mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPEACHMENT
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-2-23

I rise today to speak about the terrible events of January 6, the impeachment vote, and the need to hold people accountable for their actions. prgtoken While the U.S. Senate did not achieve the two-thirds vote necessary to convict former President , this will go down in history as the largest bipartisan vote ever to hold a President accountable for high crimes and misdemeanors under our Constitution. prgtoken Former President spent months pushing a big lie--that the November election was stolen from him. He inspired, encouraged, and incited a deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in order to stop the certification of the electoral college vote, and then he did nothing to stop the violence, which caused massive injury and loss of life. prgtoken I wish to convey my personal and deep gratitude to all of the Capitol Police officers who courageously put their lives on the line to protect all of us that day, and I join with my colleagues in grieving the loss of life and injuries that so many suffered as a result of this violent insurrection. prgtoken This wasn't just an attack on a building. It was an attack on all of the people who work there. It was an attack on our form of government. It was an attack on our Constitution. It was an attack on ``We the People.'' prgtoken This bipartisan vote sent an important message: In America, no President is above the law. And inciting violence against our government is illegal and dangerous. prgtoken Now, as a nation, we must move forward. We must do everything we can to bring down the temperature of our debates, find common ground on issues we care about, and reduce the divide in our families and communities. And we must continue to strive for accountability and justice. Our democracy demands no less.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MELVIN BANKS
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-2-23

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate and commemorate the life and works of Dr. Melvin Banks, the founder of Urban Ministries, Incorporated. A prodigious soul, by the age of 12, Dr. Banks was already spreading the word of the gospel throughout his native state of Alabama, sharing stories of the Bible with younger children. It was when he was preaching in Birmingham that Dr. Banks heard a verse from the Book of Hosea that would change his life ``My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'' Hearing this verse caused Dr. Banks to even further dedicate himself to spreading the gospel across the country and the world. prgtoken Dr. Banks' study of the Bible would take him to Chicago's Moody Bible Institute, where he was one of the institution's few Black students, graduating in 1955. However, Dr. Banks' education as a Christian in Chicago would not revolve solely around the classroom. At the urging of a chapel speaker, Dr. Banks visited a Brethren church on the city's South Side. This experience led him to the vital realization that he didn't need to diminish his blackness to live the fullest Christian life that he could. There, Dr. Banks would also meet and marry Olive Perkins, who would remain his partner throughout his life. He then continued his theological education in the Chicagoland area prgtoken at Wheaton College, earning a bachelor's degree in theology in 1958 and a master's degree in biblical studies in 1960. prgtoken When working for a Christian publishing company after completing his degrees at Wheaton College, Dr. Banks found that he often struggled to sell the company's Sunday School curriculum to Black churches. The material was written by white authors and told solely from a white perspective. Black churches believed that their students may not be able to relate to it. This realization led Dr. Banks to a truly visionary idea: why not create a Sunday School curriculum that would resonate with the Black experience? It was with this idea in mind that Dr. Banks launched Universal Ministries, Inc with the mission of making the Bible more relatable to Black Sunday School students. prgtoken Beginning in his Chicago basement in 1970, Dr. Banks steadily grew Universal Ministries, Inc. to the point where it is today, with a customer base of over 40,000 for the company's Christian education resources. Thanks to the work of Universal Ministries, Inc hundreds of thousands of Black Christians can see themselves and their experiences reflected in the texts of their faith. So titanic are the accomplishments of Universal Ministries, Inc that the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association awarded Dr. Banks with their inaugural Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. prgtoken Madam , Dr. Banks passed away on February 13, 2021. His life's work continues through Universal Ministries, Inc and the thousands of students who will benefit from the curriculums he assembled. He is survived by his wi
RECOGNIZING GENEVA'S SHEAR PERFECTION BARBER & BEAUTY SALON
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-23

this month our country is joining together in celebration of Black History Month. It is a month for all of us to recognize the indescribable impact that Black Americans have left made on our Nation; to recommit ourselves to the struggle to achieve and ensure racial justice throughout our land; and, of course, to celebrate Black culture and all of its contributions to America past, present, and future. Few institutions are more connected or have been more central to Black culture than the barbershop and beauty salon. As described by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, for generations, men and women have been going to these businesses not just for hair care, but for the sense of community and security they provide. Black Americans go to spend time among peers, playing cards or chess, sharing the latest local news and engaging in passionate debates about politics. Men and women go in to these businesses for friendship and mentorship and to be engaged in the affairs of their neighbors and their community. prgtoken For 30 years, this was particularly true of Geneva's Shear Perfection Barber & Beauty Salon in northeast Portland. Since opening its doors in 1991, Geneva's has been a hub for Portland's African-American community, welcoming over 1,000 people through its doors every month. Folks from Michael Jordan and Muhammed Ali, to members of the Portland Trailblazers, sat in its chairs. But more importantly, it stood as the heart for three generations of Black Portlanders who first walked through Geneva's doors as children with their parents and then went on to bring their own sons and daughters for their first haircuts, even as the area around this local institution underwent the kind of gentrification that pushed Black families further and further away. prgtoken But it wasn't only the barbershop itself that is considered an institution of the Portland community--so is the Knauls family who owned and operated it for three decades. Geneva Knauls, who passed away in 2014, was our State's first Black female barber. Throughout her years as a businesswoman, Geneva supported all different kinds of local grassroots projects and organizations, and become one of the most beloved people in the northeast Portland community. Her status is only equaled by her husband's, Mr. Paul Knauls, Sr who is affectionately known around town as the Mayor of Northeast Portland. From 1963 to 1970, Mr. Knauls owned and ran the Cotton Club, which was the place for jazz and soul music, welcoming such big names as Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, and Sammy Davis, Jr to its stage to serenade music-loving Portlanders. He sold the Cotton Club in 1970 and went on to open a series of others throughout town before finally opening Geneva's. All the while, throughout all of his business adventures, Paul has been active in other ways throughout the community. He worked with the Junior Achieveme
JOSEPH HAYNE RAINEY MEMORIAL POST OFFICE BUILDING
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2021-2-23

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 264, which will designate the post office located on Charlotte Street in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building. prgtoken I am proud to join with the bill's lead sponsor, Congressman Tom Rice, and the other members of the South Carolina congressional delegation in cosponsoring this important legislation. prgtoken This action builds on our efforts in the last Congress to honor the life and legacy of Joseph Rainey by naming H-150, the former House Committee on Indian Affairs room in the Capitol, in his honor. prgtoken These are just two of the long-overdue actions needed to amplify the historical significance of the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken Congressman Rainey was a trailblazer whose story and place in history have been overlooked. As a former history teacher who believes knowing our history is instructive so that we don't repeat the mistakes of our past, I would like to share with you my fellow South Carolinian's legacy. prgtoken Joseph Rainey, as you heard, was born enslaved in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina. His father was able to buy his family's freedom with earnings he made as a barber. As a freedman living in Charleston, Rainey was conscripted by the Confederacy in 1862. Rather than fighting to preserve slavery, he and his family fled to Bermuda, where he worked as a barber until the end of the war. prgtoken Rainey returned to South Carolina after the Civil War and served, as you heard, as a delegate to the 1868 South Carolina Constitutional Convention. He was elected to the State senate in 1870. Later that year, he was elected to Congress in a special election and was sworn into Congress on December 12, 150 years ago, becoming the first Black to serve in the House of Representatives. prgtoken He was the first of several African-American Members of this body during Reconstruction, when the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were enforced, however imperfectly, by the power of the Federal Government. prgtoken But Reconstruction was short-lived. Jim Crow laws and white supremacists dismantled multiracial democracy with voter suppression, nullifications, and violent insurrection. Federal troops were withdrawn from the South following widespread white supremacist violence during the 1876 election and the subsequent election of Rutherford B. Hayes as President. prgtoken Joseph Rainey spoke out against the removal of Federal protection of voting rights, but in 1878, he lost reelection to former Confederate officer John Smythe Richardson in a district that was, like South Carolina, majority Black. prgtoken Severe gerrymandering reduced the number of Black South Carolinians in Congress to one in the 1890s. When George Washington Murray lost his bid for reelection in 1897, South Carolina's representation in Congress was again all White and remained all White for the next
LIVING UP TO THE PRINCIPLES OF FREEDOM AND EQUITY
Marie Newman (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-2-23

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the millions of Americans who continue to be denied housing, education, public services, and much, much more because they identify as members of the LGBTQ community; Americans like my own daughter who, years ago, bravely came out to her parents as transgender. prgtoken I knew from that day on, my daughter would be living in a nation where, in most of it States, she could be discriminated against merely because of who she is. And yet, it was still the happiest day of my life, because my daughter has found her authentic self. prgtoken And as any mother would, I swore that I would fight to ensure this country changes for the better. Without the Equality Act, this Nation will never live up to its principles of freedom and equality. The right time to pass this act was decades ago. The second best time is right now. prgtoken I am voting yes on the Equality Act for Evie Newman, my daughter, and the strongest, bravest person I know.
CORONAVIRUS (Executive Calendar)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-2-23

I rise in support of the nomination of Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. prgtoken Our next U.N. Ambassador will inherit the monumental task of rebuilding our frayed alliances after four years of isolation and division, in which the United States retreated from our leadership role in promoting democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. There is no person better suited to this task than Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. prgtoken In a Foreign Service career spanning more than three decades, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield served with distinction both in Washington and around the globe, including at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations that she will now lead. prgtoken As the son of a Foreign Service Officer and cochair of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, I am also acutely aware of the significance of President selecting a career Foreign Service Officer for this position. For 4 years, members of the Foreign Service have been maligned, demeaned, and marginalized by the people trusted to lead them. The selection of a career Foreign Service Officer to represent the United States at the United Nations marks a sharp turn away from that shameful chapter. prgtoken I look forward to working with Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield as we take on the difficult work of restoring our standing in the world, rebuilding our alliances, and investing in the men and women of our Foreign Service. I am proud to support her nomination.
REMEMBERING KAREN LEWIS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-2-23

today, I would like to recognize the life of an exceptional woman: Karen Lewis. Most remember Karen as the fiery president of the Chicago Teachers Union who led the 2012 strike. Karen always fought for what she believed. She devoted her career to education and people. Her commitment to her beloved teachers was her North Star. prgtoken Most will remember that Karen was no stranger to challenge. She attended Mount Holyoke College before transferring to Dartmouth College as a member of the first coeducational class in the institution's history. She had the courage to try her hand at medical school before finding her calling in teaching. As a new member in her teachers union, Karen did not hesitate to stand up when she thought something could be done better and ran for union offices as a member of the Caucus of Rank and File Educators, CORE. prgtoken However, this was only one side of Karen Lewis. In many ways she was a true renaissance woman. In Karen's love of opera, her musical skill playing both flute and piano, her love of languages, her conversion to Judaism, and her passion for professional tennis, you could see the many facets of her life. prgtoken But, above all else, I will remember Karen as a friend to both Loretta and me. prgtoken In 2014, she was diagnosed with gioblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor. I remembered her diagnosis when many months later my colleague, Senator John McCain, faced the same challenge. I asked Karen who seemed to be weathering her personal storm if she would speak with John and she, of course, agreed. I do not know if the conversation took place, but I thought that these two heroes of much different wars could become unusual allies in prgtoken the common struggle each of us will face. prgtoken The word ``legendary'' is overused, but when it comes to Karen Lewis, it falls short of describing an amazing life journey. I am reminded of a quote from Confucius that roughly translates to: ``If your plan is for one year, plant rice; if your plan is for ten years, plant trees; if your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.'' I am thankful for Karen's 100-year plan. Let us honor her memory by continuing her work to educate the children of America.
Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-23

today the Senate will complete the confirmation of two key nominees: Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as U.N. Ambassador and Tom Vilsack to serve as Agriculture Secretary. prgtoken As I said yesterday, the Senate will also confirm Jennifer Granholm this week to serve as the next Energy Secretary and begin the confirmation of Dr. Miguel Cardona to serve as the next Education Secretary. We also hope to do Gina Raimondo, nominee for Secretary of Commerce, early next week. prgtoken Each of these nominees has received bipartisan support in committee. Each of these nominees is undoubtedly qualified for their positions, a stark departure from the caliber of nominees the Senate was made to consider during the previous administration. prgtoken Make no mistake, the Senate will move quickly to approve key officials in the administration this work period. These Cabinet positions and Agencies have an immense influence over the policies of the United States, impacting hundreds of millions of American lives. At a time of acute national challenge, we need qualified leaders atop our Federal Agencies--and fast. and that is what we intend to do.
EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL IN THE DIGITAL ERA ACT
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-23

. The BOP will be permitted to retain the contents of these messages until the incarcerated person is released, but they would be accessible only under limited circumstances. prgtoken The bill is supported by a wide variety of groups, including the American Bar Association, ACLU, Americans for Prosperity, Dream Corps, Due Process Institute, National Action Network, Prison Fellowship, Right on Crime, Faith and Freedom Coalition, FAMM, Federal public and community defenders organizations, and so many others. prgtoken I want to thank all the sponsors of this bill, most particularly Representatives Van Taylor, Jerry Nadler, Tom McClintock, Don Bacon, Nancy Mace, and Sheila Jackson Lee, as well as Dan Crenshaw and Dusty Johnson. This has truly been a bipartisan journey. prgtoken Our criminal justice system depends on the attorney-client privilege to ensure effective representation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 546.
JOSEPH HAYNE RAINEY MEMORIAL POST OFFICE BUILDING
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-2-23

. Madam , I thank Mr. Mfume for yielding time, and I thank Mr. Rice for introducing this legislation. prgtoken Madam , when I was first elected to Congress, I visited Congressman Clyburn's office seeking his assistance with committee assignments. While there, I noticed the pictures of eight former South Carolina Congressmen, all African American, hanging prominently in his outer office. prgtoken Among those was Joseph Rainey, the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. I was unaware of Mr. Rainey, and so I became curious about this man. prgtoken Joseph Rainey was born to enslaved parents on June 21, 1832, in Georgetown, South Carolina, a community heavily dominated with slaves. prgtoken As the years went on, Joseph Rainey's father was permitted by his master to work independently and save a little money. Using his accumulated funds, Edward Rainey purchased freedom for little Joseph and his family. prgtoken When President Lincoln was elected in 1860, 11 States seceded from the Union; South Carolina was the first. A civil war erupts. prgtoken Joseph Rainey, now 28 years of age, was conscripted, or drafted, to work on fortifications in Charleston. This was unacceptable to Joseph, and so, with his family, he escaped to St. George, Bermuda. prgtoken Madam , St. George is a small parish on the island of Bermuda. While there, Rainey undoubtedly became acquainted with my grandfather, James Peter Butterfield, born 1853, who lived his entire life in St. George. prgtoken On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment was added to the Constitution, ending slavery in America. 400,000 slaves in South Carolina are free: 37,000 in Charleston, 32,000 in Beaufort, 18,000 in Georgetown. prgtoken The same year, the Civil War ends. South Carolina desires to be readmitted to the Union. As a condition, South Carolina was required to adopt a constitution that repudiated secession, acknowledged the end of slavery and repudiated debts that the State and its White citizens had incurred. prgtoken The South Carolina Constitutional Convention convened on January 14, 1868. A very prominent delegate to the convention was Joseph H. Rainey. The convention's minutes, Madam , reflect that Rainey advocated for free public education for all South Carolina citizens. He advocated for relieving White landowners of their insurmountable debt that had accumulated during the war. prgtoken The convention was successful; a new constitution was adopted, and on July prgtoken 9, 1868, South Carolina was readmitted to the Union. Joseph Rainey was recognized for his brilliance during the convention. prgtoken The following year, 1869, Congress passed the 15th Amendment granting the former slaves the right to vote and hold office. On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment was finally ratified by the States. prgtoken Joseph Rainey seized the opportunity; ran for Congress in the First District. Elected on December 12, 1870, Congressman Rainey remained a
EFFORTS TO MODERNIZE AND STRENGTHEN MULTIEMPLOYER PENSION PLANS
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2021-2-23

. Madam , I'd like to thank my colleague, Chairman Richard Neal for his tireless work on the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021 and for providing retirement income security for pension recipients in endangered, critical or critical and declining status multiemployer pension plans. prgtoken In Kansas, thousands of retirees currently receive pensions through the Central States Plan and they face a crisis--a severe reduction in retirement income through no fault of their own. prgtoken Without the direct relief provided in this legislation, the Central States Pension Fund would have become insolvent in 2026 and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation would have to reduce 360,000 participants' pensions to pennies. This is unacceptable. As Chairman Neal is all too aware, many of the participants of Central States are frontline workers who have served our country tirelessly and fearlessly in the face of the pandemic. prgtoken The present structure of these plans is unsustainable and in need of reform. prgtoken Without modernization of these plans and addressing employer liabilities, I am concerned that multiemployer pension plans and their retirees will certainly face similar circumstances in the future and require additional federal funds. This much needed relief to the plans is designed to forestall insolvency leaving important work that must follow. I believe we must seize this opportunity to reform these plans and take insolvency off the table. prgtoken I understand the Chairman is committed to working with me to modernize and strengthen multiemployer pension plans with the intent of bringing a reform package to the floor in this Congress. Could the Chairman confirm that is the case?