mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7176, UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 7176--the ``Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024.'' prgtoken This bill, H.R. 7176, would substantially weaken the federal review and authorization process for natural gas exports. prgtoken Specifically, it removes the requirement under section 3(a) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) that the Department of Energy first determine liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports be in the public interest before approving export applications to non-free trade agreement countries. prgtoken These determinations currently involve a review of the economic impacts, including potential changes to domestic natural gas and electricity prices on consumers and manufacturers. prgtoken They also consider the environmental impacts of the exports. prgtoken Finally, they consider potential effects on the security of the U.S. natural gas supply. prgtoken Instead of maintaining this time-tested and reliable process, this bill assumes that all LNG exports are automatically in the public interest. prgtoken This is reckless and irresponsible. prgtoken By removing a crucial safeguard for American consumers, this bill allows our adversaries, like China, to purchase even more of our energy to use against us. prgtoken Multiple analyses have found that increased LNG exports directly lead to higher natural gas prices here at home. prgtoken According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, LNG exports cost American consumers over $100 billion over a 16-month period. prgtoken Over the last five years, doubling our LNG exports has led to natural gas prices more than tripling in 2022. prgtoken Expert testimony supports this conclusion as well. prgtoken On February 7, 2023, the Subcommittees on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security and Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials held a joint legislative hearing entitled ``Unleashing American Energy, Lowering Energy Costs, and Strengthening Supply Chains.'' At this hearing, the Subcommittees heard testimony from Mr. Tyson Slocum. prgtoken In his written testimony, Mr. Slocum detailed how increased LNG exports have raised costs for American consumers, and that loosening the approval process for LNG exports would likely further increase the high prices Americans pay for heating and electricity. prgtoken Mr. Slocum also testified that increased LNG exports would further tie American natural gas prices to international natural gas prices, decreasing our economic independence and exposing Americans to increased gas price volatility. prgtoken Supporting documents entered into the hearing record further underscored the point that a sudden decrease in U.S. LNG export capacity has historically resulted in a plunge in natural gas prices. prgtoken That is not the only problem with this negligent and short-sighted bill. prgtoken H.R. 1130 also eradicates existing protections that ensure American LNG is not being exported to rival nations against the public i
RECOGNIZING SHERRI BEVAN WALSH
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-15

today I rise to recognize Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh who is retiring from the Summit County Prosecutor's Office as the longest serving prosecutor in the history of the county. prgtoken She was first elected 24 years ago and has served our community with diligence, professionalism, and dedication. Her final day is tomorrow, Friday, February 16. prgtoken Throughout her time as prosecutor, she has always advocated for victims and our community safety, ensuring that everyone was treated with dignity and proper care in our justice system. prgtoken In line with her championing of the most vulnerable in our community, Prosecutor Walsh led the State as the first prosecutor's office in Ohio to have a service dog named Avery as a companion to assist children who are victims and witnesses of crime. prgtoken She also created the Take Me Home Program to assist those with mental health conditions if they may wander from their home, Safety Kids Calendar, self-defense classes, and the Start By Believing, a program to support victims of sexual violence. prgtoken Her incredible and distinguished career also serves as an example to young women in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and beyond by inspiring our next generation of young women leaders. prgtoken Among her many career accolades include 59 State, national, and local awards including the Ohio Crime Victims Justice Center Models of Justice, Prosecutor of the Year, Elected Official of the Year, as a community leader who constantly and consistently champions causes for people with developmental disabilities, and Prosecutor of the Year from the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. prgtoken On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh for her years of service, and I wish her all the best in the future.
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

and still I rise. prgtoken I am grateful to my colleague for yielding the floor, but I am very grateful for the opportunity to stand here in the Congress of the United States of America. It means something to me every time I have this opportunity to speak. prgtoken I love my country. I love what it stands for. Yes, it is not perfect. Yes, my ancestors were treated in a horrific way, but still we have some ideals that can help us to make a difference. prgtoken I believe in liberty and justice for all. I believe in the words of the Declaration of Independence: All persons created equal, endowed by the creator with certain inalienable Rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken I believe that notwithstanding our imperfections, we still have an opportunity to have that more perfect union. prgtoken I rise today, . I rise today in the name of mercy. Justice, yes. Always justice, but also mercy because justice has to do with the law and fairness, but mercy has to do with compassion and grace. prgtoken And still I rise. And still I rise, a proud son of the segregated South. I know what it is like to be discriminated against. prgtoken I know what it is like to drink from colored water fountains. I know what it is like to sit in the back of the bus because you are required to. I know what it is like to sit in the balcony of the movie theater because you are required to. prgtoken I know what segregation is all about, and I know what apartheid is all about. For those of us who lived segregation, the difference between apartheid and segregation is just the spelling of the words. I understand it. prgtoken A lot of what I say here on the floor has much to do with the history that I have lived. I care about those who are downtrodden, perhaps because I have walked in their shoes. prgtoken I care about those who are being denied their human rights--their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For many years, I lived in the segregated South where those rights were not afforded me. The rights that the Constitution of the United States of America codified for me, my friends, and neighbors--took them away. prgtoken , I want you to know a little bit more about me because today I rise with an appeal for innocent victims. Just before coming to the floor, I saw a preview, if you will, a showing of what happened in Israel on October 7. prgtoken , there is no way to justify that level of inhumanity to human beings. It cannot be justified. We can never tolerate that level of inhumanity. We have to speak up. We have to say something and we have to do something. I understand. For those who didn't see what I saw, let me share just a few aspects of what I saw with you. prgtoken I saw people who would shoot human beings and then decide to decapitate them. I saw an actual decapitation take place. I saw persons being pulled along and brutalized. I would not have you see it, but I would have you know tha
BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , as we celebrate Black History Month, we must embrace that Black History Month and Black history is American history. When we embrace Black history as American history, we tap into a wellspring of intellect, perspective, and capacity. prgtoken Individually, we shine, but collectively, we radiate brilliance and effect change in our Nation and around the world--change as doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, artists, sports folks, Members of Congress, moms, and more. prgtoken I honor Harriet Tubman, the first woman to lead an armed Civil War expedition, freeing over 700 South Carolinians. Today at noon, I celebrate the Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coin Act in honor of her 200th birthday, authored by Congressman Greg Meeks. However, Madam , this is just the first step. I will continue to fight for Tubman on the $20 bill. prgtoken As we strive to make Black history a required part of American history, we must first recognize the trailblazers. prgtoken I celebrate Rosa Parks, who resisted on the day of December 1 on that bus and who paved the way for integrated public transportation. Rosa Parks sat down on that bus so I can stand in the Halls of Congress today. prgtoken Rosa Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement, was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for her bravery. I am proud that I authored the first Rosa Parks Day in the Nation in Ohio on December 1. prgtoken I celebrate my lifelong friend and mentor, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley, the first African-American woman officer in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. The top-ranking Black woman officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley, battled segregation in the United States Army, laying the groundwork for today's integrated military. As a member of the Six Triple Eight Battalion, she posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken I honor Dr. Dolly Desselle Adams, a trailblazer, activist, community leader, a dear friend and mentor who passed away 6 days ago, a legend in the Episcopal Church as a supervisor, a 60-year member of The Links, Incorporated, and the eighth national president. prgtoken As a young member of The Links, Incorporated, the iconic Dolly Adams held my hand and said: I am paving the way for you to go make a difference. prgtoken She was granted the Order of the Palmetto, the State's highest honor. Dolly Adams is Black history. prgtoken I celebrate Vice President , the first woman and the first Black person to be Vice President of these United States of America. She speaks to America and the world with a strong voice of protecting our democracy and fighting for equality and justice to save the soul of this Nation, always putting people over politics. prgtoken Madam , as we stand here today, I am honored to be able to come today to salute so many Black Americans. I celebrate Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, appointed by President , the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Cou
IF TEXAS WAS INTERCONNECTED
Greg Casar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

I am Greg Casar, and I represent the heart of Texas. I represent hundreds of thousands of Texans who faced mass blackouts, medical emergencies, and even death 3 years ago during the Texas grid's failure under Winter Storm Uri. Over 10 million people needlessly lost power, and hundreds died, cold, alone, and in the dark. prgtoken Texas officials like Greg Abbott have not just failed to fix the grid and to respond to constituents' needs, but they have repeatedly abandoned us in favor of large corporations and the donations that they provide, those corporations that profit off of the misery of Texans. prgtoken That is why, yesterday, I announced new legislation, the Connect the Grid Act, to connect Texas to the national electric grids and make a real difference and bring forward real solutions. prgtoken If our State were interconnected, we could prevent mass blackouts, save tens of billions of dollars, and help our country meet its climate goals. It is not radical to say that, in the middle of a heat wave or a winter storm, Texans should be able to keep the lights on. prgtoken Too many people have already died because of our inaction. With the Connect the Grid Act, we can keep the lights on, and Congress can give power back to the people.
REMEMBERING LEONARD TIBBS, JR.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to celebrate the life of Leonard Clifford Tibbs, Jr born on March 3, 1934, in Los Angeles. prgtoken Mr. Tibbs was the son of Aluia Lee Tibbs, a beautician, and Leonard Clifford Tibbs, one of the few Black pharmacists in Los Angeles at the time. prgtoken In 1952, Mr. Tibbs graduated from Manual Arts High School, in my district, where he played football. After obtaining a business degree from UCLA, Leonard pursued many successful entrepreneurial endeavors, establishing a real estate business, Tibbs Tacos restaurant, a catering business, and World of Curls. prgtoken He was a man of few words, yet he was always charming and friendly. He loved to golf, captain his boat, fish, and travel. prgtoken In 1999, Leonard met the Honorable Gloria Gray, and they shared 25 loving years together. They were partners in every aspect of life, with Leonard staunchly supporting Councilwoman Gray's journey through public service. prgtoken Leonard peacefully passed away on November 22, 2023, and is lovingly remembered by Gloria, his daughter Allison, and the many loving bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. prgtoken I join them in honoring his life and legacy.
HONORING CLIFFORD DeBAPTISTE
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to honor a resident of my community, Clifford DeBaptiste, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday this May. prgtoken Clifford has served our community for over 70 years, first in the Army, where he reached the rank of sergeant major, and then as a business and civic leader in our community. prgtoken After serving in uniform, Clifford moved to West Chester with his wife, Inez, and his daughters, Lillian, Inez, and Celeste, where he attended our West Chester University and the first degree-granting HBCU, our Lincoln University. prgtoken He and Inez opened several funeral homes, becoming active members of the local business community. During this time, he also served 13 terms as the chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors. prgtoken In 1994, he made history as the very first Black mayor of our West Chester. His work revitalized West Chester's downtown and led to incredible growth for local businesses, with the number of restaurants in the borough rising from 15 to 57 during his term. prgtoken Since his retirement, he has remained very active in our local community. We are so grateful for his contributions and for those of his daughter, Lillian, who followed in his footsteps and is now the current mayor of West Chester. I wish a happy early birthday to Clifford.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 AND JAPANESE INTERNMENT
Jill N. Tokuda (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-2-15

on February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 9066, which led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry. prgtoken My great-grandfather, Seiki Takasato, was one such ``issei,'' ``first generation,'' taken from his home in Puunene, Maui, and sent to Honouliuli on Oahu, Sharp Park in California, and finally ending up at the internment camp in Santa Fe, New Mexico. prgtoken It was there that he painted this picture. Guilty of nothing else but being of Japanese descent, internees like my ``jiji,'' ``great- grandfather'' were stripped of everything they owned-- prgtoken homes, property, and life savings--and denied the most basic human and civil rights. prgtoken , I stand before you as one of millions of descendants who will never forget. We bear the familial scars from a time filled with xenophobia, hate, and fear. Be that as it may, we also embody the ``gaman,'' ``enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity'' of those who came before us, committed to making sure we learn from the mistakes of our past lest we are doomed to repeat them. prgtoken With everything happening in our country and our world, let us stand up and recommit to ensuring that such atrocities never stain our collective conscience again.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-2-15

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , this debate makes me sad. Energy policy is really important. Energy consumers are really important. The environment is really important. So much of this debate is completely untethered from truth. prgtoken There isn't enough time to rebut everything, but I want to clarify two points. One is where LNG exports are going right now, and the second is about the environmental impact. prgtoken It is true today that the majority of U.S. LNG exports, the largest volume, is going to Europe. It is also true that that really did help our European allies wean themselves off of Russian gas. Now, that is not because the U.S. gas industry was suddenly imbued with patriotism. It is because they were paying more, which is fine. prgtoken However, all the additional exports we are talking about are contracted out. Right now, they are going to Asia. Therefore, this is not a question right now about helping Europe. This is a question of whether they will make more money going to Asia. prgtoken Now, why are they going to go to Asia? Well, that brings me to the second point. There is an assertion that LNG is inherently clean because it displaces coal. Let's be clear. No one buys natural gas so that it will be more expensive for them to make energy. It will displace coal if it is cheaper than coal. prgtoken My colleagues are to have us believe that the United States is going to export gas to Asia so that countries like China can have cheaper energy and make their businesses more competitive on the global stage and that they are doing that because they are so committed to environmental protection. prgtoken Look, natural gas is methane, for the most part. Methane is 80 times as potent a greenhouse gas as CO2, which means that if you have more than 2 percent leakage from the wellhead to the burner tip, it is worse than coal. prgtoken In the United States, that means that the wellheads, the collection facilities, the distribution pipelines, the combustion facilities, which we all in this body regulate, maybe we can get it down below that level, and maybe in the United States, it is less. However, we are not talking about that. We are talking about exports. prgtoken What is the leak rate on the ships? What are the leak rates on the regasification facilities overseas? What are the leak rates on the distribution facilities in those countries? Do we trust Chinese economic data so much that if they say it is not leaking, we will say: That is awesome. I am glad you are so competitive. I am glad you are outcompeting U.S. businesses.
CONGRATULATING JESSE RODRIGUEZ
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to celebrate an artist, an advocate, and a creator of community pride, Jesse Rodriguez, better known as Magnolia Grown. prgtoken Last month, Jesse achieved something special for our community. His sculpture, ``Dale Shine,'' which you see behind me, was chosen to go to The Cheech, the finest private collection of Chicano art in the world, to become a part of their permanent collection. prgtoken This is a first for Houston. It is a first for Texas. prgtoken Jesse's work draws from deep cultural roots established while growing up in my district in Magnolia Park. His art is the art of our community, of growing up poor while living in full color, of a shared history ``de nuestra gente'' ``of the people.'' prgtoken Jesse has become a community advocate in the East End portion of our district. He founded Magnolia Park Arts and Community to inspire the next generation to use art for action and to never forget where they came from. prgtoken He puts people over politics. He puts arts over darkness. We are so proud of him and everything that he has done, and I congratulate Jesse.
VIRGINIA'S FOURTH DISTRICT BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST--1ST PLACE HIGH SCHOOL WINNER, ZAHARA FLOWERS
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I include in the Record the following essay by 1st Place High School Winner, Zahara Flowers: As a student and a future voter, the words of resonate deeply within me. In a world that constantly calls for transformation, it is crucial that we do not wait for others to usher in the change we desire. Instead, we must recognize our own influence and seize the opportunity to become active participants in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through a combination of education, advocacy, and civic engagement, we can harness our collective power to effect meaningful change. Education is the foundation of empowerment. As students, we have a unique opportunity to expand our knowledge and understanding of the pressing issues facing our society. By immersing ourselves in subjects such as history, civics, and social sciences, we gain valuable insights into the root causes of inequality, injustice, and structural barriers. Moreover, education equips us with the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions. As such, I encourage my peers to prioritize their education and to actively seek out opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom. However, education alone is not enough. We must also translate our knowledge into action through advocacy. This involves raising awareness about key issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and holding our elected officials accountable. One way to do this is by engaging in community outreach efforts. Whether it's through volunteering with local nonprofits, participating in protests and demonstrations, or simply having conversations with friends and family, every action we take has the potential to create ripple effects of change. Additionally, we can utilize social media platforms to share information, mobilize support, and build solidarity around important causes. By harnessing the power of our collective voices, we can create a momentum that compels policymakers to take meaningful action. Furthermore, civic engagement is essential for fostering a culture of democracy and social responsibility. As future voters, we have a responsibility to participate in the electoral process and to exercise our right to vote. This means registering to vote, staying informed about candidates and ballot measures, and turning out to the polls on Election Day. Moreover, we must recognize that our civic duty extends beyond casting a ballot every few years. We must also actively engage with our elected officials, advocating for policies that reflect our values and priorities. Whether it's writing letters, making phone calls, or attending town hall
RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN JEREMY WATKINS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , I take this moment to recognize Captain Jeremy Watkins for his 22 years of extraordinary service with the Dearborn Fire Department in Michigan's 12th District Strong. prgtoken Captain Watkins started as a firefighter with the Dearborn Fire Department in 2002. He steadily rose through the ranks, serving as engineer, lieutenant, and was promoted to captain in 2024. prgtoken Over the years, Captain Watkins has been recognized for his commitment and outstanding public service, achieving five Meritorious Company Commendations, as well as the Fire Chief's Unit Award, the Fire Chief's Life Saving Award, and the John D. Dingell Medal of Freedom Memorial Commendation. prgtoken He has also been recognized multiple times, Madam , for his safe driving record and for his work at the vaccination center. prgtoken Captain Watkins has devoted countless hours and energy to serving the people and the families of the city of Dearborn. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing his 22 years of commitment to protecting our communities across Michigan's 12th District as we wish him strength in his fight against brain cancer. Ending Profit from War