mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY VIGILS
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , as thousands take part in vigils across Oregon, the U.S and the globe, I rise today in strong opposition to the administration's inhumane detention policies. These policies and practices have led to families being ripped apart, children dying, and a shameful chapter written in our nation's history. prgtoken That's why I voted for the House-passed bill which had strong health and safety requirements for care of unaccompanied minor children, tightened restrictions on detention shelters, created accountability for contractors violating essential standards at detention shelters, and more. Instead, the -controlled Senate stripped these essential reforms from the bill. Congress ultimately passed the weak and flawed Senate version. prgtoken I voted against this toothless legislation. If we don't address this crisis head-on with proper oversight standards and commitment to holding this administration accountable, nothing will change and people will continue to suffer. That is unacceptable. prgtoken Make no mistake, we can't solve the problems at our border if we don't address the reasons that so many individuals are fleeing their home countries. The administration's plan to cut aid to countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras will only make the situation worse, likely increasing violence and government dysfunction. Instead, we should be investing in a plan similar to the Marshall Plan after World War II to restore safety, stability, and promote economic opportunities in Central America. prgtoken We must act--now--to get serious about reforming our broken immigration system by passing bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. This is the only course of action that will allow us to protect these vulnerable individuals while also producing real, long-term solutions to our immigration crisis.
AWARENESS OF CANCER MORTALITY IN WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise today to bring awareness to the incidence of cancer and cancer mortality in Wayne County, Michigan. Wayne County ranks in the top four counties with the highest incidence of cancer in Michigan. prgtoken In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, has classified outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen, citing 223,000 lung cancer deaths worldwide in 2010. It's no coincidence that Wayne County is home to some of Michigan's most heavily industrialized areas. Wayne County is home to Michigan's only oil refinery, one hundred eleven Superfund sites, massive transportation infrastructure, steel mills, and more. prgtoken More telling than the clouds of smoke, the odors, and the haze hanging in the air, is the pollution's toll on human lives. There is no doubt that the cancer, respiratory disease, and other illnesses have caused great distress to the families impacted. Too often, we sacrifice the quality of life for our residents. We have lost too many lives and it's time to say enough. We have an opportunity to reverse course and do better by future generations. prgtoken Therefore, I rise today to honor those whose lives were cut short by cancer and will continue to fight for environmental justice for the people of Michigan's 13th Congressional District.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1327, the Never Forget the Heroes Act, and to thank the 332 colleagues of mine who have cosponsored this historic, bipartisan legislation. prgtoken When the planes hit on 9/11, our first responders did not hesitate. Firefighters, police officers, medical, construction workers, and volunteers from all around the country rushed to Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash sites. It was a national response to a national terrorist attack. prgtoken We lost nearly 3,000 lives on that day, and in the nearly 18 years since the attack, the death toll continues to climb. prgtoken We, as a nation, have a moral obligation, a double moral obligation, to take care of the people who took care of us and those who take care of them now--because they cannot work--first and foremost, for their service that day and in the days and weeks and months to follow; and secondly, because of the toxic lie our government told them: that it was safe to work on the site when it, clearly, was not. Because of their exposure to toxins, many of them have cancers and are sick and dying. prgtoken In 2015, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, making the World Trade Center Health Program permanent, but it extended the Victims Compensation Fund only to 2020. Not only is the fund about to expire, but making matters worse, it is also running out of money. prgtoken In February, the special master announced that, due to more and more claims, the fund does not have enough money to make it to 2020. They have had to reduce payouts by 50 to 70 percent, and this is devastating for those who depend on this fund. That is why we need to pass the Never Forget the Heroes Act today to fully and permanently fund the Victims Compensation Fund. prgtoken These heroes and their families cannot wait any longer, and I hope they will never have to come back to this Congress again to ask again and again for help and support for their healthcare and their families. We need to make this fund permanent. prgtoken If you remember 9/11, you remember that we as a nation vowed that we would never forget. None of us in this coalition will rest until we have turned that promise into a law to help the heroes who were there to help us. prgtoken I join my colleagues, Jerry Nadler and Peter King, the lead sponsors of this bill. I thank them for their dedication and work. I thank my staff, and I thank the heroes who are named in our bill, Luis Alvarez, Ray Pfeifer, and James Zadroga, for their inspiration. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to stand with the heroes and vote for this bill.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , 9 years ago, I stood here and called up for consideration the original 9/11 bill, the James Zadroga Act. prgtoken I want to thank Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Majority Whip Clyburn for their roles in passing that bill, and now for moving us as quickly as possible to get this bill done. prgtoken I also want to thank my colleagues from New York, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. King), for standing with me in this fight for so long, and to thank all the advocates, many of whom are here today, who have given so much and have worked so hard to pass this bill. prgtoken Finally, I want to thank Lisette Morton, my longtime legislative director and director of policy planning and member services for the Committee on the Judiciary, who is leaving my team at the end of this month after nearly 20 years. prgtoken Lisette worked for me on September 11, 2001, and she was tireless in her efforts to get a proper detoxification and cleanup after the attack in New York and to hold the EPA accountable for its failures. Without her fierce advocacy and dedication, there would be more victims today, and we would not be here considering this bill today. She will be greatly missed by this institution, by my staff, and by me. prgtoken Now, Madam , I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank the chair for yielding and for his tremendous leadership. prgtoken Since the tragedy on September 11, approximately 10,000 people have been diagnosed with cancer related to toxic smoke and dust. Approximately 15,000 people are suffering with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Approximately 10,000 people struggle with PTSD. Almost 5,000 individuals are struggling with anxiety and depression. More than 2,000 people have died since September 11. prgtoken The overwhelming majority of these individuals who are sick and afflicted are 9/11 first responders. prgtoken The Victim Compensation Fund is expected to run out of money. In order to take care of these brave heroes and individuals, we vowed as a nation to never forget. That means looking after those brave men and women who sacrificed so much in the days, weeks, months, and years after September 11. prgtoken Support this legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. MARGARET A. JONES
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Margaret A. Jones. Margaret was a longtime resident of Guam, a wife, mother, a public-spirited community leader, and a woman of business on Guam. In 1965, she was a founding member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association and gave her time and effort to numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. Her family business, Triple J Enterprises was founded in 1984 and has grown across the Pacific region. Margaret was born on November 5, 1937 and passed away in North Carolina on June 27, 2019, at the age of 81. prgtoken Margaret was the daughter of Early and Verna Page. Margaret was born in Willow Spring, North Carolina. prgtoken Margaret married Robert H. Jones in 1957. They raised three children and were blessed with eleven grandchildren. prgtoken In 1965, Margaret was a founding member of the Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association (GMHVA), known as the Pink Ladies for the pink vests worn by their volunteers. GMHVA has raised millions of dollars for improvements to the Guam Memorial Hospital. prgtoken Margaret was active in the American Cancer Society and led Triple J Enterprises in its support for cancer research by participating annually in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and sponsoring an annual 5k run/walk event. prgtoken Margaret had been active with other non-profit organizations, including the Guam Women's Club, Harvest Baptist Church, the Miss Guam Universe Pageant, the Miss Guam World Pageant, and the Board of St. John's School. prgtoken Margaret started her career in Guam at the Marianas Travel Agency. In 1975, she joined Pan American Airlines, working as a Special Sales Representative until 1991. In 1984, Margaret cofounded Triple J Enterprises along with her husband, Robert H. Jones, and Georgia Stafford. Today, the Triple J group employs over nine hundred employees across the Micronesia region, many of whom have been with the business for over twenty years. prgtoken I am deeply saddened by the passing of Margaret A. Jones and I join the people of Guam in celebrating her life. She was pillar of the island community, leading both in charitable and non-profit service and in business on Guam. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and friends. prgtoken I extend my condolences to her husband, Robert H. Jones, her children, Julie Jones Murrell, Jeff Jones, and Jay Jones, and their spouses, and her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of the people of Guam.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank our chairwoman, Carolyn Maloney, in particular, and Peter King. From the very beginning, they have been steadfast. And I say to you, the angels are singing now. prgtoken We all know it took some kicking and screaming to get this fund established in the first place, but we got it through because a lot of people were here before that period of time and gave us that support. prgtoken Firefighters are always there, but the work isn't over. They need our help. Last year, the fund announced that, due to a funding shortfall, injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors will receive cuts to the awards that they were expecting--big cuts, 50 percent, 70 percent--for future claims. This is unacceptable. prgtoken So the all-clear sign after 9/11 from the Federal Government was premature.
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT J. GILLILAND
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Robert J. Gilliland, the first man to fly the world's fastest supersonic manned aircraft--the SR-71 Blackbird--who died on Independence Day last week at the age of 93. Mr. Gilliland, a native of Memphis, attended what is now the Campus School at the University of Memphis and the Webb School at Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He was a 1949 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he took his commission in the newly created U.S. Air Force. After patrolling the skies over post-war Germany, he won his air wing's ``top gun'' competition. In the Korean War, he flew F-84s from the Taegu Air Base with the call sign ``Dutch 51.'' Returning to the United States, Mr. Gilliland got a plum assignment to the Air Force's research and development group at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, but soon left that post to help his father run the family's Memphis commercial real estate business. After his father died, Mr. Gilliland joined Lockheed as a test pilot for the F-104 Starfighter in California, then as chief pilot for the European production of the F- 104 at Turin, Italy. In 1962, he got a call from Clarence L. ``Kelly'' Johnson, the chief of Lockheed's advanced research and development team at what is called the Skunk Works outside Burbank, California. There, he worked on the secretive SR-71 Blackbird, the first manned stealth aircraft and the fastest of its day, sometimes at the super-secret Area 51 in the Nevada desert. On December 22, 1964, he piloted the hypersonic SR-71 for the first time and continued testing an aircraft that could attain speeds in excess of Mach 3.2 and climb to the edge of outer space at 85,000 feet. Mr. Gilliland logged more test flight hours at or above Mach 3 than any other pilot. His life is the subject of a book due for release next year with a forward by Captain Chesley ``Sully'' Sullenberger, who landed a U.S. Airways flight on the Hudson River in 2009. I want to extend my condolences to Mr. Gilliland's daughter Anne Gilliland Hayes and her husband Richard; to his son Robert J. Gilliland Jr. and his wife Kim; to his grandchildren Laura, Nathaniel, Stuart, Scott and Heather; and to his brother, my friend James S. Gilliland and his wife Lucia. Service was a family quality that was instilled in Mr. Gilliland and he was a true hero whose bravery was repeatedly demonstrated in the harshest possible circumstances. He was the embodiment of the Air Force motto, ``Aim High, Fly-Fight-Win.'' The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for an American life well lived.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his kind remarks and for his tremendous leadership. prgtoken From the first minutes of the assault on our country, Chairman Nadler was there to meet the needs of our country as we protected, but also to meet the needs of those who rushed in to save lives. prgtoken I want to also salute Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who has worn a firefighters jacket through the heat of the summer now, but all spring, until this bill was brought up on the floor. I thank the gentlewoman for not only wearing the jacket, but for her relentless, persistent advocacy on behalf of our 9/11 heroes. prgtoken I am so proud that this time this bill is bipartisan, and I thank the distinguished gentleman, Mr. King from New York, for his leadership, for his recognition of the bipartisan nature of what we are doing, what we did then and what we are doing now. I thank the gentleman, Mr. King, for his leadership as well. prgtoken H.R. 1327 is the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act--a big name, a tall order, and long overdue. prgtoken When we talk about 9/11, we tread on sacred ground. On that dark day, our Nation suffered loss we could never have imagined, and we witnessed heroism that we will never forget. prgtoken Because of our heroes, 9/11 is etched in our Nation's history not only as a day of profound loss and tragedy but also a day of powerful unity and resilience. On September 11 and in its aftermath, our brave first responders were there for us. We must always be there for them. prgtoken The Never Forget the Heroes Act takes long-overdue action to provide the financial security and support that 9/11 heroes, survivors, and families deserve. Today, we are honored to take this action to ensure that all people suffering from illnesses related to 9/11 or by the debris removal and cleanup efforts in their aftermath and their families get the full awards they have been promised. prgtoken It is critically important that we restore the compensation to those hit by drastic, unfair cuts and ensure that their claims will be fully paid in the future. prgtoken One of the reasons that we have to have this additional legislation is because there are so many more diagnoses of cancer and the rest that followed. prgtoken This bill honors the heroes after which it is named, James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez. Those heroes showed courage beyond measure not only by running toward danger that day but by giving their last days to fight for all harmed on 9/11. prgtoken We are blessed by the presence of members of their families and other advocates, including first responders suffering from 9/11-related illnesses, here in the Capitol today. They have done the outside organizing as we did the inside maneuvering. They have made the complete difference. prgtoken I thank Jon Stewart for raising the profi
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-7-12

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken , before I get into the schedule, I know that all of our thoughts are with my good friends in Louisiana and my good friend who represents Louisiana, his constituents, and the people of Louisiana as they brace for Tropical Storm Barry, expected to make landfall tomorrow. prgtoken This is a serious storm, and, when combined with the flooding we have already seen along the Mississippi, it poses a serious threat to the safety and welfare of many. prgtoken We hope everyone is safe and taking the necessary steps to get out of harm's way, and I want the gentleman from Louisiana to know how much we are paying attention to his constituents in the State he represents and the region he represents.
NEVER FORGET THE HEROES: JAMES ZADROGA, RAY PFEIFER, AND LUIS ALVAREZ PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND ACT
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam , in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, we saw heroism and selflessness, especially the first responders who rushed toward danger, rescued survivors, and then spent months cleaning up the wreckage. prgtoken Their selflessness was on display again last month when first responders encouraged us, Congress, to reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. prgtoken This Congress and I were particularly touched by Detective Luis Alvarez, who traveled to Washington during the final days of his life. He said: ``I'm doing okay, but there are others out there who aren't doing okay.'' Detective Alvarez embodied the selflessness of so many. prgtoken On June 29, Detective Alvarez passed away, but he will be remembered and counted among those who gave their life for us. prgtoken Before he died, he said: ``The government has to act like first responders, you know, put politics aside and let's get this bill done.'' prgtoken Detective Alvarez is right, and today we vote to permanently reauthorize VCF. First responders and their families must never again face uncertainty about whether their country will be there for them.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-12

. Madam Chair, I rise to speak in support of Amendment No. 423 to H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020, offered by the gentleman from California, Congressman Ro Khanna. prgtoken The Khanna Amendment is simple and straightforward in its prohibition against unauthorized military force in or against Iran. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Administration sent an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine to the region in a show of force. prgtoken The Khanna Amendment would make clear and explicit that nothing in the FY2020 NDAA can be construed as congressional authorization or acquiescence regarding the use of military force against Iran. prgtoken The Framers understood that while the military does the fighting, the entire nation goes to war. prgtoken That is why the Framers lodged the power to declare war in the Congress, the branch of government closest to the people. prgtoken They knew that the decision to go to war was too important to be left to the whim of a single person, no matter how wise or well-informed he or she might be. prgtoken The President must consult with Congress and to obtain an AUMF before undertaking any military offensive against Iran. prgtoken Over the last 18 years, we have seen 3 Presidents use the 2001 Afghanistan AUMF as a blank check to engage in serious military action. prgtoken In 2016, the Congressional Research Service issued a report detailing 37 unclassified uses of this authorization in 14 countries, including for operations at Guantanamo Bay, warrantless wiretapping, and recent military action in Libya, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen. prgtoken The overly broad 2001 AUMF represents a critical deterioration of Congressional oversight, which should be repealed, rather than repeated with respect to Iran. prgtoken As our brave service members are deployed around the world in combat zones, Congress is missing in action. prgtoken As provided under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, absent a Congressional declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force, the President as Commander-in-Chief has constitutional power to engage the U.S. armed forces in hostilities only in the case of a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces. prgtoken As a co-equal branch of government, it is Congress's right and responsibility to be fully consulted regarding any potential plans to conduct military operations in Iran, to assess whether such action is in the national security interest of the United States and its allies, and to withhold or grant authorization for the use of military force based on this assessment. prgtoken As we have learned from the painful and bitter experience of the past 18 years, at the initiation of hostilities, the costs in terms of blood and treasure of U.S. military interventions abroad are often underestimated and the benefits overstated. prgtoken For example, more than 6,800