mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I rise today because at a time when Americans across the country are facing urgent needs, s are choosing to spend the first week of Congress attacking women's reproductive healthcare. prgtoken This week, we should be advancing legislation to fight inflation and lower everyday costs for families who are struggling to make ends meet. We should be passing measures to improve our education system and address our dire workforce shortages. prgtoken Instead, s are doubling-down on their assault on women's reproductive freedom, even though the vast majority of Americans believe that women should have the right to choose. prgtoken I came to Congress to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and fight against extremism just like this. prgtoken The people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District sent me here to ensure these personal decisions are kept between women, their doctors, and their families, not Members of Congress. prgtoken Just like I did in the State senate, I will not stop fighting until all Americans have control over their own bodies, their own healthcare decisions, and their own lives.
BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York for yielding and all my colleagues for their continued leadership on this incredibly important issue. prgtoken The 118th Congress has begun, and the differences between our side of the aisle and the other side of the aisle couldn't be any clearer. prgtoken Let me, of course, reiterate that, as , we look forward to trying to find common ground whenever and wherever possible to solve issues of consequence on behalf of the American people, but we will oppose extremism whenever it rears its ugly head. prgtoken have made clear that we are going to continue to work on issues like lowering costs, better-paying jobs, safer communities, defending democracy, protecting the public interest, ensuring economic opportunity in every single ZIP Code, and, yes, fighting for reproductive freedom. prgtoken My colleagues, you promised to come to Washington to fight for the American people but have spent a lot of time fighting each other on politics, power, and personality, not working on issues related to the public interest. That is what the last few days have indicated, an extreme MAGA agenda. prgtoken Now that you are getting into substance, on Monday, you passed a bill designed to allow the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected to cheat on their taxes, subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless, benefit millionaires and billionaires, not working-class families, not middle-class families, not low-income families, not veterans, not everyday Americans, the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected. That was on Monday. prgtoken Then, on Tuesday, you came to the floor and passed a select committee on insurrection protection, a committee that is clearly designed, in the words of some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, to obstruct justice as part of your evident desire, as many of you have said, to eventually defund the FBI. That was Tuesday. prgtoken Now, on Wednesday, you come to the floor with nothing on inflation, nothing on quality-of-life issues for the American people, nothing even on public safety. You come to the floor as part of your march to criminalize abortion care, to impose a nationwide ban, to set into motion government-mandated pregnancies. prgtoken That is the distinction for today. As , we believe in a woman's freedom to make her own reproductive healthcare decisions, period, full stop, decisions that should be between a woman, her family, and her doctors, period, full stop. prgtoken We believe in Roe v. Wade. Do you wonder about our position? That is it. The Women's Health Protection Act, that is it. Freedom to make your own reproductive healthcare decisions, that is it. As compared to a clear effort--that is what this bill is about today, a march toward criminalizing abortion care, a nationwide ban, government-mandated pregnancies, part of an extreme MAGA agenda.
CONDEMNING ALL ACTS OF VIOLENCE
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, vandalism, and destruction of property. However, these acts are not all the same. prgtoken Graffiti on the side of a building is not comparable to the stalking of doctors and nurses and the assaulting of patients who try to access healthcare. prgtoken Yet, 38 of the 39 incidents listed in this resolution concern attacks on property, not people. prgtoken In fact, the lone act of assault mentioned in this resolution took place when an individual targeted a healthcare facility for providing abortions and then attacked police officers, striking them multiple times. prgtoken So, yes, the only threat to human life mentioned in this resolution was an attack on abortion providers and on patients who are seeking care and the law enforcement officers defending their right to provide and seek such care. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join me in condemning the countless acts of violence against abortion providers and patients that they face every single day accessing care in this country.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS ON PRO- LIFE FACILITIES, GROUPS, AND CHURCHES
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , it is time for our colleagues to stop playing politics with women's bodies. prgtoken With the fall of Roe, the criminalization of abortion access nationwide with no exceptions is well underway. prgtoken Just last year in my home State of Florida, Governor DeSantis signed a 15-week abortion ban into law that offers no exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking, and more restrictive policies are coming. prgtoken Other States are even more restrictive, and the bill and resolution before us will further erode women's reproductive rights. These measures incentivize violence by failing to condemn a history of violence against abortion providers and patients. prgtoken While millions of Americans will lose under these measures, its harshest impacts land on single, working, and women of color. prgtoken A lack of access to safe abortions not only deprives a woman of the basic right to control her own body, but it also stifles her future economic, educational, and family planning opportunities. It basically hands her body, life, and future over to the State. prgtoken These horrific anti-abortion measures are a revolting assault on women's rights, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on both measures.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , what an important topic, limited to 1 minute, but I rise today to acknowledge Human Trafficking Awareness Day, to acknowledge that a Texas woman just filed a lawsuit against one of our universities for sexual abuse and the grooming by her coach to use her over and over again. prgtoken Human trafficking is one of the greatest threats to human rights in the United States. In 2020, over 11,000 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline, and at least 70 percent of those were, in fact, estimated to be sex trafficking. prgtoken I am delighted that Chairman Mike McCaul and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, myself, have introduced the Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act because that is one of the largest sites for trafficking. prgtoken We look forward to a bipartisan Congress supporting this legislation that will particularly provide enhanced sentencing to those who would dare to recruit our children at schools, and they do it all across the Nation. prgtoken Madam , I hope that we are aware today is Human Trafficking Day and that we recognize we must do something to stop it.
HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF NOREEN KOKORUDA
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-1-11

I rise to honor the life and legacy of Noreen Kokoruda of Madison, Connecticut. A stalwart community leader and advocate, Noreen passed away on December 21st, 2022. prgtoken Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Victor and Eileen Swaller, Noreen immediately showed traits of the characteristics which would define her life: compassion for others; commitment to service; and devotion to friends and family. At an early age, she distinguished herself for her friendly and out-going nature, going out of her way to help others. Even in high school, Noreen's penchant for public service was made clear after her election to the student council at Notre Dame High. Her passion for service blossomed as she continued her studies at Pace University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. While at Pace, she was once again elected to represent her peers, this time as class president. prgtoken Soon after her graduation from Pace, Noreen met her life partner, Daniel. Noreen and Daniel began their lives together in West Haven, Connecticut, but soon settled in nearby Madison where they grew their family and community roots. prgtoken In Madison, Noreen threw herself into community work. She dedicated her time to the parent teacher organization, athletic boosters, and even worked as a substitute teacher. After serving on the Beach and Recreation commission, Noreen was elected to serve on Madison's Board of Selectmen, where she worked tirelessly for 14 years to weave a bright future for the town. prgtoken Ever savvy, Noreen was also an influential member of the Shoreline Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating recreational and enrichment opportunities in the Madison area. Through this organization, Noreen helped host summer camps in Killingworth to support local youth. Additionally, recognizing the want for a regional pool, Noreen was the one to discover an angle for the Foundation to support the construction of the Madison Aquadome, a facility which helped meet the needs of the community at no additional taxpayer cost. prgtoken In 2011, Noreen was elected to represent the 101st district in the Connecticut General Assembly, where she worked on the Planning and Development, Children, Appropriations, and Education committees. In the General Assembly, Noreen distinguished herself as a tenacious fighter for her constituency who worked across the aisle to collaborate on efforts to support the 101st district with her colleagues from both parties. Following Noreen's work in Hartford, she served on the Board of Selectman in Madison. Her dedication to public service was rare and her work touched the prgtoken lives of many people throughout the communities of Madison and Durham and the State of Connecticut as a whole. prgtoken , it is an honor to represent leaders as devoted and compassionate as Noreen. Her absence will be felt throughout the region, and I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends during this time. I as
OPPOSING EXTREME ANTI-ABORTION AGENDA
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-1-11

I rise today in opposition to the extreme anti-abortion agenda that my colleagues on the other side are advancing, despite clear opposition across our country. prgtoken In November, , access to abortion care was on the ballot, and the American people rejected the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe and refused to allow far-right extremists to take away their right to bodily autonomy. prgtoken Voters in Vermont, in the 's home State of California, and in my home State of Michigan codified abortion rights in their State constitutions. prgtoken Voters in Montana, as well as Kentucky, Senator Mitch McConnell's home State, rejected attempts to restrict their access to reproductive freedom. Still, they are advancing a policy agenda to criminalize abortion nationwide with no exceptions for rape or incest. prgtoken Let me be clear: Abortion bans impact and endanger the lives of many of our residents, including those who live with disabilities. prgtoken We will have many fights ahead of us, , and I will continue to hold the line to push back against the policy violence by those who want to continue to inflict on the American people the extreme right agenda. prgtoken We will continue, my colleagues and I, to mobilize and organize a movement to secure reproductive justice across our Nation, and I will continue to fight like hell until abortion rights are restored as the law of the land. Palestinian Human Rights
WATER AND DROUGHT CONDITIONS IN CALIFORNIA
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-11

I rise today to bring attention to the devastating impacts of droughts and floods that have been exacerbated in part by climate change in California but also around the country and around the world. prgtoken California is being battered with major storms bringing flooding and high winds across our State. Normally, we need the water but not quite at this level and at this measure. prgtoken We need to be taking advantage of the heavy precipitation to shore up our water supplies, to fill our State's critical reservoirs, and recharge our aquifers that have been depleted not only over decades but the last 3 years as a result of extreme drought. prgtoken The fact is, California gets most of its moisture, unlike parts of the country, from November to March. If we don't get it then, we don't get it at all. prgtoken The acceleration of the cycle of droughts and floods caused by climate change and more demands in California's water system, more people, more needs, have made it more difficult for farmers to put food on America's dinner table. I know. I am a third-generation farmer. prgtoken Now, the ongoing storms and floods threaten to damage our crops. California's San Joaquin Valley, which I represent a part of, grows nearly a quarter of the United States' food and has been bearing the brunt of it all. prgtoken Since 2019, farmland in California has shrunk by 10 percent, resulting in over 750,000 acres of fallowed land. Nearly 12,000 agriculture jobs were lost statewide, representing a 2.8 percent decline. A total of 1.3 million acres were left unplanted compared to 2019, most of it within the San Joaquin Valley. Sadly, we see that example here. And the surface water deliveries in the valley were cut by nearly 43 percent; a complex State and Federal water system. Zero percent were to agricultural allocations. You can't grow food without water. prgtoken Our farmers feed the world, and they can't do that without a reliable water supply. Forty-four percent of California's agriculture is exported. prgtoken Last year, Congress enacted the bipartisan infrastructure law, the largest infrastructure investment since the Eisenhower administration. These projects must be accelerated to develop additional water storage and to expand access to water for farmers in the valley and throughout the State. prgtoken In these efforts, we secured $1.15 billion for western agriculture water storage, an important first step; $25 million for the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Authority, which increases 130,000 acre-feet of additional water storage; $30 million for Sites Reservoir to pursue off-stream storage that will provide 1.5 million acre-feet of water; $82 million for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir that will expand another 115,000 acre-feet of additional storage; and $15 million to construct the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir, another 82,000 acre-feet of off-stream storage. prgtoken If all of those would be in place today, that would be an addition
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-1-11

we are now on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, historic in large measure because of the American dimension through a negotiated settlement which helped to bring about the longest-standing political dispute in the history of the western world. prgtoken It was the people of goodwill and both parts of the island that voted referendum questions to help bring about this remarkable achievement. prgtoken In this House, the question of Ireland has always been bipartisan, and it has been celebrated by both political parties here with great enthusiasm and so recognized. prgtoken Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania and I, as chairpersons of the Friends of Ireland, will be asking Members to sign the proclamation that we are offering through this resolution that will celebrate this historic achievement as we prepare across America, the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland for this celebration. These have been ``it will never happen'' moments that we have all had a chance to participate in, and I hope that Members will all sign this historic resolution celebrating and acknowledging this achievement.
BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT
Daniel S. Goldman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to talk about freedom, specifically, individual freedom, a core American value, a value that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have for years co-opted, weaponized, and distorted. prgtoken I simply do not understand how my colleagues can demand the individual freedom to spread a deadly disease to other people by not getting vaccinated or wearing masks yet have the gall to deny the individual freedom to make decisions about one's own body that has no impact on anyone else. prgtoken How can it be that autonomy to wear a mask or not is of greater importance than the autonomy over whether to have a baby or not? prgtoken Let me say it plainly: We cannot talk about preserving our individual freedoms while simultaneously ripping away a fundamental freedom for women in this country. Control over one's reproductive health is a human right. prgtoken We are in the first week of Congress, and what are we focused on? prgtoken Is it to fight inflation? No. prgtoken To create jobs for Americans? No. prgtoken To protect children from gun violence? No. prgtoken It is to continue the assault on our autonomy, on women's autonomy.
REMEMBERING CHIEF McINTIRE AND HONORING OFFICER SCHRECENGOST
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I rise today with the solemn duty to honor the life of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire, who was gunned down in the line of duty last week. His family and my community mourn Chief McIntire today at his funeral, as does this House and this country. prgtoken Chief McIntire was a hometown hero in Brackenridge and a life-long resident of the area. He gave his neighborhoods 22 years of selfless service as a police officer. prgtoken Day in and day out, like so many who wear a badge or a uniform, Chief McIntire put himself in harm's way to keep others safe, ultimately giving the last full measure of devotion. prgtoken He represents the very best of western Pennsylvania, the very best of America. prgtoken So, too, does Tarentum Police Officer Jordan Schrecengost, who was shot and wounded in the line of duty that fateful day, and is recovering. prgtoken Although Chief McIntire's watch has ended, we will never forget his sacrifice.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS ON PRO- LIFE FACILITIES, GROUPS, AND CHURCHES
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , we heard the word ``shameful'' a lot during this debate, but what is really shameful is the fact that my ic colleagues and I are willing to both say we condemn all violence and also put it on paper. prgtoken With my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, all we hear is talk. They are not willing to condemn all violence in this resolution. prgtoken It is a one-sided resolution meant to fan the flames of anti-abortion and anti-freedom sentiment in this country. prgtoken See, my district in central Florida sees these sentiments in action as our Governor has passed an abortion ban and looks to go even further. prgtoken As someone whose birth mother made the brave and difficult decision to put me up for adoption, I recognize that that decision was deeply personal and can often mark one of the most vulnerable points in a person's life. No one should take advantage of that, and the Federal Government should actually protect it. prgtoken I will continue to fight for civil rights, personal freedom, and bodily autonomy of women and childbearing adults in this country, and I hope the rest of this Chamber will join me in voting ``no.''
RECOGNIZING PAUL BANDY, AIMEE JOHNS, AND HEATH BRADDOCK
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-11

I rise today to highlight the heroism of Paul Bandy; his wife, Aimee Johns; and Heath Braddock. prgtoken On a clear summer day last year, Steve Breummer, a triathlete, was doing his routine swim about 150 yards off the coast in Monterey Bay when he was attacked by a great white shark. Pulled under water, bitten across his thigh and abdomen, and bleeding profusely, Steve saw the cold black eye of that predator, fought him off, and yelled for help. prgtoken Paul, a police officer, and Aimee, a nurse, heard the cries and paddleboarded to the victim. Heath, who was onshore, grabbed a surfboard and joined in the rescue. Even though there was blood on top of the water and a shark lurked under the water, all three heroes were undeterred, got to Steve, got him out of the water, and saved his life. prgtoken For their actions, the rescuers have been honored by the Red Cross and the Carnegie Commission. prgtoken Steve, although not yet doing triathlons, is walking and swimming again. prgtoken Today, , I honor all of them for the determination to fight in the face of danger; for their will to act, despite it being to their detriment; and fulfilling what it means to be a hero in our community on the central coast and in our country.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS ON PRO- LIFE FACILITIES, GROUPS, AND CHURCHES
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , as co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 3. prgtoken Of course, we condemn all political violence, whether it is aimed at those we agree with or disagree with. prgtoken These acts are all unacceptable, full stop. Hate speech quickly becomes hate violence. In a democracy, violence is particularly awful when it is designed to silence or intimidate. prgtoken Where were my colleagues every single time a doctor, a patient, a nurse, or a security officer was threatened, assaulted, or murdered just for providing, accessing, and safeguarding reproductive healthcare? prgtoken Congresswoman DeGette, Congresswoman Pressley, and I have drafted a resolution that condemns all attacks upon healthcare facilities, healthcare personnel, and patients. prgtoken Every act of hate-fueled violence is worthy of condemnation, including those against Planned Parenthood clinics, abortion providers and patients, and other care providers. prgtoken We stand with survivors of those attacks. We condemn all of them, and our GOP colleagues should do so, as well.
BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT
Lizzie Fletcher (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-11

. Madam , I rise in opposition to H.R. 26 and to its very name because it is not about what House s claim it is about, because what they claim it is about isn't a thing. prgtoken What this bill is about is an assault on the health, rights, equality, and dignity of American women and the people who provide their reproductive healthcare. prgtoken It is an assault we have seen in my home State of Texas where women having miscarriages are being turned away from the hospitals and told to come back when they are closer to dying, where doctors fear, and are told, that they cannot meet the standard of care for their patients. prgtoken Providers and patients are afraid of misleading bills like this one criminalizing healthcare. prgtoken But, of course, that is the point, isn't it? prgtoken I stand here today, and I will stand here every day, to oppose this bill and others like it, to talk about the real healthcare crisis facing women today, and to urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''