mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BUILDING SAFETY MONTH
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , today, during Building Safety Month, I am pleased to recognize the importance of safety in the built environment and the dedication of the members of the International Code Council (ICC) for their roles in protecting our communities. prgtoken With natural disasters only expected to increase in frequency and severity, building codes include important safeguards to protect the public from tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, snowstorms, wildland fires, and earthquakes. In January 2019, the congressionally-established National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) released a study finding that adopting modern model building codes save $11 for every $1 invested through earthquake, flood, and wind mitigation benefits, with a $4 to $1 wildfire mitigation benefit. These benefits represent avoided casualties, property damage, business interruptions, and insurance costs, and are enjoyed by all building stakeholders--from developers, titleholders, and lenders, to tenants and communities. prgtoken Vulnerable and underserved populations are most effected by increases in utility costs. And they often have the most to lose in the event of a disaster or health emergency. Building codes establish minimum requirements that ensure safe, resilient, and energy efficient schools, childcare and healthcare facilities, housing, and places of employment, regardless of the income or background of the facility's ownership and occupants. These protections are required by law for public safety, and enforced by code officials to ensure everyone enjoys the same protections and plays by the same rules. prgtoken Year round, building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, laborers, and others in the construction industry work to ensure the safe construction of buildings though the use of model building codes. The dedicated members of the International Code Council, a national standards developing organization, come together with local, state and federal officials to develop voluntary consensus codes that protect Americans in the buildings where we worship, live, work, learn, and play. The International Codes, the most widely adopted building safety and fire prevention codes in the nation, are used by most U.S. cities and counties and in all 50 states, including the State of Kansas. I commend the city of Lenexa in my district for adopting the 2018 International Codes and the other cities in my district that are undertaking efforts to update their building codes. prgtoken Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the critical role of our communities' code officials in assuring us safe, efficient, and livable buildings. ``No Code. No Confidence,'' the theme for Building Safety Month 2019, encourages all Americans to raise awareness of the importance of safe and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, and new technologie
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , had I been present on Tuesday May 21, 2019 and Wednesday May 22, 2019, I would have voted in the following way: Yes on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule H. Res. 389, Yes on H. Res. 389 Rule Providing for Consideration of both H.R. 1500--Consumers First Act and H.R. 1994--Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, No on the Steil Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Burgess #6 Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Burgess #7 Amendment to H.R. 1500, Yes on the Stevens Amendment to H.R. 1500, Yes on the Green Amendment to H.R. 1500, No on the Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1500 and Yes on Final Passage of H.R. 1500.
GLOBAL ELECTORAL EXCHANGE ACT OF 2019
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , fair, trustworthy, and accountable elections are critical to defending freedom among our international partners and are fundamental to our identity as a nation. The professionalism of election administrators globally is essential for preserving democracy across the world. The Global Electoral Exchange Act gives America a new tool to use in this important work by sending election administrators and officials, including government officials, polling workers, civil society representatives, members of the judiciary, and others who participate in the organization and administration of an election and other American experts abroad to strengthen new democracies and share best practices. prgtoken Under our bill, those responsible for administering elections outside of the United States could also come here, observing our own processes and taking valuable lessons back home. By keeping the world safe for our basic values we also help stave off the violence in at-risk democracies that all too often follows poorly-run, unfree elections and that often benefits those would do our nation harm. Put simply, American citizens and businesses are safer when we strengthen good governance and freedom in the world's democracies. prgtoken I want to thank my friend and colleague Joaquin Castro for working with me on this bill in both the 115th and the 116th Congresses, and I applaud his bipartisan leadership and hard work on this important issue.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-24

reserving the right to object, I am here today primarily because if I do not object, Congress will have passed into law a bill that spends $19 billion of taxpayer money without Members of Congress being present here in our Nation's Capitol to vote on it. prgtoken Secondly, it is a bill that includes nothing to address the clear national emergency and humanitarian crisis we face at our southern border. prgtoken There is no reason this disaster supplemental should not have included the quite modest $4.4 billion that Director of OMB Vought sent to Capitol Hill to ensure DHS and HHS do not run out of money--which they are slated to do--while managing the over 100,000 illegal aliens crossing our border being apprehended, and the unaccompanied alien minor children being unable to be housed appropriately. prgtoken And, finally, this is a $19 billion bill that is not paid for when we are racking up $100 million of debt per hour. And this is a bipartisan problem, to be honest, and it is a problem that we should solve in Congress rather than ignore. prgtoken Our Nation is strong enough and compassionate enough to have a responsive and fiscally responsive approach to help people who are hurting in the wake of natural disasters. prgtoken We have had months to figure this out and to do our job to secure our border. And we now are expected to let the swamp continue to mortgage the future of our children and grandchildren, making it less likely they will inherit a stronger and better country with a government capable of defending the Nation in responding to disasters such as these. prgtoken , with that, I respectfully object.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CHARLES B. SEIDEL
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Charles B. Seidel, a devoted public servant and loving husband and father. On May 7, 2019, Mr. Seidel passed away at the age of 62 while on a business trip. Mr. Seidel had an outstanding 26-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, overseeing agency operations throughout several conflicts, before entering private life in 2006. prgtoken Charles Seidel was born on June 29, 1956 in Alexandria, Virginia, to his parents John and Annette Seidel. His father was a senior CIA officer who inspired his son to follow in his footsteps. Shortly after graduating from Drew University, Mr. Seidel joined his father at the CIA in 1980. prgtoken Mr. Seidel spent most of his CIA tenure in the Middle East, holding various leadership roles in Iraq, Kuwait, and North African nations. As Chief of Station for the CIA's Middle East Station, he provided intelligence support in the efforts to end Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait and once again in 2003 to overthrow the Hussein-led regime in Iraq. Mr. Seidel possessed a deep respect for the history and customs of the Middle East, which helped him collaborate with the citizens and governments in the region. prgtoken In 2006, Mr. Seidel retired from the CIA and worked for private security consultants such as Decapolis LLC, Blackfish Group, Command Global Services, Strategic Risk Management, and Lazarus Brothers. He was awarded two Intelligence Stars for valor during his service with the agency and was well-respected by his peers. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Charles B. Seidel. He was a committed public servant who always strived to keep America safe from malicious foreign actors. Additionally, the level of respect he showed for other cultures was second to none and serves as an honorable standard for all Americans.
IN MEMORY OF ROY APPLETON, JR.
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Mr. Roy Appleton, Jr who passed away on Monday, April 8, 2019 after a lifetime of service to our nation and his North Texas neighbors. prgtoken As a young man, Roy Appleton, Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He saw combat action for more than 35 months in the South Pacific, taking part in the invasion of Iwo Jima and fighting in multiple battles including the retaking Guadalcanal and Saipan. prgtoken Upon his return home to Texas, Mr. Appleton married Margie Lee Monroe of Denton in 1947. He earned a degree from the University of North Texas in 1949. Even before he graduated, Mr. Appleton began working at the Denton Record-Chronicle. He was employed by the paper for more than four decades, retiring in 1991 as president and general manager. Aside from his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Appleton spent his entire career at the paper. prgtoken An engaged community leader, Mr. Appleton served in a variety of leadership roles for the Denton Chamber of Commerce, the Denton Economic Development Advisory Board, and United Way of Denton County. He was an active member of the Denton Rotary Club and Denton Jaycees, as well as a director of First State Bank and a ruling elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. prgtoken In 2014, the Greater Denton Arts Council renamed their home the ``Patterson-Applegate Center for the Visual Arts'' in recognition of Mr. Appleton's contributions to the art culture of Denton County, which include the creation of the Campus Theatre, annual Holiday Lighting Festival and Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. prgtoken In recognition of his many contributions to the North Texas community, the Greater Denton Arts Council (GDAC) will honor Mr. Appleton's legacy of philanthropy and civic engagement at its annual awards event on May 31, 2019. prgtoken I am grateful for Mr. Appleton's many decades of selfless service to our nation and our community. On behalf of the 26th District of Texas, I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and neighbors.
GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-5-24

. Madam , to many Americans, this 3- day weekend is an excuse to take a trip, go to the pool, barbeque, and celebrate the start of summer. But to millions of Americans, it's the reminder of the sacrifices that our military men and women make every single day to preserve our country's freedoms. prgtoken No one understands that sacrifice better than Gold Star Families. prgtoken The Gold Star Legacy is an organization that honors the memory of our fallen heroes by supporting their families and raising awareness of the struggles that military families go through. prgtoken The sacrifices and struggles of military families are often overlooked on these holidays, but their sacrifices are just as important to the protection of our country as the ones made by those who answer the call to serve. prgtoken This Memorial Day, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifices not only from our military, but also from their families, especially the families of our fallen heroes. I send my sincerest respect and sympathy to our Gold Star Families today. prgtoken I encourage all Americans to take some time this weekend to reflect on the men and women who bravely serve, the heroes we've lost and the families they left behind.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , reserving the right to object. I, of course, will not object, and I urge my friends in this body not to object. prgtoken I urge them not to object because millions of people are at risk. This bill, passed in January to the Senate, which we passed some 3 or 4 weeks ago, needs to be passed as soon as possible for the welfare of our people in this country who have been attacked by natural disasters. prgtoken Madam , I urge my friends on the other side of the aisle not to object.
RECOGNIZING THE JROTC MEMORIAL DAY ASSEMBLY AND WILLIAM McKINLEY PORTRAIT DEDICATION
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I proudly rise to acknowledge the JROTC Memorial Day Recognition Assembly and the portrait dedication of former President William McKinley, who was assassinated only blocks away from McKinley High School here in Buffalo in 1901. The portrait was created by McKinley High School teacher assistant and Army Veteran, Reverend William C. Cobb, Jr who generously donated his drawing to the school for this Memorial Day assembly honoring our fallen service members. prgtoken Rev. Cobb was born in Orlando, Florida and joined the United States Army in 1962. During his service, he was recognized as ``Soldier of the Year'' in 1963. He received an honorable discharge and began pursuing a career in entertainment in Harlem, New York. prgtoken In 1977, he relocated to Buffalo, New York to answer his call to the Christian Ministry. To prepare for his call to Christian Discipleship, he joined the Christian family of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. prgtoken Rev. Cobb is an exhibiting member of the Buffalo Society of Artists, as well as a member of the Buffalo Arts Council and the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society. He's depicted countless famous people, nationally and locally, throughout his career including: Oprah Winfrey, Former Assemblyman the Honorable Arthur O. Eve, Sr Former Buffalo Mayor James Griffin, Al Sharpton, and Former City Councilman David Collins. prgtoken The New York City Ministerial Alliance of the African Methodist Episcopal Church commissioned Rev. Cobb to Paint the founder and First Bishop of their church, Bishop Richard Allen. Bishop Allen's portrait is among the archives and permanent collection of The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library in Harlem. prgtoken Rev. Cobb is a gifted man endowed with many talents. As a fine artist, he's drawn for more than sixty years and painted for approximately fifty years using various mediums and striving for perfection in realism. As a substitute teacher in the Buffalo Public School System, he shares his talents and guidance with the youth of our community. prgtoken Madam , it is with great pride that I acknowledge the JROTC Memorial Day Assembly, former president William McKinley and Reverend William C. Cobb, Jr. Rev. Cobb's devotion to the arts and our community is an inspiration to us all. I also want to commemorate the service members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY RESOLUTION
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise to commemorate today as Menstrual Hygiene Day. Since 2013, Menstrual Hygiene Day has been annually celebrated on May 28th to raise awareness and catalyze political action around the challenges menstruating women and girls face around the world. prgtoken To support the goals and ideals of Menstrual Hygiene Day, last week, I introduced H. Res. 406. This legislation highlights that: 500 million women and girls around the world lack adequate facilities for menstrual health and hygiene management; 1 in 3 girls around the world don't have access to adequate toilets; and many others face social and cultural restrictions during their periods. Additionally, displaced women and adolescent girls--whether by conflict, climate, or natural disaster-- face significant barriers to managing monthly menstruation in a safe, private, and dignified manner. prgtoken Here in the U.S 25 million women live at or below the poverty line, often without consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. A recent survey of low-income women in a large U.S. city found that nearly two- thirds of these women couldn't afford menstrual hygiene products during the previous year. It is estimated that a woman may spend over $1,700 in her lifetime on tampons, a figure that is multiplied for women who also support children who are menstruating. Additionally, incarcerated women have illustrated that their dignity has been compromised when they seek to access menstrual hygiene products. I have also heard heartbreaking stories from girls whose schools fail to provide a supportive environment for menstruating students, often resulting in negative consequences. prgtoken Madam , no one should have to choose between their period or their dignity. No girl should be forced to miss school because of her period. prgtoken We must break the silence, raise awareness, and change negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene here in the U.S. and around the world. While Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated today, we must fight to ensure menstrual equity for all--each and every day. prgtoken That is why this resolution recognizes the barriers vulnerable populations face in accessing menstrual hygiene products, while encouraging greater research, as well as integration of menstrual hygiene services in global humanitarian and development activities abroad. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day. I also urge support of H.R. 1882-- the Menstrual Equity For All Act, a bill which would comprehensively address the challenges menstruating women and girls face. prgtoken Madam , access to safe, affordable menstrual hygiene products is not just a basic health care right; it is a human right. Period.
RECOGNIZING ELLIOTT BRANCH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Elliott Branch, who is retiring from the Department of the Navy after more than 34 years of faithful service to our nation, culminating in his service as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Acquisition and Procurement for the past 10 years. prgtoken Mr. Branch started his federal service in 1978 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as a Contracting Intern with the Naval Regional Procurement Office before transitioning to Naval Air Systems (NAVAIR) Command as a Contract Specialist in 1980. While serving at NAVAIR, he supported HARM, HARPOON, T-45 and F-14 Weapon Systems. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Branch served as Branch Head and Deputy Division Director for Sea Combat Systems, Undersea Weapons and Shipbuilding at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). prgtoken In 1993, he became a member of the SES as the Director, Shipbuilding Contracts Division, at NAVSEA. He went on to serve as Executive Director, Acquisition and Business Management for the Navy, responsible for policy and oversight of contract operations throughout the entire Department. While in this position, he also served as Project Executive Officer, Acquisition Related Business Systems. In this role, he was responsible for the formulation and execution of a multi-year effort transforming the Navy from a paper-based to an electronic acquisition system. prgtoken From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Branch spent time in the private sector where he specialized in acquisition and project management education as well as training and consulting for the federal workforce and its associated contractors. He also served as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Government of the District of Columbia as the agency head responsible for procurement operations, policy, and for formulating legislative proposals for local and Congressional consideration. prgtoken In 2006, Mr. Branch became the first civilian Director of Contracts at the Naval Sea Systems Command where he led one of the largest and most complex procurement organizations in the Federal government for two years. As the senior civilian for contracting at NAVSEA, Mr. Branch was responsible for the contractual oversight of the Nation's most complex shipbuilding and weapons systems procurement programs. His duties involved the obligation and expenditure of approximately $25 billion annually. prgtoken Elliott Branch will finish his career after spending the past 10 years as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Acquisition and Procurement in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition. He has served as the senior career civilian responsible for acquisition and contracting policy that governs the operation of the Navy's world-wide, multibillion-dollar acquisition system. Mr. Branch was the principal civilian advisor to the Navy Acquisition Executive for acquisition and procurement matters, serving as the Department of the N
SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP FOR RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2019
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to voice my strong support for the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, H.R. 1994, otherwise known as the SECURE Act. prgtoken This bill will make it easier for all hardworking Americans to have access to retirement savings plans to create a brighter financial future for themselves and their families. prgtoken In today's economy, far too many Americans do not have adequate access to traditional retirement savings vehicles such as an employer- sponsored 401(k) plans and pensions. prgtoken In fact, as of 2016, only 30 percent of American households had access to a defined-benefit plan and only 52 percent participated in a defined-contribution plan. prgtoken These statistics are even starker for minority families. prgtoken According to recent studies, while African-Americans participating in employer-based retirement plans were on par with White families, participation rates have dropped to 41 percent in 2013, compared to 65 percent for White families. prgtoken This bill would expand access to employer-sponsored retirement savings plans for all Americans and incentivize increased contributions to employee retirement accounts by employers. prgtoken It would also provide a tax credit for small businesses to defray the costs of providing their employees certain 401(k) retirement options that include automatic enrollment, which has proven to increase employee participation and result in higher retirement savings. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.