mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING OUR NATION'S HEROES ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG RAISING AT IWO JIMA
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the American flag raising at Iwo Jima and to express my gratitude to the courageous service prgtoken members who fought and won this key battle, many laying down their lives in service to our nation. The Battle of Iwo Jima marked a decisive American victory and signaled the beginning of the end of the war in the Pacific. On February 19, 1945, the United States Marines Corps began the invasion of the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima. The ensuing battle for the strategic island would be one of the fiercest conflicts of the Second World War. Before the Battle of Iwo Jima ended, almost 7,000 American service members were killed, including three of the Marines that raised the American flag at Iwo Jima. One day into the Battle for Iwo Jima, four Marine squads began their assault on Mount Suribachi, the 550-foot-high peak overlooking the island. After a three-day onslaught, our troops reached the top and defeated the last remaining Japanese defenders. At 10:20 a.m. on February 23, 1945, the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment, 5th Marine Division were the first group of Americans during World War II to raise the American flag on Japanese soil. This was a defining moment of the Second World War. Four hours after the first flag was raised, Corporal Harlon Block, Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harold ``Pie'' Keller, Corporal Ira Hayes, Private First-Class Franklin Runyon Sousley, and Private First- Class Harold Schultz defiantly raised a second, larger American flag atop the mountain. Corporal Block guided the base of the pole into the volcanic ash while the others raised the flag upward. The iconic photograph of the Marines raising our flag at Iwo Jima is a testament to American strength and sacrifice. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to take a moment today to remember those who have sacrificed to protect our country and our way of life. We are all forever indebted to these brave service members, and on this day, we must reiterate our promise that we will never forget our nation's heroes.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank the chairperson, and the ranking member as well, for bringing this legislation to the floor today. I also thank the majority leader, who happens to be in the room. prgtoken Madam , this piece of legislation is more than 100 years in the making, and it does deal with lynching, but truth be told, more than a lynching took place. prgtoken Emmett Till's body was mutilated. He was shot in the head, and he was thrown in the Tallahatchie River. His mother insisted on an open casket. This was the thing that sent shock waves across this country, causing people to rethink what was happening in the South. prgtoken Yes, he was lynched. Yes, this is the unfinished business of this House. And we have much more unfinished business. prgtoken Madam , I do want to commend Congressman Bobby Rush for the outstanding job that he has done, as well as his cosponsors, in bringing this legislation to the floor. It is time. In fact, it is past time. And I am grateful that this House is taking up this legislation.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to say to the chairman, I am just so delighted and thankful and grateful for all of his work on behalf of this bill. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. prgtoken Lynching, Madam , plain and simple, is an American evil. This atrocity is comparable to the French use of the guillotine, the Roman Empire's use of crucifixion, and the British use of drawing and quartering as a tool of terrorism. And for too long, Madam , Federal law against lynching has remained conspicuously silent. prgtoken In 1918, 102 years ago, a Congressman from Missouri, Leonidas C. Dyer, introduced the first antilynching legislation to actually pass the House, a bill that would subsequently die in the Senate. prgtoken Therefore, I am pleased that the language that we are voting on today has already been approved by the Senate, and I am exceptionally hopeful that it will face no further obstacles on its path to the President's desk. prgtoken Madam , many may consider lynching to be a relic of the past, but as we all know, unfortunately, recent prgtoken events have shown us that this is not the case. Instead, we have seen a rise in race-based violence that has culminated in events like the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, or the racially motivated mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. prgtoken That is why, Madam , it is so important that we stand united today as a body and as a Congress to pass this bill. In passing this bill today, we send a resoundingly strong message about what we are as a Nation, our country's values and, more importantly, what we as Americans stand for and what we will tolerate and what we will not tolerate. prgtoken Today, Madam , we send a strong message that violence and race-based violence, in particular, has no place in American society. That is why I am so proud to have introduced this bill, and I am even prouder that we are considering it on the floor today.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken The previous speaker, Mr. Green from Texas, said that it is time, that it is past time. But it is never too late to do the right thing. prgtoken I am pleased that this will be a bipartisan vote. prgtoken This is about Emmett Till. It is about lynching. It is about violence. It is about hate. But in a larger sense, this is about who we are as a country, who we are as a country that said: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'' prgtoken Surely, our Founders today would have said all men and women are created equal. prgtoken But in the eyes of two murderers, Emmett Till was neither equal nor a fellow human being, but a dehumanized being, undeserving of protection or of decency. prgtoken To the surprise, I think, of probably many Americans, Madam , lynching has not been described as a hate crime. We will do that today. prgtoken Madam , I thank Mr. Collins and Chairman Nadler for bringing this bill to the floor. The House will make that determination today. I am proud to bring this legislation to the floor as majority leader. prgtoken A broadcaster in our area, Joe Madison, came up to me some year and a half ago and said: Why can't you pass lynching legislation? prgtoken I had no answer, so I went to the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, who spoke just earlier, Karen Bass, the former speaker of the California Assembly, one of the leaders in this House. I said to her: ``Karen, I want to make sure that we get lynching legislation on the floor.'' prgtoken I talked to my friend, Bobby Rush, who I have been a close friend of for more than two decades, a leader in this House, a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in this House. I talked to him about it. I talked to him about his legislation. prgtoken Two Senators also had legislation. I am glad that they were able to come together and that we have this legislation before us. Bobby Rush represents the district in which Emmett Till lived. prgtoken Emmett Till took a summer vacation to Mississippi. It was his last vacation. He came to be, and continues to this day to be, a symbol of the terror and hate and atrocities and prejudice directed against American citizens whose color of skin was different than some others. This should be a lesson to us all. prgtoken Then you see movies like ``Hidden Figures,'' the heroine of which just died a few days ago at the age of 101, or ``The Help,'' or ``Harriet,'' Harriet Tubman from my State, to see the violence that was visited on our fellow human beings because of the color of their skin. prgtoken If Elijah Cummings, my colleague, were alive today, he would say: ``We are better than this.'' prgtoken That is what this legislation is saying: We are better than this. prgtoken Madam , I thank Representative Rush, Chairman Nadler, Ranking Member Collins, the Congressional Black Caucus, Chairwoman Karen Bass, and the CBC itself for their work
REVERE COPPER DOCK COLLAPSE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to bring attention to how corporate greed threatens our public health and environment with an alarming example from my hometown of Detroit. prgtoken On November 26, 2019, a portion of a dock operated by Detroit Bulk Storage collapsed into the Detroit River sending tons of crushed limestone into the river, disturbing contaminated river sediment and exposing the public and our water supply to the decades of contamination buried at this former uranium rod manufacturing site. prgtoken Detroit Bulk Storage took unnecessary risks by overloading its failing dock, caused a collapse into the river, and waited 3 days before notifying the National Response Center. When they did, they merely reported it as a dock collapse with no indication for State or Federal regulators of the contamination present at the site and the need for urgency. prgtoken Testing from State regulators and the EPA is ongoing, and so far tests appear to indicate no significant radiation exposure. However, the site's owner, Revere Dock, LLC, continues to drag its feet in developing and implementing a restoration plan. prgtoken This is yet another stark reminder that we cannot ever count on corporations to put the public interest ahead of their own profits and that we need drastic changes to strengthen regulatory tools and to hold them accountable to protect our public health.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise in enthusiastic support of H.R. 35--the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. This bill amends section 249 of title 18, United States Code, to specify lynching as a hate crime under federal law. It corrects a longstanding omission from Federal civil rights law. It is without question that this legislation is long overdue and needed even today. prgtoken The legacy of lynching is a stain on our nation's history, and the racism that motivated lynchings continues to fuel acts of hate today. This legislation should pass with strong and eager bipartisan support. prgtoken This bill is named after Emmett Till who was only 14 years old when he was lynched in 1955 in Mississippi. A lynching is an extrajudicial killing by a mob, and is not limited to deaths by hanging. He was so badly tortured that he was left unrecognizable. This was done here in America by Americans during a Jim Crow era in a segregated fragmented society. Now in 2020, this hateful legacy is unfortunately raising its head again forcing us to defend our basic values. While we celebrate our freedom here in the United States and abroad, we must continue to be diligent in remembering our true history. prgtoken The legacy of lynching in Texas can never be erased. The families and communities of victims are still impacted today. Even in my hometown of Waco, Texas, Jesse Washington, a seventeen-year-old farmhand was mutilated and burned to death, on May 15, 1916, in what became one of the most well known documented cases of lynching. Sadly, in Texas, there are hundreds of others. prgtoken The designation under federal law is important and most relevant because state law did not protect the rights of the victims of lynchings. Horribly true, many of the lynchings were carried out either by officers and representatives of the law or with the blessings of local law enforcement. African Americans and other people of color did not receive the same protections under the law that every American should have received. That is why this designation of lynching as a hate crime under federal law is critical even today. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support this bill, improve federal law and protect the rights of every person in the United States.
CHIEF STANDING BEAR NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 2490, introduced by Representative Fortenberry of Nebraska, would direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail. prgtoken The proposed trail would extend approximately 550 miles from Niobrara, Nebraska, to Ponca City, Oklahoma, tracing the route taken by Chief Standing Bear during Federal Indian removal and their return to Nebraska. prgtoken The trail would commemorate and elevate the story of Chief Standing Bear, and the trail would memorialize the honor, the courage, and the fortitude of Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people as they struggled to return to their homeland. It would serve as a reminder of their fight to achieve justice, freedom, and equality. prgtoken Madam , I thank Representative Fortenberry for championing this important legislation and for his efforts to bring about a greater understanding of Tribal sovereignty and rights. prgtoken Madam , I certainly urge my colleagues to support this important bill, and .
HONORING TERRY DeCARLO FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and service of Terry DeCarlo. Born on March 19, 1962 in Bethpage, N.Y. to Mario and Anne (Puglisi) Nunziato, Mr. DeCarlo served in the Air Force from 1980 to 1983. Even before moving to Florida in 1996, Mr. DeCarlo was an early advocate for persons with H.I.V. From 2006 to 2014, he was the development director for the Broward House, a nonprofit social services organization for people living with HIV and other chronic health issues. prgtoken In 2014, Mr. DeCarlo joined the staff as executive director of the Center, a non-profit community service organization empowering the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida. As executive director on June 12, 2016, he became a constant source of comfort and strength for the survivors, families of victims, and the entire Central Florida community following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. The Center was open and prepared with grief counselors within hours of the attack. Even after his health began to deteriorate due to stress, Terry continued to serve as executive director of the Center until July 2017. prgtoken In addition to his husband, Bill Huelson, Terry is survived by his mother, Anne Fabrikant; his sisters, Mary Detto and Deborah Waters; and his brother, John Nunziato. His work in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy will never be forgotten. He was a pillar of the Central Florida community and dedicated champion of LGBTQ+ rights.
INCLUDING CALIFORNIA IN NUTRIA ERADICATION AND CONTROL ACT OF 2003
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , people see swamp rats all the time roaming the halls of D.C but I believe this is actually the first time in American history that we have a taxidermied swamp creature on the actual floor of the House of Representatives. prgtoken This here is my good friend, Nellie the Nutria. She has nacho-cheese colored teeth, can weigh up to 40 pounds, she can eat 25 percent of her body weight every single day, and she has an exponential rate of growth. prgtoken She may look cute to some people, but Nellie and her friends are a real menace, and farmers across California's Central Valley and residents of the Louisiana swamp can tell you, too, how serious of a threat these giant swamp rats pose. prgtoken Nutria can destroy crops, irrigation canals, wetlands and native species. And their exponential growth rate makes them a real problem. One female, like Nellie here, can lead to 200 offspring in a single year. The State of California estimates that if we don't do something about this problem, there are going to be 250,000 nutria in our State within the next 5 years. prgtoken Nellie's family in Louisiana have already caused an immense amount of damage over the last 100 years. And my colleagues on this bill, Mr. Graves and Mr. McClintock, can attest to the real havoc these swamp rats cause. prgtoken My bill would simply revive a program that the State of Maryland used to almost entirely eliminate the infestation in the Chesapeake Bay, where Nellie here came from originally. That program uses a variety of strategies to control and eradicate this invasive species. It ended up saving a lot of money in the long run, and my bill is going to bring back that proven program and make more States eligible for help. prgtoken This is a tiny investment compared to what will be necessary if we wait any longer. prgtoken I want to thank all my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who joined me on this bill and ask for support in stopping this invasion. prgtoken There is a lot of bickering that goes on in this Chamber, but I am proud that this is something Mr. Graves, Mr. McClintock, and myself could find something that unites us, which is draining the swamp, not just in Washington, but also in California and Louisiana, and the rest of the country.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and for holding this Special Order to address the impact of the fossil fuel industry on Latinos and how a Green New Deal can address the needs in our communities. prgtoken From sea level rise, to the location of power plants, to fossil fuel extraction, to the urban heat island effect, the inequities from our energy system and who bears its consequences are everywhere. People of color are on the front line of this issue. We are hit first and worst. prgtoken We need a climate bill that rises to the scale of both the climate crisis and the damage from environmental racism that impacts my district and the districts like it across the country. prgtoken The best way for us to understand these challenges and how to overcome them is to meet environmental justice communities where they are. prgtoken Our local challenges can provide useful information for Federal climate policy that can address environmental justice issues across the country. prgtoken America needs to lead on a just transition away from fossil fuels, and climate solutions must account for what that means for communities like mine. We deal with pollution from oil refineries and ongoing urban oil drilling, which has a direct impact on the quality of the air we breathe. prgtoken At the same time that the fossil fuel industry has a disproportionate footprint in minority communities, these industries often provide jobs, including union jobs, to my constituents. As we work to unwind the fossil fuel economy, we need our climate policy to ensure a just transition includes the needs of communities of color. This means creating union jobs in the clean energy industry with great benefits, and it means opportunities for minority-owned businesses to play a role in the clean energy future of tomorrow. prgtoken We must also focus on air emissions from ports and the communities near them bearing the burden. In my district, I have the Port of Los Angeles, one of the most ambitious ports in the country when it comes to reducing emissions. At the same time, the port is a significant source of air and climate pollution, and communities in my district believe the best path forward is for the port to achieve zero emissions as quickly as possible. prgtoken These are challenges that face ports throughout our country. Our climate policy must invest in America's ports to keep them competitive and on a pathway to zero emissions. prgtoken As are in the majority, we are in a position to move swiftly and boldly on this issue, and we must do so. prgtoken Madam , I look forward to working with my colleagues this year to craft bold climate solutions that leave no community behind.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DERRICK LAMAR RICHARDSON
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Derrick Lamar Richardson, an intelligent, kind, hard-working man of faith and determination, who passed away on February 14, 2020. Derrick joined our staff as district press secretary for Alabama's 7th Congressional District in Janua1y of 2016 and served his home district with distinction until August of 2017. prgtoken Born on October 31, 1972 to Lovenia Richardson in Birmingham, Alabama, Derrick professed his love for Christ at an early age. For many years, Derrick attended Maple Grove Church of God with his grandmother, Ada Ford, and it was there that he was granted his deep and abiding faith. Throughout his life, Derrick's faith served as a foundational pillar of strength, guidance and wisdom, giving Derrick the courage to face whatever challenges crossed his path. prgtoken Derrick received his education in the Birmingham City School System, attending Hillman Elementary School and matriculating from Parker High School in 1991. As a high school student, Derrick was an active participant in the Marching Thundering Herd Band, where he played the tuba. prgtoken During his junior year at Parker High School, Derrick's devotion to his country compelled him to enlist in the Army National Guard and Reserves. Before his senior year of high school, Derrick attended boot camp at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, and upon graduation, went on to attend the Army Communications School at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. During his military service, Derrick served as a Legal Support Specialist in the 167th COSCOM (Headquarters Co.): JAG Corp. in Ft. Clayton, Panama, the 81st Regional Support Command: JAG Corp. in Homewood, Alabama and the 131st Signal Battalion (Headquarters Co.): Signal Corp. in Birmingham, Alabama. Derrick received two Meritorious Service Citations for Outstanding Performance and an honorable discharge. prgtoken After his military service in 1995, Derrick enrolled at Jacksonville State University, where he soon became involved in the Student Government Association and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. At Jacksonville State University, Derrick became a member of his beloved fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc a brotherhood and network that would serve him as an invaluable support system for many years to come. At Jacksonville State University, Derrick also had an opportunity to pursue his passion for politics. In 1999, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science; and after graduation went on to attend Long Island University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a master's degree in Urban Policy. prgtoken Professionally, Derrick continued to pursue his passion for politics, working up and down the east coast, from Alabama to Maryland to New York to Washington, D.C. He worked across the political spectrum, for campaigns, as a lobbyist and in this Congressional office. Derrick's impressive resume includes: co-founding the lobbying firm Epps, R