mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WELCOMING SENIOR PASTOR J. HEINRICH ARNOLD
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-18

I rise to welcome and thank today's guest chaplain, Pastor Heinrich Arnold, representing the Bruderhof community in New York's 18th District. prgtoken Over a century ago, the founders of the Bruderhof were exiled from Germany for their refusal to fight for the Nazis. They eventually found refuge and freedom here in America. prgtoken Today, the Hudson Valley is proud to be the home to almost half of the worldwide community of Bruderhof members. They have continued their practice to lead a much simpler life, focused on family, faith, and selfless service, and their example has served and inspired our entire community. prgtoken Pastor Arnold's leadership extends far beyond his role as senior pastor for the Bruderhof communities. He also serves as chaplain for our Ulster County Sheriff's Department and as a teacher at the Woodcrest Elementary School. He has dedicated his life's work to speaking about forgiveness and reconciliation through the Breaking the Cycle of Violence program. His efforts in over a dozen countries and right in our own community have been remarkable to follow. prgtoken At a time where our country faces such great division, I am thankful for Pastor Arnold and the entire Bruderhof community for presenting this prayer today, blessing our government as we prepare to make critical decisions in the days to come. prgtoken I ask all of us to recenter ourselves and work together on these critical issues laid out before us. As the Bruderhof believe, when you truly love your neighbor as yourself, peace and justice become a reality.
CONDEMNING IRAN'S UNPRECEDENTED DRONE AND MISSILE ATTACK ON ISRAEL
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-4-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of the gentleman from New Jersey's resolution, H. Res. 1143, condemning Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. prgtoken Like every Member of this body, I am horrified by Iran's direct attack on Israel. prgtoken In retaliation for Israel's targeted strike against two Iranian military generals in Damascus on April 1, Iran launched more than 300 drones and powerful missiles at Israel's population--Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. prgtoken The great success of Israel's missile shield, codeveloped by the United States of America, and the combined forces of the U.S. military, France, the U.K and Jordan, prevented significant death and destruction. prgtoken Our thoughts and hearts are with the young Israeli Bedouin girl, who is recovering today from injuries she suffered due to an Iranian projectile. prgtoken I stand strongly with the people of Israel and their defense against both direct and proxy Iranian attacks, and I support this resolution being offered by Representative Kean. prgtoken Israel, of course, has the right to defend itself like any other country, but as a true friend of Israel, I encourage the Israeli Government to be smart and strategic as it considers its response, and I urge this body not to beat the drums of war. prgtoken As Secretary Blinken recently said, an escalation of the conflict is not in the United States' or Israel's interests. prgtoken Believe me, I really understand the rage felt by Israel toward the Government of Iran, a government hell-bent on wiping Israel off the map. The two generals whom Israel eliminated worked day and night to provide Iranian proxies the lethal materiel and strategy necessary to significantly harm the State of Israel. prgtoken I also understand the need for Israel to maintain strategic deterrence. Iran needs to know there will be serious consequences if it attempts to harm Israel. Deterrence serves to prevent an expansion of conflict. prgtoken I also understand the massive consequences of Israel and Iran descending into a broader war and what that would mean for the United States and the rest of the entire world. An expanded Israel-Iran war would distract from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a conflict that must end, while ensuring the elimination of Hamas' military capabilities. prgtoken We still have challenges. We must free the hostages remaining in Gaza and achieve a humanitarian cease-fire. Famine and the current humanitarian catastrophe must be reversed at all costs. There must be a realistic plan for the future governance and reconstruction of Gaza, one that results in Palestinian control of the strip. prgtoken An expanded Israel-Iran war could also serve to drag the United States of America deeper into the conflict. As the ongoing debate on the supplemental should make clear, the United States already has a lot on its plate. prgtoken Madam , please reme
Introductory Statement on S. 4157
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-18

I rise to introduce bipartisan legislation that aims to improve flexibility around compensatory and environmental mitigation for U.S Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works infrastructure projects. This legislation would provide the Army Corps with the authority to contract with a third-party provider for the full-scale delivery of compensatory mitigation for Civil Works projects. prgtoken Compensatory mitigation refers to the restoration, establishment, enhancement, or preservation of wetlands, streams, or other aquatic resources for the purpose of offsetting unavoidable adverse impacts authorized by Clean Water Act section 404 permits and other Department of the Army permits. Not only does the Army Corps require Clean Water Act permittees to mitigate for discharges into U.S. waters, the Corps itself must also mitigate for impacts from Civil Works flood control, navigation, and water supply projects prgtoken U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects often impact jurisdictional waters under the Clean Water Act or terrestrial and aquatic species which require mitigation offsets. However, since 2015, the Corps has started or completed an average of just 58 percent of its required annual mitigation, which means about 42 percent of Civil Works projects have been constructed without their impacts timely addressed through mitigation, according to annual status reports on construction projects requiring mitigation. prgtoken The urgent need to improve the delivery and durability of mitigation alongside Civil Works projects is even greater in California's Sacramento region, which is one of the most at-risk areas for flooding in the United States due to its location at the confluence of and within the floodplain of the American and Sacramento Rivers. prgtoken American River Common Features is a Corps Civil Works flood control project that is critical to protect the growing city of Sacramento and surrounding areas. However, due to a mitigation bank credit shortage in the Sacramento Region, there are no available credits to offset the projects impacts for the Corps, and the inability to directly contract with a third-party risks delaying construction of this critical public safety project. prgtoken This legislation would allow the Corps to directly contract with a third-party for the use of permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation, mitigation banks, and in-lieu programs, and apply performance standards and criteria outlined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DoD, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations issued in 2008 to improve the quality and success of compensatory mitigation projects for activities authorized by Department of the Army permits. prgtoken As stated in the Federal Register, ``This rule improves the planning, implementation and management of compensatory mitigation projects by emphasizing a watershed approach in selecting compensatory mitigation project locations,
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM ON BRINK OF COLLAPSE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-4-18

the Affordable Connectivity Program, ACP, a lifeline for 23 million households nationwide, is on the brink of collapse. April marks the end of the program, putting the internet out of reach for many Americans. prgtoken The ACP is about leveling the digital playing field, especially for rural America. Without action, millions will lose access to high-speed internet. In North Carolina's First Congressional District, over 81,000 households rely on ACP for internet access. prgtoken ACP isn't about luxury. It is essential for our farmers, students, and small businesses. I urge Congress to act now.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF VALERIE DENISE CAMPBELL
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-18

I rise today to commemorate the extraordinary life of Valerie Denise Campbell--a pillar of the Lake Como community, who was better known as Denise to the people who loved her. Denise attended Como Elementary School and then went on to Arlington Heights High School to support the desegregation of schools in Fort Worth. She then went on after high school graduation to attend Texas Women's University in 1975, where she majored in music education. After college, she began her career at General Dynamics and later had a 32-year career serving North Texas children with Fort Worth ISD, teaching at Burton Hill Elementary. prgtoken Denise, a staunch woman of faith, was baptized by the late Pastor G.W. Burton. As a young girl, Denise began playing piano at the Zion Baptist Church in Church School and eventually on Sunday mornings. She also was a loving wife, mother, and family member to many. She was the wife of Wendell Campbell for 47 years, was the mother to three beautiful children, a grandmother, a family member, and was also a loving pet owner. prgtoken Denise was sometimes referred to as ``The Music Librarian'' because she was a gifted and talented musician. She loved music, and her life was dedicated to the Lord, family, and sacred music. For years, she played at the Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Reverends J.W. Briscoe and Maurice E. Barnes. Later, she went on to join her husband at the West Mount Moriah Baptist Church, where she was greeted with joy and accolades. Without taking a break, she began to play the piano and organ there. prgtoken I rise again to commemorate her memory and wish my deepest condolences to everyone whose lives she touched.
HONORING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT CLARICE LAFRENIERE
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-4-18

I rise today to recognize my constituent Clarice Lafreniere, who was just awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her service as a real-life Rosie the Riveter during World War II. prgtoken I had the honor of meeting Clarice and her granddaughter in my office last week and hearing firsthand her story of courage and conviction during a very dark time in our Nation's history. prgtoken Clarice gave birth to her daughter just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, but like many Americans, she felt the need to spring into action and support the war effort. So, Clarice went on to work at the Kaiser shipyard in Portland, where she cut and welded steel for ships. prgtoken She wasn't the only one. In total, about 16 million women across the country served as riveters, buckers, welders, and electricians during the war. These real-life Rosies were critical to ensuring American victory. prgtoken Today, Clarice is 102 years young, remains very active in her community, and is eager to share her story with younger generations. prgtoken I can't think of anyone more deserving of our Nation's highest civilian honor, and I am so grateful to Clarice and her family for their service.
RECOGNIZING 911 DISPATCHERS DURING NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-18

I rise today during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week as the first 911 dispatcher in Congress. prgtoken During America's darkest moments, 911 dispatchers are the first responders, from talking people out of committing suicide to handling active-shooter situations. prgtoken Every single day, 911 dispatchers talk to people during the most difficult times in their lives. Despite their hard work, 911 dispatchers are classified as clerical workers, making them first on the chopping block for budget cuts, leading to staffing shortages for an already stressful job. prgtoken For this reason, I urge Congress to pass my 911 SAVES Act to honor 911 dispatchers with a well-deserved reclassification.
PROHIBITING THE USE OF FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT, ADMINISTER, OR ENFORCE CERTAIN RULES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-4-18

I will be brief. prgtoken I represent the Motor City--Detroit. I represent the men and women who put America on wheels; and we are very, very proud of that, and we continue to do that and to innovate. They are not asking for the repeal of this rule. Our American automobile companies are not asking for and do not support it. The United Auto Workers--the men and women who are out there doing the innovations and building the vehicles of today and tomorrow--are not asking for this. They do not want this. prgtoken Do you know what they want? They want certainty, economic certainty. They want stability. They have worked with the administration to craft an approach that is rigorous but that works for them to get to the next level. prgtoken So I am not sure who this is for and what this is all about, but it is certainly not for the automobile industry and the millions of men and women who work for that industry who have created the middle class of this country. prgtoken .
GAZA
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-18

and still I rise, , and still I rise. Today, I would like to do something just a bit different. I have stood here on many occasions and said that I love my country, that I salute the flag. I still love my country and salute the flag, and today what I would like to do is actually salute the flag. I just believe that any time is a good time, especially when you are in this facility, to salute the flag. prgtoken If you would indulge me, , I would like to move to another podium. prgtoken And still I rise, , proud to stand here in the well of the House of Representatives. One can but only imagine the great speeches, the oratory that is imitated from this area. However, today, I want to do something different. I just want to say the Pledge of Allegiance from this very almost sacred place. prgtoken Those who would like to join me, you but only have to stand and as you would normally salute the flag, you may do so. If you choose not to, you don't have to. The greatness of America will not be measured by whether the Al Greens of the world salute the flag. The greatness of America will be measured by whether the Al Greens of the world would defend those who choose not to salute the flag, who choose not to say the Pledge of Allegiance, who choose not to sing the national anthem, who choose not to stand for the anthem. prgtoken I, today, will do what I will do, and that is salute the flag. To all of my friends who are here, we are about to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and for those who choose not to, you don't have to, but those who do, would you join me by standing. I place my hand over my heart when I say the Pledge of Allegiance. I shall lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. prgtoken , I appreciate everyone joining me in this Pledge of Allegiance. prgtoken I wanted to do this because I believe the values that we have in this country we can export to the rest of the world. prgtoken I believe that the words in the Declaration of Independence, a founding document, these are words that we can export to the rest of the world: All persons created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are powerful words. These words are words that we are in this country still trying to make real. It is a great and noble ideal, but we still have not gotten there yet. We are forming still our more perfect Union. prgtoken I think that as we do it here, I believe that these things can be exported to the rest of the country--the rest of the world, if you will--the notion that all persons are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken I want to focus for just a moment on life,
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-4-18

. In that letter, the Attorney General said: [I]t would be unlawful under Section 702 to use the modified definition of ECSP to target any entity inside the United States including, for example, any business, home, or place of worship. prgtoken Continuing: It would also be unlawful to compel any service provider to target the communications of any person inside the United States-- prgtoken And here we even go because 702 can't even be used to target foreigners inside the United States. So, clearly, this provision would not allow any communication provider to target a person inside the United States, whether or not that person is in contact with a non-U.S. person outside the United States. prgtoken Any of these tools are used to target foreigners outside the boundaries of the United States. Let me be clear. The Department of Justice has documented, in writing, that it would be unlawful to use the ECSP definition to target any business, home, or place of worship or to compel any provider to target communications of U.S. persons inside the United States. prgtoken The letter goes on to state: [T]he Department commits to applying this definition of ECSP exclusively to cover the type of service provider at issue in the litigation before the FISC-- prgtoken That is the court that reviews these proceedings-- that is, technology companies that provide the service the FISC concluded fell outside the current definition. prgtoken I also continue to quote from the Attorney General. This was needed: To facilitate appropriate oversight and transparency of the government's commitment to apply any updated definition of ECSP only for the limited purposes described above, the Department will also report to Congress every six months regarding any applications of the updated definition. prgtoken So, despite arguments that you may have heard, Congress is going to continue to have complete oversight of any use of this provision, and any interpretation of the revised definition of ECSP must still be approved by the FISA Court, an article III court comprised of independent Federal judges. And the opinions of that court will be available to Congress. prgtoken In addition, the legislation we are considering today reauthorizes-- again, we have to remember, what we are dealing with today in reauthorizing section 702 is only for a mere 2 years. If Members have a concern with how this law is implemented by the DOJ or interpreted by the court, we will have the opportunity in just 24 months to address it further. prgtoken I will also make clear that I am committed to working with any of my colleagues who still have a concern with this provision to see if we can improve the definition of the ECSP before the next sunset, including through any legislative vehicle between now and then. prgtoken One thing we cannot do, however, is blind ourselves to the m
ENERGY STABILITY IN INSULAR REGIONS
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2024-4-18

today I rise to speak about the need for congressional support for energy stability in offshore, isolated and underserved areas. In the Virgin Islands, we are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change, including the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, as evidenced in 2017 with two Category 5 hurricanes hitting our home. prgtoken Energy remains the single most critical factor for our territory's future. High electricity costs and power instability continue to hamper economic recovery. Systemic energy instability has direct and indirect negative impacts on sustainable economic development, which magnifies existing societal vulnerabilities. prgtoken The - administration's energy policy offers the Virgin Islands and places like it a transformative opportunity, including the Energy Department's State Energy Program and Loan Programs Office, the Interior Department's Energizing Insular Communities, and EPA's Solar for All programs. prgtoken We must continue to utilize and champion this administration's vision to enable disadvantaged, isolated areas to define and implement our energy future through a modern-day lens, fundamentally addressing our needs as we see them.
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL DEBORAH J. McDONALD
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-4-18

it is my honor to pay tribute to a great leader and exceptional officer of the U.S. Army, COL Deborah ``Debbie'' J. McDonald, as she retires after nearly 40 years of service to the Army and our Nation. prgtoken A proud Rhode Islander, Debbie grew up in Newport and graduated from Rogers High School. Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1985, Colonel McDonald commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. She served in a variety of field assignments, including Fort Sill, OK; Fort Devens, MA; Fort Campbell, KY; and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Notably, as the commander of the 104th Medium Truck Company, she deployed as a separate company in support of Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Her company provided long-haul transportation, primarily hauling water, ammunition, and food in support of XVIII Airborne Corps operations in theater. prgtoken In addition to her bachelor of science degree from West Point, Colonel McDonald holds a master's degree in information management from Oklahoma City University and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida. Her military education includes the Transportation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Master Fitness Course, the Combined Arms Staff Services School, the Army Inspector General Course, the Army Operations Research and Systems Analysis Course, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College. prgtoken For the past 15 years, Colonel McDonald served as the director of admissions for the U.S. Military Academy. In this capacity, she ensured West Point identified, recruited, and appointed capable and accomplished individuals. Colonel McDonald challenged her team and every element of the Army that supported her mission to seek new and better ways to inspire scholars, leaders, and athletes to choose West Point. Her tireless efforts to building a corps of cadets that mirrors the geographic, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of the Nation has resulted in the most talented classes in the academy's 221-year history. Embracing her role in supporting the mission of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point ``to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets,'' Colonel McDonald has had a profound impact on a generation of future Army leaders. prgtoken She used all her skills and experience to modernize the admissions process: improving the experience for candidates and their families; creating a convenient online application process; and saving the academy millions of dollars in printing and mailing costs. Recognizing the broader requirements of the Army, Debbie improved the relationship between West Point and the U.S. Army Cadet Command, which ultimately enhanced Cadet Command's scholarship pool and helped the U.S. Army to meet its annual goal of assessing 6,000 to 7,000 second lieutenants into the force. prgtoken Married to her West Point classmate, LTC Kenneth ``Kenny'' W. McDonald,