mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STUDENT VETERAN BENEFIT RESTORATION ACT
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-29

. Madam , I rise today to urge the passage of H.R. 1767, the Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act. prgtoken When I came to Congress about 16 months ago, I made a commitment to deliver legislative victories and every possible resource that would positively impact Illinois-03. During my first term, through our work on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have made it a priority to advocate for equity for our veterans and to ensure they have access to every single benefit and resource they have rightfully earned. That work includes protecting them from bad actors seeking to exploit them for the benefits they deserve. prgtoken It is why I am so proud that this bill, H.R. 1767, the Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act, passed through committee with bipartisan support and has come to the floor today. prgtoken I thank Congressman Mike Levin for being an original cosponsor with me. Also, I thank Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano, and the fantastic committee staff because we don't acknowledge the work that they do enough. I thank them for all of their support and leadership in moving this bill through committee. prgtoken I also thank Veterans Education Success and Student Veterans of America for leading the effort to protect our student veterans from bad actors seeking to exploit their benefits. prgtoken I thank the National Educational Association and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, HACU, for their support of my bill and the work they do on behalf of student veterans and all students. prgtoken I also want to take the time to express my gratitude to my staff and the rest of the committee staff for the countless hours that they have spent, majority and minority, working on this bill. I thank them for their efforts. I am grateful for Justin Vogt, who has been and continues to be instrumental to this work. prgtoken Access to quality education is one of the promises we have made to our veterans, and we have to deliver. prgtoken The educational benefits provided by the GI Bill have been instrumental in helping veterans gain economic security and access to postsecondary education. Moreover, these benefits have helped ensure that student veterans are fully supported to transition back into civilian life. prgtoken This bill starts the long-overdue process of restoring the GI Bill benefits of student veterans who were defrauded by for-profit colleges and universities. This bill will help veterans like Army veteran Christopher Brown from Des Plaines, Illinois, who was promised a quality education that would be covered by his benefits, but ITT Tech instead used all of his benefits and left him with $95,000 of debt. prgtoken Because of this bill, thousands of veterans across the country will now have a pathway to be able to seek restoration. prgtoken I thank our ranking member, again, for his endless commitment, and I thank our chairman, as well. prgtoken I believe that today is th
RECOGNIZING ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-29

today, I rise to commend and honor the outstanding work of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization that has long been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social justice in our communities. Since its inception, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. has stood firmly at the forefront of the fight for fairness and equity, tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of all people. prgtoken I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha, particularly Midwestern Regional Vice President Frank Stacy Jr Illinois State Director Dr. Leonard McKinnis II, and Michael Gaines and Robert Dixon, the Directors of Illinois Day at the Capitol. Their commitment to community empowerment and activism serves as an inspiration to us all. prgtoken Together, these individuals and organizations embody the spirit of service and selflessness, working tirelessly to provide communities with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to amplify their voices and effect positive change. They remind us that true empowerment begins with collective action and a commitment to social justice. I wish them all the best as they visit the Illinois State Capitol, located in my district, for their annual advocacy day.
PLAIN LANGUAGE IN CONTRACTING ACT
Shri Thanedar (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise in support of H.R. 7987, the Plain Language in Contracting Act, which I am co-leading with Representative Nick LaLota of New York. I applaud Representative LaLota's leadership, and it is a pleasure to work with him on this bipartisan bill. prgtoken I am also, as an entrepreneur, delighted and excited to be working on the Small Business Committee led so well by Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez. prgtoken Having experienced the challenges of running a small business, I recognize the urgent need to cut through the jargon of bureaucracy and provide clear, concise, and accessible information to our Nation's small business owners. prgtoken This bill would require all notices related to small business concerns to comply with the Federal plain language guidelines established by the Plain Writing Act of 2010, reflecting our core values of transparency, efficiency, and unwavering dedication to fostering a level playing field for all businesses, regardless of size. prgtoken By including key words and sticking to the Federal plain language guidelines, we are not just drafting legislation. We are empowering small businesses to navigate the complexity of prgtoken government contracting with confidence and ease. prgtoken This is about more than just policy. It is about supporting our economy and ensuring that every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed. prgtoken Walking down the streets of my district, I meet a lot of small business owners every day. Often, I hear from these small businesses, the mom-and-pop shops, the entrepreneurs who are working so hard, that the complexity of the language contributes to the difficulty in obtaining Federal contracts. prgtoken This bill goes a long way in simplifying the matter, helping our small businesses that create most of the jobs to be able to acquire Federal contracts and work with the Federal Government. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
ABANDONED WELL REMEDIATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Summer L. Lee (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of legislation that I am proud to see passed on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, the bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act. Across the country, there are around 3 million abandoned oil and gas wells in urgent need of remediation or plugging. prgtoken In Pennsylvania, there are well over 350,000 abandoned wells, but only 27,000 of these have been identified and documented in order to be plugged. prgtoken These abandoned wells not only contribute to the climate crisis by leaking methane, but they also expose our families to cancer-causing toxins like benzene, leave our homes vulnerable to explosive gases, and lower property values making it tougher for families to maintain and sell their homes. prgtoken Our region's health and economy suffer while we allow these wells to pollute our communities without accountability or plans to plug them. prgtoken Last month, I visited the home of Pamela and Ivan Schrank, a couple in Murrysville, who recently discovered a leaky, abandoned well on their property in Westmoreland County. prgtoken During my visit, Pamela described how she got dizzy and almost fainted while gardening in her backyard after being exposed to the pungent odor she recognized as gas. Fortunately, she and her husband, Ivan, caught the leakage in time to reach out to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to begin the process of plugging the well and preventing permanent harm to their family's health and the value of their property. However, until Congress takes action to invest in the identification and remediation of abandoned wells starting with the passage of this bill, tens of thousands of people in my district and across Pennsylvania will continue to suffer the consequences. prgtoken Pennsylvania has more abandoned wells than any other State except Texas. Many of these wells that pollute our communities were drilled in the mid-1800s, decades before regulations existed to properly track and document them. prgtoken My district already suffers from some of the worst air quality in the Nation and serious rates of exposure to toxins in our water. These communities also suffer from high rates of asthma or COPD and exposure to lead in our water. prgtoken We can't leave leaky oil and gas wells from the 1800s to continue poisoning and endangering our communities. We also can't afford inaction. We must invest significant resources to research and develop solutions to this crisis by passing our bipartisan bill because, until we do, it will remain nearly impossible to track every orphaned and abandoned well and too expensive to plug or remediate them. prgtoken This bipartisan bill we have introduced builds on the $23 million worth of Federal investments to plug abandoned wells we have already delivered to western Pennsylvania from the infrastructure act by authorizing a new
DANIEL J. HARVEY, JR. AND ADAM LAMBERT IMPROVING SERVICEMEMBER TRANSITION TO REDUCE VETERAN SUICIDE ACT
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-4-29

I have no further speakers, and the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. prgtoken , as we conclude today on this vital legislation, I am compelled to emphasize the significance of the issue at hand. prgtoken According to the VA's ``2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report,'' 6,392 veterans died by suicide in 2021--114 more than the previous year. This rate is more than double that of the civilian adult population, underscoring a crisis that requires immediate and decisive action. prgtoken The stories of Corporal Adam Lambert and Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey, Jr who both tragically lost their lives to suicide shortly after serving our country in Afghanistan, remind us that we must do more. prgtoken The enhancement of DOD and VA transition assistance programs in H.R. 3722 will ensure that every servicemember leaving the military is not only aware of but also able to access resources to address mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and prgtoken other risk factors associated with suicide. prgtoken To honor the legacy of our fallen, we must recommit ourselves to our servicemembers and veterans, our real heroes. prgtoken , I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. Again, I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) for introducing this legislation, and .
RECOGNIZING PROFESSOR BARRY BARISH FOR RECEIVING THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF SCIENCE
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to recognize Professor Barry Barish of University of California, Riverside, for receiving the National Medal of Science from President in honor of his great achievements and invaluable contributions to the field of particle physics. prgtoken The citation for his award reads ``For exemplary service to science, including groundbreaking research on sub-atomic particles. His leadership of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory led to the first detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes, confirming a key part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. He has broadened our understanding of the universe and our Nation's sense of wonder and discovery.'' prgtoken In addition, Professor Barish was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in physics in recognition of his leadership in the discovery of gravitational waves--first predicted by Einstein a prgtoken century earlier. Professor Barish is currently faculty at University of California, Riverside, in the Department of Physics and Astronomy where he was instrumental in recruiting and developing a new group of faculty focused on the broad field of experimental cosmology. prgtoken These young faculty are conducting cutting edge research exploring the universe using gravitational waves, searching for dark matter, using the smallest known particles to probe the origin of matter in the universe, and studying the earliest light leftover from the big bang to understand how the universe formed. This group now plays leading roles in international experiments exploring this groundbreaking science and is developing novel instruments that will lead the way for future scientific endeavors for years to come. This research group is also training the next generation of scientists and engineers. prgtoken The skills that students learn will prepare them to be future leaders in research and industry alike, becoming experts in emerging technologies like semiconductors and quantum sensors, and they will be prepared to grow these vital industries. prgtoken I commend Professor Barish for his remarkable achievements in science and teaching and his work training the next generation of scientists at University of California, Riverside. May their work continue to illuminate the mysteries of the universe and inspire us all to reach for the stars.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE DATA SHARING ACT
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-4-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am proud to rise today as the author of H.R. 7032, the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act. prgtoken , 50 years ago, almost to the day, Congress passed the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, which created the modern Congressional budget process as well as the Senate and House Budget Committees, and finally, the Congressional Budget Office. prgtoken With 270 dedicated, nonpartisan staff led by Director Dr. Phillip Swagel, CBO is critical to our work on behalf of the American people. prgtoken CBO issues hundreds of cost estimates on proposed legislation annually, provides technical assistance in crafting legislation, and keeps the public informed about the costs and impacts of legislation, as well as the overall fiscal health of our Nation. prgtoken The Budget Committee has direct oversight of CBO, and as the ranking member, helping CBO to do a better job of serving our institution is one of my top priorities. prgtoken Just a few months ago, the CBO director testified before our committee on the issues that CBO faces when requesting data from executive branch agencies. prgtoken In many cases, even when agencies want to cooperate with the CBO, they sometimes have concerns about their legal authority to provide data that creates delays. prgtoken In just one example that Dr. Swagel gave, CBO faced delays receiving data from FEMA regarding important analysis on flood insurance because FEMA was unsure of their legal authority to provide the data that was requested. prgtoken In cases like this, CBO is often forced to rely on less detailed, publicly available information in order to complete their reports on time. prgtoken My bill remedies this by clarifying CBO's authority to request data from executive agencies and grant CBO better and timely information so CBO can provide this analysis to Congress. prgtoken It accomplishes that while maintaining that CBO protects data to the same standards as the Federal agency providing it. prgtoken The security of sensitive data is important to agencies, CBO, and Congress, and this legislation ensures that CBO will continue to follow the procedures of the providing agency when it comes to protecting that data. prgtoken , as you heard just a few moments ago, this bill is a commonsense solution to an issue that has plagued CBO both through and ic administrations, and I am proud that it had unanimous bipartisan support in the Budget Committee. prgtoken I thank the lead cosponsor of this legislation, Chairman Jodey Arrington, who has been a crucial partner in advancing this bill. prgtoken I thank my friend as well from the South Bend, Indiana, area who has spoken so positively about this bipartisan legislation. prgtoken , 50 years ago after the enactment of the Budget Act, Congress clearly still has work to do when it comes to improving our budget and appropriations process and ensuring we deliver for the Amer
RECOGNIZING MY LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT, JESSICA LARSEN, FOR HER EXCELLENT WORK ON BEHALF OF MINNESOTA'S THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to recognize my Legislative Assistant, Jessica Larsen, for her work on behalf of every constituent in Minnesota's Third Congressional prgtoken District. Jessica has departed my office for a new opportunity serving as Legislative Aide in the Office of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and I could not be more proud or grateful for her service. prgtoken From her birthplace in Bellshill, Scotland to the basketball court at Minnetonka High School and on to the halls of the United States Congress, Jess has proven herself a force to be reckoned with. In the spirit of a Minnetonka Skipper, Jess set sail across the pond to attend Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. After graduating with First Class Honours, she returned stateside to serve her home district with compassion and dedication. prgtoken Jess joined the office as a Staff and Executive Assistant, imparting her infectious joy on every colleague and constituent that walked through the front door. Her intelligence, kindness, and Radical Hospitality touched everyone she met and inspired the staffers who would follow in her footsteps. It wasn't before long that Jess grew into a widely respected and highly competent Legislative Assistant whose passion for helping others made her a role model for the entire team. Constituents came into their conversations with Jess eager to meet a DC staffer with deep ties to the district. They consistently left blown away by her empathy and policy acumen for the most pressing issues facing our country and Minnesota's Third Congressional District. prgtoken Jess worked tirelessly to make U.S. Department of Agriculture programs more equitable for Black and Brown farmers, provide adult sized changing tables in airports to ease travel for people with disabilities, and preserve Minnesota's Boundary Waters as an oasis uninhibited by harmful mining practices. She is a fierce advocate who has an unparalleled ability to treat the issue at hand with the utmost importance. The office will not be the same without her insight, diligence, warm smile, and occasional sarcasm. We look forward to working for Jess some day in the not-too-distant future. prgtoken The people of Minnesota's Third Congressional District were lucky to have her expertise and leadership, and she will be dearly missed. However, I'm extraordinarily happy that this expertise will continue to serve the nation and the people of Massachusetts. I wish Jessica all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for two years of faithful service to this nation--and many more to come.
FIGHTING FOR FAIR ELECTORAL MAPS
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise in support of the hardworking men and women of the UAW in my home State of North Carolina. UAW workers reached a historic new agreement with Daimler Trucks, which included a record wage increase, profit sharing for the first time ever, a cost- of-living increase, and much more. prgtoken Right now, support for unions is near an all-time high, and we are seeing this momentum pick up in North Carolina and across the South. I am proud to stand with the new generation of workers as they exercise their collective strength and make their voices heard. prgtoken Unions built our middle class, and I will always stand with the men and women of labor at the local, State, and Federal levels. prgtoken Once again, I congratulate the UAW on this historic contract agreement.
IN RECOGNITION OF CECILY HAHN FOR THREE AND A HALF YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-4-29

I rise today to thank Cecily Hahn for three and a half years of invaluable service to my office and my constituents in Washington's 1st Congressional District. Cecily joined my office in January 2021, and as a former resident of the 1st Congressional District, she brought a much-needed and valuable perspective on the issues that matter the most to our communities. She worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support and address the unique challenges experienced by the exclave community of Point Roberts and other communities along our Northern Border. Through her persistence, the House passed legislation to add Mount Vernon as a federal court location in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. She has also been a fearless champion of advancing strong privacy legislation, and has elevated the profile of the XR Caucus within the House of Representatives. In addition to her advancement of my legislative priorities, Cecily has served as a wonderful mentor to others on my staff and helped them grow and advance in their own careers. prgtoken Cecily brought a great work ethic, strong Washingtonian spirit, and exemplary legal knowledge to the role. Over her tenure, we have learned about all things Taylor Swift and F1, and her impact on our office will be long lived. She built lasting relationships with my team and those who had the pleasure of getting to know her. Cecily has been an amazing staffer and a wonderful friend to all in the office, and we will all sorely miss her. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cecily Hahn and wishing her the best in all of her future endeavors.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-4-30

I rise today to remember our dear friend and colleague, Donald Payne, Jr. prgtoken He was a model public servant, a man who represented the best our State had to offer. From a very young age, he strove to make New Jersey a better place for everyone. prgtoken He brought his personal experiences to the Halls of Congress, fighting to expand access to healthcare, which no question changed people's lives. He was an expert when it came to modernizing our Nation's infrastructure, and a partner I turned to as we fought together to make the Gateway Tunnel a reality. prgtoken As you have heard, Donald was so much more than just an expert policymaker or a thoughtful legislator. He was a kind, kind man. I remember when he said to me one day: ``You know, Congress can be a lonely place.'' prgtoken If you knew Donald Payne, it was never a lonely place because he was always looking out for you. He was always bringing a smile to so many faces, even though he was going through such difficult health struggles. He always made time to ask how you were doing. prgtoken He always had his bow tie, his sharp suits on, and he would always take a minute to smile when you complimented him and to say how great it was to see you. prgtoken He is going to be missed. He was a presence here that will be sorely missed by all of us. It was an honor to call him a friend. It was an honor for many years to call him my Congressman, and it is an honor to speak today of him. May he rest in peace.