mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER JEFFERSON
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, one of the most decorated pilots in Michigan, whose heroic service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II is being recognized in a rededication ceremony for Jefferson Field, named in his honor in Detroit, Michigan. prgtoken Born in Detroit, Michigan on the 15th of November 1921, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson grew up flying model airplanes in the same field that is now named for him. He graduated from Detroit's Chadsey High School in Detroit and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. He did graduate work in Chemistry at Howard University and earned a Master of Science in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit. prgtoken Following three months of combat training in Selfridge Field, Michigan, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson graduated from a pilot training course at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He served as a P-51 fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301st Fighter Squadron in Ramitelli, Italy. Over the course of 18 long range escort missions deep into enemy territory, he bravely provided protection from vicious enemy aircraft. His unit escorted bombers headfirst into the action. They never lost a single plane. prgtoken On August 12, 1944, three days before the invasion of Southern France, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson was shot down while firing at German radar stations on the coast. He was captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war for nine months, ninety miles from Berlin. There, he witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed by the Nazis. He was liberated by the American forces on the 29th of April 1945 and was discharged from active duty in 1947. He retired from the reserves in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. prgtoken After the end of the war, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson became an elementary school science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979. A member of various church, educational, and alumni organizations, as well as one of the founders of the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. He is a member of the Tuskegee Airman Bureau, a life member of the Silver Falcon Association, and has served as an Admissions Counselor for the U.S. Air Force Academy. prgtoken He has received numerous awards and accolades for his bravery and his selfless service for our country, including a Purple Heart Medal, an Air Medal, a POW medal, an Air Force Achievement Medal, and many, many more. On October 14, 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. prgtoken Pleae join me in recognition of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson on this celebration of his lifelong service to our country.
50th ANNIVERSARY OF MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-11-15

today I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church in Milwaukee, WI, an inclusive Christian community of faith. Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church began as Prince of Peace Metropolitan Community Church in 1971 under the leadership of Reverend Paul Sydman. It was renamed Metropolitan Community Church in 1977 and finally Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church in 1993. prgtoken In its first 20 years, the church changed worship locations multiple times within the city of Milwaukee and held services in other churches before establishing its current home at 1239 West Mineral Street in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood in 1993. With this purchase, the church became the first LGBTQI+ organization to own property in the city of Milwaukee, as well as the entire State of Wisconsin. prgtoken Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church--MCC--is the oldest LGBTQI+ organization still in existence in Milwaukee and the State ofWisconsin. The church was originally started to provide a place for LGBTQI+ people to worship and has a long tradition of welcoming all people looking for a spiritual place where they can feel welcomed and accepted. It became a member of the Global Movement of Metropolitan Community Churches in 1984. This denomination was founded by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender--LGBT--community in 1968. prgtoken Current Pastor Reverend Tory V. Topjian began his pastorate as senior minister on June 1, 2016. It was within his first 10 days of service that the country and the LGBT community experienced the great tragedy of the Pulse Night Club shooting in Orlando, FL. Reverend Tory and Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church took an active role in helping the Milwaukee community grieve following the shooting. prgtoken In 2020, after waiting for nearly 20 years, both the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Council of Churches finally recognized Metropolitan Community Churches to be a viable and important community of faith. Milwaukee MCC was invited to sit on councils of both these vital community organizations and offered a well-deserved voice and vote. prgtoken Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church, like most churches, adjusted and adapted to the pandemic and its impact on church community since the spring of 2020. Virtual worship and programming were offered to keep the congregation safe while maintaining community. prgtoken The year 2021 marks 50 years since the beginning of this important community within Milwaukee, WI, and the LGBTQ community. A welcoming place for all, its foundation is built on community and inclusiveness. Earlier this year, the Milwaukee Historical Society honored this community being the oldest LGBTQI+ organization still in existence. Its significance and impact on countless members over the years is profound. Please join me in celebrating this historically and spiritually important community.
FOR THE PEOPLE
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , today we join with President , Vice President , Senators, Congressmen, mayors, and Governors to witness the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. prgtoken And do you know what? It was summed up as a BFD today, and indeed, it was. And it was summed up in a four-letter word, which is J-O-B-S, jobs. It will create so many jobs in our communities. prgtoken And once we finish with this bill, we are going to move on to do the Build Back Better bill because that is the bill for the people, para la gente. prgtoken I can't wait, Madam .
PROTECTING PRIVACY AND ENHANCING DIGITAL COMPETITION
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , I wish to raise the need for congressional action in two areas that are critical for the privacy rights of Americans and the economic competitiveness of American companies and startups. We need a comprehensive privacy law to protect Americans in commercial contexts, and we need to reform surveillance laws relating to government collection of personal information. prgtoken As a Representative of Silicon Valley, I'm proud of the countless innovations my constituents have brought forward that improve the lives of billions of people, but I also recognize that our country needs a comprehensive privacy law. In November 2019, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and I first introduced the Online Privacy Act to protect individuals, encourage innovation, and take a major step towards restoring trust in technology. We are preparing to reintroduce this bill in the coming days. Our legislation creates privacy rights for users, places clear privacy obligations on companies, establishes a Digital Privacy Agency (DPA) to enforce privacy protections and investigate abuses, and strengthens enforcement by empowering state attorneys general to enforce privacy violations and allowing individuals to appoint nonprofits to represent them in private class-action lawsuits. Importantly, the U.S. is the only industrialized country that lacks an agency focused on privacy law. Our legislation fixes that issue. prgtoken We must also reconsider laws that authorize the Intelligence Community to collect and process personal information. Having served for nearly a decade on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have a deep regard for our national security needs. However, I also recognize how our needs have evolved and how authorizations Congress enacted two decades ago have been abused. Specifically, we must limit the collection and retention of surveillance data under Executive Order 12333 regarding intelligence surveillance and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I've joined proposals to reform these laws in the past and I believe Congress must prioritize these issues, not only to protect privacy but also because they directly impact our economy. prgtoken In 2015, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) struck down an agreement between the U.S. and EU known as Safe Harbor. In explaining its decision to invalidate the agreement, the Court cited concerns with lack of judicial redress and EU citizens' fundamental rights to privacy, codified in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In response to the invalidation of this agreement, the U.S. and EU came to another data agreement known as Privacy Shield with stronger privacy protections. In July 2020 the ECJ struck down this agreement too, again due to the breadth of U.S. surveillance laws. Plainly put, the ECJ ruling highlights that EU citizens--and Americans--cannot easily challenge the uses of their data by our Intelligence Community using our judi
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-11-15

I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Frank Zullo, an extraordinary public servant who passed away on May 26, 2018, at the age of 85. prgtoken Born and raised in Norwalk, CT, Frank started his law practice in 1957 in his hometown. The next year, the Norwalk Junior Chamber of Commerce named him ``Young Man of the Year.'' He was elected mayor of Norwalk in 1965. At only 33 years old, Frank was the youngest mayor in the city's history, in addition to being their first Italian-American mayor. prgtoken Throughout his three terms, Frank worked closely with the people of Norwalk, listening to their concerns and striving to initiate positive change. Against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam war, and the Cold War, Frank faced local challenges head on and diligently united his constituents. Frank was known for his compassion and did everything he could to make Norwalk a welcoming city for all of its residents. prgtoken Frank became a symbol of the city, and his leadership ushered in a new era of participation in Connecticut politics, in which residents saw the difference they could make as part of his administration. His legacy is enduring, and for the rest of his lifetime, Frank was often called upon for guidance by his successors, who recognized his remarkable accomplishments. He also helped establish the Connecticut Conference of Mayors and served on the executive board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors as a trustee and member. prgtoken Admired for his lively spirit and giving personality, Frank committed himself to serving Norwalk in a multitude of ways, both when he was mayor and when he returned to practicing law. One notable example includes his role as chair of the Norwalk-Wilton Chapter of the American Red Cross Board's Water Safety Program, in which he taught hundreds of young people lifeguarding and swimming skills. He also chaired the Board of Trustees of Norwalk Hospital and the University of Bridgeport, chaired the First Taxing District Water Department, and served as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. prgtoken Following Frank's passing, a memorial rose garden was constructed in his honor by the First Taxing District of the City of Norwalk. Though the celebratory programs were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Frank N. Zullo Memorial Rose Garden stands as a fitting tribute to a man prgtoken who spent his lifetime bettering the city.
BREAKING NEWS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , breaking news. Today, the President of the United States signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, legislation that our chairwoman and the Congressional Black Caucus were instrumental in moving forward. prgtoken But breaking news: The President, Vice President, and of the House made it very clear that we will pass the Build Back Better Act, and that they are two bills that go together. And so tonight, I am delighted to join the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus to discuss the pathway and the vitality of the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken There is one thing that I want to immediately speak to. Pell grants that is part of the Build Back Better will be an instrumental component to increasing the number of students at community colleges, historically Black colleges, and other colleges--minority-serving institutions--more than they have ever had the opportunity. prgtoken Madam , in 2021, there are still families that are sending their first generation to college. The Pell grants--unlike which was discussed just a few minutes ago--will give Americans and legal residents the opportunity to go to school, and many others who are DACA and are deserving of going to school to build a better future. prgtoken Madam , I will speak very briefly on how important the Build Back Better Act is, and to emphasize that it is often said that the Federal budget is an expression of the Nation's values. Build Back Better is an expression of our values, of our respect, and affection for our families and our children. It is long overdue. prgtoken And even though we are excited about the infrastructure bill that will bring some $26.9 billion in transportation to Texas, some $3.3 billion in ensuring the improvement of public transportation, making sure there is $100 million for broadband, and making sure that we have clean water--and that is in the $2.9 billion from the infrastructure bill. I can tell you that Texans and Americans are excited about the Build Back Better. African Americans who have suffered with poverty and inequities will stand at the forefront in helping to end poverty as we know it in our communities. prgtoken Madam , I am grateful to Chair Beatty for her leadership and was eager to join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to stand together to support this $1.75 trillion investment. prgtoken Very quickly: The bill is paid for. No one making under $400,000 will see any taxes go up at this time. In addition, $130 billion will be provided for healthcare. prgtoken Breaking news: If you are uninsured in States that never expanded Medicaid, you will have insurance; huge numbers of African Americans. Over 30 percent of seniors over the age of 70 can benefit from hearing aids as well. We know the Build Back Better bill will give us an additional amount of resources for uninsured persons and provide the access to the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Childcare, which impacts African Americans, the Build B
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-15

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-15

I rise to introduce the Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act. prgtoken This legislation would ensure that noncitizen servicemembers have access to the information and resources they need to apply for citizenship in the United States and avoid deportation from the country they have served. prgtoken The Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act includes important changes to ensure that servicemembers are not removed from the United States after leaving the military because they were never provided the resources necessary to ensure they could adjust their status. The bill would also protect servicemembers' spouses and children from deportation. prgtoken Specifically, this bill would require the Department of Homeland Security, DHS and the Department of Defense to create a program to help ensure that servicemembers and their families have a pathway to naturalization. The program must also include training for JAG officers and recruiter training on the naturalization process for servicemembers. These personnel must also work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency to ensure that all noncitizen military servicemembers are naturalized before they leave the service. prgtoken The bill would also create the Military Family Immigation Advisory Committe that must provide recommendations to DHS on whether a noncitizen who has served in the military or their family members should be granted a stay of removal, deferred action, parole, or be removed from the country. prgtoken ICE, CBP, and USCIS are directed to transfer case materials of individuals in removal proceedings for individuals who are determined to be a member of the Armed Forces, a veteran, or a covered family member of the advisory committee. These individuals cannot be removed until a recommendation is issued by the advisory committee. prgtoken Finally, the bill would require DHS to establish a program and application to allow removed veterans and their family members to be admitted back into the United States as lawful permanent residents and would direct the Department of Justice to reopen their removal cases. prgtoken Our noncitizen servicemembers have risked their lives serving our country. prgtoken For over a century, the United States has recognized the contributions that noncitizens make in the military. They deserve a clear path to citizenship for themselves and their spouses and children. prgtoken Over the past several years, programs to help facilitate these processes have diminished, and this lack of support from Federal Agencies has made it more difficult for noncitizen servicemembers to become U.S. citizens. Veterans who are unable to naturalize are at risk of deportation if they commit certain crimes and are forced to leave the country they served. Many of these individuals believe that they are citizens already due to their service and are shocked they are not, years later. prgtoken It is imperative that
IN RECOGNITION OF PARACHUTE RIGGER PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS REBA ALEXANDER MONCUS
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor an extraordinary trailblazer, sailor, World War II veteran, and dedicated civil servant, Parachute Rigger Petty Officer 2nd Class (P/R 2) Reba Alexander Moncus, who was honored at Veterans Day Program for the American Legion Post 30 on November 11, 2021, at 8 a.m. prgtoken Reba Alexander Moncus was born November 30, 1921, in Berrien County, Georgia, to the union of the late Mr. J.H. and Mrs. Lodia Alexander. As a family of sharecroppers during the Great Depression, the Alexanders often moved around, and with money being scarce, the only food they purchased was the food they could not grow on their own. Because her family could not afford to buy schoolbooks for her studies, Reba had to drop out of school in the third grade. It was not until Ed Rivers became Governor of Georgia, that the state began furnishing free schoolbooks, and Reba was able to return to her studies. She attended six different schools in a three-county area, before graduating from high school at the age of 21. After high school, she went to Thomaston, Georgia where she worked for Thomaston Mills, and after some time there, she realized that a life of drudgery working in a cotton mill was not the life she wanted to live. prgtoken On March 10, 1943, Reba answered the call to serve her nation and enlisted in the newly formed U.S. NAVY WAVES (Women Appointed for Volunteer Emergency Services), the women's branch of the U.S. Navy, and was the first woman to be recruited from the Albany, Georgia area. Upon enlisting, she started basic training at Hunter College in New York along with 10,000 other women on July 15, 1943. After Basic she was assigned to the Recreation Department onboard Naval Air Station Anacostia, in Washington, D.C. Reba was adamant about wanting to serve her country in every capacity and wanting to contribute to the World War II efforts, and after battling with the Navy Bureau of Personnel for four months, she finally convinced them that she was capable of serving on the front lines. On January 1, 1944, Reba was assigned to Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey for training as a parachute rigger. On April l, 1944, upon completion of her training, she was sent to Naval Air Station (NAS) Melbourne, Florida, where new Naval Aviators were taught tactics, gunnery, and general flight prior to shipment overseas. During her tenure at NAS Melbourne, she was also able to participate in the drop test flights but, as one of two female riggers, she was not allowed to test jump chutes, as they were reserved only for the male riggers. Reba spent the most fulfilling days of her life, interrupted by moments of pure horror at Melbourne, as her duties included inspecting and repacking unused military parachutes and salvaging the hardware from burned parachutes, which included smelling the horrible stench of human flesh mixed with burnt aviation gas, oil, and everything involved with an airplane crash. She was
REMEMBERING CHARLES ``CHUCK'' LEWIS
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2021-11-15

I rise today to remember a Montanan that made an indelible impact on Washington, DC, and on Montana. prgtoken Chuck Lewis was a native Montanan, born in Bozeman, a journalist, and a father. As a young man, Chuck served his country proudly as a Marine Corps Reservist, but he made his career in the news business, which is how many of my colleagues herein the Senate knew him best. prgtoken Chuck served as bureau chief here in Washington, DC, for both the Associated Press and Hearst Newspapers, where he spent a lifetime holding the powerful to account and shining a light on the inner workings of our government. prgtoken He covered many explosive stories over his career, including the Iran-Contra scandal and the civil rights movement, and won acclaim for his work revealing the truth about friendly fire during the Gulf war. And his legacy is still visible in Washington today, through the scores of young journalists he helped train and mentor throughout the years. prgtoken I served in the Senate for the last few years before Chuck retired-- in 2013, he invited me to speak at the Gridiron Club for his inauguration as club president, an honor and a privilege I will never forget. prgtoken Chuck was a consummate newsman, a reporters' reporter, and a friend to democracy. He made Montana and his country proud, and I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by enshrining it in the Congressional Record here today.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , regrettably, I was unable to vote on November 1st and 2nd. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 340; YEA on Roll Call No. 341; YEA on Roll Call No. 342; YEA prgtoken on Roll Call No. 343; YEA on Roll Call No. 344; YEA on Roll Call No. 345; YEA on Roll Call No. 346; YEA on Roll Call No. 347; YEA on Roll Call No. 348; YEA on Roll Call No. 349; YEA on Roll Call No. 350; YEA on Roll Call No. 351; YEA on Roll Call No. 352; and YEA on Roll Call No. 353.