mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE OLD PINK TAVERN
Timothy M. Kennedy (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to honor the loss of a local institution, The Old Pink, a neighborhood tavern where western New Yorkers ended a night out on the town with a drink and one of The Old Pink's famous steak sandwiches. prgtoken On June 17, a fire broke out at The Old Pink, and it was damaged beyond repair. prgtoken The Old Pink was founded by Kevin and Dennis Brinkworth in 1968 and has remained in the family since, with Molly Brinkworth managing the iconic landmark for the last three decades. prgtoken Molly's famous last call at Buffalo's 4 a.m. closing time gave everyone a heads up that was their last drink and to find a ride home or figure out their next stop. prgtoken As the saying goes: You don't have to go home; you just can't stay here. prgtoken While Buffalo has undergone numerous changes over the years, The Old Pink was a constant. Countless bartenders would head to The Old Pink after their own last call for a nightcap and late dinner, further cementing the bar's legendary status in Buffalo. prgtoken To Molly and her team who gave us so many unforgettable nights, we are heartbroken at the loss of this institution, an irreplaceable part of Buffalo's nightlife. We offer our hopeful cheers to the idea that perhaps this isn't The Old Pinks's last call. prgtoken Slainte.
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. MACK TORISE HINES, JR.
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted faith leader, pillar of the Florence and Marion county communities, and a dear friend. Reverend Dr. Mack Torise Hines, Jr. transitioned from this life on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Although he no longer walks among us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. prgtoken Born on December 2, 1946, in Florence County, South Carolina, Reverend Hines attended Florence County public schools and was a proud 1965 graduate of Wilson High School. After graduating, Dr. Hines enrolled at Allen University, where he became involved in various organizations, including serving as the Student Government Association President and pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in May 1969. He later furthered his spiritual education by earning a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Morris College in 1980, followed by a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary in 2005. prgtoken From an early age, Reverend Hines knew that he would be a preacher. A spiritual journey that began at his childhood church eventually led Reverend Hines to his first pastorate at Fork Chapel Baptist Church in Dillon, South Carolina. He later served at three additional churches before being called to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mullins, South Carolina, where he would serve faithfully for 40 years. During his tenure, Reverend Hines led revivals that touched the hearts and inspired the souls of many Christians. He was also a leader in the South Carolina and national faith communities, serving as Past Secretary of the S.C. Baptist E & M Convention, Assistant Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, and Clerk and Moderator of the Pee Dee Baptist Association. prgtoken Reverend Hines' legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. A staunch advocate for education, Reverend Hines served as an educator in Florence public schools for 12 years, and later co-founded Wilson Clergy, which awards scholarships to graduates of his beloved alma mater, Wilson High School. He later served as the Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris College, one of South Carolina's Historically Black Colleges, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his outstanding leadership in South Carolina. prgtoken Reverend Hines always ensured he lived what he preached. As a lifelong member of the NAACP, Reverend Hines was actively involved in the political and government decisions that affected his community. In 1995, he became the first African American to represent House Seat 59 in the South Carolina General Assembly and was later awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, by Governor Mark Sanford in recognition of his 12 years of distinguished service to the people of South Carolina. Reverend Hines received various additional accolades and awards throughout his re
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-7-11

I wish to recognize Ellen Nissenbaum, senior adviser and senior member of the government affairs team at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, for her extraordinary leadership towards meeting the needs of people with low incomes. prgtoken On July 24, the Coalition on Human Needs will honor Ms. Nissenbaum with its 2024 Human Needs Hero award. For over 40 years, Ellen Nissenbaum has been a tireless and effective advocate, protecting and advancing Federal programs to improve health and reduce hunger and poverty. prgtoken In 1984, Ms. Nissenbaum testified on behalf of the formerly named Coalition on Block Grants and Human Needs before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, chaired then by Senator Jesse Helms, to oppose a bill allowing States to opt into a block grant to replace the Federal Food Stamp program. Then and now, she stood firmly for the responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure that the basic needs of Americans are met, wherever they live, protected from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, disability, or poverty. prgtoken Ms. Nissenbaum was part of the initial staff of seven at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities at its formation in 1984 and has been an essential leader in the decades since. She is a master of the complexities of the Federal budget process, providing respected and reliable information to Members of Congress and human needs advocates alike about the impact of Federal proposals on the health and well- being of people with low incomes. prgtoken Over the decades, Ms. Nissenbaum has educated Congress and human needs advocates about the need for strong Medicaid, SNAP, and low- income tax credit programs and has played a truly significant role in expanding benefits for those most in need. Millions of Americans, young and old alike, have been helped because of Ellen Nissenbaum's work. I am proud of the opportunities I have had to work with her to secure major advances in the child tax credit and to protect against efforts to reduce benefits in Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs. prgtoken Ms. Nissenbaum is a stellar educator of policymakers and advocates, speaking regularly to faith and civil rights groups and those advocating to improve health and reduce poverty, hunger, and inequality in this Nation. She has been a very effective member of the board of the Coalition on Human Needs for decades and is a regular speaker at its weekly meetings of advocates. prgtoken Members of Congress, the executive branch, and advocates alike all know that Ellen Nissenbaum's command of facts and analysis of policy options is utterly reliable. She is respected by all because of her rigorous, fact-based approach. prgtoken All of Ellen Nissenbaum's work is grounded in her devotion to reducing inequality. She recognizes that the growing concentration of wealth and income, unfairly undertaxed, prevents our Nation from making the investments needed to ensure that no one is denied h
REMEMBERING LIEUTENANT COLONEL SIDNEY Z. LAWRENCE, M.D.
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise today to pay tribute to the tremendous life of the late Dr. Sidney Z. Lawrence of Bethesda, MD. prgtoken Dr. Lawrence was born in Paterson, NJ, where he attended local schools and went on to St. Lawrence University before receiving his M.D. in the Netherlands. He spent 21 years in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served as a skilled surgeon, providing critical care to servicemembers around the world. In 1986, he spent 6 months in Honduras where he helped to establish a clinic to provide care to women requiring vascular surgery and performed over 400 operations at that facility. In 1990, during the first Gulf War, he was a member of a medical unit serving in Saudi Arabia that provided care to injured combatants. When he returned home, Dr. Lawrence's last posting was at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. prgtoken After retiring from the Army, he spent 14 years as an emergency room doctor. With an indefatigable dedication to his patients and the practice of medicine, Dr. Lawrence then worked in the field of occupational health until he was 78 years old. prgtoken Dr. Lawrence was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on May 16, 2024, with full military honors. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 59 years, Louise Lawrence-Israels; their three daughters Judith, Naomi, and Jordana; their six grandchildren; and their great- grandson. prgtoken I trust that all members of the U.S. Senate join me in expressing our deep appreciation to Dr. Lawrence for his devoted military service helping those in uniform and their families along with the many Marylanders he cared for throughout his medical career. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those he touched and through his many good works.
U.S. Supreme Court (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-7-11

I am back now for the 33rd time to keep shining a little light on the rightwing billionaires' covert scheme to capture and control our Supreme Court. prgtoken As a result of that scheme, the Court's rightwing just took a wrecking ball to the government's ability to protect Americans from big polluters and corporate cheaters. prgtoken This year's billionaire bonanza came through four decisions that gutted administrative Agencies' ability to do their job--perfect payback to the polluter billionaires who helped foot the bill to get these Justices onto the Court in the first place. prgtoken The first decision is Ohio v. EPA, where the Supreme Court undermined the Environmental Protection Administration's ability to enforce the ``good neighbor'' provision of the Clean Air Act, the provision that defends the air quality of ``downwind'' States like mine, Rhode Island, from powerplants and industrial facilities in ``upwind'' States, where sometimes they build the smokestacks extra high so that the pollution doesn't hit the polluting State, but it floats over and comes down and hits us in Rhode Island. prgtoken Without even full briefing on the merits, industry litigants succeeded in getting the Court to stall proposed clean air regulations and place a thumb on the scales in favor of polluters. At the hands of the Federalist Society Justices, the right of polluters to pollute beat the right of Rhode Islanders to breathe clean air. prgtoken Then came SEC v. Jarkesy, where the rightwing Justices undercut the ability of Federal Agencies to hold fraudsters accountable through administrative enforcement proceedings. prgtoken The Court held that civil penalties for securities fraud required a jury trial under the Seventh Amendment, undermining administrative adjudication in all sorts of civil enforcement proceedings across the Federal Government--protecting consumers from predatory financial institutions, workers from unsafe conditions, and the environment against polluters. prgtoken I am angry that the Court picked this case to express concern about the right to a civil jury while it has been busily eroding that same civil jury right when doing so favored big corporations over regular people. prgtoken If you are a fraudster on the losing end of a regulatory violation, they are all about the Seventh Amendment. If you are a consumer or employee injured by a big business, off you go to private, secret, mandatory arbitration. prgtoken At the hands of the Federalist Society Justices, the right of fraudsters to commit fraud defeated the right of people to be protected from fraud. prgtoken In Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, the Court overruled 40 years of precedent granting what is called Chevron deference to Federal Agencies when they are implementing laws that protect health, safety, and the environment. prgtoken Chevron recognized that courts should defer to an executive Agency's reasonable interpretation of a st
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-11

. Mr. Chair, in closing, let me repeat: The legislative branch bill should not be the place for divisive politics. It should be used solely to ensure Congress has the tools that it needs to legislate and support the constituents we all serve. It should be used to ensure we have a successful democracy through effective and responsible governance. prgtoken The majority, again, is obsessed with cutting Federal funds and eliminating vital programs that help to grow and diversify our country. prgtoken Passing these partisan bills is a complete waste of time. I don't agree with these divisive ideas and partisan tactics. I believe we can do and should really do much better. For these reasons, I cannot support this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
NORTH CAROLINA ART COMPETITION WINNERS
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise to congratulate the three winners of North Carolina's First Congressional District Art Competition. prgtoken Kayla Lassiter, a Bertie High School senior, won first place with her piece, Rainbow-Hued. Lassiter brilliantly used color and digital design. prgtoken I had the distinct honor of meeting her and her mother right here in our Nation's Capitol where her artwork will remain on display for thousands of visitors to see. prgtoken Nathan Varney, a J.H. Rose High School senior, was a runner-up with his piece, Bamboo Forester. prgtoken I also proudly recognize Jocelyn Hernandez Jimenes, a North Edgecombe High School student who earned third place with her piece, The Mythical Bird. prgtoken Clearly, we have incredible, creative, talented artists in eastern North Carolina. I now commend all of this year's participants.
REMEMBERING PHILLIP D. MOSELEY
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-11

I rise to pay tribute to the incredible life and legacy of Phillip D. Moseley, former Staff Director of the Committee on Ways and Means. Phil dedicated his life to service, built a beautiful family, and garnered so many friends along the way. A son of Hawaii, Phil landed in a career in politics, serving Chairman Bill Archer for 23 years. He was the first Staff Director for the Committee in decades, and the career that followed would be beyond his wildest dreams. prgtoken Phil was set apart by his steadfast belief in our Committee. Regardless of the control of power, he revered the Committee and always believed in our ability to do right by the American people. After an illustrious career, he lived out his days devoted to his family and developing his hobbies in coastal Carolina. To his wife, Norah, his daughter Kendall, and son, Clay, as well as his cadre of grandsons, Phil will be remembered for all that he was, and all he gave to the Congress and his country. His memory and legacy lives in all of us, and I thank him, his family, and loved ones for the impact to the Nation.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jared Moskowitz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-7-15

had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 348 (Huizenga: amendment No. 1); NAY on Roll Call No. 349 (Self: amendment No. 3); NAY on Roll Call No. 350 (Jackson (TX): amendment No. 4); YEA on Roll Call No. 351 (MTR to H.R. 8772--Leg Branch Appropriations); NAY on Roll Call No. 352 (Final Passage to H.R. 8772--Leg Branch Appropriations); NAY on Roll Call No. 353 (Adoption of H. Res. 1344--Merrick Garland Contempt); NAY on Roll Call No. 354 (On passage of H.J. Res. 165); and YEA on Roll Call No. 355 (On Passage of H.J. Res. 109, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding).
RECOGNIZING THE INCREDIBLE PUBLIC SERVICE OF MR. GREG PORTER
Jasmine Crockett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-15

I rise today to recognize Mr. Greg Porter, City Manager for the City of Cedar Hill, TX in my District. Mr. Porter assumed this role in January 2015 and has steadfastly served since then. While he has played a key role in putting Cedar Hill on the map and driving the growth of this rapidly developing City, it is important to acknowledge that Mr. Porter strayed away from his core of being a servant. prgtoken Mr. Porter began his career with the City of Cedar Hill as an intern in 1987 and has dedicated the entirety of his 37-year career to the city. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication to our neighbors and his unwavering commitment to building community. Serving in roles with the city's planning, parks & recreation, human resources, economic development, public safety, animal control, emergency management, utilities, and public works departments, it's safe to say that Mr. Porter is well-versed with the ins and outs of the city. prgtoken Although Mr. Porter is set to retire from the city at the end of this month, I am confident that he will never cease to be the epitome of a true public servant. Because of him, I know that our communities across Cedar Hill have grown stronger, and many will continue to benefit from his leadership, impact, and foundation of service that he laid. Congratulations to Mr. Greg Porter on a job well done.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-15

. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 8772--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2025. prgtoken As with all the additional appropriation bills up for consideration on the House Floor, I strongly oppose the passage of this bill for a myriad of reasons--including the following. prgtoken First, although this bill provides for a 3.5 percent increase over FY24 levels, sadly the underlying text contains many of the same harmful partisan policy riders as last year. prgtoken In particular, this bill prgtoken fails to confront the climate crisis by removing a longstanding provision to eliminate or reduce plastic waste across the Legislative Branch and the requirement for Members to lease low-emission vehicles; prgtoken contains the repeated misguided and harmful clause prohibiting discrimination against any person with a ``sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman,'' opening the door for discrimination against LGBTQI+ Members and staff; and prgtoken bars funding for any diversity, equity, and inclusion training or implementation, a clear prohibition on the return of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODI) that was eliminated last year. prgtoken Indeed, it is truly unfortunate that this bill, like several others that the House Appropriations Committee recently reported, continues the 's obsession with cutting federal funds and eliminating programs that help to grow and diversify our country. prgtoken Yes, it is certainly a sad day in our nation's government that where we are at a place in time that backtracks and rolls back critical advances in diversity and inclusion. prgtoken It is bad enough that last year's bill eliminated dedicated funding for the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, an office put in place to diversify and expand access to the House of Representatives. prgtoken To continue efforts to prohibit any funding for programs and training aimed at supporting diversity, equity and inclusion is simply an untenable legislative policy within our nation's government. prgtoken This House should make every effort to be reflective of the ENTIRE Nation we serve, and the districts Members represent. prgtoken Which is why I also put forth the following amendment that was shamefully excluded during the Appropriations Committee markup. prgtoken The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 30 if adopted would have stricken from the bill Sec. 212, which seeks to prohibit funding to be used for purposes of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ``DEI''. prgtoken The Legislative Branch bill should never be a place for divisive politics. prgtoken Rather, it should be used to ensure Congress has the tools it needs to legislate and support the constituents we serve. prgtoken In my home state of Texas, I proudly represent TX-18, a district that embodies the diverse melting pot of America. prgtoken According to the Greater Houston Partnership
RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN C. ELLIS LODGE NO. 17 BASED IN DECATUR, ILLINOIS
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-15

I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 based in Decatur, Illinois. John C. Ellis lodge, a part of Prince Hall Freemasonry, is the oldest active fraternal organization in the State of Illinois. Since Decatur Lodge No. 17 was founded on July 18, 1874 they have worked to promote service to their community and mankind. prgtoken In 1966, Decatur Lodge No. 17 voted to change its name to John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 after Dr. John C. Ellis, who was a member and one of the longest serving Grand Masters in Illinois history. Dr. Ellis was also the first African American medical doctor in Decatur, Illinois and dedicated his life to serving his community in Central Illinois. prgtoken A century and a half after its founding, John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 is still dedicated to perpetual improvement in their community. They work together to reach the principles of brotherly love, fellowship, and service. I want to thank the generations of Decatur-area residents who have made up John C. Ellis Lodge No. 17 for their dedication to serving Central Illinois and their commitment to bettering their community.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES HATCH
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-15

I rise today to recognize the life of James ``Jim'' Hatch. prgtoken Jim was dedicated to serving our community and was always kind and helpful. Included in his long career, he assisted with former Congressman George Miller's campaign and the Youth Fund. Additionally, Jim was incredibly hardworking and was a skilled handyman. He also enjoyed traveling the world and was a proud dog parent to Minnie the Pooch. Jim will be remembered for his optimism, positivity, and the impact he's had on countless lives. prgtoken Jim is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 60 years, and his children Suzanne (Rob) and Jill (Steve), grandchildren Sophie (Joshua), Sarah (Rick), Matthew, Lauren, Kristi (Ben) and Sarah (Jason Henry), great grandchildren Olivia and Cameron, his sister Sandra, brother Robert, and bonus daughter and grandsons Tomoko, Hiro, and Akira Tamura. prgtoken Please join me in honoring my friend Jim Hatch. He will be remembered for his outstanding character and his commitment to his community.