mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF FIFTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE BY THE MICHIGAN 33RD DISTRICT COURT
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Michigan's 33rd District Court for fifty years of dedicated service. The court's efforts continue to improve and protect the communities of Southeastern Michigan. prgtoken Originally located above the Trenton Police Station, the 33rd District Court was established on January 1, 1969. The court and its staff work diligently in coordination with law enforcement officials to protect Southeastern Michigan, overseeing criminal and civil trials. Beyond its judicial duties, the 33rd District Court offers a wealth of services for defendants, offenders, and students. Through the Sobriety Court program, over one-hundred individuals suffering from severe alcohol and drug abuse have received supervision, assistance, and treatment, dramatically reducing the recidivism rates of participants. The 33rd District Court is also highly involved in education, offering multiple programs to teach students about the criminal justice system. prgtoken Regarded for its accessibility, timeliness, and courtesy, the 33rd District Court has faithfully served the community for fifty years. The efforts of the court and its staff highlight a deep commitment to justice and public safety. We thank the 33rd District Court for its exceptional service to Southeastern Michigan and its continued work in reducing crime. The 33rd District Court stands as a role model in criminal justice and its distinguished reputation is a testament to its impact on the community and the state of Michigan. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Michigan's 33rd District Court for fifty years of exemplary service. The court's work in criminal justice, reform, and education are worthy of commendation.
VOTE FOR EQUALITY
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , a mile from my district sits The Stonewall Inn, the site where, five decades ago, Americans took to the streets to fight back against hate and launch the modern movement for LGBT rights. prgtoken In a few hours, this House will pay homage to that struggle as we vote on historic legislation to protect the fundamental rights of millions of Americans. prgtoken The Equality Act will extend antidiscrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans. Sadly, from education to housing to credit, in so many areas, discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity remains legal. That is wrong, and this bill will, at long last, change that. prgtoken Madam , this is an issue of moral character. It speaks to who we are as a Nation. prgtoken For us individually, this vote speaks to who we are not just as legislators but as human beings. I implore all my colleagues to do what you know is right in your heart. prgtoken Vote for equality. Vote for respect, kindness, and love. Vote to end bigotry and discrimination. prgtoken Vote ``yes'' on the Equality Act.
EQUALITY ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-17

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am so proud that the gentleman is in the Chair, as well as others who will preside in the course of this historic debate today, Angie Craig being one of them. prgtoken , I thank the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee for giving us this opportunity today to expand freedom in America. prgtoken I commend Congressman Cicilline for his extraordinary leadership, his courage, and his persistence in introducing this legislation that is so important to our country, and doing so with the support of the Congressional Black Caucus. To see him standing there with the rest of us, honored to join Congressman John Lewis on the day of announcement a while back, a year and a half, 2 years ago, and now in the majority for us to have the privilege to bring this legislation to the floor, I thank Congressman Cicilline for being a champion of equality in our country. prgtoken Again, I salute the Congressional Black Caucus, John Lewis, and so many others, including Mr. Cleaver, who will speak later today. prgtoken It is a deeply powerful moment to be on this floor to talk about this important legislation. What I would like to do is take the opportunity in the time that I will use to salute the countless activists, advocates, outside organizers, and mobilizers who have courageously demanded the full fairness and justice that are the rights of all Americans. prgtoken On this floor, many of us, including Mr. Hoyer, we all go way back when we sparred for funding for HIV and AIDS. We were successful not only because of our inside maneuvering but because of the outside mobilization. prgtoken We were successful in passing fully inclusive hate crime legislation. Barney Frank led the way for us inside, but the outside groups were mobilizing, mobilizing, mobilizing. prgtoken Under the leadership of President --and we salute him for it--we were able in the Congress in the majority to pass the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, to put that into the dustbin of history. It was successful because of the activism of our outside groups and advocates. prgtoken Then, of course, the horrible Defense of Marriage Act, I don't know what marriages they were defending, but the prgtoken Defense of Marriage Act that was proposed by some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the Supreme Court gave us that answer about justice in our country. prgtoken Then there was the ending of the hateful ban on transgender military service. prgtoken For this Congress, this has been the scene where we have fought the fight on legislation, fought the fight to present the case in the court of public opinion and to bolster the case in the Supreme Court. prgtoken On this monumental day, my thoughts are with Phyllis Lyon and the late Del Martin, who shared their lives together for decades. They were mentors for civic engagement to many of us in San Francisco for decades. Some of that civic engagement relat
EQUALITY ACT
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2019-5-17

I want to confirm and clarify in our debate today that H.R. 5 does not change our Nation's longstanding First Amendment right to free religious exercise, speech, and association. prgtoken I understand that houses of worship will not be affected in their religious observances by the public accommodations provisions in H.R. 5. The current exemption in title II of the Civil Rights Act remains in place, so chapels, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship will continue to have legal certainty to practice their religion, conduct services, and affiliate with fellow members of their religion, as well as engage and welcome others not of their faith in their houses of worship for religious activity or faith practice, as they do now.
EQUALITY ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-17

I rise to voice my support for H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This landmark legislation would prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals across key areas of life including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. prgtoken We must address the fact that, in 30 states, LGBTQ people are at risk of being fired, refused housing or denied services simply because of who they are. Far too many students face bullying or worse because of their sexual identity, and far too many Americans--teachers, nurses, and state employees--face uncertainty and discrimination in the workplace and in their day-to-day lives. In fact, nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their personal lives. prgtoken Our nation's civil rights laws protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and, in most cases, sex, disability and religion. Unfortunately, federal law does not provide consistent nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The need for these protections is clear: We must put an end to this type of discrimination immediately. prgtoken We know from our nation's rich history in advancing the rights of citizens that strong federal laws are often needed to protect vulnerable groups of people. Because H.R. 5 explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in fundamental areas, it will finally give LGBTQ people the long-overdue protections and rights under federal law. prgtoken The reality is that our country is strongest when all Americans can be who they are, without fear of bias, discrimination or inequality in their workplaces or communities. I am pleased that the House is taking the much-needed action to ensure the core American values of equality and fairness are applied to members of the LGBTQ community in all circumstances. I urge my colleagues of the House to pass this critical legislation.
EQUALITY ACT
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-5-17

thank you to my colleague, Representative Hill from California, my fellow co-chair of the Equality Caucus, as she rightfully notes nothing--nothing--in the Equality Act infringes upon women's rights. If it did, we wouldn't be supporting it so vociferously today. prgtoken This MTR is an army of words marching in search of an issue that doesn't exist. For those of us who have been involved in the fight for equality, this tactic isn't new or surprising. We have seen it before. We have seen the deliberate distractions, the unfounded fears, the faulty arguments on our way toward progress. prgtoken This legislation simply gives LGBTQ individuals full equality-- nothing more and nothing less. prgtoken When we end legal discrimination in housing, employment, and public services, we will steer our Nation closer to the full realization of its founding principles and the notion that we are all created equal. prgtoken As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I can attest that attitudes in this country have changed for the better, and it is time that our laws catch up. Congress can send a message to LGBTQ Americans everywhere that we see you, that we celebrate you for who you are. prgtoken This vote will change laws, and it will save lives. prgtoken In passing the Equality Act today, we can say, unequivocally, that everyone matters, that everyone can be themselves, that no one should live in fear or be treated as a second-class citizen in the United States of America, not today and not ever--full equality under the law, nothing less and nothing more. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this motion to recommit. I welcome you to become a part of history. Join us on the right side of history. Do the right thing today. Vote ``no'' on this MTR, and stand for full equality for the LGBTQ community.
EQUALITY ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-17

I thank the gentleman very much, and I thank Mr. Cicilline. prgtoken Let me refute the suggestion that this is a bill that was rushed to the floor. This is a work that has been germinating for 5 years plus, and many of us have watched and been engaged in meetings and collaboration to ensure that the bill would reflect all of what America is about. prgtoken I want to speak to my religious friends--that is, all of us claim a religion of some form--and I want to say to them that religious liberty is not dead, but it is alive. prgtoken This bill focuses on saving lives; it focuses on understanding what it means to be transgender and denied the right to serve in the United States military. It stands up for African American transgender women who have been killed in the South, in the region that I live in; and it stands up for the person who knocked on the door and could not get housing because of their status. prgtoken And so I would ask my friends who are Mormon, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and other religions: How would you feel if you knocked on a door and you could not get in, if they had no place for you at the inn? prgtoken So I am well-aware of the Restorative Act, dealing with religion, passed in 1993, but I am also aware of the Supreme Court case, the Hodges case in 2015, which said: ``They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.'' prgtoken That is what this bill is doing, and the Constitution will protect those who are involved in the religious practices. As it has indicated: ``We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union.'' prgtoken And then you go to the Bill of Rights, and it has as Amendment Number I: ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' prgtoken The Constitution will be alongside of the Equality Act, and we will be able to have fair housing and civil rights, and we will be able to deal with this issue.
HONORING BATTALION CHIEF MICHAEL McMILLIN ON BEING NAMED OAK LAWN'S TOP FIREFIGHTER OF 2019
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor Battalion Chief Michael McMillin of the Oak Lawn Fire Department for being named the Village's Top Firefighter of 2019. The Oak Lawn Lions Club bestows this award on a distinguished member of the department after being nominated by his or her peers and selected by a committee of fire department leaders. Battalion Chief McMillin has distinguished himself as a tremendous first responder and dedicated servant to the Village of Oak Lawn. His devoted service to the community has earned him admiration from his fellow firefighters as well as the people of Oak Lawn. Battalion Chief McMillin exemplifies the true characteristics of leadership and has brought professionalism and tremendous dedication to the Oak Lawn Fire Department. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Battalion Chief Michael McMillin of the Oak Lawn Fire Department. I congratulate him on his accomplishments and thank him for his service.
TRIBUTE TO ANDRES D. SARABIA
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge and honor the passing of Mr. Andres D. Sarabia, a community leader in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Sarabia dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of others and guiding people to use their own voice to hold their elected officials accountable. He passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019, and will be missed by the San Antonio community. prgtoken Mr. Sarabia served as the first president of Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) and was actively involved with the organization's advocacy efforts for more than four decades. Through COPS, he worked to organize and empower local residents to prgtoken speak up on issues that affected their communities, working to address inequities in how local government services and resources were allocated. Mr. Sarabia and COPS successfully advocated across a diverse portfolio of issues, ranging from improvements in neighborhood infrastructure to the establishment of Palo Alto College on San Antonio's south side. The organization continues to serve as forum for residents to discuss and amplify their voices on important issues. prgtoken Perhaps Mr. Sarabia's most enduring legacy will be the foundation he helped establish through COPS and the steady stream of local leaders, activists and residents who have been empowered through the organization's work to engage with their government, advocate for the betterment of their community, and continue the important work of holding elected officials accountable. prgtoken I join my fellow residents of San Antonio in honoring Mr. Andres Sarabia's legacy of civic engagement, leadership and service.
HONORING NEVADA ASSEMBLYMAN TYRONE THOMPSON
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-5-17

I rise today to recognize the life of Nevada Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, who recently passed. prgtoken Tyrone's passion for service and community was reinforced by action. He was constantly on the front lines advocating for children in family court as a CASA advocate. Through his life-coaching and mentoring efforts, he spearheaded the annual Clark County Summer Business Institute, providing summer college and career exploration for high school students. prgtoken When Tyrone had the opportunity to be appointed and then elected to the Nevada Assembly in District 17, he made it his mission to propose new ideas to move Nevada forward and bring an experienced and pragmatic voice to the challenges our State faces. He became a leader and champion for increased funding, for more equitable education for all students, and for making our schools and communities safe from gun violence. prgtoken Tyrone was always present, leading the way to make the North Las Vegas community and the people in it stronger, whether it was working tirelessly to improve education, addressing racial equity and inclusion, volunteering with Camp Anytown, supporting Project Homeless Connect and Family Connect, or launching the My Brother's Keeper initiative. prgtoken At the age of 52, he still had so much more to offer to his community, in public service, and most importantly, to his family. prgtoken I am proud of the work my dear friend accomplished, and I am honored to ensure that his legacy is permanently enshrined in the Congressional Record. prgtoken May he rest in peace.
EQUALITY ACT
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-5-17

I thank the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for his leadership, and, in particular, Representative Cicilline for his courage and his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken It is long past time that we end discrimination against those in the LGBTQ community in our country, and that is why I am so proud to support the Equality Act. prgtoken Fairness, equality--these are core American values. And yet today, in many States across the United States, Americans can be fired, can be denied a mortgage, or they might struggle in being able to obtain housing, all because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. prgtoken That ends with the passage of the Equality Act. Every American is equal under the law. prgtoken And so I would say to my friends at Out Boulder County back home, thank you for your activism. To my friends at One Colorado, thank you for your activism. To every LGBTQ American who has stood up and has fought for equality over a generation, I say thank you. prgtoken And to the Members gathered here today, I implore you: Let's join together, and let's pass the Equality Act today and end discrimination once and for all.
EQUALITY ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-5-17

I rise today in a jubilant manner, because every American deserves to be treated equally under the law. prgtoken I rise today in support of the basic and common principles enshrined in our Constitution, of liberty and justice for all, that no person shall be denied or be discriminated by their sexual orientation. prgtoken I rise today in support of the Equality Act that we must proudly pass today led by my friend, David Cicilline. prgtoken For in this country, in this year, 2019, we must choose acceptance to grow our economy and to promote the general welfare. prgtoken I rise because it is time to pass the Equality Act for full civil rights protections for all LGBTQ Americans. So many sacrificed so I could stand here today and speak these words. Passing this bill will send a powerful, bipartisan message to members of the LGBTQ community that they are not second-class citizens. prgtoken Today we must vote to pass the Equality Act.
EQUALITY ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-17

I want to thank Chairman Nadler for yielding and for his tremendous leadership on this issue. prgtoken Also, I have just got to acknowledge and thank Congressman David Cicilline for his steady and strategic leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I, too, was at the first press conference with our great warrior, John Lewis, and it has been so exciting and uplifting to see the progress and the process in bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken , as a cofounder of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus, along with our dear former colleague Congressman Barney Frank, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This critical bill, of course, would end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans once and for all. prgtoken Now, as an African American woman, it is my moral responsibility to fight discrimination wherever and against whomever it raises its ugly head. The Equality Act will ensure that there is clear, lawful protection for LGBTQ Americans under the Civil Rights Act. What is more, this bill will ensure that no one lives in fear because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. prgtoken Let me be clear. It is un-American that in 30 States it is still legal--mind you, legal--to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans in employment, in housing, in education--in every aspect of their lives.
BUY CERTIFIED AMERICAN-GROWN FLOWERS
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the importance of buying American-grown flowers. prgtoken Whether it is celebrating a wedding or graduation, or sending condolences, flowers have been used to mark significant occasions for thousands of years. prgtoken I have seen the value this industry adds to our economy and communities during my visits with our hardworking central coast farmers and workers. The cut flower industry generates thousands of jobs and produces $1.2 billion in economic activity each year through flower farmers, distributors, and florists. prgtoken California grows an astonishing 75 percent of American-grown flowers, yet only a fraction of the flowers sold across the country were grown here. That must change. prgtoken This week, Senator Feinstein and I introduced a resolution to designate July as American Grown Flower Month and to encourage consumers to buy flowers with the ``Certified American Grown'' label. prgtoken By passing H.R. 379, we will honor the beauty this industry brings to our homes year-round and help keep our American-grown flower industry prosperous. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join us in this effort.
BLACK MOTHERS SUFFER IN SILENCE
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, and this disparity persists across socioeconomic and educational levels. prgtoken I recently heard the story of a constituent in my district. Her name is Phiffer. After a failed emergency surgery, she was confined to bedrest 20 weeks into her pregnancy, but her doctor failed to address her mental health. prgtoken At 30 weeks, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. But for a year after, she struggled with mental health. prgtoken She said: ``I know my story is unremarkable.'' prgtoken Unremarkable. Unremarkable because mothers are suffering in silence. Black mothers are suffering in silence daily. prgtoken I am proud to be a founding member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus because we need to address this crisis. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that women like Phiffer receive the proper care that they need and deserve.
EQUALITY ACT
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-17

we need strong Federal enforcement since local governments have imperfect tools and often have been stifled by narrow-minded State legislatures. prgtoken No American's civil rights should depend upon their ZIP Code. Don't stand in the doorway. Let's pass the Equality Act today. prgtoken Among many who have been strong advocates for this act, I particularly honor Sam Smoot and Robert Salcido with Equality Texas; Julian Tovar and Sissi Yado with the Human Rights Campaign; and, of course, our colleagues, Congressman Cicilline and Congressman Pocan.