mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING AMBASSADOR MARCH FONG EU
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-19

I rise today to honor the long, full life of a political trailblazer, the Honorable March Fong Eu. After more than thirty years in public service, March Fong Eu leaves behind a legacy of respected leadership and broken barriers. Her success opened doors for immigrants and women throughout the state of California. A daughter of Chinese immigrants, her desire for equality can be traced back to her time in high school, when a school counselor discouraged her from pursuing a career in the sciences because she believed her Chinese ancestry would prevent anyone from hiring her. She was not deterred and she pursued education to the highest levels. After graduating from the University of California Berkeley in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, she received her master's degree in education at Mills College. She then received a doctorate in education from Stanford University in 1954. Ambassador Fong Eu built a career that paved the way for women and Asian Americans who followed her. She first became interested in politics while serving as the first female president of the American Dental Hygienists Association from 1944 to 1947. Years later, she entered the world of politics as the first female Asian American to be elected to the Alameda County Board of Education, where she served from 1961 to 1966. She was also the first Asian American woman to be elected to the California State Assembly, where she represented the 15th District for four terms from 1966 to 1974. In 1974, she became the first female California Secretary of State, and the first Asian American to be elected to a California constitutional office. At the time, she was the recipient of the highest vote total for a statewide elected office, and won reelection to four more terms. In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed her as U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. Ambassador Fong Eu believed everyone should be treated equally regardless of their gender or ethnicity, and her accomplishments while in office reflect those beliefs. One of her most important campaigns was the successful ban on pay toilets in public buildings. She argued that while men's urinals were free, women were treated as second-class citizens because they were being unfairly charged for the use of public bathrooms. While serving as Secretary of State, she championed voting rights and dramatically expanded access to voting by implementing voter registration by mail, absentee ballots upon request, and allowing voters to register at the Department of Motor Vehicles and other state agencies. She is an inspiration and role model for all Californians. As more women and minorities are elected to public office, March Fong Eu's legacy will carry on as they continue the fight for equality and justice.
2018: THE YEAR OF THE BLACK WOMAN
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-3-19

for her extraordinary comments this evening, really highlighting the triumphs and the challenges of both race and gender when we talk about Black women. prgtoken This is Women's History Month. We want to bring a unique lens to the conversation of Women's History Month because oftentimes, indeed, Black women tend to be the hidden figures. prgtoken Having said that, it is now my honor to yield to the gentlewoman from California, the honorable Barbara Lee, one of the outstanding mentors and Black women here in Congress who has done extraordinary work, whether it is in leading the conscience of this Congress around the Iraq war or many other causes that we have seen her leadership as a north star to really making this Nation the best that it can be. It is my honor to yield to the gentlewoman from California.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-3-19

I rise in support of H.R. 5131, the ``Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018,'' which would increase the nation's readiness to deal with national security threats. prgtoken H.R. 5131 requires the Government Accountability Office to review the effectiveness of the Transportation Security Administration's Biennial National Strategy for Transportation Security. prgtoken H.R. 5131 would also require the Department of Homeland Security to develop risk-based priorities across all transportation modes. prgtoken This would be informed by analysis of terrorist attack scenarios for each mode of transportation. prgtoken The work directly under this will also include cyber-attack scenarios, which poses an increasing threat to the well-being of our public and private infrastructures. prgtoken H.R. 5131 requires DHS to explain overdue surface transportation security rulemakings and the Inspector General to review DHS's explanations, and report on its findings. prgtoken It directs DHS to conduct a feasibility assessment of introducing next generation technologies to detect threats to surface transportation systems. prgtoken DHS would also disseminate best practices for enhancing transportation security against the threat of vehicle-based attacks. prgtoken The bill also requires DHS to conduct and report to Congress on a survey of surface transportation stakeholders regarding resource challenges, including the availability of Federal funding and specific unmet needs. prgtoken It authorizes a TSA task force to identify and develop innovative technologies and capabilities to enhance transportation security, including surface transportation security. prgtoken It also directs DHS to assess the threats posed by the use of security technologies developed or manufactured by firms owned or closely linked to the governments of countries known to pose cyber or homeland security threats. prgtoken This is extremely important given the ongoing threats to our democracy from a rising number of malevolent global actors, including North Korea and Russia. prgtoken Finally, the bill requires the TSA to develop a strategy to guide surface transportation security inspector operations, which would be subject to GAO review. prgtoken In sum, H.R. 5131 enhances TSA's surface transportation security operations across a range of activities, while taking into consideration the role of computers in the modernization of our nation's transportation systems. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this measure.
TRIBUTE TO LEE HOLLOWAY
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-3-19

I rise today to pay tribute to my friend Lee Holloway. He served for 20 years in Milwaukee County in many positions including: a Milwaukee County Supervisor and Chairman for the Milwaukee County Board and County Executive of Milwaukee County. Mr. Lee Holloway passed away on March 14, 2018 at the age of 71. prgtoken Mr. Holloway was a life-long Milwaukee resident. He was a product of the public school system and a graduate of Lincoln High School where he excelled at football. He was granted an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1969 and earned an M.S. in developmental disabilities from the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee in 1972. prgtoken Prior to becoming an elected official, Lee Holloway was a guidance counselor at Messmer High School. He was a health care field innovator and served as the Chief Operating Officer of both the Inner City Development Project-North and the Milwaukee Comprehensive Community Health Center. Mr. Holloway championed healthcare for the poor and unemployed people. prgtoken Lee Holloway was initially elected in 1992 as a Milwaukee County Supervisor representing the 5th District and in 2004 became the first African American elected as Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and served in this position for 8 years. In 2010, he became the first African American County Executive of Milwaukee County for a brief period where he served dually in this position and that as Chair of the Milwaukee County Board. Mr. Holloway led efforts to create a county general assistance health safety net program; this program was later expanded statewide as Badger Care. He also successfully led the effort to win voter approval of a county sales tax increase in a 2008 referendum. prgtoken Mr. Holloway and his wife Lynda were very involved in the Milwaukee Kickers Club; they guided the Simba League to provide an entrance for inner city youth to participate in soccer through the Milwaukee Kickers Club. prgtoken Lee Holloway leaves behind his loving wife Lynda, six sons and two granddaughters and five grandsons and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. He leaves a strong legacy of leadership for his children and grandchildren to model. prgtoken , Lee Holloway was a Milwaukee and Wisconsin trailblazer and will be remembered for his service to the 4th Congressional District. I urge you and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in a salute to the late Lee Holloway.
TRIBUTE TO MS. CAROL RIVARD
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-3-19

today I wish to recognize and extend my sincerest congratulations and happy prgtoken birthday wishes to Ms. Carol Rivard who celebrated her 100th birthday on March 17, 2018. prgtoken Carol has lived in New Hampshire since she moved to Salem with her family in 1959. She worked in a textile mill and later as an office clerk for Kmart. After her retirement, Carol dedicated her time to helping a local food pantry where she volunteered every week for nearly 10 years. prgtoken To this day, Carol lives independently in her New Hampshire home. Her most cherished moments are spent with loved ones at family gatherings, where they enjoy listening to Frank Sinatra and cheering on the Boston Celtics. Carol has three sons and a daughter, as well as three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren prgtoken I join with Carol's friends and family, as well as many people in the town of Salem and across the Granite State, in wishing her a very happy 100th birthday.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-3-19

today I wish to speak on the important topic of women's health, which has been under attack by the administration. prgtoken Through its policies and the actions of its officials, the administration has undermined women's health at every opportunity. prgtoken In the first year of the administration, we have seen attempts to block access to Planned Parenthood, restrict women's access to birth control, legislation to ban certain medical procedures, the creation of new government offices to undermine women's healthcare, and judges nominated who openly oppose women's privacy rights. prgtoken Scott Lloyd, the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, ORR, is the perfect illustration of this deeply disturbing trend. prgtoken Federal court documents and extensive media reports show that Mr. Lloyd has used his official office to prevent unaccompanied minors at ORR shelters from accessing legally available reproductive healthcare. prgtoken In one case, a 17-year-old young woman, referred to as Jane Doe, was transferred to an ORR shelter after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. While in government custody, Jane Doe discovered she was pregnant and sought access to an abortion. She satisfied all requirements under Texas law and secured her own funds to pay for the procedure. In spite of this, ORR officials repeatedly blocked her from accessing care. Jane Doe went to court and was granted approval to obtain the procedure. Nevertheless, the administration's Department of Justice cruelly appealed the decision, alleging that the government has an interest in blocking her personal decision. prgtoken Since Jane Doe's case, it has been uncovered that administration officials have directly intervened in other similar cases. There are reports that Mr. Lloyd has denied young women access to their lawyers. Additionally, he has implemented policies that violate young women's medical privacy rights. It is also concerning that, as someone with no medical expertise or training, Mr. Lloyd has personally pressured young women about their medical options. In court documents, Mr. Lloyd acknowledged that he has never approved a request for the procedure and even admitted that he has denied such requests in the cases of rape victims. This is shocking, particularly considering that many of the young women who come into ORR custody have fled sexual and gender-based violence in their home countries. prgtoken On top of that, some of these young women go through harrowing experiences along their journey to the United States, during which they are at risk of being trafficked, kidnapped, and raped. Blocking them from making their own determinations about their health and bodies only adds to the trauma they have already experienced. prgtoken In light of Mr. Lloyd's shocking actions, I have called on him to resign. prgtoken I find it appalling that the administration believes women-- undocumented or othe
ALLOW STATES AND VICTIMS TO FIGHT ONLINE SEX TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2017-- MOTION TO PROCEED
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-3-19

it has been 32 days since the tragedy in Parkland. I think Senator Nelson may be coming to the floor very soon. Frankly, every day since then, there has been a series of tragedies all across this country. On average, 90 people lose their lives every single day to gun violence. There has been, over the course of the last year, a mass shooting, on average, every single day. Most of them aren't covered in the newspaper, but there is an incident in which four or more people are shot, on average, more than once per day in this country. prgtoken Of course, it has now been more than 5 years since the devastating tragedy in my State, where 20 first graders lost their lives. This is deeply personal to all of us here in this Chamber. prgtoken It became very personal to me last week when my 6-year old came home from school to tell me about his active shooter drill. He is 6, and he is in kindergarten. In his kindergarten class, they have a small bathroom that all of the kids in the class use. He explained to me that for their active shooter drill, all 25 kids in his classroom--a whole bunch of 5- and 6-year-olds--were shoved inside this tiny, little bathroom together, crunched together, shoulder to shoulder, with the door locked. Imagine how frightening that would be to a 6-year-old child, even if they didn't completely understand why they were there. prgtoken He said to me when he got home that night: Daddy, I didn't like it. In the most powerful, most affluent country in the world, our children should not have to go through that; never mind those who have actually had to face down someone with a gun inside their classroom or inside their school. prgtoken What is devastating to the parents in Parkland and Sandy Hook, what is devastating to the parents in Baltimore, in New Haven, and in Chicago is that we refuse to have a debate on the Senate floor about how we can help address this epic mass slaughter, this gun violence epidemic in this country. prgtoken I have been taking pains over the course of the last 6 months to try to reach out across the aisle and find common ground with my colleagues on some commonsense legislation about changes to our gun laws. I am proud to have worked with Senator Cornyn on a small bill that would encourage States to comply with existing law--the Fix NICS Act. It now has over 60 and ic cosponsors, enough that it could overcome a cloture motion. prgtoken I have come to the floor today to ask that we come to an agreement-- s and --by which we can have an open debate on the issue of gun violence for the American public before we break for a 2- week Easter recess. We are going to go back to our States and have a wonderful time with our friends and families, while many others continue to grieve all across this country and many others will enter the ranks of those who grieve because, during the 14 days that we will be away, thousands of people w
ALLOW STATES AND VICTIMS TO FIGHT ONLINE SEX TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2017-- MOTION TO PROCEED
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-3-19

in a few minutes the Senate will vote on the nomination of Mr. Kevin McAleenan to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. prgtoken As the ranking on the committee with jurisdiction over trade policy, I am particularly interested in working with Mr. McAleenan on an issue that is of longstanding, bipartisan concern; and that is tougher, smarter enforcement of America's trade laws. prgtoken Mr. McAleenan is a longtime public servant, and he has been aware that the Finance Committee has put in many hours over the last few years to guarantee that this agency has tough new tools to fight trade cheats and protect our workers. It is vital that those tools be put to good use because their trade-related mission--defending American jobs from trade rip-offs--has too often gotten short shrift. It doesn't matter what kind of trade deals you sign or what laws you put on the books if you aren't serious about enforcing them. That is where their trade mission comes in. prgtoken In my discussions with this nominee, it is clear that he understands that when it comes to trade, this country has to do trade done right, and tougher trade enforcement is especially important. prgtoken I will close with the mention of another issue that this agency has seen over the last few months, and that is the onslaught of Americans being stopped at the border and forced to unlock their personal electronic devices for inspection. It clearly invades their personal privacy. prgtoken Senator Paul and I have introduced bipartisan legislation on this-- there is bipartisan legislation in the other body--that recognizes that law enforcement should have to get a warrant before searching a device at the border, and it comes with strong protections to prgtoken let Americans know when and how they consent to having their devices searched. prgtoken In my judgment, this is just common sense, particularly because the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that digital is fundamentally different. They did that when they ruled that law enforcement needs a warrant to search a phone after an arrest. prgtoken We are going to keep pushing for our bipartisan legislation. In the meantime, we need to work with this agency on this critical issue that ensures, once again, that this country recognizes that security and liberty are not mutually exclusive and that you can have policies that do both. prgtoken I want to continue to engage with him, if confirmed, to make sure that the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans do not disappear at the border. prgtoken As I indicated, he is a public servant with many, many years of experience. I support his nomination. prgtoken .
IT IS TIME TO STAND UP FOR AMERICA
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2018-3-19

today, I rise to talk about the events of Friday night and concern for the continued special counsel position of Robert Mueller. prgtoken On Friday night, late, the Deputy Director of the FBI, Mr. Andrew McCabe, was fired. I haven't seen the IG report. Nobody has seen it. It won't be available until April. But it is concerning that, that late at night, people were working at Justice to fire a career employee and possibly deprive him of his pension. prgtoken Mr. McCabe believes the reason he was fired was because of his knowledge of Mr. Comey's conversations with the President, and his own conversations with the President, and his being a corroborating witness. I don't know what the cause was, but the process was awful. It was rushed, and it seemed to violate the due process rights of this career Federal employee. prgtoken And then to watch the President of the United States, a multibillionaire, spike the ball on being able to deprive a 20-year Federal employee of a pension was cruel, un-American, and mean- spirited. It was a shot across the bow at other government officials who are doing their jobs--Justice Department officials, FBI officials, law enforcement officials who love this country and put their lives on the line--and that if they don't agree with the Mueller investigation continuing; or if they see concerns about the United States President and his campaign and some involvement with Russia or with obstruction of justice, or violations of emoluments clauses; that they too risk their jobs and risk their pensions, and risk their financial security. prgtoken It is a scary time in America, and we are looking at the abyss. prgtoken In December, I was concerned about this as well. And Representative Walter Jones from North Carolina, a , and I, have a bipartisan bill, H.R. 4669, which has a Senate companion filed, and is bipartisan as well, by Senator Tillis and Senator Coons, which is S. 1741; and it gives the special counsel due process if he is fired for causes that are not objective--related to his job and the performance of his duties. prgtoken But it means he couldn't be fired for politics and he couldn't be fired to squelch an investigation concerning the very fundamentals of this country and allegiance and adherence to the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America for which we have all taken an oath to uphold. Nothing is more sacred. prgtoken If the President has done nothing wrong, as he has said on many occasions, and he has tweeted recently about Mr. Mueller and said it is a ``witch hunt'' and said there is no collusion. If there is no collusion, if there is no obstruction of justice, if there are no violations, the President should, as Representative Trey Gowdy has said, welcome the continuation of the investigation to clear him. prgtoken As Representative Trey Gowdy said: He is not acting like a man who is innocent. And Representative Charlie Dent has said similar thi