mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , I'm proud to support H.R. 6, the American Dream and prgtoken Promise Act to ensure that millions of young Americans can remain in the only country they've ever known and loved. prgtoken The bill provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, young people who came to the U.S. as children without legal status. It provides conditional legal status for ten years to those with a high school diploma or equivalent credential, and they must pay a fee and pass a background check. They can also earn permanent legal status if they attend college, work lawfully, or serve in the military. prgtoken I supported President 's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program which provided temporary legal status and work permits to over 650,000 young people, but only Congress can provide permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship through statute. After putting their faith in the government when they registered for DACA and enduring the Administration's three-year legal battle to end this program, these young people deserve the certainty of a permanent solution. prgtoken The American Dream and Promise Act also provides permanent legal status to recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), programs that provide temporary legal status to immigrants from countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other ongoing crises. prgtoken Many of the individuals I've described are longtime U.S. residents who contribute to their communities and our economy and are Americans in all but name. Our legislation provides them with an earned pathway to citizenship so they can be legally recognized as full members of society and no longer live in fear of deportation. They deserve this, and I urge all Members to support the American Dream and Promise Act.
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , I rise on behalf of those who teach, who heal, who protect, who study; for those whose entrepreneurial talent advances our economy--for all of our Dreamers. They have so much to contribute and they are American in every way except on paper. prgtoken For so many long years, they have been burdened with uncertainty because of the anti-immigrant hysteria whipped up by these fanatics. In San Antonio, San Marcos, and Austin I have met with them personally; Dreamers in Texas, where releasing their full potential, through approval of this bill, would have such benefit to all of us. prgtoken Today let's move forward to reject the nightmare and achieve the dream so that these deserving young people may truly share in the entire American Dream. This bill must only be the beginning.
FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2021
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , I and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus rise in support of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. prgtoken My parents were farmworkers who worked tirelessly day in and day out with calloused hands and tired backs to give me, their children, opportunities that they never had. prgtoken Farmworkers like my parents and like many of my constituents back home in the Coachella Valley taught me the value of hard work, resiliency, and taking care of one another. prgtoken Farmworkers are getting infected and dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate than the general public. They are literally dying to feed you, give you the nutrients you need to prevent COVID-19 and to heal from COVID-19. prgtoken We must protect and secure our food supply chain. We must pass the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to stabilize our food supply chain and ensure that farmers can meet their future labor needs. prgtoken The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is proud to work with Chair Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, as well as CHC members Salud Carbajal and Jim Costa, and other Members to get the bill signed into law.
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-18

2\1/2\ minutes. prgtoken , H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, is vital legislation that establishes a path to lawful permanent resident, or LPR, status for two critically important populations that are in dire need of protection. prgtoken The Dream Act creates an earned path to LPR status for Dreamers, individuals who entered the United States in their youth and who have lived here for most of their lives. Dreamers are part of the fabric of our Nation, aptly demonstrated by their commitment to bettering our country through the pursuit of education, military service, and employment. prgtoken It is undeniable that Dreamers enrich our Nation. They are our neighbors and coworkers, they are classmates with our children, and they serve in our military with distinction. They are an essential part of our communities, where they contribute to our thriving economy and make America a stronger, more united, and more diverse Nation. prgtoken Similarly, the American Dream and Promise Act provides a path to LPR status for individuals who either held, or were eligible for temporary protective status, TPS, as of January 1, 2017; or deferred enforced departure, DED, as of January 20, 2021. prgtoken TPS is a form of humanitarian relief provided to individuals from countries experiencing dangerous conditions and crises. DED is like TPS, but it is derived solely from the President's constitutional powers to conduct foreign relations. prgtoken Like Dreamers, TPS and DED recipients are essential to our communities. Many of them have lived in the United States for decades. They make up a significant portion of the workforce in key industries, including construction, food service, and home healthcare. They contribute to the U.S. economy, not only through their work, but also through consumer spending and tax revenue, and they have been particularly essential in serving our country during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken I have no doubt that some of my colleagues will stand before us today and use what they claim is a crisis at the border as an excuse not to support this bill. But let's get one thing straight, this legislation is not about the border, this legislation is about finally delivering on our promise to America's Dreamers and others who are equally deserving of our protection. prgtoken , I want to thank my colleagues, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Nydia Velazquez, and Yvette Clarke, for their commitment to this important legislation, and to the millions of people this legislation will protect. prgtoken I hope that all my colleagues will stand up for them when it truly counts and will support H.R. 6 today. prgtoken , .
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-18

I want to state that on March 18, 2021, I missed one rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yes''--rollcall vote 90--Motion to Recommit on H.R. 6. Members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Allred (Davids (KS)) Axne (Stevens) Barragan (Beyer) Bera(Aguilar) Bishop (GA) (Butterfield) Blumenauer (Beyer) Buchanan (Gimenez) (Clark (MA)) Cardenas (Gomez) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) DeSaulnier (Matsui) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Garbarino (Joyce (OH)) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hastings (Butterfield) Kahele (Mrvan) Kim (NJ) (Davids (KS)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Langevin (Lynch) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu (Beyer) Lowenthal (Beyer) McEachin (Wexton) Meng (Clark (MA)) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Underwood) Napolitano (Correa) Omar (Pressley) Payne (Pallone) Peters (Kildee) Pingree (Cicilline) Porter (Wexton) Rush (Underwood) Schneider (Sherrill) Sires (Pallone) Slotkin (Stevens) Smith (WA) (Courtney) Timmons (Steube) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)
Remembering Robert Gutz Thompson (Executive Calendar)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2021-3-18

I rise to honor the life of a noble veteran, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother, uncle, and someone I had been fortunate enough to call my dear brother- in-law, Robert Gutz Thompson. prgtoken What I always admired about Bob was his unparalleled work ethic and determination to learn and serve and to inspire those around him. Bob was a graduate of the University of Wyoming, Class of 1961. He then joined the military and entered flight training in 1963, and he was designated as a naval aviator in 1964. From the day he was motivated to join the military to his military retirement in 1983, he showcased steadfast dedication and a commitment to excellence that can only be matched by his loving devotion as part of our family. prgtoken Bob proudly served our Nation for more than 20 years and leaves behind a distinguished legacy of military history, including service aboard the USS Intrepid, the USS Randolph, the USS Lexington, and the USS Forrestal. He flew thousands of flight hours throughout his distinguished career. He trained other pilots. He commanded naval units, and he was deployed multiple times, including to the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle. He earned the Navy Achievement Medal for his performance as Landing Signal Officer during a winter deployment to the North Atlantic. prgtoken In 1967, he joined the VS-30 squadron and reported to Key West, FL, as an instructor pilot. In 1970, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for recovering aircraft within the Arctic Circle. In 1972, Bob was selected for and attended the Naval War College in Rhode Island and then was assigned to the Naval Air Station Cecil Field, in Florida, to lead the squadron's relocation operations. prgtoken In 1976, he served aboard the USS Forrestal as operations officer. In 1979, Bob assumed command of the VS-30 squadron, where he deployed with his beloved Diamondcutters to the Mediterranean. Later that year, Bob received orders to the Pentagon to work on what is now known as GPS. His assignments were tough--squadron executive officer, squadron commander, instructor pilot, and so many more--but he was always tougher than they were. It is unbelievable the leader he was to all of those who served and served with pride. prgtoken Put simply, Bob was one of the most generous, kind, hard-working, and inspirational people I ever knew. My whole family and I adored Bob ever since he joined the family, and Bob's passing has left a deep impact on all of us. This is also an important time to celebrate Bob's life and the profound feelings of joy and pride that he brought to all of us. prgtoken While Bob wasn't born in West Virginia, he certainly was a Mountaineer, through and through, in his heart and soul and was a dedicated fan of his beloved WVU sports teams, especially football and basketball. prgtoken When visitors come to our little State, I jump at the chance to tell the
FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2021
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken There has been a lot of rhetoric today about the border, and I think it is important to address some of it. prgtoken First, let's get the facts straight. The uptick in apprehensions at the southern border began in April 2020, last year, long before we knew President was even going to become the ic nominee, much less the President. prgtoken During the pandemic, the administration did something that troubled me a great deal and that I objected to. They ignored the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. That was a bipartisan bill. Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey was the lead on the side. I worked on it on our side along with others. It had a very precise protocol for what to do when an unaccompanied child presented at the border, a potential trafficking victim. prgtoken Instead of following that protocol, the prior administration would simply take that child, an 11- or 12-year-old little girl, and turn her back into Mexico, not knowing what would happen to her. prgtoken Now, those children who have been in squalid camps for the last year are being addressed pursuant to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. It is correct that we have had more children present than we were prepared to deal with, and there was a scramble to take care of those children properly. But it has nothing to do with the Farm Work Modernization Act. prgtoken I listened with some interest to the suggestion that there needs to be a change in the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act provisions of this bill. Currently, H-2A employers must comply with the H-2A program requirements, which largely meet or exceed MSPA. The primary difference is that the DOL stands in the place of the foreign farmworker in bringing forward cases of alleged violation of the H-2A program. prgtoken The Fair Labor Standards Act and a number of other Federal and State laws apply to the H-2A program, but it is worth noting that any H-2A employer that employs one or more domestic workers who perform seasonal or temporary agricultural work is already covered under MSPA, and that would be close to like all employers. This bill would formally place all employers of H-2A workers under MSPA, impacting only those who hire no domestic employees. prgtoken The idea that there needs to be a right to cure has merit, except it is already addressed in this bill because it requires mandatory mediation. If there is a problem that can be fixed, it will be fixed in the mediation system. That is quite new. prgtoken The other thing to point out is that there are no attorney's fees provided for in the bill or in MSPA, so the idea that somehow this is a windfall for the trial bar is simply incorrect. prgtoken There is a great Q&A truth setting in a publication called Hoard's Dairyman, ``What the Farm Workforce Act could mean.'' I include the article in the Record. [From H
FARM WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2021
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , the Farm Workforce Modernization Act would simply protect our existing farmworkers and perpetuate an enduring farm workforce. It would do that by modernizing and streamlining our H-2A visa system and by allowing those who are willing to come here to stay here if they continue to work here in agriculture. prgtoken Now, this bill is a bipartisan bill. It is the right bill because it was a negotiated bill. No, it is not the perfect bill, but it is the necessary bill that was formulated after months and months of difficult talks between and s and farmers and farmworkers. prgtoken Now, during those discussions, unlike what we are hearing today, we put negative politics aside and we focused on the positive policies for the people who are part of the solution to the number one problem for our farmers. We don't have a domestic workforce willing to do ag labor, so farmers are reliant on immigrants to harvest their products. prgtoken That is why, if we pass this bill today and the Senate does its job tomorrow, farmers will have a predictable and dependable workforce, farmworkers will get the legality and the dignity that they deserve, and we in Congress will have done our job for our agriculture and for our Nation that both rely on immigrants for our future.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-3-18

I rise in support of legislation developed by our colleague, Senator Brown, and me to protect $1,400 relief payments from being garnished by predatory private debt collectors. prgtoken We know that millions of American families are hanging on by a thread. They are counting on these payments to make rent and pay for groceries and medicines. prgtoken Now Senator Brown and I want to include these protections in the American Rescue Plan. We wanted to include them, just like we had done in the December relief bill, but the problem was that Senate rules didn't allow Senator Brown and me to include these protections in the American Rescue Plan, just like we had done earlier. prgtoken If the Senate doesn't pass this bill, predatory debt collectors will continue to seize relief payments for everything from credit cards to medical debt. prgtoken And as we talk about this right now, I would like to give an example of what this really means. If you have two parents who have lost their jobs, through no fault of their own, and they can't pay the rent because their relief check has been seized to cover a child's outstanding hospital bills--that is what is going to happen if you don't pass the legislation Senator Brown and I are advocating. prgtoken So I think this one is cut and dry. The Senate will either stand today for the working families who desperately need this help, like that couple who are hurting, through no fault of their own, or the Senate is with private debt collectors reaching their hands into those families' pockets. prgtoken Now, these protections that we are talking about were included in the December package, with s fully supporting it. Families' financial situations haven't changed so I hope that s will allow for the passage of this measure offered by Senator Brown and me. It is just common sense. prgtoken And I am going to yield now--the minority is aware--to Senator Brown. He, too, will have short remarks, and then we will engage with our colleague on the other side. prgtoken .
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , there is no doubt the American Dream and Promise Act will bring much-needed relief to our Dreamers and our immigrant communities, and I will be voting for the bill. prgtoken However, many of my constituents are disappointed that H.R. 6 includes harsh exclusions that will block many of our long-term members of our community from citizenship simply because of misdeeds, mistakes that they made years and years ago. I will continue to advocate for them.
SENATE RESOLUTION 124--CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE OF ROMANI AMERICANS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-3-18

today, I am introducing, along with Senator Wicker, a resolution that celebrates Romani American heritage. prgtoken As a member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism and Intolerance, I have long worked to improve the situation of Roma throughout the OSCE region. This includes efforts to advance human rights compliant policing, ending ethnic and religious profiling, supporting diversity and inclusion in the U.S. national security workforce and human rights training for foreign service officers, and supporting free and fair elections in the OSCE participating States. I also supported the appointment of Dr. Ethel Brooks to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, on which I also currently serve. prgtoken The resolution we are introducing today does four things. prgtoken First, it recognizes and celebrates Romani American heritage. Roma have come to the United States with every wave of European migration since the colonial period. In the United States, there may be as many as one million Americans with some Romani ancestry, whether distant or more recent. Romani people have made distinct and important contributions in many fields, including agriculture, art, crafts, literature, medicine, military service, music, sports, and science. prgtoken Second, it supports International Roma Day and the Department of State's robust engagement in activities to that occasion. In 1971, on April 8th, 1971, the First World Romani Congress met in London, bringing Roma together from across Europe and the United States with the goal of promoting transnational cooperation among Roma, combating social marginalization, and building a positive future for Roma everywhere. April 8th is now celebrated as ``International Roma Day'' around the world. U.S. ambassadors and our embassies across Europe are frequently asked to participate in April 8th celebrations across the region. I commend the important work they are doing as they demonstrate U.S. commitment to inclusive societies not only on April 8th, but also throughout the year. prgtoken Third, this resolution commemorates the destruction of the so-called ``Gypsy Family Camp'' at Auschwitz. It is estimated that between 200,000 and 500,000 Romani people were killed in death camps and elsewhere throughout Europe. On August 2-3, 1944, Nazis murdered between 4,200 and 4,300 Romani men, women, and children in gas chambers when the Nazis decided to liquidate this camp. A number of governments in recent years have taken important steps to commemorate the genocide of Roma, to remember the victims, and educate future generations. Germany took an important step when it opened in Berlin a memorial for Sinti and Roma victims of National Socialism. I also welcome the Czech government's decision to remove the pig farm at the site of the Lety concentration camp the role of the Museum of Romani Culture in ensur
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , I rise in strong support of this bill, the Dream and Promise Act. Let me thank Pelosi, Chairman Nadler, Chairwoman Lofgren, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Rep. Yvette Clarke for all their work to make humane immigration reform a priority. prgtoken I am a proud co-author of the Dream and Promise Act, which will finally give peace of mind to millions who are American in every way but on paper by providing a pathway to citizenship. These are Dreamers, TPS, and DED recipients, yes. But they are also our co-workers, friends, family members and hardworking, law-abiding members of our communities. prgtoken And under this bill, we can shield qualifying recipients of TPS, DED and DACA from deportation and create a more comprehensive pathway to citizenship. prgtoken So, let's do the right thing, the American thing, and pass this bill.
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , first of all, let me say that I rise in strong support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. I thank Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, Chairman Nadler, and Chairwoman Lofgren for advancing this legislation and supporting our Dreamers. prgtoken It is time that we protect these young people who have never called any other country than America home. Dreamers and individuals eligible for TPS or Deferred Enforcement Departure contribute mightily to their communities and to our economy. They deserve a pathway to citizenship. prgtoken Now, the Dreamers in my State of California and in my Congressional district have made so many contributions under very scary and difficult circumstances. prgtoken Madam , yes, they are as American as I am. I ask for an ``aye'' vote.