mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-6-26

Article IV, Section 3.1, provides that new States may be admitted by Congress into this Union. There is absolutely no requirement for a constitutional amendment. prgtoken I was born and raised in Washington, D.C spending my formative years in this great domain, and I grew up knowing that my parents paid taxes but had no voting representation in Congress. prgtoken It was paradoxical that I learned in school that the cries of patriots, ``No taxation without representation,'' did not apply to the people of this great domain. prgtoken We obeyed the same laws and paid the same taxes as our fellow Americans, but we had no hope in taking part in the governance of America. prgtoken I thank the Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for keeping hope alive. prgtoken I am here today to say that it is time to end the legal disenfranchisement of a population larger than the States of Vermont and Wyoming. This vote is long overdue, and I intend to vote in favor of D.C. statehood, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY''--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-26

I rise today to encourage my colleagues to vote to protect my constituents who were scammed by for- profit colleges. prgtoken Both the House and the Senate took bipartisan votes to protect these students, but the President overruled our votes, siding with Secretary DeVos and her billionaire donors. prgtoken This issue hits home for me. I met a woman named Artemisa, who attended a corrupt college in my district. She studied to be a nurse and graduated with $40,000 in debt, but no one would hire her. She is still paying off that debt to this day. prgtoken And it is not just Artemisa. Thousands of students at scam colleges across the country have similar stories. And if Secretary DeVos' new plan isn't stopped, these student borrowers may never get the justice they deserve. prgtoken That is not what we do in this country. prgtoken If Secretary DeVos is concerned about cost, she should talk to her billionaire friends in the corrupt college industry. The criminals should not be putting the financial burden on the victims of this fraud. prgtoken I encourage everyone to vote to overturn the President's veto.
WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2020-6-26

as a Member representing the territories, I would rather pay taxes than have the treatment that this body gives to those that live in the territories. I believe it is the greatest scam and an okey-doke that you have allowed us not to pay taxes and hold that against us to ask for our equal treatment. So keep paying those taxes and you will get your Statehood one day. prgtoken , the United States territories that I represent are also not on equal footing with the rest of the Nation. There is no representation in the U.S. Senate. No equal voting representation in the House of Representatives. Unlike D.C we cannot vote for President. We know what it is like to be part of the greatest country in the world but not a full participant, and it feels incomplete. prgtoken As Americans, we strive to be productive citizens and an asset to the Nation. Statehood for D.C. is a matter of fairness that has been slow in coming. This city, built by African Americans with the use of forced labor, contributes more in Federal taxes on a per person basis than many States. It is a punishment to Americans living in the capital, including those working in policy or public service for the good of the Nation, to be disenfranchised when they establish a home in the District. prgtoken This body changed the boundaries in the 1800s to ensure that slave owners could keep their slaves. We have changed the boundaries in the committee to allow for the Federal city to still exist and the residents of D.C. to become a State. It has been done by this body before. Don't make it seem like it is something that can't happen again. At this very moment, citizens across this Nation are clamoring for change, equality, and justice. With one vote, we can deliver that for the people of D.C. prgtoken , it is time to do what is right and allow the people of this city to feel whole, to feel complete, to feel like they matter. Support H.R. 51.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY''--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-6-26

I rise in support of this measure to override the President's veto and to stand up for our Nation's 20 million college students. prgtoken Secretary DeVos' rule would harm tens of thousands of college students and would allow bad actors to continue some of the worst practices, such as forcing students to sign pre-arbitration agreements that limit their rights. We cannot allow predatory institutions to steal the dream of a college degree from any child. prgtoken It is shameful that in his veto message, President used historically Black colleges and universities, HBCUs, as cover for his pro-fraud, anti-student agenda. prgtoken Now, let's be clear. No HBCU has ever been implicated in a borrower defense claim, and no HBCU has voiced support for Secretary DeVos' rule. That is fake news. prgtoken It is time that President and Secretary DeVos began standing up for North Carolinians seeking opportunity instead of lying down to our Nation's worst institutions. And if they won't do it, Congress will. prgtoken It is a fundamental right. Du Bois told us: ``Of all of the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought . . . the right to learn is . . . the most fundamental.''
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , on June 12, 2016, a gunman shot and killed 49 people and injured 53 others in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. It was the single deadliest known violent attack on the LGBTQ community, the deadliest violent attack in America at that time, and an attack on our Latino community, our African-American communities, and so many others. prgtoken After this tragedy, our city came together. Doctors, first responders, and friends rushed to save the wounded; others donated funds, supplies, even their blood. Countless works of art, gifts, and letters were left at impromptu memorial sites paying tribute to the victims and survivors. prgtoken We came together in candlelight vigils across the globe to grieve and remember. We became truly Orlando Strong in the face of adversity for the whole world to see. prgtoken As we continue to honor 49 angels, we remind the world that love will always conquer hate in the end. The designation of the Pulse nightclub as a national memorial honors the lives taken, as well as the survivors, first responders, and an entire central Florida community. Together, we will open minds and hearts and make the Pulse Memorial a national symbol of hope, love, and change. prgtoken I thank my Orlando area colleagues, Congresswoman Val Demings and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, for joining me in leading this important bipartisan legislation. prgtoken Madam , .
GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2020
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-6-26

nearly a month ago, our nation watched in horror as a white Minneapolis, MN police officer murdered George Floyd. His murder, and those of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbury, Rayshard Brooks, and far too many others, serve as a sobering reminder of the original sin on which our nation has been built--the brutal legacy of slavery, segregation, oppression, and discrimination spanning more than 400 years. prgtoken In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder, thousands of Americans peacefully assembled in every state and the District of Columbia to exercise their First Amendment rights to protest and petition their government for change. My hometown, which has a proud tradition of civic participation and free speech expression, saw the largest protest in our history as residents demanded immediate justice and reform. prgtoken On Tuesday, June 23, I held a listening session with Black Lives Matter activists, community organizers, and local officials to discuss systemic racism, police brutality, and what it will take to heal the deep wounds that still ail our nation. This session was powerful and moving, cementing my commitment to the eradication of racism in every corner of the nation. Racism is present in nearly every institution, every system. prgtoken One individual, whose family has lived in Oregon for generations, shared her family's experience growing up in segregated Eugene, OR. Her mother's two sisters, only four and six years old, were hit by a fast- moving vehicle and when community members called for help, no ambulance came. They both died. Why? Because the victims were two black girls. They were seen as less than human, and our public safety response treated them like they were. Racism is present in our public safety and emergency response. prgtoken A member of the CAHOOTS Crisis Response team also joined our discussion. CAHOOTS is a nonprofit in our district which provides mental health crisis intervention. Last year alone, CAHOOTS responded to roughly 20 percent of the area's 911 and public safety calls. prgtoken She shared how just a few weeks ago, she convinced an armed black man in crisis--surrounded by armed police--to disarm himself. She then escorted him to her van, uncuffed, and helped him receive the mental health intervention he needed. CAHOOTS is a model for what our future public safety response could look like, and heroes like her exemplify how an armed response may not always be the best or most appropriate response. prgtoken One activist spoke about her experience with racism in professional spaces. She told me about how her identity as a Black woman made her supervisors scrutinize her work more heavily and less willing to help when employees of color were dealing with personal struggles. Racism is present in our workplaces. prgtoken One community leader, joined by a separate activist, discussed disparities in mental health and how our healthcare system often fails Black Americans and people
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY''--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Abby Finkenauer (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-6-26

I rise in support of this resolution in overriding the President's veto. prgtoken I want to talk about two Iowans who tried taking a step forward but were knocked two steps back by a for-profit school looking for an easy buck and taking advantage of the hopes and dreams of my constituents. prgtoken Julie, a mother from Iowa, was looking to boost her career, and Jeff, an Army reservist and construction manager, was trying to continue his education. prgtoken They bought into ITT Technical Institute's promises, worked hard for new career opportunities, and took out loans to do it. Both had their lives turned upside down when ITT Technical Institute suddenly closed. prgtoken A 2016 Federal rule forgave loans for folks like Julie and Jeff, who were obviously taken advantage of. prgtoken Unfortunately, this administration decided to roll back the commonsense rule, weakening protections for borrowers. prgtoken In our State, there are more than 1,000 borrowers who were taken advantage of and who are still waiting for their cases to be resolved. prgtoken We must stand with them and override the President's veto of this resolution.
NATIONAL PULSE MEMORIAL
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 3094, a bill to designate the National Pulse Memorial. prgtoken On June 12, 2016, a shooter hatefully took the lives of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Those who died were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers, and loving members of Florida's communities. prgtoken This tragedy brought grief and pain to all parts of the Nation, to Florida, including my very own district, and to the LGBT community. prgtoken That evening at the nightclub was Jerry Wright. His parents, MJ and Fred, are part of our community in south Florida. They described Jerry as a wonderful, loving, and caring son. He was there that evening, like any other evening, enjoying Latin music with friends, and from 1 minute to the next, his life was cruelly taken from him. He was only 31 years old. prgtoken We all know that Jerry did not deserve this. His parents and family did not deserve this. prgtoken I am very close friends now with the Wright family, and I know firsthand the anguish and the pain that they go through every single day, Mother's Day, Father's Day. That pain never goes away. prgtoken I know that personally, Madam , because I have also lost a loved one tragically to gun violence. So the pain that the families and the friends of 48 other people who lost their lives the same way is still present today. prgtoken Just over 4 years later, now it is time that we designate the Pulse nightclub as a national memorial. prgtoken This memorial will honor the memory of those who died that evening. It will ensure that loved family members like Jerry Wright are never forgotten. It will reflect on the pain that their families are still suffering. But most importantly, it will serve as a reminder that we as a country have to stop this violence and disarm hate. prgtoken This memorial is a testament to those who died, and it is a mandate that we do more to stop it from happening again.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY RELATING TO ``COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT REGULATIONS''
Charlie Crist (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairwoman Waters for promoting access to capital for minority borrowers. prgtoken Since the murder of George Floyd, our Nation has embarked on a true, broad-based push to defeat institutional racism. America is coming to realize that racism did not end with emancipation, and it did not end with civil rights. It is still very much with us all today. prgtoken So, as we commit ourselves to Black Lives Matter, we need to also ensure Black communities matter, Black homeownership matters, Black wealth matters, and Black businesses matter. prgtoken My hometown of south St. Petersburg, Florida, is blessed by a large and vibrant Black community where, despite their strength, pride, character, and entrepreneurial spirit, we are still working to overcome institutional racism. Underinvestment in the community, food deserts, and redlining exist. prgtoken This past weekend, I witnessed the unveiling of the Black Lives Matter mural in front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. It is right near one of my favorite restaurants on the south side, Chief's Creole Cafe. prgtoken While the art moved me beyond words, reality quickly set in. The owners of Chief's Creole, the Brayboys, were told by their bank that they couldn't get a PPP loan, not because they didn't qualify, but because the big banks are leaving behind the smallest businesses, businesses overrepresented by Black, women, and veteran owners. prgtoken If the banks aren't making PPP loans to Black-owned businesses when they don't have skin in the game, how can we trust them to do the right thing when it is their own money at risk? prgtoken That is why the Community Reinvestment Act is so vitally important. That is why we need it to work for the communities it was actually designed to serve. prgtoken The OCC got it wrong. Vote ``yes'' to repeal the rule.
CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO GERD PROJECT NEGOTIATION
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I rise today in support of continued cooperation and peaceful negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan regarding the construction and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Furthermore, I urge the Administration to respect our nation's role as an impartial observer to these discussions going forward. As you know, the GERD project broke ground in 2011. Next month, construction will be complete. When fully filled and operational, the dam will generate approximately 6,000 megawatts of electricity--making it the largest hydropower project in Africa. It will directly impact the flow of water, increase the supply of energy, and help ensure food security in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. In Ethiopia, it will help alleviate drought conditions that have impacted nearly one fifth of its population and inflicted untold damage on crops across the county. In Egypt, it will help improve water supply for the rapidly growing population. In Sudan, it will help reduce sediment and control flooding. prgtoken For the past four years, negotiations have followed the 2015 Declaration of Principles, agreed upon by the three countries involved in the negotiations. These principles outlined a commitment to peaceful resolution to conflicts as they arise; mutual trust and respect; information sharing; security; respect for one another's sovereignty; and stewardship of the River Nile. prgtoken In recent months, tensions have escalated between Ethiopia and Egypt, putting the project in jeopardy. We must honor our nation's role as an observer of these negotiations and avoid taking on an additional role as a facilitator or mediator. Moreover, we must not play favorites or take any other action that may risk damaging the integrity of this process or put a peaceful, mutually beneficial agreement out of reach. prgtoken As negotiations continue, I urge the United States Government and all other international parties to respect the 2015 Declaration of Principles, engage only with African Union diplomats, and support a peaceful resolution for all countries involved and for the region at large.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY RELATING TO ``COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT REGULATIONS''
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I rise today in support of this critical resolution reversing a rule tainted by conflicts of interest and callous disregard for the communities most affected. prgtoken As hundreds of thousands take to the streets, as the cries for a reckoning with this Nation's past and present grow louder, this administration believes that the future is further deregulation. prgtoken Today, we reject the administration's position that it is banks that are deserving of our time and sympathy as further relief funding is denied to millions of struggling families. prgtoken There is no separating the history of banking from the history of racism in this country. Wall Street, our Nation's financial capital, is named after a structure erected by enslaved people and then served as a site where they were bought and sold. prgtoken Today, we have predatory lenders set up in Black communities, where systems of oppression ensure a steady stream of customers, communities that banks have decided are simply not worth their time or their business. prgtoken The Community Reinvestment Act reflects, and is a direct response to this history, and aims to reverse course. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to acknowledge the decades of divestment from our communities and to support this crucial civil rights legislation.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY''--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-6-26

I rise to urge my colleagues to join me in overriding the Presidential veto of H.J. Res. 76. prgtoken Last night, we took a historic vote for racial justice, the Justice in Policing Act. Time and again, Congress takes votes, votes like this one that will soon be forgotten in the media, but these are the votes that quietly perpetuate the systemic inequality and racism in our country. That is what this vote today is about. prgtoken Communities of color, minority and low-income students, and veterans are preyed upon by predatory for-profit schools. They are manipulated. They are lied to and they are defrauded. prgtoken Because we, the Federal Government, did not do enough to prevent that fraud, we established the borrower defense rule as part of the Higher Education Act as a way to give these students a path to justice and relief. But the Department of Education not only rewrote that rule to make justice for our students virtually impossible, it is also failing to hold these predatory schools accountable for their actions. prgtoken Time and time again, we tell young students in this country education is prgtoken the answer, and they believe us. But that system failed them. The system failed my constituent, Kendrick on, a brave Iraq war veteran, a father, and a Black American. prgtoken Kendrick and his family were left homeless after his for-profit school blew through his GI benefits and convinced him to take out $16,000 in debt right before shutting their doors. He is fighting to this day and working as hard as anyone to get his life back on track. prgtoken I promise this story is not an exception. There are over 350,000 students just in recent years who were lied to, manipulated, and defrauded by predatory schools. prgtoken So I ask my colleagues: Are you going to stand with these students? Are you going to stand with the system that perpetuates inequality and holds down brave Americans like Kendrick? Are you going to let these for-profit schools wreak havoc on the lives of these students and take advantage of American taxpayers? prgtoken Because it is us, American taxpayers, who foot the bill for these bad actor schools because the Department of Education refuses to hold them accountable. prgtoken I am ready to take a stand against this broken policy, and I need you to stand with me. Take a stand for the very communities who have been rising up in this country. prgtoken These protests over the last several weeks are about police brutality, but they are about so much more. They are about decisions that we make in this body that perpetuate inequality and continue to stack the deck against Black Americans, student veterans, students in poverty, and working people who are just trying to better themselves. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote to override the President's veto. It is time to take a stand.