mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CUBAN PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to express my deep frustration with the administration, especially the State Department, and its indifference to the suffering of the Cuban people. prgtoken I was in Cuba in December. I have traveled there often over the past four decades. I have deep ties to many ordinary Cubans, small entrepreneurs, and people of faith. I have never seen the Cuban people suffer such hardship as they are at this moment. prgtoken The main drivers of Cuban migration right now are hunger and a despair for a better future. There are many reasons for this desperation: The economic collapse of the tourist economy during the COVID-19 epidemic, rigid economic controls by the Cuban Government that change too slowly, a harsh crackdown on protests, and the denial of basic rights and freedoms. prgtoken However, a significant factor contributing to the suffering are the policies of the United States. prgtoken Despite promises made as a candidate, President has failed to undo the economic and financial restrictions imposed by his predecessor. He has failed to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list against all reason, information, and analysis that should have led to its immediate removal upon his taking office. prgtoken These restrictions have strangled ordinary people's daily activities, financial transactions, the Cuban private sector, activities by other Western governments, and even the delivery of humanitarian aid. prgtoken In December, young entrepreneurs were begging me to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The Governments of Colombia and Mexico, and many others, have asked the administration to remove Cuba from this list. They have received the same response as many Members of Congress: an indifferent silence. prgtoken No doubt, the administration will tinker around the edges, announcing limited reforms that might allow a few small entrepreneurs to survive another year or two, but they won't thrive. Such measures will hardly alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people as a whole. prgtoken Until this administration takes a hard look in the mirror and gets serious, until it removes Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list and ends the economic and financial restrictions imposed during the administration, the United States will continue to contribute to the suffering of the Cuban people every single day, every single hour. prgtoken The administration has had nearly 2\1/2\ years to undo the restrictions. It has purposely decided to keep them in place, even to embrace them, no matter the cost to the Cuban people. These policies are no longer President 's policies. They are 's. prgtoken Cuban migration is just a symptom of the suffering. It won't stop until U.S. policy changes and starts working on behalf of the Cuban people rather than sitting back and continuing the harsh policies that have driven thousands to abandon their homes. <|p|
RECOGNIZING ARDEN CAHILL ACADEMY, A PROMINENT INSTITUTION OF LEARNING IN LOUISIANA
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to recognize a prominent institution of learning located in Louisiana's Second Congressional District, which I am so proud to represent. Arden Cahill Academy was founded in 1968 by Arden and Harry Cahill as a private academy dedicated to the interest of early childhood education. As the Head Mistress of the academy, Mrs. Cahill chose, Mrs. Diana Wright, Mrs. Joy Vickery, Mrs. Dolly Stakelum, Mrs. Patricia McMullen, and Mrs. Marjorie Snyder as members of the original faculty. Each of these ladies contributed greatly to the creation and formation of the philosophy of the academy. prgtoken The history of events leading up to their decision to start a school is significant because Mrs. Cahill's prior teaching experiences greatly influenced the vision that she had for Arden Cahill Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Cahill's interest was to establish a school where the focus would be on the whole child. The school's philosophy is ``to create a wholesome environment for learning where each child may grow and mature intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and morally to the best of his ability. It is the hope that through the good example and guidance of dedicated teachers each child will be encouraged to develop strength, confidence, and love for his fellow man and inspired to seek truth and knowledge.'' prgtoken Inspired and encouraged by the successful progress and development of the first group of students, Mrs. Cahill made the decision to expand the program and continue the process of education by adding one grade each year within the elementary school. The first eighth grade graduation was held at Lakewood Country Club in May 1977. prgtoken The original school campus consisted of one building on a two-acre site and later became the administrative office building. Buildings and classrooms were added yearly to accommodate the growing enrollment. The buildings were designed to house preschool, kindergarten, and elementary classes in separate quarters with special areas for library, art, music, and drama. Arden Cahill Academy's expansion did not only include classrooms, but they also provided a rich experience for their students by adding two swimming pools and an outdoor basketball court. prgtoken From the very beginning, it was Mrs. Cahill's desire to provide an airy country environment where children could discover and enjoy God's natural gifts while also pursuing knowledge. In 1976, a ten-acre tract of land was acquired for the purpose of building a new school. Riding stables and a country farmyard were added to the property in the summer of 1976 for use in the summer camp program and to offer horseback riding as an extra-curricular activity during the regular school year. In 1982, Jefferson Parish expropriated the property to build the Boudreaux Elementary School. Soon after, a twelve-acre tract in Lake Timberlane Estates was purchased for the new school site. In 1985, stables and an equestr
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2023-5-25

on a day like this, the last day of the week when Members get to vote by 11 o'clock, and then they start running out that door, I used to be envious. prgtoken Today, I am actually astonished; astonished at the problem before us and that people have decided to take a break for Memorial Day. When I go home, I have to go home and face 700 families, veterans and their families, and their question is going to be: What is going to happen to our benefits? prgtoken You might have to fill out extra paperwork to get it. People will lose access to their food benefits and their health benefits. Teachers, firemen, first responders, and police officers, these are the individuals who are going to lose access to the benefits that they usually get either from Social Security, from their VA checks, et cetera. prgtoken , I think we should all come back tomorrow and continue the work we have before us. It is too important to allow us to go home.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , I rise today to express my concern with MAGA s' ransom plan which threatens access to SNAP and Federal food assistance programs that prevent families from going hungry every single day. prgtoken Too often, households across the country find it difficult to put food on their tables. SNAP has been and remains a vital mechanism to alleviate this hardship. prgtoken SNAP provides relief for more than 42 million people each year. We are talking about 42 million Americans who would go hungry if this program were to be put on the chopping block. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have no problem cutting food assistance programs. For extreme s, what they deem to be fiscally responsible takes precedence over addressing food insecurity. It takes precedence over addressing poverty. prgtoken I stand firmly against s' heartless attempts to slash food assistance programs. are united to pay America's bills and not play partisan politics. It is time for Washington to work with American families.
CONGRATULATING AUGUSTIN TELLEZ ON RECEIVING SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise today in recognition of my friend Augustin `Augie' Tellez, who is this year's recipient of the Sons of Italy Foundation's Humanitarian Award. From his leadership in organized labor to his pride in his Italian heritage, Augie truly deserves this honor--as well as the gratitude of many people across Maryland and America. prgtoken Serving as the Executive Vice President of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) since 2005, Augie has been an important voice for mariners, boatmen, and fishermen across North America. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that people face in his industry. Augie's tenure with SIU began when he graduated from the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship down in Piney Point, Maryland, in 1975. After five years of serving the union in several posts across the country, he rose through the ranks to become port agent of SIU's headquarters port and later special assistant to the union's president. Trusting Augie's good judgement and inspiring leadership, the SIU executive board appointed him to serve as the union's vice president of contracts and contracts enforcement in 1991-- a position that union membership reelected him to the following year. He served in that role until 2005, overseeing all the union's collective bargaining efforts. From helping develop the SIU's training record book to overseeing contract implementation for the union, he has made invaluable contributions to the SIU and continues to do so as Executive Vice President. His work isn't limited to the SIU, however. prgtoken Many government and industry leaders have sought out Augie's expertise and insight. He has served on the U.S. Transportation Command's Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Executive Working Group (EWG) for over two decades, fostering closer cooperation between the federal government and his industry to ensure that the U.S. military has access to vital commercial shipping resources in the event of an emergency deployment. Similarly, between 2011 and 2022, Augie served on the U.S. Transportation Department's Marine Transportation National Advisory Council. As chair of the council's U.S. Maritime Workforce Working Group Subcommittee, he helped assess how the nation's mariner workforce could support the American merchant fleet during national emergencies. Indeed, the recent COVID-19 pandemic reminded us of the vital importance of maintaining strong supply chains, and Augie has played an important role in that effort. prgtoken I've also been grateful for all that Augie has done for our community in Southern Maryland. He has served as a trustee for the Paul Hall Center and as chair of its advisory board for years. He was instrumental in securing key expansions to the school. That includes the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which provides maritime firefighting training, and a cutting-edge facility with a variety of simulators that help seafarers
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-5-25

today we are in the midst of a manufactured crisis that would have very real devastating consequences for the American people. prgtoken The extreme MAGA s have taken the American economy hostage and presented the country with two disastrous choices: default or draconian spending cuts. prgtoken A default would erase millions of jobs, trigger a recession, devastate retirement accounts, and increase borrowing costs. prgtoken On the other hand, the cuts being promoted by the extreme MAGA s would take Medicaid away from millions, snatch food assistance away from families, and even slash veterans' healthcare. prgtoken We need five moderate s to sign the petition. New York State sent five moderate s to the House. prgtoken Where are they today? prgtoken New York State, please take notice. When we needed them, they were not here doing right by the American people.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FEARS OF DEFAULT
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-25

I demand that s get back to Washington and finish the job the American people sent all of us to Washington to do. prgtoken House s have fled the Capitol leaving their worries behind, ready to enjoy the holiday weekend. The everyday American doesn't have that luxury. prgtoken My constituents have been calling and writing expressing their anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. Americans are worried about paying their rent, buying their groceries, and caring for their children in the event of a default. prgtoken Everyday Americans will spend the weekend worried about whether or not they will receive their next social security check. Everyday Americans will spend the weekend hoping their retirement savings will still be intact by next week. Everyday Americans will use their weekend to figure out how to pay their rent and mortgages in the event of a default. prgtoken In the event of a default, at least 7 million jobs will be lost, unemployment will rise, our GDP will decline, and roughly $10 trillion in household wealth will be wiped out. prgtoken The House s don't have these problems to worry about. The House s don't have to feel the consequences of their own actions like their constituents will. prgtoken The are here and ready to pass a clean debt ceiling. We are working for the people. It is deplorable that my colleagues won't do the same.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , today, ahead of Memorial Day, I am thinking about the 49,000 veterans in my district whose VA benefits hang in the balance due to the risk of debt default. prgtoken It is incredibly disappointing that we would leave Washington before this important holiday without resolving the default crisis. prgtoken Our veterans who have given so much deserve much better than this. They deserve our unwavering dedication and commitment not just in words but in action. They don't deserve partisan political games. prgtoken As we prepare to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, let's also honor the veterans still with us by staying true to our duty. Let's remember the debt we owe to them and the responsibility that we bear. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to get back to work and prioritize the needs of our veterans. Let's stay. Let's get to work. Let's find a solution.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise with 80 of my ic colleagues to demand that s do their job, do the right thing, and pay America's bills. prgtoken My colleagues on this side of the aisle are here to do the people's business. prgtoken Where are s? They have rushed out of town as America speeds toward economic catastrophe. Why? It is because they know they have forced a dangerous and false choice on the American people to either impose draconian and cruel cuts that will hurt American families, America's veterans, and American seniors or a devastating and catastrophic default. prgtoken , this is an unacceptable choice. It is time for House s to get serious. prgtoken House are here united, just as we were at the beginning of this year and just as we will be throughout this legislative Congress to do the people's business. prgtoken It is time for s to do the same.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , it is an unfortunate reality that hypocrisy has become a guiding principle of the leadership of this body. prgtoken Three times we raised the debt limit under the previous President. Those three times the American people never once had to worry that we would not pay our bills or that their retirement was in danger. prgtoken This is a manufactured crisis by House s. It is an act of calculated cruelty that would put millions out of work and force families across the country to wonder where their next meal will come from. prgtoken In my district, an estimated 95,600 households with Social Security checks are at risk. prgtoken My constituents are not alone. Madam , think of the people back home who elected you to represent their interests faithfully. It is in no one's interest to manufacture an economic crisis. prgtoken We can fix this crisis right now. All we need are five brave s, five s who care about veterans, five s who care about Social Security, five s who care about Medicare, and five s who care about our future. prgtoken It is time to do our job.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , do you see what I see? prgtoken No s. prgtoken They are not here to do their job, so America's jobs are at risk. prgtoken Madam , 8.3 million American jobs can be lost because s want to hold us hostage and force a default. prgtoken Madam , 30,000 Nevadans who are struggling right now to keep their jobs, to pay their rent, to afford their mortgage, will see the effects if s are successful in causing a default on America; 60,000 veterans in my district could lose their health benefits; 73,000 families and children in Nevada could lose SNAP food benefits; 253,000 kicked off health insurance on Medicaid; and 1,300 preschool and childcare slots, which are vital. prgtoken Madam , I would have time if the of this House would call us back into session. I will continue to do my job to speak on behalf of my constituents who sent me here to work on their behalf. prgtoken Madam , call this House back to session. Let's do our job.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Greg Landsman (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , I rise today to ask my friends in the majority to think about this from a different perspective: It is June, and you all have defaulted on America. Millions of people have lost their jobs. Our economy is in shambles. prgtoken Madam , you would look back and say to yourself: There were things we could have done. We should not have left. We should not have left D.C. We should not have left the Capitol. prgtoken There are solutions. There is a discharge petition behind me. Two hundred thirteen Members have signed it. We just need five more, and we have a vote. prgtoken There is a bipartisan solution from the Problem Solvers Caucus. We could vote on it early next week. You could lock leadership in a room, negotiate, and finish this thing. prgtoken It requires, however, folks to come back to work. prgtoken Gavel us back in, and protect millions and millions of people from losing their jobs. Come back.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Kweisi Mfume (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , I say to the ladies and gentlemen all over the country: Welcome to the United States Congress. prgtoken Only today, while we are facing a debt crisis, all of the s have left to go out of town. They have gotten into their cars and their limos, and they are catching planes to go home while we are teetering on the brink of disaster. prgtoken What kind of leadership is that, Kevin McCarthy? prgtoken We have heard the list. We know what the cuts are going to affect. They are going to affect law enforcement, veterans' affairs, food assistance, education, 401(k) retirement plans, pension plans, and cuts to Social Security payments. prgtoken How can you leave town and not be here to deal with this? prgtoken All we need are five s to sign this discharge petition, and it goes away. It is over with. prgtoken Everybody else has left. So what you see here today are Members of the ic Party making an American argument that we have a responsibility to pay our debts. prgtoken They are gone. ``Beam me up, Scotty.'' There is no intelligent life on that side of the aisle.
REPUBLICAN DEFAULT CRISIS: VETERANS
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , this weekend, our Nation will solemnly observe Memorial Day to honor our fallen heroes and their families. prgtoken Instead of this honoring of our veterans, shamefully, the s across the aisle will spend the weekend working to impose suffering on our valiant veterans. prgtoken The s have forced Americans down a treacherous path to accept their extreme proposal, which would eliminate 30 million health visits for our veterans and slash revenues at the VA. prgtoken It would trigger a catastrophic default, which would force our Nation to stiff veterans on the benefits they have earned. That also applies to the effect it would have on America's middle class. prgtoken All this is for the s to pass another massive tax cut, which they will do in a matter of weeks. That is their plan, to do it by the birthday of the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, June 16. prgtoken Trillions of dollars will be added to the national debt to give tax breaks to the high end at the cost of the suffering of our veterans. prgtoken It is disgraceful. s must stay here and not skip town, work to avoid a default, and honor the sacred duty of our veterans as we observe Memorial Day.
HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Mr. Chair, today I will vote in support of H.R. 467, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This legislation permanently classifies all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, and it allows for expedited research into these substances. prgtoken While H.R. 467 is not perfect, it takes needed steps to help save lives and reduce the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured fentanyl-related substances. prgtoken As President has stated, placing fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I will provide law enforcement with the resources they need to tackle the manufacturing and trafficking of fentanyl-related substances. It will also close loopholes that allow drug traffickers to evade the law by altering the chemical makeup of fentanyl. prgtoken In addition, H.R. 467's provisions to expand research into fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances will improve our understanding of these substances, including increasing the potential of finding more effective treatments for overdose victims. prgtoken But let me be clear: H.R. 467 is a blunt instrument--it does not do enough to comprehensively address the fentanyl crisis. Instead of working with congressional to put together a bipartisan bill to comprehensively tackle this crisis, the House majority chose to write this bill in a partisan fashion. prgtoken As a result, H.R. 467 leaves out important solutions for addressing the fentanyl crisis, including expanding access to treatment, testing, and education. That's why I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 3375, the STOP Fentanyl Overdoses Act, a bipartisan bill to expand access to overdose reversal medications, like Narcan, and offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) to incarcerated individuals to prevent relapses. prgtoken Most people who die from a fentanyl overdose don't know that what they're consuming could be life-threatening. That's why I'm a cosponsor of the bipartisan H.R. 3563, the Secure Testing Resources Instead of Prosecuting (STRIP) Act, which would allow for wider access to fentanyl test strips to help avoid preventable overdoses and deaths. prgtoken Tragically, fentanyl-related overdose deaths have impacted far too many families in my congressional district and across the country. Youth drug overdose deaths have more than doubled nationwide since 2019, and they have more than tripled in Oregon during that same time period. This is mainly due to the rapid spread of illicitly manufactured fentanyl. prgtoken One death by overdose is one too many. prgtoken We must be proactive in educating youth in our communities about the dangers of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. That's why I was proud to join Oregon's Congressional delegation in sending a letter urging the Department of Education to increase fentanyl awareness and drug-prevention education in schools. prgtoken If the Senate takes up H.R. 467, I encourage