mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS
Tom O’Halleran (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2019-3-14

I rise today to express my deep concerns over the proposed budget cuts made in the President's budget and the skyrocketing deficits that will leave our children and grandchildren with trillions more in debt. prgtoken While it is imperative that we rein in wasteful government spending and get our national debt under control, we cannot do so at the expense of the men and women living in rural and Tribal communities and our seniors. prgtoken This budget proposal slashes trillions from healthcare programs that millions of seniors, working families, and veterans rely on every day. Additionally, it would cut infrastructure programs and funding for critical projects in rural America and hurt farming families. prgtoken This is not how we are going to curb spending and get our fiscal house in order. We need to act now to pass a bipartisan budget that addresses the debt crisis and invests in the future of our Nation.
HONORING CONGRESSWOMAN LOUISE SLAUGHTER
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Congresswoman Slaughter's legacy and the impact she made throughout her decades of dedicated public service. prgtoken She was a friend and an invaluable mentor, especially during my first term in Congress. prgtoken She paved the way for every woman in the House by becoming the first Chairwoman of the Rules Committee--the same committee I now serve on. prgtoken She spearheaded the passage of the Affordable Care Act, one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in recent history. prgtoken Congresswoman Slaughter was also a fierce and fearless champion for women. prgtoken She co-authored the Violence Against Women Act and founded and co- chaired the Pro-Choice Caucus--which to this day, continues to be on the frontlines of protecting women's reproductive rights. prgtoken As we near the anniversary of her passing, I can't help but to be reminded of her unparalleled leadership. She's left a void in the House that is hard to fill. prgtoken But her memory lives on inside these halls, and it inspires each of us to keep up the fight to better the lives of all Americans. prgtoken I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside her.
DIVIDED FAMILIES REUNIFICATION ACT
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to announce the introduction of my Divided Families Reunification Act, and to raise the voices of families who have been separated for decades both across the DMZ and across the Pacific Ocean. The division of the Korean Peninsula into South and North Korea separated millions of Koreans from their family members. While there have been some agreed upon reunions between South and North Koreans, for Korean Americans there is no pathway for such reunions. Many of these Americans are in their 70s-90s, and time is of the essence to be reunited with their families. I am proud to introduce the Divided Families Reunification Act, which requires the Secretary of State or a designee to consult with officials in South Korea on potential opportunities to reunite Korean American families with family members in North Korea. This bill will also require the Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights to submit a report on the opportunities for video reunions between Korean Americans and family members in North Korea. Thank you to my colleagues, Chairman Brad Sherman, Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. James P. McGovern, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Gilbert Cisneros, Rep. Rob Woodall, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for supporting this bipartisan legislation.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF VICTOR McELHANEY
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-14

I rise today to honor the memory of Victor McElhaney, the son of my friend, Oakland City Councilwoman Lynette McElhaney, and his father, Clarence, and to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the 13th Congressional District. prgtoken Victor was tragically slain in a senseless act of gun violence early Sunday morning in Los Angeles. He was killed in a robbery attempt while heading home from a friend's house. prgtoken Victor was just 21 years old and a senior at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, where he was pursuing his lifelong love of music. He was a talented drummer and was often playing at jam sessions, displaying his musical genius. prgtoken Victor was a son of Oakland, and his passing is a loss for Oakland and the entire East Bay community. My heart is heavy for Lynette and her family and all those who loved and cared for Victor. prgtoken Victor was killed in Los Angeles, but his murder reflects the epidemic of gun violence in my district and all around the country, especially communities of color. Even before Victor's tragic passing, combating gun violence in Oakland was a priority for his mother as a city council member. prgtoken May God comfort Victor's family as we mourn his loss. May his spirit lead and guide us in the work that we must do to end gun violence in his memory. prgtoken May Victor's legacy live, and may he rest in peace.
GENERAL LEAVE
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-3-14

I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding. And I also thank the ranking member. I very much appreciate his comments that he will support this concurrent resolution. prgtoken , I will just observe, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, that we have seen our politics twisted into almost unrecognizable form by the unprecedented attacks of the President on the Department of Justice, on the FBI, on the investigation as a whole. prgtoken This report must see the light of day and must be made available to the American public for a catharsis that will allow us to start with the facts, to understand what happened and to rebuild the faith that the American people did and should have in the Department of Justice, in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and in the government in general. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of Congress, in strong, bipartisan fashion, passing this bill so that the American people will understand that the truth will be out there and it will help fix our politics.
DREAM AND PROMISE ACT
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to urge this Congress to provide permanent relief to the Dreamers, Deferred Enforcement Departure, and Temporary Protected Status holders whose lives have been turned upside down by the Administration. We must pass H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, without delay. Fourteen months ago, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it was ending TPS for nearly 200,000 Salvadorans in the United States. The Department's decision about Salvadorans' TPS was just the latest in a string of such announcements since the fall of 2017--which also threaten Sudanese, Haitian, and Nicaraguan immigrants. Families have been living in a state of fear and uncertainty for a year and a half, and for no good reason. Madam , I'd like to explain why this is not only cruel policy, but also unnecessary and short-sighted. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Irma Flores. Irma is a community engagement specialist for the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, where she assists the Spanish-speaking community. She lives in Haverhill, in my District, with her daughter, who goes to school at UMass Boston. Her son graduated from Suffolk University with degrees in International Relations and Political Science. Irma, herself, studied International Relations in her native country at the University of El Salvador. However, she and her kids fled to the United States 18 years ago because of a devastating earthquake. For nearly two decades, the United States has been Irma's home and her children's home. The people of Somerville depend upon her; and she is a beloved part of the Haverhill community. It is estimated that there are more than 12,000 people living in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with Temporary Protected Status--half of whom are from El Salvador. However, people like Irma have had their lives upended by the callousness of the Administration's policy. If Irma's story isn't persuasive enough for Congress to act, consider the fact that the law, despite the Administration's claim, does not require her return. That's because we have the power to permit extensions if these residents are unable to return in safety. The United States does not--and should not--return people to disaster areas or warzones. In January, our State Department renewed its travel advisory to El Salvador. The warning reads: ``Violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics and arms trafficking, is widespread.'' These are not conditions under which families should be forced to return. But if the legal argument is not persuasive either, consider the fact that TPS holders contribute nearly $650 million to the Commonwealth's economy. One analysis found that if Salvadoran, Honduran, and Haitian workers with TPS were removed from the labor force, the United States would lose $164 billion in gross domestic product over
SHED LIGHT ON DARK MONEY
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-3-14

last week the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a sweeping voting rights and government reform package that returns the power of our democracy to the American people. prgtoken Since this week is Sunshine Week, I want to focus on a particular part of H.R. 1 that is designed to shine some much-needed sunshine on the corrosive influence of dark money. prgtoken Multiple sources reported this week that the President's 2017 inaugural fund received tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from shell companies to conceal illegal contributions from foreign donors. prgtoken Think about that. Foreign agents lavished tens of thousands of dollars on the U.S. inaugural celebration so they could try to influence our President. prgtoken That is why I introduced the Inaugural Fund Integrity Act, which is part of H.R. 1, to close loopholes in the existing regulations, to put an end to donations by foreign nationals and corporations, to ban personal use of inaugural funds, and to require disclosure of all donations and spending by inaugural committees. prgtoken It is hard to think of an area more in need of sunshine than a shadowy slush fund rife with opportunities for government corruption.
HONORING DR. AMELIA ROSS-HAMMOND FOR HER CAREER AND SERVICE TO HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond for her tremendous career and service in the Hampton Roads area. prgtoken Dr. Ross-Hammond recently retired from Norfolk State University where she taught music and was the director of service-learning and civic engagement. Not only has Dr. Ross-Hammond been dedicated to her work as a professor, but she has been a renowned public servant. She has served on various councils and boards such as the Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation Board, the City's Diversity and Inclusion Forums, and the Mayor's African American Roundtable--just to name a few. prgtoken Dr. Ross-Hammond received awards for her service to the Hampton Roads community such as the Urban League of South Hampton Roads Young Professionals Award for Community Service. She was also the 2016 Honoree for the Norfolk State University Music Department's Spring Gala. prgtoken Dr. Ross-Hammond's dedication to strengthening bonds among people of different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds is truly inspiring. I am proud to honor and recognize Dr. Ross-Hammond's leadership and the role she plays in making our community a better place. Hampton Roads has significantly benefited from her presence.
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-3-14

I am here this afternoon to support the resolution that would terminate the President's unconstitutional emergency declaration. It is a declaration that would take money away from critical military construction projects to fund a costly and ineffective border wall. prgtoken Congress did not provide these funds for a border wall that President promised Mexico would pay for; rather, we specifically allocated these resources that are being talked about to be used by the President for the wall to ensure that our military is ready and capable and that our servicemembers receive the support they deserve. prgtoken The President's attempt to circumvent Congress by making the military pay for his border wall jeopardizes our national security and does a disservice to our men and women in uniform. That is why the House passed the legislation on the Senate floor today and why I introduced legislation with my colleagues in the Senate to terminate the emergency declaration. prgtoken The resources Congress has provided support military construction projects in New Hampshire and across the country. Those projects often provide necessary infrastructure improvements that enable our servicemembers to accomplish their mission. prgtoken Several of those projects that, I think, are potentially being reviewed for being added to the list of projects to have money taken from are at the Portsmouth Naval shipyard. It is one of the many installations that faces potential cuts in funding if this emergency declaration is executed. Congress has already approved funding for several projects at the shipyard and at our public shipyards around the country that support critical submarine maintenance, and any disruption to funding of those projects could lead to costly delays and to a reduction in military readiness because they would derail carefully laid plans to upgrade aging infrastructure. Delays in projects that support the shipyard's mission threaten to exacerbate the Navy's already high demand for submarine maintenance and the projected submarine shortfall in the coming years. prgtoken I recently sent a letter to President and spoke with the leaders at DOD urging them to protect these important projects at the shipyard, but the only way to ensure that these projects move forward is to terminate the emergency declaration. prgtoken In addition to projects at the shipyard, the emergency declaration could also impact New Hampshire's National Guard readiness centers, which are in desperate need of modernization. A 2014 report from the Army National Guard ranked the condition of New Hampshire's National Guard facilities 51 out of 54 States and territories. prgtoken Our National Guard has been forced to shoulder an enormous burden since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Servicemembers have often faced multiple deployments, and they still had to respond to national disasters at home and to other personal crises. The Ne
HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSWOMAN LOUISE SLAUGHTER
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise to honor the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. prgtoken Today, are in the Majority. Twenty-eight women are leading committees prgtoken or subcommittees. And, the issues that Louise championed are moving. We are proud to pick up the torch that she left. prgtoken I commit to you, Louise, to fight for antibiotic resistant research, for equal pay for equal work--she was the chair of rules when we passed Lily Ledbetter--for ethics in government with regards to Supreme Court justices, and for trade agreements that work for working people. Louise and I fought against NAFTA and the TPP. prgtoken Each of those priorities were Louise's. Now, they are at the forefront of our agenda. prgtoken This is Louise Slaughter's majority. We miss her voice in the Congress, but we are moving forward with a positive agenda for the people. And it is because of her. prgtoken We miss Louise. We love her. And, we thank her.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE HERITAGE, CULTURE, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF LATINAS IN THE UNITED STATES
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , one in six women in the United States is a Latina. There are currently nearly twenty-eight million Hispanic women living in the United States. Latinas have been part of our nation's fabric from the start. They contribute to our nation through their work in business, education, science and technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, the military, and public service at every level of the government. Many have overcome a unique set of challenges and have paved their own paths to success. During National Women's History Month, I want to honor the millions of Latinas who have contributed to our nation. prgtoken Therefore, I am reintroducing a resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. This resolution will recognize their contributions to American society and further celebrates those who have inspired the next generation.
INTRODUCTION OF THE COREY JONES ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Corey Jones Act, which is named after a young man who was taken from us far too soon under circumstances far too tragic and preventable to be allowed to happen again. prgtoken During the early hours of October 18, 2015, Corey Jones of Lake Worth, Florida, was shot and killed by Nouman Raja, a plainclothes police officer operating an unmarked vehicle. Corey was legally and peacefully pulled to the side of the road awaiting roadside assistance when he was approached by Mr. Raja. Corey had no reason to believe that the person in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle was a law enforcement officer. This uncertainty and confusion ultimately led to a tragedy that could have been easily avoided. prgtoken After Corey's tragic death, I met with members of his family as well as officials from Palm Beach County. We discussed the urgency of addressing the issue of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles engaging in routine traffic stops. I promised that I would work to promote safer policing practices in our communities and the Corey Jones Act helps to accomplish this goal. prgtoken Madam , Nouman Raja, the officer involved in the tragic shooting death of Corey Jones, was recently found guilty of manslaughter and attempted murder. In an effort to ensure that this tragedy does not happen to other families, I respectfully ask my colleagues to lend their support to this important bill.
TRIBUTE TO COURTNEY NOBLE
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-3-14

today I wish to honor a great Ohioan, Courtney Noble, for her heroic actions this past December. prgtoken Ms. Noble works as a direct support professional for New Avenues To Independence, Inc.--NATI--in Mentor, OH. NATI is a social service organization that provides support and aid for people with disabilities and special needs in the greater Cleveland area. prgtoken On the morning of December 20, 2018, Ms. Noble was the only one on duty while tending to three male residents in the Heisley group home. As she was helping the residents get ready for their day, she heard popping and crackling and sounds coming from the garage. When she opened the garage door, she discovered that a fire had started and was rapidly growing out of control. Without hesitation, Ms. Noble sprang into action. She immediately evacuated all three residents from the house, one of whom was in a wheelchair. prgtoken Throughout the whole situation, Ms. Noble's biggest concern was the safety and well-being of her residents. Even as her car was engulfed in flames, she calmly escorted the three men to safety at a nearby child daycare center and called 911. prgtoken Thank you, Courtney Noble, for your courageous actions and for all the work you do as a caregiver. It is because of your quick thinking and fearlessness that three Ohioans are alive today. I am sure that my Senate colleagues will join me in honoring Ms. Courtney Noble for her exemplary acts.
HONORING JOHN DAVIS
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2019-3-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career of John Davis. John served as the Military and Veterans Liaison for Washington's Fifth Congressional District for the last 4 years, though his service to our country spans over 40 years. prgtoken When you hear about John's family's past perhaps it is no surprise that he too followed in their great footsteps of service to this nation. prgtoken Did you know he can trace his family's history back almost 200 years? And throughout that history, members of John's family line have fought in almost every major battle including most of the major battles here in the United States, from the Revolutionary War all the way up to the Gulf War. prgtoken John continued his family's legacy by serving as a crew chief on a C- 130 for the United States Air Force during the war in Vietnam. He served tours in Korea, Japan and Israel and all around the United States. John was the original ``rocket man,'' working in ICBM missile units as a combat crew member, planner and maintenance officer. prgtoken During his service, John was awarded the Lance P. Sijan Award, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in their jobs and lives. John continues to be a leader in his service for his brothers and sisters in the armed forces. From helping the widow of a veteran facing eviction due to a filing error stay in her home to staying late in the night to hear from 29 veterans who walked into our office in Colville to ensure their voices were heard, John led with a spirit of service. prgtoken John spent more than 14 years assisting our Veterans who were homeless through the VA Homeless Programs as well as working as a mental health professional, serving as a senior clinician on the Involuntary Treatment Team. His passion to help our veterans continues to this day. Each year hundreds of veterans reach out to my office as their last hope, and when they called John was there, ready to fight for them, and get them the care and help they earned. prgtoken Forty years of faithful, diligent service to this nation deserves to be recognized, and I am so honored to be able to do so in this way. To my friend John Davis, I can never say thank you enough for all you have done for Eastern Washington veterans, for my office, and for America. His retirement is well deserved.