal achievement.'' prgtoken Mr. Rohrman has helped the corporation achieve its goals throughout his 26 years of working for the betterment of Newark residents. In his role as CEO, he has worked to provide $75 million in renovations to 1,100 housing units for my district's most vulnerable populations. He implemented a real estate development plan to create more housing and ownership opportunities for moderate income families. Also, he developed and expanded programs to improve the health and healthcare options for underserved communities. prgtoken He has many important achievements during his time at the organization. He was responsible for the maintenance and security of charter schools, day care centers, a health care complex, and corporate offices for New Community. He managed a portfolio of small businesses, including an upscale restaurant, sandwich shop, health spa, print and copy center, food court, and grocery delivery service. In addition, he supervised the final phases of renovation of St. Joseph Plaza, a historic, former church originally built in 1882 that now houses New Community's corporate headquarters. Finally, Mr. Rohrman led a company- wide energy cost reduction initiative that saved the company more than $300,000 annually and a beautification program that involved landscaping more than 40 acres of company-managed property. prgtoken Mr. Rohrman has been a strong advocate for the underprivileged and strong supporter of actions and initiatives to help our underserved communities. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Rohrman on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated and honorable service.
EMERGENCY SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL TO RESPOND TO JANUARY 6TH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-5-20

. It also establishes funds for future Capitol Grounds security, including upgrades to windows, doors, security screening vestibules, and the installation of new cameras around the Capitol Building and House Office Buildings. prgtoken It includes $350,000 for hazard pay to the custodial staff that were working on the campus on January 6 and helped in the aftermath to get things cleaned up so we could continue our business. The employees have received the Architect's Exceptional Service Award and are recognized as valuable members of the Capitol community. prgtoken We have had many tough conversations with our colleagues, in looking at the Capitol security review and recommendations from General Honore. We also include $21 million to address Member security while traveling and in district offices. prgtoken We are living in a new reality. To address providing a safe and healthy community, we have included funding to reimburse and further support our legislative branch agencies in response to the coronavirus: Telework, sanitizing, cleaning our Capitol complex and district offices. prgtoken Madam , I am proud of the hard work of so many. I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut for being a force to get this bill done. This supplemental needs to pass. We need to act.
ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT--Continued
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-5-20

I rise today in strong support of the Endless Frontier Act--a long overdue, bipartisan effort to invest in our country's innovation and competitiveness. prgtoken I am pleased to see that Congress is finally taking action to shore up U.S. investment in the research, development, and manufacturing of critical technologies because, without this kind of intervention, China in particular will continue to outpace and outperform us in the global technology race, impacting our country's economic well-being, our global influence, and our national security. prgtoken Let me note, when I reference China, I think it is important that any policymaker or business leader draw this distinction. I want to make clear that my beef is with the Communist Party of China and the policies of President Xi Jinping, which persecutes its own people in terms of Uighurs, restricts the freedom of the people of Hong Kong, and creates a surveillance state that would make George Orwell blush. My beef is with those policies and that party, not with the Chinese people and obviously not with the Chinese diaspora, particularly Chinese Americans and Asian Americans. prgtoken In recent years, China has rapidly been executing on a plan. It has been working, particularly, to ramp up its domestic industries around technology that confer potentially to its long-term strategic dominance in a whole host of industries that traditionally the United States or the West has dominated. prgtoken One of the topics I am going to come back to in a moment is that of semiconductors. China consistently increases its investment in the semiconductor industry, with a commitment to invest $150 billion and a goal to produce at least 70 percent of the semiconductors it consumes-- it is one of the world's fastest growing economies--by 2030. prgtoken Frankly, on this issue of semiconductors, it is not just China. Look around at South Korea, which has pledged to invest over $130 billion over the next 9 years, while training 36,000 new microelectronics engineers and technicians. Even our allies in Europe--Germany and 18 other EU members--recently announced investments of up to $60 billion in key hardware like semiconductors over the next few years. prgtoken We look back and see how we are doing in America. By contrast, over the past 10 years, only 17 major semiconductor fabs, or foundries-- these are basically the manufacturing facilities--have been built in the United States, while we have seen over 122 built elsewhere. As a matter of fact, right now, there is not a single new fabrication facility being constructed in America. The total number of facilities-- fabs, foundries--that are in production has gone from 81 down to 76, which are some of our older fabrication facilities. prgtoken Frankly, the technology has leapt forward, and if you don't continue to make the investment, you end up with a large, empty facility. We even have one right outside of Richmond, in
EMERGENCY SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL TO RESPOND TO JANUARY 6TH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , congratulations to our chair, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, for her hard work. prgtoken Madam , a day after passing the historic commission with robust bipartisan help, we are here now to support this emergency security funding bill. The attacks on January 6 exposed the dire state of our Capitol's security infrastructure. prgtoken As a member of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, I have been alarmed to learn of just how outdated our security infrastructure really is, and how we had let it deteriorate for far too long. prgtoken The funding package that we are about to pass today will change that. It will allocate $2 billion in investment, including updating cameras on Capitol grounds, purchasing new protective equipment, increasing the number of frequency of security sweeps, et cetera. prgtoken I called for many of these changes and improvements back on January 6 and January 7. I am glad to be here to support this. prgtoken Madam , I rise to support this bill.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-5-20

I come to the floor today to continue our discussion about the Endless Frontier Act and why America needs to make more investment in the areas of research and development for our Nation. This is critically important as we have gone through this debate with some of our colleagues, to talk about why this is important for the United States. I spent my time yesterday--maybe somebody from the staff can come over and help me with the charts but, thank you--the biggest reason we are doing this is because we believe in American know-how, that is we believe in American ingenuity and we believe in American know-how and we have discussed already how that has helped to build our country over and over and over again, that we are a nation of, if you will, explorers, of pioneers, and by necessity, inventors, and that has continued throughout the history of our country. prgtoken So we are so proud to continue to make these investments in all areas of science, certainly in the areas of healthcare, but we are more specifically talking about the engineers of the physical science and engineering. And we are talking about why we should make an increase in both basic research with this underlying bill that continues to drive dollars into curiosity driven early stage research, so that we can continue to grow jobs and help our economy, and it also continues the effort by saying we should make more investments in STEM education, so the workforce that it will take for us to meet the job challenges of the future. So we are excited that we are there with American know-how, but we are also cognizant of this international debate that is going on, the debate about other countries and what they are investing in research and development. And one of the reasons why I like where we are in the United States is because our research and development ecosystem is really an ecosystem of many different agencies doing research and development. prgtoken And not only are those research and development investments by these various agencies helping in particular areas--because it is really distributed as this chart shows, the United States works with the private sector, it works with our public universities, and it works with various agencies. Instead of a centralized approach that you might find in other countries, the fact that we have this distributed ecosystem with, you know, the Department of Energy may collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, they may collaborate with the Department of Defense, NSF may collaborate with universities, universities may collaborate with the private sector--it is an ecosystem, and that ecosystem is what is unique about research and development in the United States. It is not hierarchical, it is not the majority driven by the private sector, or by government, it is an ecosystem, and the fact that it is so distributed. That means, almost like the competition in various places, and the collaborat
IN MEMORY OF TOM COWIE
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-5-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor and remember the life of Tom Cowie, a dedicated father and a passionate member of the greater Plymouth community. In Depth NH, a local New Hampshire newspaper, published an obituary of my friend Tom that I include in the Record: Center Harbor, NH.--Thomas William Cowie, 68, longtime Plymouth attorney and community volunteer died March 22, 2021, at home following a 10-week bout with metastatic lung cancer. He leaves his wife of 32 years, Paula Tracy, and their daughter, Eliza Cowie of Boulder Colorado, two brothers, Paul Cowie and Peter Cowie, and their families in Truckee, California, and Fayetteville, N.Y. respectively. Born October 10, 1952, to Barbara Ann (Olhoff) Cowie and Walter T. Cowie in Syracuse, N.Y he lived in Barre Vt Fayetteville, NY, and spent summers on Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks before graduating from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in New York in 1971. At Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), where he received his bachelor's degree in political science in 1975, Tom played lacrosse. He became the team's captain in his senior year and was a leading scorer for all four years. His senior team went on to play in the NCAA playoffs. Tom was chosen by the United States International Lacrosse Association to play in the national North-South All-Star Lacrosse Game at Cornell University in 1975. It featured the best senior lacrosse players in the nation. And although not an official college statistic, Tom was also known for having the best long, blonde ponytail sticking out of his helmet. His joy was being outside, whether it was waterskiing, skiing, paddling or driving friends and family for a cruise around Squam Lake. To relax, Tom would often play the piano. He could sight-read any song and particularly enjoyed playing Christmas music, sung at annual gatherings with family friends. His favorite place in the world was the Adirondacks at his childhood summer home ``Sunset'' a classic Earl Covey designed camp on Big Moose Lake's Crag Point where he and his brothers spent endless summer days and participated in the lake association's annual waterski shows. After college, he spent several years in Truckee, California, enjoying skiing and hiking, and learned the art of stonemasonry along the shores of Lake Tahoe. He participated in the Sierra-Tahoe Pro Ski Circuit in 1977 and 1978 and thru-hiked the 186-mile Tahoe-Yosemite Trail during his time there. Tom enjoyed all forms of sport, including tennis, softball, and golf. He tried parachute jumping and learned the sport of curling in Plymouth last year. After moving to the Plymouth area in the early 1980s to join his cousin, Bill Cowie, in sales, he took graduate courses
TRIBUTE TO RABBI IAN S. JACKNIS
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-21

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Ian S. Jacknis who, after 28 years is retiring as Rabbi of the South Huntington Jewish Center. His dedicated and compassionate tenure as Rabbi has touched the lives of many in his congregation through the years. He is admired by many and I join his congregation in wishing him the best as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. prgtoken I include in the Record the following tribute to Rabbi Jacknis that was prepared by the South Huntington Jewish Center: On the Occasion of the Retirement of Rabbi Ian S. Jacknis as Rabbi of the South Huntington Jewish Center, celebrating his 28th anniversary as our beloved Rabbi, we honor Rabbi Jacknis for his excellence and service to his congregation and the Melville community. We hereby recognize and acknowledge his tenure as Rabbi by sharing some of his biography and contributions. Rabbi Jacknis brought his love of Judaism and unique blend of warmth and spirituality to the South Huntington Jewish Center in the summer of 1993, and quickly became known, both inside the synagogue and throughout the surrounding communities, as being welcoming, responsive, insightful and compassionate. During his tenure he has fostered a renewed feeling of unity and enthusiasm in the congregation, as well as a marked increase in membership. Shabbat services, especially, are infused with his special spirit, and he has brought a variety of new initiatives to SHJC. Rabbi Jacknis is highly respected by his congregants and his peers. He is a Past President of the Rabbinical Assembly of Nassau-Suffolk as well as the Suffolk Council of Jewish Organizations. The Rabbi also serves as the Jewish Chaplain to the Melville Fire Department. Rabbi Jacknis attended the undergraduate Joint Program of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Columbia University, receiving two bachelor's degrees in 1977. He later attended the Seminary's Rabbinical School, taking classes at the University of Judaism (now the American Jewish University) in Los Angeles, at Neve Schechter in Jerusalem and at the Seminary's main campus in Manhattan. In May of 1983 he received both his Master's Degree and Rabbinic Ordination. Recently, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Jacknis is married to his wonderful wife, Suri Jacknis, who serves as Director of Educator Networks at The Jewish Education Project. She is a progressive leader in the Jewish world, and SHJC is fortunate to have had the two of them as leaders of their community. Together, Suri and Rabbi have three children, a son Noam (married to Candace), a daughter Yael, (married to Jacob Davidson) and another daughter Nava (married to Natanel Fuchs). Rabbi and Sur
HONORING BARRY PUMP AND ALL MEMBERS OF HOUSE FLOOR STAFF
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-21

. Madam , I rise today to say thank you to all the men and women of the House floor who execute their duties flawlessly and anonymously so Members of Congress can dispatch the important business of the people we are privileged to represent effectively and efficiently. prgtoken We would not be able to discharge the duties vested in us by the Constitution were it not for the reporters, floor clerks, journal clerks, reading clerks, bill clerks, and Parliamentarian staff who daily provide indispensable customer service to the House of Representatives. prgtoken Their job just got a little harder because I am sad to report that Barry Pump, one of the Clerks of Debate, has been appointed parliamentarian of the House Committee on Homeland Security and will be relinquishing his floor staff position after 7 years of faithful and flawless service, and a total of 9 years of dedicated service as an employee of the Clerk of the House. prgtoken Ask anyone about Barry Pump and you will get story after story attesting to his intelligence, knowledge of floor procedure, commitment to accurate and truthful report, and relentless attention to detail. prgtoken This House is a better place because of extraordinary floor staff personnel like Barry Pump. prgtoken Madam , we wish Barry well in his new position as parliamentarian for the Committee on Homeland Security, and as a senior member of the committee, I am happy to learn that is the Homeland Security Committee to which Barry will take his considerable skills and talents.
HONORING LISA STARR ROSENSTEIN
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Lisa Starr Rosenstein, 53, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident while jogging. I want to express my condolences on behalf of the people of San Antonio to the Starr family. Mrs. Rosenstein was an extraordinary individual, generous and genuine, and someone who cared deeply about her fellow neighbors. She was also an avid long-distance runner who competed in 27 marathons, including the New York Marathon, and she was a member of the Jewish community at the Rodfei Sholom and Temple Beth El congregations. prgtoken Lisa Starr Rosenstein is survived by her friends and family, including her children, Emma and Nathan, her husband of nearly 28 years, Alan Rosenstein, her parents, Arlene and David Starr, the president of the American Agape Foundation. She was profoundly loved and will be greatly missed by all. prgtoken Madam , I am thankful to know this remarkable San Antonio family who is dedicated to service and community. I am deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy, and I hope this honor will bring a small amount of comfort to her family. May her memory be a blessing.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-24

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, May 25; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of Executive Calendar No. 117, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, postcloture; further, that all time on the Brooks-LaSure nomination be considered expired at 11:45 a.m.; that the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Clarke nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; that if cloture is invoked on the Clarke nomination, all postcloture debate time be considered expired at 2:30 p.m.; and finally, that if any of the nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made prgtoken and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2021-5-24

I rise today in support of the nomination of Kristen Clarke to be Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. prgtoken In the 4\1/2\ months since she was nominated, my colleagues and their rightwing allies have engaged in a coordinated smear campaign to distort Kristen Clarke's record. It is past time to set things straight. prgtoken Kristen Clarke is a supremely capable and qualified nominee to lead the Civil Rights Division. I would argue that she is among the most well-credentialed and qualified nominees ever to serve in this role. prgtoken During her career, she has served as a trial attorney in the Division's voting section; a prosecutor in the Division's criminal section; an assistant counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and later as the codirector of its Political Participation Group; as the civil rights chief of the New York State Attorney General's Civil Rights Bureau; and as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, one of the Nation's preeminent civil rights organizations. Kristen Clarke's credentials for this job are unimpeachable. prgtoken Unable to undermine her nomination on the merits, Senate s have engaged in a vicious smear campaign against Kristen Clarke because they are afraid she will actually do her job. They are afraid she will enforce our civil rights statutes, challenge discriminatory voting laws, combat systemic racism in policing, and protect the LGBTQ community. prgtoken This work is urgently needed after the Civil Rights Division endured 4 years of intentional neglect and outright hostility during the administration. During its 4 years in office, the administration brought only a single case--one--under the Voting Rights Act, even as States like Georgia, Ohio, and Wisconsin worked to suppress the vote by targeting people of color. prgtoken The previous administration also effectively ended the use of consent decrees to bring police departments into compliance with the Constitution. It abandoned this critical tool at the worst possible moment, as the Nation watched Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor killed by officers sworn to protect and serve. prgtoken President nominated Kristen Clarke to lead the Civil Rights Division because she is precisely the leader we need at this critical moment. But for 4\1/2\ months, my colleagues have tried to tear down this highly qualified woman of color with unfounded smears and outright lies. They feign outrage over a satirical letter Ms. Clarke wrote as an undergrad at Harvard in 1994, over 25 years ago. prgtoken I don't recall any comparable outrage when Michael Truncale, then a practicing attorney for decades, disparaged President as an ``un-American imposter [who] bows to Arab Sheikhs and other world leaders.'' Instead, they confirmed him to a lifetime