mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2021-5-13

I rise today to reintroduce the `I Am Vanessa Guillen Act' that addresses longstanding systemic problems in the way that the military responds to sexual harassment and sexual assault. I thank Representative Speier and Representative Mullin for reintroducing this important legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen disappeared from her Fort Hood, Texas, Army base in April 2020. Tragically, last June, Fort Hood officials confirmed that remains found near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas, were Vanessa's. Vanessa had told other soldiers at Fort Hood that she was being sexually harassed and confided to her family that the perpetrator was a fellow Army Soldier. A separate fellow Soldier was suspected of beating Vanessa to death with a hammer, and then, with his girlfriend, dismembering, burning, and burying Vanessa's body about 30 miles from Fort Hood. This other Soldier--the suspect in question--fatally shot himself when confronted by authorities for questioning off post. His girlfriend has been charged in federal court with conspiracy to tamper with evidence. prgtoken The Army finally acknowledged that Vanessa did report being sexually harassed by a superior in her chain of command in the months leading up to her murder. Vanessa's family has called for changes to how the military handles reports of sexual harassment and assault and has asked for a law to allow a third-party investigative team to look into reports of sexual harassment within the military. They are right to demand better from the military--as should we all. prgtoken Despite on-going efforts to root out the toxic culture of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military, it is still very much alive. And that's not just my opinion--the Army itself has confirmed that sad fact in recent months following their release in December 2020 of the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee Report, which shockingly included as one of its findings that the Command Climate at Fort Hood has been permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault. prgtoken How long will victims of sexual harassment and assault continue to be afraid to report their abusers? It seems that the military justice system is rather the military system without justice where survivors of these crimes cannot have confidence to know that their reports will be confidential, taken seriously, and adjudicated properly. prgtoken We need to address this injustice now. An effective and strong military unit is one that relies on the trust between all members of that unit. Sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place in our military--they break that critical trust. It is a betrayal of every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine if leaders do not do everything possible to eradicate the toxic culture which allows sexual harassment and sexual assault to fester and erode good order and discipline within the ranks. prgtoken To ensure o
HONORING GARY NATIVE AND OSCAR WINNER MIA NEAL
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , it is with great pleasure and admiration that I congratulate Gary, Indiana, native Mia Neal, and celebrate her noteworthy achievement of winning an Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on April 25, 2021. Presented with the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for her work in the film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Mia, along with Jamika Wilson, have become the first African American women to win in this category. For this historic and extraordinary accomplishment, Mia is worthy of the highest praise. prgtoken Mia attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, where she participated in theater and was a member of the school's talented dance troop. After graduating in 1997, Mia's interest in hairstyling and makeup blossomed as she attended Merrillville Beauty College and Columbia College in Chicago before enrolling at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from Jackson State University, Mia completed a Professional Internship for Wigs and Makeup at the famed Juilliard School in New York City where she honed her craft. After completing her studies, Mia remained in New York and has amassed an impressive career in her field, designing hair and makeup for many stage productions and feature films. prgtoken While Mia has certainly had a successful career, her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her son, James G. Deacon. Mia is daughter of Dena Holland Neal, a longtime active community member in Gary and Pastor at Peace United Church in Merrillville, Indiana, and the sister of Nia and Thamian Neal, as well as the cherished aunt of DeWayne, Jordan, and Karren. Mia's grandparents, James and Dorothy Holland, also hold deep roots in Gary. James taught at Roosevelt High School for more than fifteen years and served as Gary's first Deputy Mayor from 1976 to 1988. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mia Neal on her historic Oscar award and congratulate her for this outstanding accomplishment. She has made her family, the entire Gary community, and all of Northwest Indiana so very proud.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF YONG AE YUE AND HONORING ELLIOTT AND ROBERT PETERSON
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Yong Ae Yue, and to honor her two sons, Elliott and Robert Peterson. Ms. Yue was one of eight people tragically killed in the March 16th shootings at three spas in the Atlanta metropolitan area. prgtoken Ms. Yue was raised an orphan in South Korea, where she met her former husband, Mac Peterson, who was in the U.S. Army. After having their first son, Elliott, in South Korea, the couple moved to the United States in the early 1980s and had their second son, Robert. Ms. Yue was determined to give her two children a promising and successful life in the United States, and she taught her sons the value and meaning of hard work. Given her sons' multiracial background, she made sure they were proud of their Black and Asian identities, and helped them find strength in their heritage. According to her family, she was a selfless, compassionate, and generous woman who loved to sing karaoke and cook Korean food for her friends and family. She moved to the Atlanta area in 2001 to be closer to Robert and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. prgtoken I also want to honor Ms. Yue's sons, who have raised awareness of the impact that violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has on families and communities. Elliott bravely served our country in the U.S. Army for over 24 years. He recently retired in prgtoken September and lives in Japan, where he trains U.S. soldiers in field exercises. And following Ms. Yue's tragic passing, I traveled to Atlanta with several of my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to pay my respects. I was honored to meet Robert and discuss the wonderful life his mother lived. After speaking with Robert, I was pleased to invite him as my virtual guest to President 's first address to a joint session of Congress. It has been a privilege to hear Elliott and Robert tell their mother's story and elevate the concerns that so many in the AAPI community have. prgtoken Yong Ae Yue's life was the embodiment of the American dream. She came to the United States with a determination to work hard and raise a family, and she passed along her strength and selflessness to her children and grandchildren. My thoughts are with Ms. Yue's family and the many other families grieving from this tragic event.
HONORING RABBI ROSALIN MANDELBERG FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg in celebration of her 25 years as an ordained Rabbi. Rabbi Mandelberg, also affectionately known as Rabbi Roz, serves as the Senior Rabbi of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk, Virginia, where she has led the congregation for the last 16 years. Through her teachings, her relationships, and her dedication to faith, Rabbi Roz has instilled an enduring sense of community in the Hampton Roads area. prgtoken Rabbi Roz was ordained on May 16, 1996, by the Hebrew Union College. Before joining Ohef Sholom Temple, Rabbi Roz served in the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Westchester Reform Temple. In her 16 years at Ohef Sholom Temple, she has successfully engaged multiple generations within the Jewish faith and has fostered a growing knowledge and appreciation of Judaism within the broader community. Rabbi Roz has also embraced and demonstrated an understanding of faith-driven selflessness and compassion for others. prgtoken I am thankful that Rabbi Roz has been such a powerful voice in our community for positivity. I am proud to join the Ohef Sholom Temple congregation and the Norfolk community in congratulating Rabbi Roz upon 25 years of service and leadership.
IN HONOR OF RICHARD ``DICK'' HAMILTON
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Richard ``Dick'' Hamilton for his selfless work to honor the memory of our cherished state symbol, the Old Man of the Mountain. His granite resolve has led to this beautiful plaza where you stand today. prgtoken Daniel Webster wrote, ``Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe, jewelers a monster watch, and dentists hang out a gold tooth. Now, up in New Hampshire, God almighty has hung out a sign to show that here he makes men.'' Dick Hamilton is one of those men. prgtoken As we remember May 2, 2003, the day the Old Man gave up his perch on the side of Cannon Mountain, we also salute Dick and countless others who carry on the memory of the Old Man and what he means to the people of the Granite State. I take this time to honor Dick and keep the memory of the Old Man alive
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

much has been said about the Civil Rights Act. Well, what do the organizations that protect and promote the Civil Rights Act actually say? prgtoken More than 220 of them, I might add, say that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is critical to promoting economic security for pregnant workers and their families. prgtoken They say that women of color--more than two-thirds of Black women, 55 percent of Native American women, and 41 percent of Latina women--are the sole primary breadwinners for their families. They say that they support reasonable accommodations. prgtoken They say that a woman ought not be fired or be threatened with being fired for simply coming to work bearing a child, having a child. prgtoken They say that they support this legislation. prgtoken But the question really is, who are they? They are the Human Rights Campaign. They are the Anti-Defamation League. They are the League of Women Voters of the United States. They are the NAACP. They are the American Civil Liberties Union. They are the AFL-CIO. They are Mary Kay Henry. They are the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. They are the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. They are Rabbi Jonah Pesner. And they are for this legislation.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-5-14

the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act can improve some of the most serious health consequences Black pregnant women experience in the workplace. prgtoken Federal protections for pregnant workers are stuck in the 1950s. In 2021, it is past time for workplaces to accommodate our families and protect all pregnant workers. It is women and families who keep our economy and communities running. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Pete Aguilar (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. I appreciate the question, and this is such a timely and important topic that the country needs to address. I am incredibly pleased with the bipartisan success that the negotiations have led to, to date. prgtoken As the gentleman knows, those conversations continue to be ongoing, but the majority believes that those conversations are progressing in a way that is hopeful toward addressing this issue. prgtoken I think both sides realize, and I hope the minority realizes, the importance of making changes to protect our communities. I know the gentleman is a former mayor, as I am as well. So we have dealt with a lot of these issues at the local level. prgtoken So what I would say is, Senator Scott, Congressman Stauber, and Congresswoman Karen Bass have been engaged in this discussion. We want to give them the latitude and the flexibility to continue those discussions. I wouldn't agree with the characterization that the gentleman from Georgia made about where the negotiations are, but I can tell you that we are committed to seeing this done. We are committing to getting this done and putting a bill on the floor that will have strong bipartisan support.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-5-14

I thank Chairman Scott for bringing this vital legislation to the floor. prgtoken The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will ensure that no pregnant woman is unfairly forced out of their job or risk their health just simply to earn a paycheck. Our mothers deserve these Federal protections. prgtoken I believe that we all want to support our working mothers. Allowing these simple accommodations can make the prgtoken difference between being forced out of a job and providing a living for themselves and for their families. prgtoken Twenty-seven States have already passed laws that require certain employers to provide accommodations to pregnant women. It is time for Federal action to ensure that all pregnant women are protected from discrimination and can continue to support their families. prgtoken This legislation is supported by both women's health groups and the industry. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from major employers and leaders in the business community across the country that are voicing support for this legislation. Open Letter in Support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act From Leading Private-Sector Employers March 15, 2021. Dear Members of Congress: Women's labor force participation is critical to the strength of our companies, the growth of our economy and the financial security of most modern families. The private sector and our nation's elected leaders must work together to ensure that working women and families have the protections and opportunities they need to participate fully and equally in the workplace. Twenty-eight leading companies from across states and industries have come together in support of pregnant workers and their families by calling on Congress to pass H.R. 2694, the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, without delay. More than 40 years ago, Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which made it illegal to discriminate against most working people on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. Since that time, 30 states and the District of Columbia now require certain employers to provide accommodations to pregnant employees at work. It's now time to clarify and strengthen existing federal protections for pregnant workers by passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This bill would ensure that pregnant workers who need reasonable accommodations can receive them and continue to do their jobs. As a business community, we strive to create more equitable workplaces and better support pregnant workers and their families every day. We urge the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act as an important advancement toward ensuring the health, safety and productivity of our modern workforce--and the workforce
HERB ATCHISON
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Herb Atchison, a former City Councilmember and Mayor of Westminster, Colorado and a great Coloradan. prgtoken Mayor Atchison has lived in Westminster for more than 40 years, during which time he has committed his time and energy into serving his community and local residents. Throughout his tenure serving the City of Westminster, Mayor Atchison held numerous positions on the City Council and on city government boards such as the Planning Commission and the City's Special Permit and Licensing Board. Mayor Atchison was first elected to City Council in 1997 where he served two terms and came back for a third term in 2011. He was elected Mayor in 2013 and proceeded to serve two terms. As a Councilmember and Mayor, he was a strong advocate and champion for small business and transportation issues. prgtoken In addition to his service to the Westminster community Mayor Atchison is a loving husband and devoted father. He has been married to his wife Erika for 50 years, is the proud father of two daughters, and a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren. prgtoken While our state has been blessed with capable leadership throughout its history, few rise to the caliber and reputation of Mayor Atchison. I wish Mayor Atchison all the best in retirement and send gratitude for his service to the Westminster community and the great State of Colorado.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DURING PREGNANCY
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise in strong prgtoken support of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that just passed this House of Representatives. prgtoken Pregnancy discrimination holds working parents back and threatens financial stability, with women of color being disproportionately harmed by the lack of workplace protections. prgtoken It is long past time we ensure that every worker is entitled to reasonable accommodations to support a healthy pregnancy. prgtoken We just celebrated Mother's Day. What if, in addition to flowers one day a year, we make sure that during pregnancy, workers have fair working conditions and are never in the position of risking their safety to continue providing for themselves and their families? prgtoken This bipartisan bill simply requires reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, like adequate breaks, and protects them from discrimination that can drive them from the workplace. No pregnant worker should have to choose between their and their baby's health or their job.
RECEIVING CHILD TAX CREDIT PAYMENTS
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , this week was designated as the Child Tax Credit Week of Action. The outpouring of stories and news articles coming from across the country describing just how transformational this assistance will be for families is heartwarming. prgtoken I am so proud that in the American Rescue Plan we fought for and won the expansion and improvement of the child tax credit. Its inclusion was historic but just a first step. We must make this expansion permanent. prgtoken The child tax credit is a lifeline to the middle class, cuts child poverty by 55 percent this year, and provides children and their families with additional payments throughout the year that help them with the costs of food, childcare, diapers, healthcare, clothing, and taxes. Poor, working, and middle-class families--90 percent of our children--will receive the same monthly benefits. prgtoken We must spread the word about the benefits of the child tax credit, how families can start to receive that monthly check starting in July. If people have filed a tax return, they are all set. If they have not filed their tax return, and their family is eligible for the tax credit, they must file by May 17. Even if they typically do not file, this ensures that they will receive a monthly benefit. prgtoken Let's get the word out. Let's get people signed up.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-5-14

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. As a mom and policymaker, I know how important it is to protect the health, well-being, and economic security of pregnant workers and their families. Unfortunately, under current Federal law, pregnant workers do not have access to reasonable workplace accommodations. prgtoken Simple accommodations, such as providing seating, water, or an extra bathroom break, would allow pregnant workers to stay safe on their job during pregnancy. But when pregnant workers do not have access to the accommodations they need, they are at risk of jeopardizing their health and the health of their baby, losing their job, being denied a promotion, or not being hired in the first place. prgtoken It is unacceptable that, in 2021, pregnant workers can still be forced to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. prgtoken Congress passed the Pregnancy Discrimination Act more than four decades ago, but pregnant workers still suffer discrimination at an alarming rate. prgtoken Megan, a manufacturing worker in Oregon, was forced to take unpaid leave after her employer denied her modest request for light duty 3\1/ 2\ months before her due date. Oregon has since passed a State version of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and it is working very well. But pregnant workers across the country need fairness, too. prgtoken We know that women of color are overrepresented in low-wage, physically demanding jobs and are, therefore, disproportionately harmed by a lack of access to reasonable accommodations. By clarifying the right of pregnant workers to reasonable accommodations on the job, we will finally give them the ability to work safely without fear of facing discrimination or retaliation. prgtoken I thank Chairman Scott and Chairman Nadler for their leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from the National Partnership for Women & Families in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. National Partnership for Women & Families, Washington, DC, May 11, 2021. Dear Member of Congress: The National Partnership for Women & Families is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization committed to improving the lives of women and families by achieving equity for all women. Since our creation as the Women's Legal Defense Fund in 1971, we have fought for every significant advance for equal opportunity in the workplace, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). We write in strong support of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation will support pregnant workers on the job, improving women's
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

that is why, last Congress, the House passed identical legislation with an overwhelming bipartisan vote. But as the economy reopens, the problem persists. The House must act again to pass this bill, and the Senate must take it up. prgtoken Providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers helps businesses, workers, and families. Passing this bill is long overdue, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.