mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING 100 YEARS OF THE HIRZEL FAMILY REUNION
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to recognize a milestone occasion in the life and history of one Northwest Ohio family. On June 29, 2024 the Hirzel Family will come together for the 100th time in reunion. I am pleased to include in the Record the family's history as told to me: ``In 1871, Alexander Hirzel of Diessbach in the canton of Bern, Switzerland married Elisabeth Studer. They had five sons and two daughters. After Elisabeth died, Alexander married her sister, Marie Studer, in 1886. Alexander and Marie had six sons and three daughters. The descendants will gather on June 30, 2024 for the 100th Annual Reunion of the Descendants of Alexander Hirzel and Elisabeth and Marie Studer-Hirzel. Descendants have included 16 children, 33 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, 146 great-great grandchildren, 208 great-great-great grandchildren--and still growing with 45 great-great-great-great-grandchildren plus hundreds of spouses. ``In the 1890s, the Hirzel-Studer family settled in the Toledo area. The descendants have had a significant impact on Northwest Ohio. In 1924, the family was involved in founding the Swiss Hall on South St. Clair Street in Toledo. The Swiss Hall served as a gathering spot for Swiss immigrants and their descendants and also housed the Toledo United Swiss Society. In 1974, the Toledo United Swiss Society sold the Swiss Hall and joined six German societies in founding Oak Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio which is the location of the 100th Annual Family Reunion. ``Originally, many family members worked in the alcohol business as bar owners and blew masters. Yet the family's trajectory changed when Prohibition put them out of these businesses. Beginning in 1920, the family started other businesses. Alexander's son, Alfred, founded Alfred Hirzel and Sons Greenhouses in what is now Northwood, Ohio. Alfred's brother Carl bought a farm in Northwood and in 1923 established Hirzel Canning Company & Farms. Brother Ernest started Hirzel Coal and Builder's Supply in Toledo. In 1924, brothers Otto and Eugene started Hirzel Brothers Florist in Toledo. Hirzel Canning Company & Farms and Hirzel Brothers Florist still exist today. ``The reunion began as elders became concerned that the family was growing and moving beyond the Toledo area, and they wanted to establish an annual event that would bring the entire extended family together. So in 1924, family members organized the first Reunion of the Descendants of Alexander Hirzel and Elisabeth and Marie Studer-Hirzel at the Hirzel Canning Company on Lemoyne Road in Northwood. ``On June 30, 2024, for the 100th time in 100 years, the descendants will gather to honor their Swiss and American Heritage and to blend the generations and the branches of the H
PRIDE MONTH
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to start with a reflection. prgtoken When I was in high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to go into politics. I was good in front of a room. I loved talking about policy. I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of Americans. It was so clear. I knew my path. prgtoken I also thought that was just a pipe dream because, first of all, I knew nobody in my family had ever run for office. I didn't know the first thing about doing that, but I also knew at that time in high school, I had no role models for how to serve as an openly gay leader, a politician, so I put that away. prgtoken I actually didn't run for office until I was in my forties because I didn't see a way forward. There was just so much homophobia, so much vitriol from within my community, sometimes within my own family. prgtoken I want to reflect on the fact it is incredible that I am standing here today in this Chamber, the House of Representatives, as the first woman ever to represent Vermont in Congress, as the first openly LGBTQ person to represent my State in Congress. I never imagined that I would be here. I take it very seriously that I am a leader for all Vermonters, regardless of how they identify. prgtoken Pride--which is what this month is about--is about celebrating love. It is about celebrating families of all kinds, including my own. I have a wife and two teenagers. It is about celebrating the joy that comes from living your authentic self and making genuine connections with other people. prgtoken Pride is also a reminder that we must remember the history that brought us here today, of the political struggle that secured so many of our rights, and also the path we still must walk in order to get to true equality. prgtoken Earlier today, I spoke in the Oversight Committee. I was waived onto that committee to talk about some of the really horrible rhetoric that has become all too commonplace in our committees and on the floor of the House of Representatives. prgtoken I know because I feel it, too. I know so many of us are feeling quite down about the state of the world and discouraged about the battles that we have fought. We thought we had that discrimination behind us. We thought the hateful and hurtful rhetoric was something in the past. prgtoken I get it. We, as members of marginalized communities, understand the despair. We understand why it is so exhausting to think about having to fight these battles over again, but we do not have the luxury of losing hope or giving in to cynicism. As I say often, cynicism is the voice of the status quo. Cynicism tells you nothing can change, so, therefore, why even try. prgtoken I can say that I have been shocked at the constant attacks on my community that I have experienced in the last 1\1/2\ years in Congress, with the public debate and passage of so many dangerous anti- transgender, anti-LGBTQ bills, amendments, and riders. There is this sense that someho
REMEMBERING JOHN MURPHY
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor John Murphy, a former Providence city council member, business leader, and philanthropist who dedicated his life to serving Rhode Island and helping those in need. prgtoken A son of Irish immigrants, John was born and raised in Fox Point, Providence. He graduated from Hope High School, joined the Army, and served in Korea for 2 years. prgtoken His commitment to public service did not stop there. Shortly after returning home, John was elected to the Providence City Council, serving four terms. prgtoken In 1959, he founded the Home Loan Investment Bank, building it into a full-service retail bank, employing more than 100 people and helping thousands achieve the dream of home ownership and financial security. prgtoken Throughout his life, John Murphy made it a priority to give back with generous support for the Rhode Island Foundation, St. Joseph's Hospital, Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club of Providence, and many more worthy organizations. prgtoken He was also passionate about education and helped start the mentoring and tutoring program at URI and the scholarship program at Providence College. prgtoken In his own words, Murphy said that he wanted underserved students to know they are important. ``I don't want them to get lost or feel hopeless. I want them to know that I have walked in their shoes. I am one of them.'' prgtoken He never lost sight of where he came from, and he will be remembered as a man of incredible character whose legacy will endure for generations to come. He will be missed.
INTRODUCTION OF THE REAL ID GENDER REQUIREMENT REFORM ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-6-27

today, I introduce the REAL ID Gender Requirement Reform Act, which would remove the requirement from the REAL ID Act that REAL ID-compliant licenses include gender. Instead, the decision of whether to have gender on a state's REAL-ID-compliant licenses would be left to the states. I am pleased Representative Maxwell Frost is co-leading this bill. prgtoken This bill would require states that require gender designation for licenses to allow individuals wishing to change their gender designation on their license to do so through self-attestation. It would also require states that require gender designation on licenses to have a neutral or other designation gender field, in addition to male or female. prgtoken Under the REAL ID Act, gender must be included on a license. This can be problematic for transgender or nonbinary individuals. I recognize that some LGBTQ+ individuals do not want gender designations on licenses at all, while others do want gender designation so as to express their identity. I believe this bill strikes the middle ground, while showing Congress' support for LGBTQ+ individuals. prgtoken This is an important bill for equality. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
CONGRATULATING CARSON FOSTER
Greg Landsman (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate and wish good luck to Carson Foster, a remarkable 22-year-old swimmer from southwest Ohio, who will be representing our Nation in the 2024 Summer Olympics. prgtoken Carson started his road to success by setting the national high school record in the 200 freestyle at Sycamore High School in my district. Go Aves. prgtoken Since then, he has been a 13-time All-American at the University of Texas and won national titles in the 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, and the 400-meter individual medley at last summer's U.S. National Championships. prgtoken U.S. swimming is always a Summer Olympics highlight watched by millions of Americans, and I know our family will be tuning in to cheer on Carson and the rest of Team USA. We love the events. prgtoken We wish them the best of luck. Southwest Ohio is so very proud.
CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS DURING IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to highlight the amazing contributions of immigrants across this country during Immigrant Heritage Month. prgtoken Immigrants are the powerhouse of America. prgtoken By now, we've all seen the report from the Congressional Budget Office that says our current immigration surge will add over $7 trillion to our economy over the next 10 years. prgtoken But it is not just their economic impact. prgtoken Immigrants contribute every day to communities across the country. prgtoken They make our days vibrant and exciting. prgtoken Immigrants are Dreamers and doers. They are doctors, entrepreneurs, and public servants. They are scientists, artists, and astronauts. prgtoken America is great in large part because of immigrants. prgtoken When given a fair shot, when given a fair chance, Dreamers and immigrants move this country forward. prgtoken And let me just say this, to those who seek to demonize and scapegoat immigrants as they seek to score political points, Immigrants are here to stay. No wire or wall can change that. prgtoken What immigrants need now is protection. prgtoken It is time for Congress to get to work on a bipartisan basis and pass solutions like my bill, the American Dream and Promise Act. prgtoken We have over 200 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, and millions of supporters in every district across this county. prgtoken They are counting on us to put people over politics, immigrants over ignorance, and get it done. prgtoken It's the right thing to do, and it is long overdue.
CELEBRATING THE NEW IMAGE YOUTH CENTER 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-6-27

today, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of New Image Youth Center located in the Parramore neighborhood of Orlando. New Image Youth Center's contributions over the past 20 years cannot be measured. With just $5 and a game of Monopoly, the mustard seed was sown, and NIYC was born. Founded by licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and author Dr. Shanta Barton Stubbs, her goal was to transform the narrative of the Parramore community and shift the mindset from surviving to thriving. prgtoken New Image Youth Center prides itself on being a safe haven for K-12 Orlando youth. For the past 20 years, their dedicated staff and volunteers have equipped their youth with the tools and space to pursue their wildest dreams. New Image provides mentorship and programming rooted in mental health counseling, academic support, social development, and more. Their love for their kids goes beyond the call of duty by serving and supporting them till their adult years as they seek employment and post-secondary education. prgtoken I thank New Image Youth Center for 20 years of dedication and service. Their contributions continue to make a profound difference in our community, and we are grateful for their support and commitment to make Central Florida a better place for all.
PRIDE MONTH
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I thank Representative Takano for all that he does in upholding human rights and civil rights for everyone in this country, regardless of what your sexual inclination might be. prgtoken When you really stop and think about it, we should be beyond judging each other based on who we love. That is why I am so happy to say happy Pride Month to all people out there because none of us are free if any of us are not free. prgtoken It heartens me this day and time, 2024, when we see a polling that shows that about 8 percent of adults in this country identify as LGBTQ. The reason why it is not more is because we have been conditioned and people are afraid to say who they are because, the older that you get, the more you have to lose by revealing who you are. prgtoken I will say it is also heartening that, in 2024, among the millennial generation, 30 percent of our millennials identify as LGBTQ. What that tells you is that, first of all, the older folks have made it such that the young people feel more comfortable in identifying as who they are. They are not steeped in how much I can lose if I come out. prgtoken They are young enough to not have anything to lose by coming out. It is actually so much healthier for them than it has been for the older people, who have tried to hide, who have felt the need to hide who they are and go through life unhappy and go through life miserable. prgtoken People should not have to live like that. We should be free. People should be free to be who they are. That is what Pride Month is all about, is people being able to come out and say that this is who I am. I love me for being me, and I love you for being you, even though you may have a different sexual inclination than I have. prgtoken When we allow license to hatred in our lives, first it starts with: I don't like the Blacks. Then it goes to: I don't like the Jews. Then I don't like people who keep their hair cut short because they look like Nazis. Then it becomes: I don't like short people. I don't like people who like dogs. prgtoken The more that you allow hate and license hate in your heart, the easier it becomes for you to hate people who are different than you. prgtoken What gives you the authority to judge someone? What gives you the authority to hate on someone and to act in that way? It is just not human. The more we become human, the more we begin to love people for who they are and to recognize that they, regardless of their differences from me, are equal to me. prgtoken Pride Month is all about people feeling good about themselves. It is all about challenging folks who have hatred in their heart to remove that hatred, and it is all about sending the message that the march for humanity will continue regardless of whether or not you keep hating or not. prgtoken I will say I am happy to stand with my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters throughout this country and the world. I am happy to stand with you in this month, which is Pride
PRIDE MONTH
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , today, I rise in celebration of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness on National HIV Testing Day. prgtoken Queer, Latino, and Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and continue to make up the majority of newly diagnosed people compared to their White counterparts. prgtoken For many, this disparity is compounded by obstacles like poor transportation access, language barriers, racial discrimination in healthcare, lack of family support, and the fears of deportation if they seek treatment, to name a few. prgtoken Make no mistake, comprehensive and inclusive care is a matter of life and death for our communities. While we celebrate the resilience and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud to join my ic colleagues in opposition to attempts to gut funding for lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs and in solidarity with organizers fighting for a pro-equality agenda across America.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I understand that it is critical for Congress to engage with the Pentagon to accurately meet our country's national security needs, but we don't have to spend billions of dollars on wish lists and what-ifs to accomplish that. prgtoken I say that the ranking member is absolutely right. If this is such a great idea for this agency, let's do it for all the agencies. If it is not a great idea for all the agencies, we shouldn't be doing it for the Department of Defense. prgtoken Let's be clear. If military leaders want more funding for their wish list, there is nothing in this amendment that would prevent DOD from supplying an unfunded priorities list to Congress, but this process should be optional, just as it was 8 years ago. prgtoken On top of that, most combatant commanders already testify before Congress ahead of the appropriations process so Congress can understand their needs without these wish lists that undercut the President's budget request. prgtoken By law, individual generals and commanders are required to go around the Commander in Chief and military leadership to Congress to ask for superfluous line items that serve mainly to line the pockets of defense contractors. This is corruption, plain and simple. prgtoken These lists get in the way of our military's stated priorities. For example, the House passed NDAA authorized funding for some of the Army's unfunded priorities while making substantial cuts to the requested amounts for the Army's three largest accounts. prgtoken This is despite Army Chief of Staff General Randy George specifically requesting that none of the Army's unfunded priorities displace anything on the Army's FY25 budget request. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this sensible, bipartisan amendment, and .
PRIDE MONTH
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. Happy Pride to all. prgtoken Madam , I rise tonight in support of LGBTQ+ equality, a domain in which we have made so much progress. I am so grateful for that, but we have a long way to go. prgtoken I thank Congressman Takano for his phenomenal leadership, his friendship, what he does on the Equality Caucus as co-chair, and what he does in the Halls of Congress every day, standing up to hatred, fighting for doing right and for, of course, coordinating tonight's Pride Month Special. I thank the gentleman so much. prgtoken Yesterday was Equality Day, the anniversary of three Supreme Court decisions that transformed LGBTQ+ rights here in our great country: Lawrence v. Texas, U.S. v. Windsor, and Obergefell v. Hodges. In just over two decades, we made a century's worth of progress, unbelievable progress in a short period of time, decriminalizing homosexuality and guaranteeing marriage equality nationally. prgtoken Yet, in the midst of this monumental progress, there are forces here in the Halls of Congress and in State legislatures across our country that want to pull us backward and go after Americans for who they love. prgtoken So far this year, the ACLU is tracking 515 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in our State legislatures, embedding hate and cruelty into the letter of their laws. LGBTQ+ rights are personal for me, as they are for many people in Congress and for Americans across our country. For the sake of our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and friends, we can't, and we won't let extremists roll back the clock on the great progress we have made. prgtoken The monumental progress I highlighted just a minute ago originated in the courts, but it really came from the country, in homes, in communities, and people realizing that it is the right thing to do to make sure people can love who they want and live their lives. prgtoken I am deeply grateful the courts made the decisions on marriage equality, but we can't rely on the whims of Supreme Court Justices. We need to make these victories permanent through Congress. prgtoken That is why, in 2022, I helped pass the bipartisan, bicameral Respect for Marriage Act, which enshrines marriage equality into Federal law. We can and must do the same when it comes to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. prgtoken I am incredibly proud to be a member of the Equality Caucus and a cosponsor of the Equality Act, which will ban this discrimination outright. We have now passed the Equality Act twice through the House. I urge House leadership to bring it up for a vote once again. prgtoken Equal treatment isn't a partisan issue. We can send a message of acceptance to our country by sending this bill to the President's desk. This is a place where we can work together and come together. prgtoken Finally, we must stop the mistreatment of our LGBTQ+ community. That is why I am introducing the Elder Pride Protection Act with Congresswoman Angie C