mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING SUSAN RENNINGER
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-7-14

today, I want to lift the story of McClure, Pennsylvania, native Susan Renninger, or as her family calls her, Sue. prgtoken Sue is a loving mother and grandmother. She was diagnosed with lung cancer 6 years ago, yet she refused to let that hold her back. In the face of three rounds of chemo, eight rounds of radiation, Sue, an avid traveler, completed a remarkable feat seeing all 50 States, and she did not do it alone. prgtoken Sue's children, Heather and Eric; and her stepchildren, Kelly, Paula, and Karla, often joined her, filling this difficult time with adventure, memories, and an abundance of love. prgtoken Now, her 9-year-old granddaughter wants to do the same. prgtoken We as lawmakers have so much to learn from Sue: her resilience, her perseverance, her fight. We have an obligation to fight for the millions of Americans waging the battle with this devastating disease. prgtoken Now, in the midst of this budget season, there is no better time to dedicate funds to beat cancer once and for all. That is why I am advocating for more than $140 million in research to end cancer. prgtoken Let's support research. Let's support screenings early and often. Let's win this fight for Sue and everyone in all 50 States.
WORSENING IMPACTS OF EXTREME WEATHER
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today in recognition of our collective experience of seeing in real time the impacts of climate change unfold. This past month we have seen temperatures rise and air quality worsen. prgtoken The smoke from the recent Canadian wildfires led Michigan to issue their first-ever statewide air quality advisory. Instead of being outside enjoying the Great Lakes, my constituents were filling up emergency rooms in Beaumont of Farmington Hills, struggling to breathe. prgtoken These impacts are not just hitting us locally in Michigan. July 3 and 4 saw some of the highest global average temperatures in recorded human history. prgtoken This is why last year I worked so hard with my ic colleagues to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA is the single largest investment in combating climate change. prgtoken We are already starting to see the benefits coming from these Federal actions. Michigan's clean energy jobs grew by 3.8 percent in 2022 alone. prgtoken , we can turn this challenge into an opportunity, our 21st century moon shot: create jobs, renovate, address, and be resilient.
TIRED OF MOURNING THE NEEDLESS DEATH OF ANOTHER CHILD
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today, yet I am tired. prgtoken I am tired of having to come down to the well of this Chamber to mourn the needless death of another child. prgtoken I am tired of gun violence being the leading cause of death among our precious children. prgtoken Finally, I am tired of my colleagues across the aisle. When presented with an opportunity to do something about these tragedies, they do nothing. prgtoken I am disgusted that so few have signed on to any mental health legislation. My bill to invest in mental health resources for our young people passed this body just 2 years ago in a bipartisan fashion, but now, s' sense of bipartisanship, and even caring for the lives of others, has vanished. prgtoken , I must confess I am tired of marching down here to demand something that should have been given to these children from the very beginning--their sense of safety. prgtoken I may be tired, but I will not stop.
HONORING THE ODDO BROTHERS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to celebrate and honor the lives of the Oddo brothers, 6 men who courageously served their country as naval seamen following the outbreak of WWII. prgtoken Their father, Charles Oddo, was a Sicilian immigrant who settled in Bellevue, Ohio with his wife Mary. They raised their sons to acknowledge the prestige and privilege of being American citizens. Richard, William, Charles, Samuel, Carl, and James Oddo all faithfully served their nation, and are believed to be the largest set of siblings to serve in the U.S. Navy. prgtoken Thankfully, all 6 brothers returned home safely to start their lives in their hometown after their honorable service, where the Oddo family still gathers today. Saturday, they will be honored with a plaque at the Dr. Jackson Commemorative Plaque Wall within the Navy memorial. More than 2 dozen family and friends will be in attendance to pay tribute to their heroism. prgtoken Ohio salutes these exceptional men, who continued to serve their families, neighbors, and communities throughout their lives.
NDAA REMARKS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-7-14

I was disappointed in the recent debate we had here dealing with the National Defense Authorization Act. It was a culture war instead of national security. The biggest failure was the inability to address our nuclear weapons policy. prgtoken We couldn't even eliminate one outmoded bomb. We couldn't allow the reevaluation of our land-based intercontinental ballistic missile system, even though they have been plagued by rampant corruption, cheating, and drug use. prgtoken Sadly, Congress continued to avoid the issue of nuclear deterrence. How many times do we have to destroy a country before they are discouraged in attacking us? prgtoken How many billion dollars need to be wasted in piling on additional nuclear weapons that pose threats in and of themselves? prgtoken This is a question that the American people deserve Congress to address. Sadly, this legislation continues to ignore the issue.
CELEBRATING JACKIE ROWE ADAMS' 75TH BIRTHDAY
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise to celebrate the birthday of Jackie Rowe Adams. prgtoken This week, our communities, northern Manhattan and Harlem, celebrate Jackie, who is a powerhouse in northern Manhattan and Harlem. prgtoken Jackie is not only a union leader but Jackie is also a community advocate. After tragically losing two of her sons to gun violence, Jackie cofounded Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E an organization dedicated to ending gun violence in our community, for which Jackie has worked tirelessly. She continues to be a force of change for our community, particularly advocating for young people. prgtoken Let me tell you something, , her voice is the window to her soul. She has a tremendous soprano voice, and everybody enjoys her singing in the community. prgtoken We wish Jackie a happy birthday, and we look forward to hearing her singing in the community.
A TROUBLING AMENDMENT TO THE NDAA
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to point out just one of the very troubling and extreme amendments in the NDAA, specifically Mr. Green's amendment which would effectively cut all Federal Government support to filmmakers who distribute films in China. prgtoken This amendment takes a page right out of 1950s McCarthyism, and it will devastate the film industry. It requires the DOD to create a blacklist of studios that often, by necessity, have made changes to films in anticipation of distribution in China. prgtoken It would decide, without any evidence necessary, to withhold assistance for filmmakers who edit sexual or violent scenes to make films more appropriate for children. Further, it would ensure that these American filmmakers can no longer film on U.S. public lands or access resources paid for by American taxpayers. prgtoken Filmmaking is a First Amendment right, and this amendment attacks that right by allowing the DOD to censor content and editorial viewpoints of American films. The Green amendment could also push film production overseas. prgtoken In my home State of California, this amendment would devastate an industry that brings in $226 billion alone in jobs and economic activities. prgtoken Sadly, this amendment is just one of many dangerous and extreme MAGA prgtoken amendments attached to what has been a historically bipartisan bill. This amendment would hurt American industries and workers, and it does not belong in the NDAA.
REMEMBERING DETECTIVE DELBERTH PHIPPS, JR.
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2023-7-14

I stand here today on behalf of slain Virgin Islands Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr. prgtoken Detective Phipps was killed in the line of duty on July 4, 2023. He and his fellow officers rushed to the scene of an active shooting where a gunman, armed with an AR-15 rifle and bulletproof vest, opened fire. He gave his life in service to his community. prgtoken My prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, his son, Demel Phipps, along with his loved ones and fellow Virgin Islands Police Department officers. prgtoken According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, arms trafficking is a major factor as to why the U.S. Virgin Islands, my home, has had a homicide rate nine times higher than on the mainland. The Virgin Islands does not manufacture guns, yet we have one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. prgtoken It is no secret that with open land, there is drug trafficking through our corridor. The weapons that continue to flood our shores are a byproduct of the lax, if not nonexistent, gun laws throughout the continental U.S particularly Florida, prgtoken The daughter of multiple generations of law enforcement officers, I understand the commitment of not just officers but their families to protect and serve. prgtoken I stand with Officer Phipps and all of the Virgin Islands Police Department. You have my commitment to fight for you all.
HONORING ROBB LALLY
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robb Lally, a dedicated public servant and volunteer for more than 35 years. prgtoken Robb Lally entered the seminary at a young age, and as a deacon, served in a Catholic parish and later for the Salvation Army. prgtoken In 1988, Robb Lally headed to San Diego to work with the Alpha Project, a nonprofit human services organization that serves over 4,000 men, women, and children daily. prgtoken Robb carried out Alpha Project's mission to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery, and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. prgtoken Mr. Lally's years of service were instrumental to the organization's mission and growth by working on and contributing to many critical housing projects. prgtoken On June 7, 2023, Robb's life and legacy were honored at a celebration of life in San Diego, California. prgtoken On behalf of the residents of California's 52nd Congressional District, I will express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Robb Lally. His legacy is felt and his presence will be greatly missed. He was a great man.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-7-14

. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the Gentleman from Ohio for your partnership on this amendment. prgtoken My team and I have loved working with you and your team on this issue and appreciate your commitment to making this a bipartisan effort. prgtoken Right now, an existing data broker loophole allows our government to make an end-run around our 4th amendment rights to access our personal information without a warrant, court order, or subpoena. prgtoken How? Because they're buying it. prgtoken Cash doesn't hold the same legitimacy and authority as a warrant--but right now, it's treated like it does. prgtoken This is wrong. prgtoken I'm sure that many of my colleagues don't want the Department of Defense to see what they're looking at online. . . . but there's nothing right now to prevent that. prgtoken Our search and browsing history, location data, health information-- all of this should be off-limits unless a court order says otherwise. prgtoken And that's why I'm so proud to lead this bipartisan amendment to prevent the Department of Defense from purchasing data that would otherwise require a warrant, court order, or subpoena. prgtoken Our amendment would rein in unauthorized surveillance practices and take a big step forward to protect Americans' privacy. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support it.
HONORING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to honor and recognize the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) on their 50th Anniversary. prgtoken The mission of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice is to act upon the needs, concerns, and contributions of African Americans and other people of color as they relate to the administration of equal justice. This milestone of NABCJ advancing justice for 50 years signifies decades of positive change and a commitment to criminal justice as a fundamental aspect of our democracy. prgtoken At the heart of NABCJ is its dedicated members, who consist of criminal justice professionals including those in law enforcement, corrections, courts, social services', academia as well as religious and community leaders. They work diligently to research relevant legislation and focus attention on improving law enforcement and our criminal justice system through evidence-based policies. Their strong commitment to respect the dignity of all humans contributes to the NABCJ's rich history of excellence and integrity. prgtoken The 400 Years African American History Commission, created by Congress in 2017, has been heavily engaged with NABCJ through 11 student chapters of the organization at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the National Alliance of Faith and Justice, first formed as a committee of the NABCJ, was founded and has successfully grown over the last 20 years. The establishment of these relationships have helped pave the way for African Americans and other people of color to receive equal justice under the law. prgtoken The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice has a long history of promoting evidence-based strategies that more effectively address crime and keeping America's communities safe. I was grateful for NABCJ's support of my Youth Prison Reduction through Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education (Youth PROMISE) Act, which I first introduced in 2007 to help communities develop and implement evidence- based strategies to reduce youth violence and delinquency. Provisions of the Youth PROMISE Act were ultimately enacted in the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018, and it would not have been possible without the work and support of organizations like NABCJ. prgtoken , NABCJ embodies what it means to fight for ``liberty and justice for all.'' It is my pleasure to congratulate the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice on the many hard-fought battles won since its inception 50 years ago and wish the organization many more years of success.
HONORING THE REVEREND DR. GREGORY A. SUTTON
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to recognize an outstanding mentor, dedicated servant leader, faithful servant of God and dear friend of longstanding, the Reverend Dr. Gregory A. Sutton. Dr. Sutton will be honored for his 53 years of faithful service at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 10:30 am. prgtoken Dr. Sutton was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised among great educators, philosophers, and theologians. Dr. Sutton was always concerned about the welfare of others and used his voice to speak out on pressing issues of the day. He began to preach the Gospel at the young age of 16. This would lay the blueprint for his ministry and his destiny--the boy, the preacher, the man, and the visionary. prgtoken Dr. Sutton began preaching the Gospel while he was still in high school and accepted the calling to preach a growing church called Jackson Memorial at the age of 18, where he has pastored for 53 years. Through his leadership, the church has continued to expand its membership and physical footprint. Dr. Sutton has seen the expansion of the church's membership to over 6,000 members and he has overseen the construction of 2 new edifices for the church. Dr. Sutton's ministry is indeed a global ministry and reaches people where they are across the world. prgtoken The scripture tells us in Proverbs, ``that the people perish where there is no vision.'' Dr. Sutton is indeed a visionary and has used his ministry to reach people beyond the church walls. He has dedicated himself to the awareness, protection, and spiritual development of youth. Dr. Sutton was the originator of the phrase, ``Stop the Violence, Save the Youth.'' Cementing his commitment to young people and their spiritual futures, Pastor Sutton was the first pastor in the Atlanta area to open his church for prayer for students before school. He also reaches out and incorporates the needs of his elderly parishioners in his ministry. Dr. Sutton has a complete ministry that attempts to reach many different groups for Christ to include those that are in prison, the homebound, the homeless, the low income and the disenfranchised. He uses his Weekly Television Broadcast, ``Now is the Time,'' to reach those who would not otherwise be reachable. prgtoken Dr. George Washington Carver once said that ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young; compassionate with the aged; sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong, because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Dr. Sutton is acutely aware that for the Kingdom of God to be manifested in this world, it is imperative that people from all walks of life be brought into the fold and be made to feel that they matter and that Jesus Loves them. Dr. Sutton's ministry is truly a Matthew 25 type of ministry. prgtoken Even amid his various ministerial duties, Dr. Sutton finds time to serve his community at large. It has been
HONORING NEWARK FIREFIGHTERS AUGUSTO "AUGIE" ACABOU AND WAYNE BROOKS, JR.
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-14

I rise today to honor two Newark firefighters who last week made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. prgtoken Firefighters Augusto ``Augie'' Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr were some of the first responders to an incredibly devastating fire at the Port of Newark in New Jersey. prgtoken With the instinct that only the men and women who proudly serve in fire departments across the country have, they went straight to the heart of the battle encountering a scene unlike any they have ever experienced in their careers, but they never hesitated. prgtoken They put it all on the line, and they made the ultimate sacrifice. They leave behind their families. They leave prgtoken behind their friends. They leave behind their brothers and sisters in the Newark Fire Department. prgtoken We must carry Augie and Wayne with us, carry on their legacies, carry on their memories, and that is what we will do. On behalf of every resident made safer by people like Augie and Wayne, we extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and fellow firefighters. prgtoken We commit ourselves to protecting our firefighters and ensuring they have everything they need to safely return home to their families. Today, we mourn the loss of these two incredible individuals.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-7-14

. Mr. Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania, who summed it up reasonably well, but I really want to make sure people understand why we are opposed to this bill. prgtoken We are opposed to this bill because it is our firm belief that this will undermine our ability to meet the national security objectives of this country. prgtoken I want to explain why. We can start with the issue of access to reproductive healthcare for women. prgtoken Because of the Dobbs decision, there are many States now across this country where you cannot get access to that care. The Department of Defense, faced with that and having a large number of women and family members of servicemembers in those States, set up a situation to allow those women to get access to that reproductive care. This bill takes that away. prgtoken Mr. Chair, if you are a woman concerned about your ability to get an abortion, first of all, or concerned about if you are a servicemember who has a family member who might be concerned about that, you are going to be less likely to join the military. prgtoken I really do want to emphasize one point that came up during this. I understand a lot of people oppose abortion. They want to ban it outright, and that is why they feel this way. However, do understand the negative impact that that will have on a lot of women's willingness to join the military. prgtoken It goes beyond abortion, as we have sadly seen. The worst case of this is a woman who miscarries midway through her pregnancy cannot get treated for that. There was one particular case that was cited during the debate of a woman who wound up in the emergency room fighting for her life because of an infection because she could not get that care. prgtoken If you are a woman, Mr. Chair, or if you are a man who is considering, ``What about my spouse, and what about my children?'' then you will be less likely to join the military knowing that you have that challenge. So, we are going to have fewer qualified people willing to join the military because of what was passed. That will not make our military stronger. prgtoken We have also now said, and the debate seems to imply, that trans people don't exist so they are not welcome in the military either. Now, I am not a doctor and, therefore, don't want to presume what treatment someone should have who is in a transgender situation, but what this bill says is: Nope, we are not even going to consider it. prgtoken Again, Mr. Chair, if you are a trans person, you are going to be less likely to join the military, or, Mr. Chair, if you are someone who thinks, ``What if I have a child who is a trans person?'' The military is not going to accept them. So, now, Mr. Chair, you can take trans people off the table. They are not going to join the military either. prgtoken Then, we have the most difficult aspect of this, and that is the diversity, equity, and inclusion piece.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-7-14

. Mr. Chair, for his service. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise as a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a representative of the academy today. Whether my colleagues want to recognize it or not, particularly those on the far right, we have an increasingly growing diverse force. prgtoken As Mr. Kim said, unit cohesion, we can all agree, is essential and critical, both in the heat of battle and in training and preparation. This amendment would unequivocally, as you heard from retired military officers across the world, weaken unit cohesion. Even the considerably--to be generous--conservative Supreme Court has recognized the distinct interests of these service academies in the Court's recent decision that came down just a few weeks ago. prgtoken We have made great strides at the academies with a focus and bipartisan commitment for decades. West Point has gone from 20 percent to 36 percent cadets of minority backgrounds, and the Naval Academy from 19 percent to 37 percent, but we still have work to do to achieve unit cohesion.