mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING LAURA TUCKER
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Laura Tucker of Salem, Virginia, upon receiving the Charles Brown Award from Roanoke College. The award recognizes citizens of Salem who have made significant contributions to the well-being of the City and its people, and Ms. Tucker is certainly deserving of the honor. prgtoken Ms. Tucker works for the Salem Water Department and as an instructional assistant in prgtoken Salem City Schools, but she dedicates so much more of her time and her effort to the City. Through Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, she mentors elementary school students through programs on financial literacy, good citizenship, entrepreneurship, and career paths. JA named her its volunteer of the year in 2018. prgtoken For Salem's 215th birthday, Ms. Tucker co-founded a grassroots social media group, Salem215, to celebrate the City and share news about its cultural, economic, and governmental activities. She is also a staunch patron of Roanoke College's Toy Like Me program to modify toys for children with disabilities, donating to it, referring children to it, and assisting with its activities. prgtoken I would like to offer Laura my sincerest congratulations on receiving the Charles Brown Award, a recognition of all the good that she has done and continues to do for our hometown.
COMMENDING HEALTHY SAVANNAH
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-11-16

I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's independence from the British Empire. prgtoken On August 15, 1947, the Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, officially establishing India as a sovereign nation after nearly 90 years under the Raj. This act of Parliament marked the creation of the largest democracy in history, responsible for governing a nation over a billion strong. prgtoken Though it may not seem like it at first glance, the United States and India share much in common. Our national identities were both forged from a rejection of British rule by crown or company. We both recognize the vital importance of autonomy, of independence, and freedom from foreign rulers. prgtoken India's commitment to democracy and self-government has been unwavering in the past decades, and its future today is brighter than ever before. prgtoken I am excited for America's relationship with India to continue flourishing, as it has for the past 75 years, and I am proud to call the people of India our friends. Remembering Patricia ``Pat'' Bohler
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-11-16

I want to begin by thanking and recognizing the House Judiciary chairman, Jerry Nadler, and the entire House Equality Caucus for introducing the House bill and starting up this effort. prgtoken This legislation passed the House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote of 267 to 157, with all and 47 s supporting the bill. prgtoken I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for my Senate colleagues who have worked tirelessly to get us up to this point. I want to thank the lead sponsor of the bill, Senator Feinstein, and also thank and recognize the hard work and effort of Senator Collins, Senator Portman, Senator Sinema, and Senator Tillis for their steadfast commitment. We couldn't be where we are right now without their efforts. prgtoken I also want to thank the staff of all of these offices for the long hours and hard work that went into this legislation, including my own counsel, Becca Branum, and my chief of staff, Ken Reidy. prgtoken Lastly, I want to thank all of the advocates who have fought for marriage equality for decades. prgtoken We are on the cusp of a historic vote in the Senate because of everybody's efforts. prgtoken I decided, in thinking about what I wanted to share today, that I wanted to put a face on this debate; actually, more accurately, three faces. prgtoken Let me introduce you to my dear friends Margaret, Denise, and their daughter Maria, and just tell you a little bit about them and then how this underlying issue impacts them. prgtoken The marriage and long partnership that my dear friends Denise and Margaret share began in Oklahoma in 1981. They were there as organizers, working to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in that State. They were organizing support for the ERA so that we might add a few simple words to the U.S. Constitution, specifically, ``Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' prgtoken That they met one another during a struggle for social justice surprised no one who knew either Denise or Margaret, for, really, the pursuit of equality and equity and justice has defined each of them as individuals as well as life partners. prgtoken Their professional and personal lives and the movements for women's rights, LGBTQ rights, educational equity, affordable housing, economic justice--they are all inextricably linked. prgtoken Their first date occurred in December of 1981 over coffee in Oklahoma City. And as that ERA campaign came to an unsuccessful close in 1982, they chose to move together to Madison, WI. I vividly recall meeting them shortly thereafter in the autumn of 1984. prgtoken Denise hailed from Milwaukee, WI--this is Denise--Margaret, from Webster City, IA. They were incredibly and are incredibly committed to one another, but they also determined, as they got a little older, that something was missing. Actually, I want to say someone was missing. D
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , as the Chairman of the Ways and Means Worker and Family Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Supplemental Security Income Program--or SSI, it is an honor and privilege to recognize the 50th Anniversary of this essential program that serves as our nation's fundamental safety net for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. prgtoken The charge that a humane society should care for its vulnerable is long-standing. The Chinese philosopher Confucius said: ``In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.'' The Jewish teaching of tzedakah advocates treating every person with righteousness and justice. In the book of Matthew, Jesus said, ``As you did it to one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it to me.'' And, Mahatma Gandhi indicated that ``the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.'' prgtoken In the 20th century, our country established and improved programs that created the foundation of a system to care for vulnerable Americans--such as FDR's New Deal, LBJ's Great Society, and the hundreds of laws to strengthen these programs. Fifty years ago, many low-income Americans with significant disabilities experienced painful hardship because they lacked the monthly income to support themselves. No federal program met their needs; rather, each state had separate rules for who could receive benefits, for how long, and for how much. prgtoken In 1972, a ic Congress and a President recognized the challenges faced by low-income people with severe disabilities and amended the Social Security Act to replace the inadequate, inconsistent, state support system with a permanent, national benefits program that offers a minimum, monthly income. As a federal program, SSI consolidated several state and federal elderly anti-poverty and disability programs into one program to support the most vulnerable. prgtoken Today, SSI provides food, shelter, heat in the winter, and dignity to more than 7.6 million American seniors and those with severe disabilities. In Cook County, Illinois, which includes my Congressional District, over 140,000 people rely on SSI to help buy food, pay rent, keep the lights on, and pay out-of-pocket health care costs. Importantly, SSI eligibility often increases eligibility for other important benefits--such as state public assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP--to also assist with critical expenses, like hospital stays, doctors' bills, and prescriptions. prgtoken In addition to supporting seniors and adults with disabilities, SSI benefits also help many children with disabilities and health conditions access the specialized care and treatment they need. Further, SSI helps compensate for the loss of income that is common for parents managing their children's complex care. Over 33,000 Illinois children receive these vital supports each month
SPEAK OUT ACT
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I thank my great caucus cochair and good friend, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, for this bill. I thank the chairman for bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the for her extraordinary work in this area. prgtoken I sit here and think to myself: Are we living on two different planets? Why would any of you on the other side of the aisle want to prevent a woman or a man from speaking up if they were raped by someone in the office? Why would we allow for these NDAs? prgtoken Sexual harassment is an abuse of power made worse by the indignity of being silenced and gagged about your experience. prgtoken We have heard this morning that a third of the American workforce is bound by NDAs. Now, they were used originally to protect trade secrets. We appreciate that. We get that. But they have now been extended to be a weapon of choice for abusers and those orchestrating coverups. prgtoken Let's talk about the Washington Commanders' owner, Dan Snyder, at the NFL. Snyder assured his fans that he knew nothing about rampant and reprehensible harassment suffered by his employees, the women staffers forced to endure harassment and attempted assault. Some testified before the Committee on Oversight and Reform that they were told to avoid him at all costs and other predatory employees. prgtoken Snyder even had cheerleaders videotaped without their consent, and some without their knowledge, for a calendar photo shoot. The women posed topless using only their hands and arms or body paint to cover their breasts. Snyder knew they would have to change outfits and be exposed at times, and he made sure that he got the video to watch and share with his cronies. prgtoken Surprise: Snyder used predispute NDAs with many of those women staffers. prgtoken Abusers like Snyder, Weinstein, Roger Ailes at FOX, and others should not be allowed to be the predators they are in the workforce. Women and men who become victims should be able to call them out. prgtoken It is time to end this predatory practice of silencing survivors. It is time for workers to have the freedom to speak out. For those who say that this should be a States' rights issue, remind me: Isn't it your party who wants to ban abortions across the country and not leave it to the States?
SPEAK OUT ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today in support of S. 4524, the Speak Out Act. I am proud to support this bill and thank my good friends and colleagues Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Frankel for their leadership, and Chairman Nadler and the for bringing it to the floor. prgtoken This bill is a step toward ending a culture of silence and coercion that further deprives survivors of sexual assault from achieving justice. prgtoken We must put an end to the enablement of perpetrators in the workforce by eliminating the use of NDAs in sexual misconduct cases. prgtoken While this bill is progress toward eradicating institutional protections for perpetrators, we cannot stop here. As a champion of sexual and reproductive health and rights, I hope that we continue joining efforts to fix this toxic system and empower survivors of sexual assault to be the authors of their own stories. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD O. ALLEN, SR.
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , friends and family are gathering to celebrate the life of Donald O. Allen, Sr. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1950, he made Buffalo his home after attending East High School, Bryant Stratton Business School, and SUNY Empire College. He began his 27-year career in public service in 1978 as the Assistant Director of the Summer Youth Program in the city of Buffalo. He also took on the role of Minority Recruiter, Human Resources Planner, and Senior Deputy Commissioner in 1978. prgtoken When he assumed these positions, he became an indispensable pillar within the Buffalo community, and he would remain as such for the rest of his life. His efforts will continue to be felt by countless members of the community for many years to come. After retiring from his career in public service in 2005, he continued to serve the community for an additional 16 years by joining the Erie County Sheriff's Department. Furthermore, as a Zone Leader and City ic Chairman for the Erie County ic Committee, Donald had 4 terms to make his voice heard as a political leader. prgtoken In his spare time, he never missed an opportunity to engage with the community. And due to this commitment, he was honored at several points in his life for his service on the Buffalo Youth Board, at the Pratt- Willert Revitalization Corporation, and as the Buffalo Handicapped Chairman. prgtoken Married for 23 years to his loving wife, Lynette, there is an abundance of their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren that can continue their legacy and honor their memory. Donald Allen, Sr. will forever be a cherished community leader. While the place he holds in everyone's hearts can never be replaced, his dedication to others will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.
REMEMBERING MR. BILLY F. DeBERRY
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Billy F. DeBerry, who passed away on September 17, 2022. A local legend and inspiration to our community, Mr. DeBerry's life and enduring contributions made a positive impact to many of my constituents across the Monterey Peninsula. Born on February 7, 1939, in Denmark, Tennessee, Mr. DeBerry spent most of his life in Seaside, California. While working at Alabama State College, Mr. DeBerry and his wife were recruited by Mr. Charlie Knight, marking the beginning of a 32-year-long, influential career with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. prgtoken Mr. DeBerry's prolific career with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District began when he was hired as a professional school counselor for Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in 1968. Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant Principal at Monterey High School, and four years later, he was promoted to Principal. In 1987, Billy joined the Central Office of MPUSD as Director of Personnel and Assistant Superintendent of Personnel. In 1991, he was promoted to Associate Superintendent and would eventually become Superintendent of Schools in 1994. It was this position that Mr. DeBerry would hold until his retirement in 2000. prgtoken Throughout Billy's career, he exemplified high standards of integrity, discipline, inclusiveness, and most importantly, compassion. Most notably, Mr. DeBerry worked diligently and tirelessly to become the first and only African American Superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. prgtoken These high standards extended beyond his role as Superintendent. Mr. DeBerry worked to lift up the Central Coast through his important and influential positions on the Advisory Board for California State University Monterey Bay Institute for Community Collaborative Studies, the City of Seaside's Mayor's Advisory Committee on Government Efficiency, the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Community Development Program, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury, the Monterey County Equal Opportunity Advisory Commission, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Commission, and the Monterey County Economic Development Commission. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Billy DeBerry was the type of dedicated community member, leader, and educator we should all strive to be. His legacy is a shining example and inspiration to us all to become more involved in our communities. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-16

before the Senate finishes this evening, there is one more important piece of legislation we are passing today, which I want to tout: the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act. prgtoken I have to give great credit to Senator Feinstein, Senator Grassley, and Senator Schatz. They have championed this legislation and worked hard to see that it has gotten support of all the Senators. It would eliminate the redtape that hinders cannabis research, opening the door for new, innovative treatments derived from cannabis. prgtoken Now, if you are one of the millions of Americans who deal with conditions like Parkinson's or epilepsy or post-traumatic stress, or any number of other conditions, cannabis might hold promising new options for managing these diseases, but we need to do research first. And the Federal government, sadly, has been woefully behind the times on this front. prgtoken This bill will help fix that and, equally important, I hope that after passing this bill, the Senate can make progress on other cannabis legislation too. I am still holding productive talks with ic and colleagues in the House and the Senate on moving additional bipartisan cannabis legislation in the lameduck, and we are going to try very, very hard to get it done. It is not easy, but we are making good progress. So s for the excellent work on this bill and hope it portends more good cannabis legislation to come.
SPEAK OUT ACT
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , I rise to strongly support the Speak Out Act. It is carried by my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Lois Frankel. prgtoken Madam , I want to talk to you about why this is so important. Eight months ago, I stood in this Chamber to speak about my bill to expand the rights of sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors to seek justice. prgtoken I wrote a bill that is now law after reading the haunting stories of the thousands of women from a company called Sterling Incorporated, the parent company of Kay and Jared Jewelers. Each story was more disturbing than the one before it: managers demanding sexual acts in exchange for employment benefits and company events where women were expected to undress publicly. In one story, a former employee attended an overnight meeting where she woke up with her underwear pushed to her ankles and her manager raping her. prgtoken All of this stayed quiet, in secret for years all because of a few words that are hidden away in legal language filed alongside other forms and filled out as part of employment paperwork. prgtoken The women at Sterling Incorporated were silenced by forced arbitration clauses that prevented them from seeking justice in a court of law. But we know that these aren't the first nightmare stories that we have heard, and they won't be the last. prgtoken For way too long, the sinister culture of silence has protected predators and has shamed survivors. But as the saying goes, sunshine is the best disinfectant. The one way to dismantle this culture of silence is to let the voices and prgtoken the stories of the survivors be heard because those stories are powerful. prgtoken Survivors' stories launched the #MeToo movement. Survivors' stories inspired my bill to end forced arbitration and today's bill, and it will be those stories that will continue to bring change. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand on the right side of history and support the Speak Out Act.
HONORING REVEREND DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-16

. Madam , today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of the legendary Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III. As the pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church for 50 years, Reverend Butts understood his role as a leader went beyond the faith community. prgtoken Witnessing the racial strife of the late 1960s, Reverend Butts became an ardent protector of Harlem, particularly the Black community, and often pushed for projects and policies that would increase access to dire needs like housing and education. prgtoken Reverend Butts led projects that included raising and investing $1 billion in housing and commercial development in Harlem through the Abyssinian Development Corporation and creating the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change. prgtoken Reverend Butts preached a message of faith and education, and he motivated each of us through his teachings to be an active and exemplary member of Harlem, uplifting communities while giving back through service, engagement, and social reform. prgtoken A dear friend and icon of Harlem, may he rest in peace, and may his legacy be cherished and never forgotten. Keep the faith.
HONORING THE LIFE OF TYRONE WINFREY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-16

I rise today to express my sadness about the death of Joey Smith, a 12-year-old resident of Dearborn Heights, whose young life was tragically cut short when he was struck by a car. prgtoken A seventh-grade student at O.W. Best Middle School, Joey was always surrounded by friends and classmates who will dearly miss him. He will be remembered for his bright smile. prgtoken I offer my deepest condolences and sympathy to Joey's family and his friends as they mourn his loss. prgtoken As a mother myself, my heart especially goes out to Joey's mother, Katie. I pray that she finds the strength and peace during this very difficult time of unimaginable grief. Our community is deeply saddened by this tragedy. prgtoken Please join me in honoring the memory of Joey Smith.