mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
General Leave
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-12-6

I rise today to express my thoughts on H. Res. 326, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. prgtoken While I am a firm believer in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the two-state solution, I am disappointed that the version of the resolution brought to the Floor did not reflect the language as introduced, language that I and 191 of my colleagues cosponsored. prgtoken It remains my firm belief that the United States must continue to call for an end to Israeli settlement expansion and oppose Israel's unilateral annexation of territory. Furthermore, the United States must do more to uphold human rights and ensure that democratic ideals are preserved as part of the process. prgtoken All humankind deserves to live a productive life without fear of threat to their safety. That is why I remain committed to the peace process and welcome the opportunity to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to achieve that aim.
SENATE INACTION
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to remind our constituents of the work that we have been doing on their behalf. The House of Representatives has passed nearly 400 bills this Congress for the people. prgtoken For our Dreamers and TPS recipients, we passed an immigration reform bill, the American Dream and Promise Act. prgtoken For our workers, we passed the Raise the Minimum Wage Act, to increase the Federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, and the Butch Lewis Act, to protect the pensions of more than 1 million workers and retirees. prgtoken For the personal and financial security of America's women, we passed a strong reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. prgtoken For our elections, we passed H.R. 1, which restores transparency and accountability to our elections, which included my own legislation to restrict foreign lobbying. prgtoken To strengthen our defenses against foreign attacks, we also passed the SAFE Act and the SHIELD Act. prgtoken And for our LGBTQ community, we passed the Equality Act. prgtoken All of these bills have been ignored. Mitch McConnell brags about being the grim reaper, and that is exactly what he has been for the hopes and the dreams of the American people. prgtoken I would like to call for us to remind every single American of the work that we have been doing.
General Leave
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-6

I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and for bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H. Res. 326 which I am proud to cosponsor. It really is an important resolution affirming the United States' support for a two-state solution, which has been longstanding bipartisan consensus for decades. It also makes clear that Congress opposes any action by the White House to encourage unilateral annexation of the West Bank. prgtoken , this resolution is not only needed but it is incredibly timely. The administration is actively working against a two- state solution and lasting peace at every step, from support for unilateral annexation of the West Bank to reversal of U.S. policy toward illegal Israeli settlement expansion which jeopardizes Israeli security. prgtoken This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to a lasting peace in the region which can only be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution for both Israelis and Palestinians. prgtoken For the first time, this resolution includes clear language that the United States should resume assistance to the Palestinians. prgtoken I thank Chairman Price. Let me just say it is an incredibly important step. I thank Congressman Lowenthal and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for taking a bold step and seeking common ground.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DIVERSIFYING BY INVESTING IN EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH ACT
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to support the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act. prgtoken It should be a guarantee that all students in our country are taught by expert teachers and attend schools where the teacher workforce reflects our nation's rich diversity. prgtoken However, research tells us that while people of color comprise 40 percent of our nations' population and majority of our public school students, only 20 percent of all teachers are people of color. prgtoken One of the barriers to a well-prepared and diverse teacher workforce is the high cost of college and student loan debt. prgtoken High quality teacher preparation is also more likely to be financially out of reach for students of color, while the high cost of college and increasing student loan debt burdens hits students of color especially hard as they are more likely to come from families that are unable to contribute financially to their higher education. prgtoken These facts come at a time when college affordability has reached crisis levels. prgtoken Today, more than two-thirds of individuals entering the field of education borrow money to pay for their higher education, resulting in an average debt of about $20,000 for those with a bachelor's degree and $50,000 for those with a master's degree. prgtoken Our nation's service scholarship for teachers--The TEACH Grant Program--has not increased to keep up with the rising cost of college. prgtoken While college cost have increased, the TEACH Grant has been cut each year for most of its existence. prgtoken Failing to protect and increase the TEACH Grant limits the program's potential to support high needs schools in ensuring that all students are taught by a well-prepared and diverse educator workforce. prgtoken I urge this body to pass this bill.
CONGRATULATING MARY RYMAN ON HER RETIREMENT AFTER 46 YEARS AS BRISTOL TOWN CLERK
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Mary Ryman on her retirement after 46 years as Bristol Town Clerk, making her the longest-serving town clerk in the State of Indiana. prgtoken For the people of Bristol, Indiana, walking into Town Hall means seeing a friendly face every day. For nearly half a century, Mary has been there to serve the community of Bristol, and she is always the right person to ask when residents have a question or need assistance. Her unparalleled commitment to her community exemplifies what it truly means to be a Hoosier and a public servant. prgtoken Guided by the values of integrity and respect for all people, Mary has proven to be a pillar of the town and a model citizen. Her unmistakable passion for making Bristol a better place inspires all who know her, and it's no surprise that she plans to continue serving her community as a volunteer at Bristol's Community Food Pantry. prgtoken Mary's compassion and warmth go far beyond her duties at Town Hall. She constantly strives to give back to those in need and to strengthen her community. As a member of the Bristol United Methodist Church, she has taught Sunday School for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir. She is also often found helping stray animals by providing them food and comfort. And she is a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Mary for the many years she has dedicated to serving the hardworking Hoosiers of Bristol and building a brighter future for northern Indiana. With her retirement, she leaves behind a legacy full of accomplishments, but her impact on the community is sure to last far into the future.
HONORING JO MARIE BANKSTON
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , today, I rise to honor the life of Jo Marie Bankston, the first woman police officer to serve the people of Houston, Texas. prgtoken The year was 1955, 7 years before I was born, when Jo Marie--or Fena, as she was called by her friends and family--graduated in the first Houston Police Department class to include women. At that time, the mere idea of a woman police officer was something very few could imagine, much less pursue. prgtoken Fena paved the way for new female recruits through the 1950s and 1960s, ushering in a new era of strength and passion. prgtoken Fena passed away, sadly, last week, on Thanksgiving Day. She leaves behind a pioneering legacy of protecting and serving the Houston community. She also left behind a loving family, including her son, Jimmy, who carries out her spirit as a veteran of the HPD and as a current U.S. marshal. prgtoken Jo Marie inspired so many--some she knew and many more that she never knew. She made history in her own humble way. prgtoken May she enjoy fair winds and following seas in Heaven.
IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTGOMERY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , today I rise in celebration ofthe 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Fire Department in Montgomery, Texas. prgtoken From its inception in February of 1969, the Montgomery Fire Department has protected and served the entire Montgomery area-- approximately 232 square miles--in the Eighth District of Texas, including the Cities of Montgomery, Dobbin, Walden, and Bentwater. This area was originally covered by two fire departments, the Montgomery and the Walden Volunteer Fire Departments but the two merged in 1982 to keep up with the growing population of the county. prgtoken As more and more people came into the area, more fire stations were built in Walden, Cape Conroe, the City of Dobbin, and Montgomery. In1989, in response to growing demand for their services, the Montgomery Fire Department hired its first full time firefighter, and in 2001 they opened another station in Bentwater that housed both volunteer and full-time firefighters. prgtoken Today, the Montgomery Fire Department has five manned stations and an administrative building. Their full staff includes a Fire Chief, four Battalion Chiefs, 51 full-time firefighters, and 25 part-time or volunteer firefighters. prgtoken The Montgomery County Fire Department employs the use of three booster trucks, five pumpers, three tankers, and one All-Terrain- Vehicle. This equipment allows the fire department to respond to fires, car accidents, and any other emergency or natural disaster in Montgomery County. prgtoken Under the leadership of Fire Chief Brian Edwards, the fire department serves Montgomery County by offering not only protection from fires and other emergencies, but education and prevention. It's incredible to see just how much they've grown these past 50 years. prgtoken I would like to thank the Montgomery Fire Department for half a century of service, and congratulate them on a job well-done. The entirety of Montgomery County is grateful for their service and keeping our community safe. Congratulations on 50 prosperous years, and we look forward to 50 more.
RECOGNIZING THE 11TH ANNUAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , on December 21, 2019, Brevard County families, businesses and local community organizations will gather to celebrate the 11th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza. Having become one of the largest Christmas celebrations on the Space Coast, this year's event will be bigger and better than ever, promising a place for family and friends to partake in a wide variety of holiday festivities to get them in the Christmas spirit. prgtoken This year's event will take place at Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay from 11 am-4:30 pm and will be completely free of charge thanks to over 80 local businesses and organizations that came together to donate food, gift certificates and equipment. Because of their generous contributions, families will be able to enjoy cotton candy, hotdogs, snow cones, bouncy houses, ride horses and trains and even go rock climbing. prgtoken Hosting the event will be Eddie Anthony Izquierdo as ``Eddie Frost'' and Ahriel Brown as ``Arctic Ahriel,'' who will engage families with Christmas singalongs, short skits, and giveaways. A variety of exclusive performances will follow by Grammy Award-winning bassist Trae Pierce and the T-Stones, Chagy the Clown and the acrobats of Cirque Adventure. prgtoken The House of Palm Bay, City of Palm Bay Parks and Recreation along with several community business partners such as Thrifty Specialty Produce, Chick-Fil-A, Gator Automotive and Edible Arrangements are just among the few names of many we have to thank for providing the venue and resources to make the celebration unforgettable. prgtoken Senior Pastor Ken Delgado of the House at Palm Bay said in anticipation of the event, ``With today's news being filled with division, contention and expressions of hatred, it is exciting to see the City of Palm Bay, along with its businesses and citizens, create an event where love, joy and peace is expressed. The Family Christmas Extravaganza is the greatest expression that so many people yearn for and is what the angels proclaimed at the birth of Jesus saying, `Peace and good will towards all men.' '' prgtoken The City of Palm Bay issued a proclamation in support for this year's celebration, proclaiming December 21, 2019 Family Christmas Extravaganza Day. prgtoken The spirit ofthe holidays is all about giving and spending time with loved ones. This year's Extravaganza brings our community together to remind us of that. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all those who are doing their part to spread the Christmas spirit this holiday season and those who have worked so hard to make the Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza possible.
General Leave
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-12-6

such time as I may consume. prgtoken The majority are tying themselves up in knots. prgtoken With all due respect to the majority leader, who said there was not a departure in policy towards the end of the administration and that I was incorrect; I would like to point him to H. Res. 11 from January 2017, that he voted in favor of as well as most House , which included: ``Whereas on December 23, 2016, the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations disregarded H.Con. Res. 165 and departed from longstanding United States policy by abstaining and permitting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 to be adopted under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter.'' prgtoken That is from a resolution that the majority leader voted in favor of, where he personally, and many others in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle, took strong exception with that departure from longstanding U.S. policy with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334, now reversing that, once again, with the text of this resolution that is giving a shout-out to that December 2016 administration policy as if it is something to be applauded. prgtoken , .
CONGRATULATING WASHOE RTC CEO LEE GIBSON ON HIS RETIREMENT
Mark E. Amodei (Republican, NV) \u2014 2019-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Mr. Lee Gibson on his retirement from the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), where he served as Chief Executive Officer since September 2009. Having begun his career at Washoe RTC during the height of the Great Recession, Mr. Gibson immediately restructured the agency's transit service to cut costs, preserve service, and build a stronger footing toward sustainability. With a career spanning 36 years, Mr. Gibson has become a recognized leader in the transportation community, earning some of the highest awards from the Nevada Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), including the prestigious DeBoer Award for his planning leadership in Nevada. Mr. Gibson has also served on the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Board of Directors, as Chairman of its Policy and Planning Committee, and as an APTA speaker on performance-based planning. During his tenure at the Washoe RTC, Mr. Gibson's organizational leadership, planning policies, and innovative project delivery methods have successfully resulted in well over $750 million of multimodal highway projects in Washoe County, eventually leading the RTC to earn a Silver-level of recognition from the APTA's Sustainability Program in August 2017. Today, Washoe RTC's transit service employs cutting-edge electric buses, customer service information technologies, and is preparing to expand service. Additionally, our region's highway system supports connectivity that has greatly improved the traveling public's accessibility to jobs, while offering new opportunities to move throughout the region. Without a doubt, Mr. Gibson's investment in our community's infrastructure projects have significantly improved Nevadans' ability to travel more safely and efficiently. On behalf of Nevada's Second Congressional District, I offer my sincerest appreciation to Mr. Gibson for his service and wish him all the best on his retirement.
General Leave
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken As the senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as a former chairman of the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 326, legislation that I believe is biased against Israel. prgtoken To understand this resolution, it must be taken in context. In July, this House overwhelmingly passed H. Res. 246, which condemned efforts to delegitimize Israel. It also reaffirmed our support for a two-state solution. prgtoken A mere 5 months later, we are considering this redundant legislation when we should be talking about the National Defense Authorization Act, funding the government, prescription drug prices, the opioid epidemic, so many other things. Instead, House find it more important to rebuke the administration because it took the position that Jewish settlements in the West Bank are not illegal. prgtoken What is really happening here is this resolution is meant to paper over a deep division within the ic Party between responsible voices who understand the importance of our relationship with Israel, and many of those are here today speaking, and a campus radical left that pushes BDS, welcomes anti-Semitic attacks on Israel, and believes that Israel is the problem while the Palestinians are just helpless victims. prgtoken Forceful, principled ic leadership would take seriously their responsibility to educate the public and clear up these misbegotten notions. Instead, they have opted to cover over this serious problem with their flawed legislation today. That is most unfortunate. prgtoken Further, the resolution itself is fatally deficient in a number of ways. Again, context is critical. The resolution completely ignores the reason why the two-state solution has never gotten off the ground: venomous voices among the Palestinians don't want two states. They want one, a Palestinian state. prgtoken The blame falls squarely on these pernicious forces. Just look at the recent round of rocket attacks from Gaza. prgtoken That is why we shouldn't rule out other options by saying two states is the only possible solution, as this resolution does. It gives the Palestinians a vote over Israel's future, and we shouldn't let that happen. prgtoken Additionally, by raising the issues of settlements and annexation without serious criticism of Palestinian terrorism and intransigence, which far outweighs anything that Israel has done, this resolution buys into the narrative of the campus left that Israel is the perpetrator and the Palestinians are just victims, an anti-Semitic narrative. prgtoken , for these reasons, I oppose this resolution, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote against it. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) for his leadership on this.
VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-12-6

I thank my good friend, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Collins, for yielding today. prgtoken Today, I rise in opposition of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. prgtoken I fully support the bipartisan Voting Rights Act, which is still in place today. However, the bill we are debating today, H.R. 4, is not a reauthorization of the important, historically bipartisan Voting Rights Act that has helped to prevent discrimination at the ballot box since 1965. prgtoken It has only been since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder that have decided to politicize the Voting Rights Act. This landmark decision left the vast majority of the Voting Rights Act in place today. prgtoken The only thing that was struck down from the VRA was the formula that was using 40-year-old data to determine which States were placed under the control of the Department of Justice, this process known as preclearance. The Supreme Court deemed this data and formula was no longer accurate nor relevant for our country's current climate. prgtoken Chief Justice Roberts said: ``The Voting Rights Act of 1965 employed extraordinary measures to address an extraordinary problem.'' prgtoken He went on to say that: ``Regardless of how to look at the record, no one can fairly say that it shows anything approaching the `pervasive,' `flagrant,' `widespread,' and `rampant' discrimination that faced'' this ``Congress,'' this institution, ``in 1965, and that clearly distinguished the covered jurisdictions from the rest of the Nation.'' prgtoken So what does H.R. 4 do? It doubles down on federalizing elections and would attempt to put every State and jurisdiction in this country under preclearance. prgtoken The majority has been unable to determine the number of States or jurisdictions that would be covered by this preclearance if H.R. 4 were to become law. Apparently, we have to pass this bill before the American people would know if they would or would not be subjected to it. prgtoken The majority knows H.R. 4 is bad policy that will cripple thousands of local election officials across the country if it were ever to become law. prgtoken Let me be clear: H.R. 4 is not a Voting Rights Act reauthorization bill. H.R. 4 is about two things: placing the unnecessary preclearance requirements on to States, and the giving the Department of Justice control over all election activity. prgtoken My committee, the Committee on House Administration, has jurisdiction over Federal election policy, but it does not have jurisdiction over the Voting Rights Act. That goes to the Judiciary Committee. Despite that lack of jurisdiction, our Subcommittee on Elections held seven field hearings and one listening session across this great country on the Voting Rights Act, encompassing eight different States and over 13,000 miles of air travel. prgtoken Even with this gargantuan effort to gather evidence to reinstate the