mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

the right to vote in our Nation is fundamental to our democracy, and that right to vote continues to come under assault. prgtoken States with a history of denying and blocking the right to vote, like my home State of Texas, are no longer held in check by the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act. Worried that changing demographics erode their political power, Texas leaders continue to make voting more difficult for Latinos and other communities of color. prgtoken For example, since the Shelby case, the Texas secretary of state attempted to purge nearly 100,000 foreign-born U.S. citizens from voter rolls; the Texas Legislature restricted mobile voting sites designed to make voting more convenient; at least 750 polling locations have been closed, more than any other State; a voter ID law went into effect that a Federal judge later ruled was enacted to intentionally discriminate against Black and Latino voters. prgtoken , this legislation is important to protect every American's right to vote, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise today to support H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. prgtoken This bill restores the full power of the Voting Rights Act, after the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder eviscerated it. It will also restore critical voting protections to ensure that discriminatory voter suppression laws do not block Americans from participating in the electoral process. prgtoken The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. During the civil rights movement, courageous Americans fought in the courts, marched, agitated, and gave the ``last full measure of devotion'' for all Americans to be able to exercise their precious right to vote. The bill includes provisions that promote transparency by mandating reasonable public notice for voting changes. It also grants the Attorney General the authority to request the prgtoken presence of federal observers anywhere in the country to prevent voter suppression efforts and to address discrimination based on race in the voting process. In addition, this bill authorizes a federal court to order States or jurisdictions to be covered under the Act when there are results-based violations, where the effect of a voting measure is racial discrimination in voting and blocking citizens from utilizing their right to vote. prgtoken For all these reasons and more, today, I am so proud to stand with my colleagues and members of the Congressional Black Caucus in support of the passage of H.R. 4, and want to send a special thank you to my colleagues Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge who have fearlessly and brilliantly led this fight in the House of Representatives.
General Leave
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

who on this floor would stand with me for peace, and who on this floor would stand against our position and against peace? prgtoken It is well known that the United States, all of my life, has been a strong supporter of Israel, rooted in shared national security interests, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. prgtoken I have sent to Israel young people, through the Mickey Leland Kibbutzim program, from my district for 25 years--almost 25 years--to develop the understanding and friendship that we continue to promote for the values of what Israel stands for. prgtoken The United States has worked for decades to strengthen our assistance. We are intertwined through national security. And, in essence, this two-state solution is a solution toward peace. prgtoken I have been to Palestine and met the Palestinians and their leaders over the years that I have served in the United States Congress. Presidents , Clinton, and stood with Israel, as we all stand today. But we stand with peace and the understanding of the two-state solution. Let us stand united.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , on December 5, 2019, I was not recorded on Roll Call Vote No. 651 on H. Res. 741, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4) Voting Rights Advancement Act and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 326) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding United States efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution. I would have voted Aye.
General Leave
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 326. This resolution expresses this chamber's strong support for the longstanding belief that a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is the best option to ensure Palestinian autonomy and Israel's survival as a Jewish democratic state. prgtoken During my time in this chamber, I have been a firm supporter of a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. While I believe both parties will have to make difficult decisions to ensure a long-lasting peace, I believe it can be done in a way that ensures that prgtoken the human rights of Palestinians are respected while also securing the safety of our closest ally in the region. prgtoken This administration's capitulation to Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies on the extreme right in Israeli domestic politics has severely damaged the ability of the United States to be considered a fair neutral party in this conflict. It has made Israel less safe in the long term and has only driven Palestinians into the arms of bad actors in the region like Hamas. prgtoken In May 2018, this administration chose to abandon our European allies by announcing the withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. Shortly thereafter, the Administration relocated the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem while subsequently eliminating the Consulate General office in Jerusalem, which served as a key diplomatic line to the Palestinian Authority. prgtoken Additionally, this administration has stripped funding from the United Nations Relief and Work Agency. This agency has worked tirelessly to help Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, by providing food, housing, education, and other necessities. Eliminating these funds jeopardizes the ability of the UNRWA to help these individuals live as normal a life as possible. It also threatens the security of the Israeli people by ensuring more of these people turn to terrorist organizations like Hamas when their basic needs fail to be met. prgtoken Last month, Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank did not violate international law. This drastic change in policy on the issue of Israeli settlements essentially gives the green light to the Israeli government to unilaterally annex portions of this region. Any form of annexation would essentially kill the idea of a two-state solution. prgtoken , we are voting on this resolution today to show the international community that regardless of this administration's reckless actions, the United States can play a constructive role in resolving this conflict that has lasted for more than 70 years. I urge all my colleagues to swiftly pass this resolution.
General Leave
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise to support H. Res. 326, the Lowenthal resolution, to support a two-state solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. prgtoken I thank my good friend, Alan Lowenthal, for the hard work he has done to support the State of Israel and to bring this resolution to the floor today. prgtoken This resolution strongly reaffirms longstanding, bipartisan U.S. policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes support for a two-state solution and expresses opposition to efforts that undermine the prospects for a lasting peace. prgtoken I, like so many in this Congress, have been a longtime and passionate supporter of Israel and the U.S.-Israeli relationship. We know that a strong Israel is good for America. prgtoken But I have been increasingly concerned that this administration's decision to unilaterally change American policies towards Israel outside of any negotiation are detrimental to the long-term prospects for peace. This resolution makes clear that the best and only real solution to achieving peace is the two-state solution. prgtoken And, again, I thank Mr. Lowenthal and Chairman Engel for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
General Leave
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-12-6

we should not split hairs. We need to reaffirm our policy with this resolution because Congress in the past has not been clear enough. In my visits to Israel I have been struck how young people, Palestinian and Jews alike, believe passionately in a two-state solution, but, increasingly, they doubt that it is possible. prgtoken Unfortunately, the administration's reckless policies are increasing that doubt. The latest is giving a green light to the destructive settlement policy and its expansion. Make no mistake: and Netanyahu are currently careening towards a one-state solution, one that will challenge the ability of Israel to be both a democracy and a Jewish state. prgtoken Jimmy Carter said in his book that we are choosing between democracy and apartheid. This resolution suggests that we choose for democracy a negotiated solution; and reaffirming our longstanding goals, correct the ambiguity, get us back on track, and give hope to those young people in Israel, both Jew and Palestinian.
General Leave
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise in support of H. Res. 326. prgtoken It is critical that we take serious steps to reiterate the United States commitment towards a just two-state solution to the conflict that allows both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace side by side. prgtoken Unfortunately, recent developments have put this vision, which remains the only viable framework for a lasting peace in the region, further out of reach. prgtoken Settlement activity in the West Bank has increasingly threatened the viability of a future Palestinian state in the region, and there is now open talk of Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley. Settlements erode any possibility of a continuous, viable Palestinian state. prgtoken Additionally, the administration's recent move to overturn decades of U.S. policy and legitimize the settlement activity represents a body blow to future peace and prosperity. In addition, the administration's policies have discredited valid Palestinian claims to also have their capital in Jerusalem. We also cannot forget the humanitarian situation in Gaza which is untenable. prgtoken , this demands a response, and that is why we need a two- state solution to deal with it.
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken Let me just pick up where they left off. Whether it is a reauthorization, whether it is a restoration, it does not matter. What this is, is fixing the stain on America that prohibited and stopped African Americans and other minorities from voting. prgtoken I rise today torn because, on the one hand, I am elated that this House is finally moving H.R. 4 so that we can protect the right to vote, but on the other hand, I am disappointed because we have to do it by ourselves, that this is not a bipartisan effort to ensure the precious right to vote. prgtoken Many people may say that it is a burden on the States. What about the burden that the States put on us? prgtoken In the spirit of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner, who were killed so that I could vote, and John Lewis and others who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, who were beaten so that I can vote, , I rise today to ask for everyone to support H.R. 4. We should join hands and do it together.
General Leave
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise in strong support of this resolution. prgtoken , last month, I visited Israel and the West Bank. I talked to Israeli Defense Forces leaders; Israeli settlers; members of the Knesset from many parties; U.S. Ambassador Friedman; Palestinians' top negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erakat; human rights activists; and ordinary Israelis and Palestinians. prgtoken My trip left me more committed than ever to seeing, in my lifetime, a two-state solution: a democratic Jewish state living in peace alongside a democratic Palestine. That is why I am here today. prgtoken My colleagues have spoken a lot about the need to safeguard Israel's security, and that is also why I am here today. We are at a moment when the prospects for a peaceful two-state solution--something that has long had overwhelming bipartisan support in this country and from Presidents from both parties--could be fading. If we let them fade, prospects for lasting security in Israel will fade as well.
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank Chairman Nadler for yielding. prgtoken I support this bill and its efforts to protect access to the ballot box and advance justice and democracy for all, including Latinos, which represent 77 percent of my district. prgtoken Enfranchising minority voters will strengthen our democracy because when all eligible voters can exercise their right, our government works better by living up to its ideals of ``we the people.'' prgtoken This bill aims to maintain elections free, fair, and accessible to all eligible voters. prgtoken Congress must pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore our ability to prevent voter discrimination. We are all equal at the ballot box, and this bill aims to make sure that that is a reality today, tomorrow, and every day. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4.
HONORING MR. FELIPE `TRES' BARRERA
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Felipe `Tres' Barrera, a member of the Washington Nationals 2019 World Series Champions and a Rio Grande Valley Native. prgtoken Tres Barrera is an incredibly talented professional baseball catcher for the Washington Nationals. He was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, and moved to the Rio Grande Valley when he was 10 years old. Tres played on the baseball team for Hidalgo High School his freshman year, winning the District 32-3A Most Valuable Player award, before transferring to Sharyland High School. At Sharyland High School, Tres played football and baseball, and quickly became a standout athlete and student. He was selected to two all-state teams, and won the 30-5A Most Valuable Player and the All-Valley Player of the Year as a senior. His batting average was an astonishing .452, hitting 22 home runs during his time at Sharyland High School. prgtoken Tres' incredible work ethic, determination, and sheer talent earned him a spot on the renowned baseball team for the University of Texas at Austin. As a freshman, Tres was the team's starting catcher, won the 2014 College Home Run Derby, and led Texas to the College World Series. His achievements continued on. prgtoken During his sophomore year, Tres was a vital part of the University of Texas' Big 12 championship team, while adding his name to the All-Big 12 second team. In his junior year campaign, Tres earned the 2016 Academic All-Big 12 baseball honors and was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention. He left Texas after his junior year to join the minor leagues, but only after walking away with 20 home runs and 106 runs batted in (RBIs) for the University of Texas at Austin. prgtoken Tres Barrera's hard work and dedication continued for the next three years as he played for a number of minor league teams before being called up to the Major League Baseball, MLB, on September 8, 2019, for the Washington Nationals. Being a member of the Nationals, Tres participated in one of the most unlikely runs in the history of professional baseball. prgtoken The Nationals' record through 50 games was a poor 19 wins and 31 losses before they won 74 of their next 122 games. This secured the Nationals a wild-card spot in the postseason. The Nationals continued their unlikely playoff run until the very end, where they beat the Houston Astros in seven games, winning the World Series on October 30, 2019. On that day, Tres earned himself the coveted World Series ring. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Tres Barrera worked tirelessly to prove that with determination, will power, and commitment, we can accomplish anything we set ourselves to do in life. Tres made history, gave young people across our country the hope to achieve anything they set their mind to and for that I stand here today to recognize him. He is a proud son of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and we appreciate him for his work and dedication to the Washington Nationals.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , what we do know, by the facts, is that the President abused his power. prgtoken The gentleman does not want to speak to that, Madam . We do know the facts that were testified to in the committee. prgtoken The gentleman, like the President, seeks to distract. prgtoken I reject out of hand any assertion that either Mr. Schiff or the committee spied on anybody. Did they pursue discovery so that they could get the facts and the truth? They did. prgtoken I don't know the amount. I am not a member of the committee. I am not a member of the Intelligence Committee. I am not privy to all the information that may be available, but I reject, again, out of hand that either the chairman or the committee spied on people. prgtoken The gentleman has been a Member of this body for some period of time, and I am sure he watched what went on with Benghazi. Thousands and thousands and thousands of pages were received by subpoena, with cooperation by the administration. The chairman of the Government Oversight Committee had thousands and thousands and thousands of pages of subpoenaed evidence or information. prgtoken But I will, frankly, Madam , look at this information because I believe it is a very serious and egregious accusation that Mr. Schiff or the committee spied on anybody. prgtoken They may not like the discovery process. They may not like the information that was complied by the discovery process. They may be upset that it did not absolve the President of the United States from clearly abusing his power as President of the United States for his personal gain. But I have no reason to believe it, and no evidence has been offered, just a bald-faced assertion that somehow, Madam , Mr. Schiff spied on people. I reject that and believe that to be totally without merit.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIE GREENWOOD
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , each and every day we must honor the legacy of those who came before us; those who dedicated their lives to promoting freedom and forging the path on which all future generations walk. prgtoken Today, I wish to honor the life and work of Ms. Marie Greenwood whose long and full life was devoted to creating a more equitable and just society for countless Coloradans. Marie passed away on November 18th at 106 years old. prgtoken As one of the first Black teachers to be hired by Denver Public Schools in Colorado, Marie spent her entire teaching career fighting segregation and uplifting students through one simple creed: every child can learn. prgtoken A first-grade teacher for 30 years, Marie guided educators throughout her long and illustrious career in the importance of early literacy programs. ``Teaching first grade was the prgtoken joy of my life,'' she once said, ``I believe it is there that one lays the beginning of a sound education foundation upon which a child can continue to learn successfully.'' prgtoken Marie continued her passion for literacy by participating in the Each One Teach One program which aims to improve early literacy by building vocabulary through hands-on community projects. This program allows students to contribute to their communities while building topical vocabulary. prgtoken To Marie's four children, to her entire family, and to all those who loved and admired her, I share my condolences and my gratitude for the exceptional dedication and progress made possible by Marie's life and work.
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise in strong support of H.R. 4 for the people, the Voting Rights Advancement Act. s, Representatives Sewell, Fudge, Nadler, and many others, for their extraordinary work on this critical legislation that protects the most basic and fundamental of American rights, the right to vote. prgtoken Ever since the 2013 Supreme Court Shelby decision threw out the preclearance requirement, undermining the Voting Rights Act, States and localities with histories of racial injustice have again started discriminatory voting practices, like requiring IDs, which is particularly harmful to prgtoken Hispanic voters; moving voting places so it is more difficult to vote; and many other steps that disenfranchise countless Americans, particularly men and women of color. prgtoken This bill restores the Voting Rights Act in its entirety, repeals the Shelby decision, and gives the Federal Government the tools to hold local election officials accountable for discriminatory practices that deny Americans of this fundamental right. prgtoken So many brave Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this right for our people. By passing this legislation, we honor their sacrifice by protecting the right to vote for every single citizen.
General Leave
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise to urge my colleagues to join me in voting to affirm a longstanding, bipartisan, and fundamental principle of American foreign policy. I believe we should pass this resolution today because it states facts which have been true for decades and which are true today. prgtoken A two-state solution represents the only path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and it is the only way to safeguard Israel as a secure Jewish and democratic state while also upholding the rights and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. prgtoken We will never compromise on Israel's security, and we will not turn our backs on the Palestinian people's desire for dignity and justice. prgtoken Some ask why Congress should speak out now or in this way. To them, I say this: When peace appears most remote, our voices become more critical, not less. The ongoing conflict can only inflict more suffering on innocent people on both sides. prgtoken We cannot let the possibility of a just peace slip away, and we cannot accept any action that undermines a two-state solution. prgtoken We must speak out against policies that could put peace out of reach: unilateral annexation, unilateral pushes for statehood, violence, or settlement expansion. prgtoken , I wish to thank many of my colleagues who have worked tirelessly to bring this legislation to the floor, including Congresswoman Bass and Congressman Connolly, Congressman Price and Congresswoman Schakowsky, Chairman Engel, Congressman Pocan and Congresswoman Lee, Congressman Deutch and Congressman Gottheimer, the 192 cosponsors who supported this important effort, and Leader Hoyer and Pelosi. prgtoken , I also want to thank another one of my colleagues, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. We spoke yesterday, and although she is not a supporter of H. Res. 326, I left our meeting feeling optimistic. prgtoken If a Jewish American from Queens and a Palestinian American from Detroit, both proud Americans, can find common ground about the need for all people, regardless of whether they are Californians or Michiganians, regardless of whether they are Jewish or Muslim, Israeli or Palestinian, if we can find common ground to live in peace and security with the same rights to self-determination and dignity, that fills me with hope.