mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JUSTICE FOR OFFICER ERIC WILLIAMS
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-5-14

in 2013, Eric Williams was working as a correctional officer at USP Canaan when he was savagely murdered by an inmate who was already serving a life sentence. A jury later found the inmate guilty of Eric's murder, but because 1 out of 12 jurors voted against the death penalty, he faced no additional penalty for this crime. Such an outcome is unacceptable in our legal system. Officer Williams' tragic killing reveals a glaring injustice for victims of violent crime. prgtoken That is why I reintroduced Eric's Law this week, which would permit prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing in a death penalty case when the first jury fails to deliver a unanimous verdict. prgtoken Officer Williams died protecting our community, and we owe it to him and others like him to punish the violent criminals who commit these acts. Though we will never be able to rid our society of heinous crimes or acts of violence, this bill is a step in the right direction to ensure victims and their families have every opportunity to pursue the justice they deserve.
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH CELEBRATES 150 YEARS
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I wish to congratulate Pastor Mike Moreno and the entire congregation of Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Nebraska, on their 150th anniversary. prgtoken With a shared mission to share God's word, share God's love, and as they say, ``Do it now,'' the community of Christ Lutheran Church is a family. As one member of the congregation said, ``When one is hurting, all are hurting. When one is joyful, we celebrate together.'' How beautiful. prgtoken The church also oversees Christ Lutheran School, educating 225 students in grades K-8, in an environment that develops a child spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially to know the personal story and potentiality of each student. prgtoken Though we have many hardships and challenges in the world today, Madam , I am quite certain that Christ Lutheran Church and their community will remain a place of solace and hope for those seeking to hear good news.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
Troy E. Nehls (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , tomorrow, May 15, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to honor and remember the more than 22,000 brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. prgtoken Having served in law enforcement for 30 years, I am proud to see so many of my colleagues recognizing the sacrifice of these brave officers this week. They certainly deserve it. prgtoken But truly honoring their sacrifice means doing so every day, not just on May 15 and not just this week. That means giving law enforcement the tools necessary to keep our communities safe, pushing back against any and all attempts to demonize and diminish their service, and doing everything we can to reduce the attacks against law enforcement. prgtoken Now more than ever, law enforcement across our country needs true Americans to boldly stand with them. That is what I am proud to do here today. And I ask every one of my colleagues and the American people to do so, as well.
HONORING OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FARRAR
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , there is no greater love than to lay one's life down for another. prgtoken Officer Christopher Farrar of Chandler, Arizona exemplified that love when he was killed in the line of duty on April 30th of this year. Officer Farrar gave his life on behalf of his community and indeed, the entire State of Arizona. By all accounts he was a great police officer who served his community every day. prgtoken He leaves behind a grieving family and his fellow officers of the Chandler Police Department. I thank his family and loved ones for their sacrifices and his. Our prayers are with you. prgtoken We also join in prayer for Officer Rico Aranda, of the Gilbert, Arizona Police Department who, alongside Officer Farrar, put his life on the line while responding to the same call on April 30. Although he was critically wounded, he was fortunate enough to survive the attempt on his life. We express our hope for a speedy and complete recovery for Officer Farrar. prgtoken Both these men and their families will remain in our hearts. prgtoken Serving in law enforcement takes a special kind of person. One who leaves the house each day knowing he may not return. Police officers all across this country have been vilified over the last year but I challenge you, Madame , to find a group of individuals more noble, more selfless, and more interested in serving their fellowman than police officers. prgtoken Instead of the hyper-critique they have received of recent times, they deserve the praise and admiration of this body. Police officers routinely face grave threats with great courage. prgtoken Madam , over the last year we have seen Liberal organizations and leftist cities call for the defunding of our police. I urge elected officials and the American public to support those who keep our communities safe. Let's increase our respect to our police force. Let's increase our gratitude by giving a positive comment, a helping hand, or saying a prayer when you see those flashing red and blue lights on the way to an emergency. prgtoken I am grateful to be participating in National Police Week so I may pay homage to the brave men and women who run towards danger when most retreat. We may never know the pressure and the courage it takes to wear the badge and don the uniform, but we can always show the respect and honor our police officers deserve. prgtoken To those officers who demonstrated the greater love by making the greatest sacrifice we say, ``Thank you.'' We offer our grateful support to those they left behind.
WE MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to express my strong support for our vital ally, Israel. The recent rocket attacks launched by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israelis must be unequivocally condemned, and our support for Israel's right to defend herself must be crystal clear. prgtoken Between President 's weak leadership and anti-Semitic comments made by Members of this very body, terrorist organizations like Hamas feel that they can get away with attacking our ally. They have emboldened them. prgtoken The world is watching, and there is no room for silence or appeasement of terrorists. Congress and the administration must immediately reaffirm America's longstanding commitment to Israel and offer any and all support. prgtoken , wake up. There is only one democracy in the Middle East, and we must stand with Israel.
FAREWELL TO REPRESENTATIVE STEVE STIVERS
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-5-14

today I rise to bid farewell to my dear friend, Representative Steve Stivers, as he embarks on a new adventure leading the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken A career soldier, Steve has served more than 30 years in the Ohio Army National Guard and holds the rank of major general. He served the United States overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he led 400 soldiers and contractors. For his leadership, he was awarded the Bronze Star. In a battle closer to home, Steve served on the front lines in America's fight against the opioid epidemic. Steve was a champion for the cause of civility not just in politics, but in our daily lives and founded the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus. prgtoken Just as Steve has left his mark here in the Halls of Congress and in the lives of so many Americans, I know he will continue to do big things as president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and as a champion for job growth across our State.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , it has been interesting. I get to take my mask off under the rules now. prgtoken We haven't quite caught up with the science here in the House. The House of Representatives that has leadership proclaiming that we need to follow the science refuses to do so, so far. But we are hoping we will eventually get at least the majority of people here to follow the science. prgtoken It has been an interesting time, not a good time, not a wonderful, enriching time to be in the House of Representatives. It has been an exceedingly frustrating time. prgtoken After January 6, apparently, the number one goal here in the House was something referred to as optics. According to the Sergeant at Arms, the reason the National Guard was not brought up in advance on January 6, so there would be no one entering the Capitol that was not desired to enter the Capitol, was that word, ``optics.'' prgtoken So, the Capitol Police, doing the best they could, were left to fend for themselves without the support they needed. It is a big place. But had the number one concern before January 6 by people here in Washington, at the Capitol, at least, if that number one concern had not been optics, there would have been no one coming into the Capitol that we didn't want to be in the Capitol. prgtoken Since then, we have been entertained by all kinds of false statements, false allegations. It has really been amazing. The number one thing we keep coming back to is, apparently, it is not about getting at the truth. It is all about optics. prgtoken The top person charged with the safety of Members of Congress, the head of the Capitol Police, months ago indicated that there was no intel from any source that any Member of Congress was at risk or a threat to any other Member of Congress. No Member of Congress was at risk from another Member of Congress. prgtoken Since then, as I understand it, there was an ethics charge leveled at Marjorie Taylor Greene that she was encouraging a debate with another Member of Congress and somehow that is apparently an ethics violation. prgtoken I had a some years back come up and threaten to kick my buttocks. I think he used other language. But had he swung, I might have filed a complaint. prgtoken Here on the House floor, what we have are words. We get into very heated debates at times because we care deeply about the things we care deeply about. But those are not assaults. prgtoken There have been assaults in the Capitol, and I know memory is apparently a big question these days, but when the President of the United States stands right up here at the second level, as Presidents have since this opened before 1860, and have made speeches--in this case, it wasn't to a joint session; it was to an invitation-only session--but he indicated that what happened on January 6 was the worst attack on democracy since the Civil War. prgtoken So being an ongoing student of history since Coach Sam Parker instilled a love in
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise in opposition to H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. prgtoken The policy choices we make here in Congress about labor should be made to support the family and our freedoms. This is because work, family, and freedom support and need each other. If one of these aspects is weakened, the whole chain is weakened as well. prgtoken The Federal Government is, once again, overreaching into our freedoms as Americans with this Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Passing the PWFA means that a small business or religious organization could be forced to provide paid time off for an employee to have an abortion or other concerning procedures. prgtoken Instead of working to improve our systems to support families and the workplace, the are going after our First Amendment freedom of religion. Religious freedom is a bedrock principle of this country, and we must protect the ability of all Americans to act in accordance with their conscience. The Federal Government must never infringe on this sacred right. prgtoken Religious organizations should be allowed to make religiously based employment decisions, and States should be the leaders in this, not the Federal Government. prgtoken We have laws currently in place to protect discrimination in the workplace. The PWFA does not protect religious employers with the same protections contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For these reasons and more, I oppose the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
BACK THE BLUE
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , this week is National Police Week. I rise today to honor the courageous men and women in blue. prgtoken We know that a single week is simply not enough to recognize the service and sacrifice that police officers and their families make. Thank you for your dedication and thank you for putting your lives on the line in order to make our communities safer each and every day. prgtoken Unfortunately, our brave law enforcement officers have come under attack by the liberal media and leftists who dangerously and wrongfully suggest that the answer to all problems is to defund the police. This growing antipolice rhetoric is disgusting, and it threatens the safety and security of communities across America. prgtoken Members of our law enforcement community regularly face dangerous and demanding circumstances, yet they possess a willingness to set aside their own safety for the sake of others. prgtoken Let me be perfectly clear, I back the blue 100 percent. You have our unwavering support and gratitude. Once again, during National Police Week, thank you for your sacrifices and leadership you provide our communities. May we never forget how appreciated you are every single day.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-5-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , claim it is not necessary to incorporate the religious organization protection from the Civil Rights Act in H.R. 1065 because the bill does not repeal that provision and it will still be effective if the bill becomes law. I strongly disagree. prgtoken H.R. 1065 will create legal jeopardy for religious organizations, as I have previously stated. prgtoken But for the sake of argument, let's assume the provision is superfluous. What would be the harm in including the Civil Rights Act provision in H.R. 1065? prgtoken At worst, the provision would be duplicative with the Civil Rights Act, causing no harm to workers or employers. prgtoken Let's remember that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, better known as the ADA, includes a religious organization protection similar to the one in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ADA provision has caused no harm. prgtoken My conclusion is that the key sponsors of H.R. 1065 are saying the quiet part out loud in their opposition to the religious organization protection in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. prgtoken I have reached this conclusion because have also claimed that the Civil Rights Act provision is overinclusive, to begin with, and would provide too much protection in this instance. prgtoken Are saying that the existing Civil Rights Act protection for religious organizations should also be repealed? prgtoken Again, this is a provision that has been law for 56 years. prgtoken As I have stated previously, the longstanding Civil Rights Act religious organization protection should be added to H.R. 1065. At worst, it would do no harm. At best, it will prevent religious organizations from being required to violate their faith. prgtoken , .
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Reclaiming my time. prgtoken I will wrap this topic up with a couple of observations. prgtoken Our colleagues across on the other side of the building are certainly following different guidelines than we are here. I think it is important to note that what the majority is doing here is that they are undermining the vaccination program. They are committing public health malpractice by saying, if you get the vaccine, it doesn't work. prgtoken What is the incentive to do this? prgtoken I am going to move on to the next topic. I believe we have beat this dead horse enough and there is no answer.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2021-5-14

there is no question that pregnant workers should be treated fairly and be provided with reasonable accommodations in the workforce. We are all in favor of commonsense guidelines to ensure this. prgtoken Serving as a subcommittee ranking member in the Education and Labor Committee, I had the opportunity to dive deeply into this bill and participate in the full committee markup. prgtoken While much of this law is redundant to the two laws that currently protect pregnant workers, I agree with many of the provisions in the bill, and it was substantially improved from the version introduced in 2019. prgtoken During our markup, I asked for an amendment to clarify one specific provision before lending my support. My provision singles out religious organizations by removing the exemption found in nearly every civil rights bill, including the Civil Rights Act. prgtoken Because each religion has its own unique customs, requirements, and traditions, it is not reasonable to mandate employment decisions that conflict with people's faith. prgtoken By not including this longstanding Civil Rights Act provision, H.R. 1065 is likely to create legal risk for religious organizations. Pregnancy-discrimination or pregnancy-accommodation laws in at least 16 States and the District of Columbia also include a provision similar to the Civil Rights Act religious organizations protection. prgtoken By adding a simple reference in H.R. 1065 to the Civil Rights Act, we can harmonize the bill with current law and ensure that religious organizations receive the same protections as outlined in the Civil Rights Act. This is the only reasonable thing to do.
HONORING CAPTAIN PAUL JACOBS
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the remarkable life story of an American hero, Captain Paul Jacobs who passed away this past December. Captain Paul Jacobs served six combat tours in Vietnam, though it was his last tour that forever enshrined him as leading one of the U.S. Navy's greatest humanitarian efforts. prgtoken As U.S. forces began withdrawing from South Vietnam in late April 1975, Captain Jacobs was then commanding the destroyer escort USS Kirk off the coast of Vietnam. To escape being captured by Communist North Vietnamese forces, South Vietnam helicopters loaded with refugees swarmed out toward the U.S. fleet. After hearing rumors that any South Vietnamese pilot captured by the North Vietnamese would be tortured, mutilated, and imprisoned, while their families would be made outcasts or worse, they fled desperately trying to escape that fate. prgtoken Upon realizing this, Captain Jacobs offered his ship as a safe haven for the South Vietnamese refugees. Helicopters began arriving and all hands aboard the Kirk--including Captain Jacobs--pushed unloaded helicopters over the side to make room for incoming ones. In all, 12 helicopters, packed with refugees, had landed on one of the Navy's smallest warships. Captain Jacobs then transformed the Kirk into a humanitarian aid station, providing food, comfort, medical care, relief from a blazing sun and hope to the men, women and children they'd rescued. It is no exaggeration to credit Captain Jacobs' steadfast leadership in the face of such hardship for saving the lives of those 30,000-plus Vietnamese sailors and refugees. prgtoken The United States Navy has a proud tradition of courageous, competent, indefatigable, and independent ship captains, who fear not what lies over the horizon, and who earn the respect and fidelity of their crews through their fair and steadfast leadership. Such will be Captain Paul Jacobs' legacy. In California's Fourth Congressional District and in Captain Jacob's childhood hometown in Maine, we share profound grief over his passing. prgtoken And so today, I rise to bid Captain Paul Jacobs--the United States Navy's most revered humanitarian--farewell. May he always have fair winds and following seas.
VINYARD WIND OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to include in the Record an article written by David Stevenson, the Director of the Center of Energy and Environmental Policy at the Caesar Rodney Institute. This article summarizes many of the various concerns raised by multiple stakeholders with regard to current plans for offshore wind development on the United States' Outer Continental Shelf. These concerns are particularly timely in light of the Administration's approval of the Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Project off the coast of Massachusetts earlier this week. prgtoken For years I have sought to raise concerns with proposed offshore wind projects relating to commercial and recreational fisheries, navigational safety, national security, natural resources, environmental conservation and the impacts these massive projects have on local communities. Nonetheless, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has decided to move ahead with the approval of this project without adequately accommodating these concerns. I fear that this project is a harbinger of what is to come and that in the not-so- distant future, much of our East Coast will be pocked by these large industrial projects to the detriment of all of the interests I have already mentioned. prgtoken Madam , I urge my fellow members and the administration to address these issues before it is too late to ensure the responsible development of our treasured coastal and marine resources. [From CRI News, May 4, 2021] Offshore Wind Too Ugly for the Hamptons but OK for Other Beach Resorts? (By David T. Stevenson, Director Center for Energy & Environmental Policy) Officials in New York and the Federal Government determined that the proposed offshore wind turbine lease area off the Hamptons is too close and ruins the serene ocean viewshed. They also noted it is a threat to navigation, fishing, and endangered marine mammals. The Fairway lease areas sit as close as 12 miles off the Long Island coast near the Hamptons. In official comments to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) submitted July 30, 2018, New York suggested the wind turbines be no closer than 20 miles from shore. This recommendation was based upon an earlier study by BOEM that concluded that 600-foot-high turbines produced a ``dominate impact ``on the beach view 15 miles offshore. Adjusting for the new 50% taller turbines, the suggested distance from the shore should be 30 miles. In Europe, the closest lease area for these jumbo turbines is 44 miles out. The New York decision begs the question of why lease areas from Maryland to Massachusetts aren't being rejected on the same merits. There are four proposed lease areas within 20 miles of the islands of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Block Island. Another four lease areas are o
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today in objection to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. prgtoken This bill was so close to being a bipartisan bill. In fact, I was ready to vote ``yes'' on it because, as the majority of people, I do not believe in discrimination. But at the very last minute, the majority had to throw in a provision to actually allow discrimination in a bill that is supposed to be about nondiscrimination--the very last minute. prgtoken Ranking Member Foxx offered an amendment to protect and not to discriminate against religious organizations. prgtoken Guess what the majority did? prgtoken They voted it down. prgtoken Remember, this is supposed to be a bill about not discriminating, yet we vote this down. prgtoken Although the bill sounds good, and as a woman--and I will say I am a woman--as a mother--and I am proud to be a mother--I was also pregnant and a worker. So I believe in fairness. I believe in nondiscrimination. I believe in protecting the rights of those individuals. prgtoken But let's stop playing games in Congress. Let's actually start protecting the people who need protection, and let's get to work.