mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-15

I have 10 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Airland prgtoken The Subcommittee on Airland of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights prgtoken The Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights of the Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Outdoor Tourism, Recreation & Ecotourism prgtoken The Subcommittee on Outdoor Tourism, Recreation & Ecotourism of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 3 p.m to conduct a hearing.
AWARDING FOUR CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALS TO UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE AND THOSE WHO PROTECTED THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , I thank Congresswoman Waters for yielding, and I thank the gentlewoman and the ranking member for their leadership. prgtoken I ask that we think carefully as this legislation is debated and really reflect on January 6, where each of us probably has a personal experience that we can offer to be able to add to the sacrifice of that day, the moment in history and imaging that we never expected an insurrectionist mob to rise to attack the citadel of democracy. prgtoken We were here quietly doing the people's business, the constitutional responsibility of affirming the President and Vice President of the United States. We were doing what the American people asked us to do. We were representing the Capitol Police and law enforcement throughout America. Nurses, doctors, students, teachers, the impoverished, all were with hope looking toward the - administration. prgtoken We knew that there were those who did not vote for them, but we also knew the sacredness of our Constitution, and so did the Capitol Police and other law enforcement. prgtoken For as we were down in this very august place where noises could not be heard quickly, our Capitol Police were already facing a torrent of outrageous behavior, violence, guns, smears, flags representing the worst of our Nation. prgtoken So I am very proud to rise today and thank Pelosi for the vision prgtoken and leadership and to remember to be reminded of the names Brian Sicknick, Howard Liebengood, Metropolitan Police Department Officer Jeffrey Smith, and those who sustained injuries, those who were heroic; Officer Eugene Goodman exemplified the patriotism, commitment, and unselfishness in saving the lives of others; and the Metropolitan police, along with many other law enforcement. prgtoken I rise to support this gold medal. I rise so that we never have this happen again. And I rise to say the simple words of ``thank you.'' prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 3325, legislation awarding four Congressional Gold Medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who, on January 6, 2021, displayed selfless and heroic service in defense of American democracy in protecting the U.S. Capitol from the violent assault of domestic terrorists. prgtoken The United States Capitol Police dates back to 1800 when the Congress moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C and a lone watchman was hired to protect the Capitol Building. prgtoken In 1827, President John Quincy Adams asked that a regular Capitol Police force be established, and on May 2, 1828, Congress passed an Act that expanded the police regulations of the City of Washington to include the Capitol and Capitol Square. prgtoken The United States Capitol Police expanded its force after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and again following the historic merger with the Library of Congress Police in 2009. prgtoken In addition to the more than 2,000 sworn members of the force, the United State
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DEDICATION OF THE BUFFALO BLUES ORGANIZATION
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Western New York-based non-profit organization known as ``Buffalo Blues'' and their remarkable service and dedication to the Veteran community. prgtoken Buffalo Blues is a non-profit dedicated to using the power and reach of music to help Western New York Veterans and military families through fundraising and charitable donations. Founded by Bob James, Buffalo Blues forms an impactful partnership between the music community and Veteran groups. Musicians that partner with Buffalo Blues experience professional growth while also helping to raise funds and advocating for the needs of the Veteran community. prgtoken On May 6, 2021, Buffalo Blues announced that--with the help of over 200 musicians--they were able to donate over $100,000 to 18 Erie County charities serving WNY Veterans and military families. Through live musical performances, merchandise sales, and online livestreamed concerts, these 200 musicians used their talents to both raise funds for these local charities and bring attention to the issues that often face the Veteran community. prgtoken In addition to raising funds, Buffalo Blues has been gathering data on the needs of Veterans and Military Families. This research helps to ensure that the money they raise goes to where it is most needed in the veteran community. prgtoken When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered opportunities for live, in- person performances, Buffalo Blues adapted with the changing times. Knowing that the difficulties that Veterans and military families face weren't going anywhere, they found an innovative solution by livestreaming musical performances online until it was safe to return to the stages of Western New York. prgtoken Madam , I appreciate this opportunity to speak today, and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the persistence and dedication of Buffalo Blues and their affiliated musicians. Their continual advocacy for prgtoken and service to Veterans and military families is commendable, and we thank them for their efforts.
AMERICAN FAMILIES PLAN
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , as our country recovers from this devastating pandemic, it is critical we prioritize our families. All working families deserve to thrive, and that starts with ensuring high- quality, affordable childcare. prgtoken This is a generational opportunity to invest in affordable, quality care for all children, and I urge my colleagues not to let it go to waste. prgtoken Right now, the average cost of childcare for children under 5 is around $10,000 a year. This amount is even higher for infants. In my home State of Minnesota, we have some of the highest childcare costs in the Nation, ranking fourth in the country. prgtoken A minimum-wage worker working full-time in my district in Minneapolis would have to work 30 weeks to cover the cost of childcare for one infant. This is unconscionable. prgtoken As a mom, I know how difficult it can be to find affordable childcare options and how a lack of childcare impacts all aspects of life, including the ability to graduate from college while taking care of young children or even the ability to find a job and thrive. prgtoken We need universal childcare and pre-K for all families, and we need to pay our childcare workers a living wage. prgtoken Ensuring affordable, quality care for every child and family would stimulate the economy and have a lasting benefit for children's development and growth. prgtoken The American Families Plan moves us closer to this goal by investing in universal preschool, ensuring childcare costs do not exceed 7 percent of income for working families, and guarantees childcare workers make a $15 minimum wage. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to ensure that women and families are not left behind in our recovery. Families across America are counting on us to do the right thing.
CONGRESS MUST TAKE ACTION
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , last week, the unthinkable happened. A grandmother, Litha Verone, was innocently shopping in a local supermarket with her precious young grandson when they were both brutally murdered by a deranged man with a semi- automatic weapon. prgtoken My heart breaks for Litha's family for their unbearable loss. prgtoken But, once again, prayers and good wishes are not enough. On so many levels we must take action passing commonsense gun legislation, strengthening our mental health system, reaching out to those in trouble because in the last moments of her life, a grandmother watched in horror as her grandchild was shot and killed by a man who should never have had a gun. prgtoken Madam , last week, the unthinkable happened, and we must not stop thinking about it.
HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment were known to both their enemies and allies alike for their fierceness in battle and dedication to their country. They were called the Black Rattlers, the Men of Bronze, and Hollenkampfer, but they were best known as the Harlem Hellfighters. prgtoken The Harlem Hellfighters were one of the first African-American regiments prgtoken to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Over the course of the war, the Harlem Hellfighters spent more time than any other American unit in the frontline trenches and suffered 1,500 casualties--the most losses of any American unit. prgtoken In addition to facing the dangers of frontline trench warfare, the men of the Harlem Hellfighters endured racist, derogatory attacks from their White compatriots, many of whom refused to perform combat duty with African-American soldiers. This resulted in the Harlem Hellfighters being transferred to a French Army where, despite racist warnings from American Expeditionary Forces headquarters of the alleged inferior nature of African-American troops, the Harlem Hellfighters were treated as welcome reinforcements and equals. prgtoken Despite the racism and derogatory attacks from their fellow countrymen, the Harlem Hellfighters were steadfast in their devotion to their country. Some members considered their service to be a way to prove they deserved respect from their White compatriots. Even German propaganda targeting the Harlem Hellfighters highlighting the racism of a segregated U.S. military failed to diminish their resolve. prgtoken Yet, despite their considerable sacrifices and being awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Army for their efforts, the Harlem Hellfighters continued to face considerable racism when they returned home after World War I. Their bravery and accomplishments were similarly ignored by the broader American public. But their legacy and memory has been kept alive in their hometown. The annual Harlem Hellfighters Parade in Harlem, New York, became a marker of African- American service to their Nation, and their service was frequently referenced as part of the civil rights campaign. prgtoken This bill directs the U.S. Mint to strike a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the Harlem Hellfighters for their service during World War I. The gold medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution so that others may learn of the patriotism and courage displayed by the men of the 369th Infantry Regiment. prgtoken So, Madam , I thank Mr. Suozzi for introducing this bill. I urge Members to vote ``yes,'' and .
PROMOTING UNITED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO SAVE OUR SOUND ACT
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , I am proud to rise in support of the Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act, or the PUGET SOS Act, and I thank my good friend and colleague, Representative Strickland, for her partnership on this important legislation. prgtoken Madam , those of us who are lucky to call the better Washington home know that Puget Sound is our most iconic body of water. Generations of our friends and neighbors have built their lives and earned their livelihoods on the Sound. prgtoken We know the Puget Sound is critical to the environmental and economic future of our region. And some of our region's most iconic species, including salmon, orca, and Dungeness crab, rely on a healthy Puget Sound. prgtoken But despite years of efforts to protect and restore Puget Sound, we still have a lot of work to do to address the significant challenges, including storm water runoff, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms, that continue to threaten this crown jewel of our region's identity and economy. prgtoken That is why I am proud to see the House advance this critical bill, which will finally bring to bear the coordinated Federal resources necessary to save our Sound. If we are going to recover our salmon and orca populations, if we are going to ensure future generations can dig for clams, if we are going to respect and uphold Tribal treaty rights, we need the Federal Government to step up and support the work already being done by the State, Tribes, local communities, and businesses that all depend on a vibrant and healthy Puget Sound. prgtoken Madam , I am proud that this bill represents meaningful progress toward these goals. If future generations, including my two kiddos, are going to have the opportunities to enjoy these treasures and to build their livelihoods in our region, we have to act now to protect and restore the Sound. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL BRIAN S. EIFLER
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-6-15

on behalf of myself and Mr. Inhofe, as the chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the cochairs of the Senate Army Caucus, it is our honor to pay tribute to a great leader and an exceptional officer of the U.S. Army MG Brian S. Eifler, the chief of legislative liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Army, as he prepares to leave this position for a new post in the Army of even greater importance to our Nation. Major General Eifler provides outstanding leadership, advice, and sound professional judgment on numerous critical issues of enduring importance to the Army, Congress, and this Nation. prgtoken Major General Eifler has served our Army and our Nation for more than 30 years. A native of Michigan, Major General Eifler was commissioned in 1990 as an infantry officer from Central Michigan University. He has been a true professional, dedicated soldier, leader, and officer. Throughout his career, he has commanded our great soldiers at many levels and deployed to prgtoken combat numerous times in defense of the Nation. He has served in various command and staff positions over deployments to Haiti, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was a platoon leader and civil-military officer in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, served multiple combat tours to Afghanistan as a battalion commander during Operation Enduring Freedom, and a battalion operations and executive officer, battalion commander, as well as a division deputy commanding general in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. prgtoken Major General Eifler's other assignments include service in the 1st Armored Division, 2d Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 25th Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. In addition to Infantry training, he is a graduate of the United States Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College. prgtoken For the past 30 months, Major General Eifler has implemented and enhanced strategic partnerships with Congress. Through his leadership, the Army significantly advanced relationships with both legislative chambers and improved and broadened congressional support for Army priorities. Major General Eifler managed complex issues through multiple legislative cycles, enabling the Army to receive the necessary resources to take care of its most precious recourse, its people, improve readiness, and accelerate modernization to support combat operations, sustain the All-Volunteer Force, and improve the quality of life for soldiers, Army civilians, and their families. prgtoken On behalf of Congress and the United States of America, we thank Major General Eifler, his wife Sherry, and their entire family for their continued commitment, sacrifice, and contributions to this great Nation. We join our colleagues in wishing him future successes as he continues to serve our
DACA
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-15

it was 9 years ago today, after a year or more of writing letters to my friend and colleague President , that he finally agreed to an Executive order known as DACA. DACA took the heart of the DREAM Act, which I introduced 20 years ago, and made an Executive order. He said to those who were brought to this country as children, infants, who really had nothing to do with the family decision on coming to America: We are going to give you a chance, since you grew up undocumented, to be a part of this Nation. So every 2 years, you can apply for renewable status, be protected from deportation, and be allowed to legally work. We will do a criminal investigation, national security investigation, and if we believe that you are no threat to this country, we will give you 2 years to prove yourself. prgtoken More than 800,000 young people stepped forward and made a life in America and did extraordinary things for this country. They proved that, given a chance to be part of America's future, they would make it a better nation. Two of them testified today. One of them is a doctor from the city of Chicago. I am so proud of him, Dr. Bernal Mejia. He was born in Mexico and grew up in Memphis, TN. He struggled, scrapped, clawed his way into an amazing undergraduate institution, graduated summa cum laude, and hoped that one day he would have a chance to go to medical school. prgtoken Before DACA, that was a dream that was way too distant. Then came DACA. He looked around to see if any medical schools in the United States would let someone who was protected by DACA apply for medical school. It turned out there was one. I am proud to say it was Loyola University in Chicago, the Stritch School of Medicine. They didn't create a new category of students; they just said: We will let you compete. If you are good enough, we will admit you as a student. prgtoken Over 30 DACA students became medical students at Loyola. Dr. Mejia was one. He is now about to finish, in a few weeks, the third year of his residency in emergency medicine. He has spent the last year and a half, as you can imagine, in emergency rooms saving the lives of so many people, particularly victims of COVID-19. prgtoken How many times has each of us thanked the healthcare heroes, and how many times have we thought that one of them might have been an undocumented doctor whose future and fate are still so uncertain in America? That is the case today because the DREAM Act has not become the law of the land. prgtoken So we had a hearing and discussed his situation and the bill that was sent to us by the House. I believe there is some bipartisan sentiment in favor of that, and I am trying to work to develop that into legislation that will finally give to Dr. Mejia and so many others across this country the future in America which they have all prayed for. They have worked hard to earn it. They deserve it. prgtoken I am glad, at this hearing today, the do
EQUAL ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTION FOR VETERANS ACT
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-15

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , contraception access is a crucial element of preventative healthcare and reduces the likelihood that a woman will live in poverty. Copay-free access to contraception is covered under every insurance program in this country, except at the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken H.R. 239, the Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act, would eliminate copays on contraceptive items at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I thank Congresswoman Brownley for introducing this bill and for her efforts as chair of the Subcommittee on Health and the Women Veterans Task Force. prgtoken Contraception is already widely available at VA, and veterans enrolled at VA can obtain oral contraceptions, shots, skin patches, vaginal rings, and long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as implants or intrauterine devices. In addition, the VA pharmacy dispenses over-the-counter contraceptives, including condoms and emergency contraception. prgtoken Even a small copay can be insurmountable for a veteran struggling to make ends meet. Eliminating copays ensures parity with both Federal insurers and private insurers, as mandated under the Affordable Care Act. Most of all, it eliminates an unnecessary financial burden on our veterans. prgtoken Furthermore, we know also that every tax dollar spent on family planning, such as contraception, ultimately saves seven times that amount. prgtoken Passing this bill is an essential element of both meeting the health and economic well-being of our Nation's veterans. prgtoken This legislation has the support of the VA, broad VSO support, and passed on suspension last Congress. prgtoken Again, I thank Chairwoman Julia Brownley for her leadership on this issue, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 239. prgtoken Madam , .