mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING WILLIAM CLAIRE FOR HIS POEM, THE HEARTBEAT OF CAPE HENLOPEN PARK
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-4-19

I rise today to include in the Record a poem by Mr. William Claire, a distinguished poet, essayist, and author who made Lewes, Delaware his home. This poem speaks to the First State's captivating beauty and reminds us to treasure and protect our coastlines. It is my sincere hope that all who read Mr. Claire's poem are similarly inspired to reflect on the magnificence of the natural world. It's elemental, dear Senor Neruda, like your ode to glories of bird watching; ``sailors of the air,'' or, if near here, por ejemplo horseshoe crab-eggs at spawning time, God's manna for valiant red knots flying nonstop from the southern tip of Patagonia in your Tierra del Fuego enroute to a frigid Arctic surviving and doubling their weight at paradise here on earth . . . Ruddy turnstones nibbling now at ocean's edge; the pulse and throb of The Great Dune Overlook where we bring visitors from a land-locked midwest with a diminishing August daylight mist off the Atlantic knowing we are all stage-struck passers-by on specks of land windblown here whether we do or do not witness this Dune sand hill built by the aeolian process . . . Our treasured land safe from a decaying half-life of time and tempests, nurturing now exotic plants and animals where once lonely sentries in Ghost Towers kept watch by day & unearthly nights, targeting by triangulation German submarines prowling our shores; programmed by madmen with desperate dreams until their surrender here restored natural harmonies: say now with reverence . . . piping plovers, shifting sands, wind, water, air, sanderlings majestic now from our mini-Mt. Olympus-like view and utopian spur of land.
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS ACT OF 2023
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-19

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership for fairness and safety in our schools and for justice in our communities. prgtoken I stand here today in opposition to the legislation that is on the floor. In listening carefully to the maker of the motion, he references a religious context in his comments, and so will I, then, following his lead. prgtoken Yes, we are all God's children. We all have a spark of divinity in us, and therefore, are worthy of respect. That spark of divinity that is within us insists that we respect it in others, as well. prgtoken So recognizing that we are all God's children, I rise in opposition to this legislation because trans kids are all God's children; belong in sports, in schools, in books, in families, and on teams. prgtoken It is really important for us as leaders in our country to speak with respect for all of the people in our country. prgtoken Trans kids listen and hear what we say, and we do not want to do them harm for whatever purpose on the floor of this House. prgtoken The gentleman also referenced Title IX. While none of us were probably here when Patsy Mink very courageously passed Title IX, many of us were here as we reauthorized it over time and fought off, fought off initiatives to weaken it to say that in supporting women in sports was taking away from men in sports. That is simply not the case. prgtoken I will say that this bill is an insult to the legacy of fairness and inclusion that Patsy Mink intended, and was passed by the House and the Congress in Title IX; Senator Birch Bayh, the Senator from Indiana. prgtoken So I say let every child, regardless of gender identity, deserve a chance to be part of a team, to learn lessons of sportsmanship, to push themselves to reach their fullest potential and vote ``no'' against this legislation.
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS ACT OF 2023
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-4-19

. Mr. Chair, I rise in the strongest opposition to H.R. 734. prgtoken This is one of the most powerful bodies in our Nation. We should be using our influence and our power for good. We should be alleviating the suffering of our constituents and not fanning the flames of fear and enabling discrimination. prgtoken What upsets me the most about this bill is that it is devoid of compassion for the kids who just want to live their lives. prgtoken I was honored yesterday to meet with Rebekah Bruesehoff. This wonderful 16-year-old girl spoke about the incredibly positive impact sports and community have in her young life. To Rebekah and trans kids everywhere, there are allies in Congress who care deeply about you, and we will continue to fight for your rights. prgtoken We should not be choosing to use the power of this institution to attack young kids who just want to live their lives. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for the motion to recommit so that I can offer an amendment to protect student athletes' sexual privacy and keep schools accountable when sexual abuse occurs. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of this amendment. Ms. Balint moves to recommit the bill (H.R. 734) to the Committee on Education and the Workforce with instructions to report the bill back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: Strike the text of the bill and insert the following:
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE REFORM AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-4-19

I thank my friend for yielding, and I would like to respond to something that was said on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken Both public- and private-sector employers across the country have had difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in recent years. In fact, the difficulty law enforcement agencies across the country have with recruitment and retention predate the police reforms enacted after the killing of George Floyd. prgtoken Prior to the killing of George Floyd, a 2019 survey conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that ``the challenge of recruiting law enforcement is widespread and affects agencies of all types, sizes, and locations across the United States.'' prgtoken The survey also found that ``the difficulty in recruiting law enforcement officers and employees is not due to one particular cause. Rather, multiple social, political, and economic forces are all simultaneously at play.''
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-19

this amendment is intended to make changes to an entirely unrelated program that is completely outside of the scope of this bill. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is an important resource that provides aid to those who are at risk of experiencing hunger. And any changes certainly must be thoroughly considered. And I look forward to having an opportunity to work with a sponsor on this amendment in some other manner. However, the bill before us extends programs that firefighters are counting on to purchase lifesaving equipment or receive important cancer screenings. We should not jeopardize the enactment of this incredibly important bill by putting in completely unrelated matters. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 72, As Modified
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE REFORM AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-4-19

. They didn't help us with the assault weapons ban that we are fighting, if I may call the roll: Uvalde, Nashville, Louisville, and in Alabama and on and on and on. prgtoken , I support the work of the District of Columbia, the Mayor, prgtoken and the city council. I support their reform bill that is supported by police officers, and also, I support home rule. prgtoken Let us vote not to uphold the s' legislation of disapproval. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman for his leadership. prgtoken , I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H.J. Res. 42--Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. prgtoken This outrageous resolution would nullify the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia. prgtoken This resolution is a bridge too far. While s continue to put forth legislation that further divides our country and puts lives at risk, have continuously supported funding for law enforcement and putting Americans safety over politics. prgtoken For two congresses, s have blocked the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, preventing us from making any substantive changes in policing accountability that would improve public safety nationwide. prgtoken In the absence of federal action, dozens of states and D.C. have taken steps to improve their law enforcement agencies since the death of George Floyd. These reforms have included restricting the use of neck restraints, improving standards for the use of force, and reforming police certification. prgtoken This resolution blatantly undermines Home Rule, and if my colleagues really cared about the safety of the American people and law enforcement, they would have voted with on the various bills we previously put forth to improve public safety. prgtoken Now, s are going a step further by seeking to undo D.C.'s work to improve law enforcement and Policy/Community relationships and promote public safety. They want to roll back all of the progress that has been made in police accountability. prgtoken While states, D.C and House have consistently stood up for accountability in policing, advancing public safety, and improving the public's trust in law enforcement, s are again defending rogue, lawless police officers who act with impunity. These rogue officers take lives and make all of us less safe as they erode public trust. prgtoken Take for instance, the recent case of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, the startling facts set forth in the Department of Justice's report on the Louisville Metro Police Department, or the audio recordings of McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy, Sheriff's Captain Alicia Manning, and Jail Administrator Larry Hendrix discussing killing journalists and lamenting that they could no longer lynch black people.
HONORING MARK ROBINSON OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES ON HIS RETIREMENT
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-19

today I rise to pay tribute to the extraordinary career of a true servant leader. Mark Robinson has used his time, talent, and treasure to be the voice of the most vulnerable in our state, including more than two decades at the helm of Livingston County Catholic Charities. prgtoken But it all began with a young boy from Detroit studying his multiplication tables and catechism. Shortly after the death of his mother, a young Mark Robinson, newly enrolled in Catholic school, began learning some of the lessons that would shape his life, including compassion, kindness, gentleness, and humility. Mark went on to attend Mercy College (now University of Detroit Mercy), and received his Master's degree in social work from Wayne State University. prgtoken Armed with his faith, his education, and a firm commitment to make the world a better place, Mark began his social work career at Boysville, a haven for troubled young men, before taking a position at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Through it all, he rooted himself in his faith, staying actively involved in Christian service at his local parish. prgtoken In January of 2001, Mark became the Executive Director of Livingston County Catholic Charities, a post he has held for the past 22 years. In that time, he has used every tool at his disposal to build a team of equally compassionate caregivers and to extend the organization's reach into the community. That includes spearheading the county's first day program for adults with dementia, overseeing the Special Ministries program for adults with developmental disabilities, securing a federal grant for a countywide substance abuse program, providing mental health counseling and foster care services, and ensuring that in all that it does, the organization lives up to its commitment to serve all residents regardless of religious preference, sex, age, ability or finances. prgtoken On several occasions Mark has opened up his office for me, and arranged meetings with local leaders so that I could hear from a diverse group of stakeholders. While he is retiring from his day job, I know his commitment to the community will never end, because it is who he is. I wish Mark all the best as he begins this new chapter, one I hope will be filled with quality time with his wife, Anne, and his daughter, Sarah. And if it isn't too much to ask, I wish for a winning season for his beloved Detroit Tigers. I would like to express my gratitude for the self-proclaimed ``city boy'' who has for so many years faithfully served Livingston County with his whole heart.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE REFORM AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-4-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken The good chairman of the committee invoked the name of Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, who sent us a letter with the chairman of the D.C. City Council, Phil Mendelson, which closes this way: ``Not only should our policy decisions not be overturned by officials not elected to represent our residents, but piecemeal interference hurts our ability to confront crime and improve public safety in the District of Columbia.'' prgtoken What is this about, ? H.J. Res. 42 seeks to nullify a law passed prgtoken unanimously by the Council of the District of Columbia to promote accountability for police officers who use excessive force or abuse their power, a goal that the vast majority of Americans share. prgtoken The D.C. law banned the use of choke holds and other dangerous neck restraints and set reasonable standards on the use of deadly force. It required the public release of body-worn camera footage and created a police officer misconduct database for officers who have been convicted of a crime or had allegations against them civilly or administratively sustained. It prohibited D.C. from hiring officers who have engaged in criminal or official misconduct. prgtoken Most importantly for these purposes, , the new law empowered the chief of police to fire or discipline officers who break the law by removing police disciplinary matters from the control of arbitrators under collective bargaining. This is the provision that galvanized opposition to the bill from the police union, the key provision that has now led our colleagues to want to convert the Congress of the United States into the largest city council in the world, a 535-member city council with the job of micromanaging and superintending the work of the 13-member Council of the District of Columbia. prgtoken The local police union hates this provision, which is their right, of course. Their chief has been the chief lobbyist against Washington, D.C on this law. He was the key GOP witness in the Oversight Committee hearing on the law. prgtoken His union sued when the legislation was first passed, asserting that it violated the U.S. Constitution not to subject the discipline of police officers to an outside arbitrator. They lost in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, they lost in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the Supreme Court did not grant cert. Still, the union is running TV ads against this law and has obviously found friends on that side of the aisle. prgtoken Now, in their eagerness to kick around the more than 700,000 taxpaying American citizens who live in Washington, D.C but have no voting representation in the House of Representatives or in the U.S. Senate, our colleagues are embracing a claim that puts them in favor of an extreme police union position on discipline that jurisdictions across America are debating and many of t
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT--Continued
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-4-19

I have discussed the matter which Senator Lee brings to the floor for consideration, and I thank him for accommodating me by allowing me to object at the beginning rather than at the end of his remarks. And I will say that it relates to a commemorative resolution which he wanted to offer. I came to learn as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that we have rules and standards by which we allow these commemorative resolutions to be considered. prgtoken I have given Senator Lee a copy of that policy--the committee policy--and I would like to ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to have it printed in the Record at this point.
ONE STEP CLOSER TO UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE AND THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-19

I rise today and applaud the President. The President's recent announcement of a plan that would allow more than 800,000 Dreamers across our county to have access to healthcare is to be applauded. prgtoken I also thank Congresswoman Ramirez for her dedication and leadership and for hosting this important Special Order on this critical issue. prgtoken I stand here before you as a child of immigrants but also the daughter of southwest Detroit, where I lived with 20 different ethnicities and backgrounds. Yes, many of my friends, many of my classmates, were Dreamers. prgtoken We know that many of the issues we work on in this Chamber are connected. Immigration is connected to healthcare. Right now, in our country, we have a great need for comprehensive immigration reform and to ensure that every person has access to adequate healthcare in terms of coverage and care delivery. prgtoken As somebody who worked on immigration issues and immigration justice, I know that our system is broken. Too many of our families are living in fear. Too many Dreamers, our neighbors who only know the United States as their home, continue to live a life where their rights could be stripped at any moment. prgtoken I know how important it is to fix our broken immigration system instead of tearing families apart. Dreamers right here in our country deserve permanent protections and a dignified pathway for citizenship. prgtoken No human being, , is illegal. We must protect our neighbors. We must protect those who are here simply because they want to have a better quality of life. prgtoken We have immigrant communities, again, across our country who simply want a pathway to citizenship, a pathway that many of our parents, grandparents, and ancestors were afforded, a pathway that we enjoy and are proud of. prgtoken Why do many of my colleagues want to block this pathway in the land of opportunity? prgtoken I am not sure. However, I know I applaud the administration's action to ensure that many Dreamers have access to healthcare. I implore President and many of my colleagues in this Chamber and in the Senate to reject divisive and xenophobic immigration policies that, again, do not move our country forward in a way that we can be proud of. prgtoken We cannot and should not embrace rhetoric and policies that only seek to pit communities against each other, tear families apart, and put immigrants in harm's way here in the United States and in their country of origin. prgtoken We must choose to be a welcoming country. We must work to create a robust pathway to citizenship. We must enact comprehensive immigration reform. We must ensure that every person in our country has comprehensive adequate healthcare. We must also pass Medicare for All. prgtoken , I am ready to get to work, and I cannot thank my amazing Progressive Caucus members enough, especially Congresswoman Ramirez, for this important Special Order.
SUPPORTING THE PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-4-19

we need to raise the debt ceiling and we need to do it soon. I rise today in support of the bipartisan debt ceiling framework unveiled today by the Problem Solvers Caucus. prgtoken In such a closely divided Congress, the only real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can get 218 votes in the House, 60 votes in the Senate, and on to the President's desk. prgtoken This framework proposes reasonable and responsible steps to ensure that we won't default on our debt while also ensuring that Congress takes short-term and long-term steps to address spending and balance the budget. prgtoken I came to Washington to get things done, and I am firmly committed to working with the Problem Solvers Caucus and my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions for the most pressing issues facing our Nation. prgtoken I am proud to support this bipartisan framework, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RELATING TO "REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES...
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-4-19

when the health and safety of our country is at risk, it is up to veterans to step up to protect us. They risk their lives for us. They are always there for us. But today Senator Tuberville from Alabama is pushing legislation that would take away reproductive care for hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families. That is right. The hard right is telling our veterans they should be treated as second-class citizens, our women veterans. prgtoken It is the kind of extreme proposal millions of Americans strongly oppose and one which, if it is passed, would gravely harm women's health. There are over 150,000 women veterans. They risk their lives for us. Now we must protect them. prgtoken The more Americans reject MAGA extremism, the more MAGA s seem to double down, and this bill is a perfect example. That is the MAGA right in a nutshell: Eliminate women's choice at all costs, even at the cost of our national defense. Again, the MAGA right says: Eliminate women's choice at all costs, even at the cost of national defense. prgtoken Here is the bottom line: Our veterans dedicated their lives to our freedom so we should protect their freedom of choice, plain and simple. Order of Procedure prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the vote in relation to the Scott of Florida amendment No. 81 occur following the vote on the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 10; further, I ask that the Senate vote at 11:15 a.m. tomorrow in relation to amendment Nos. 85 and 83; and the Senate vote on passage of S. 870, as amended, if amended, at 1:45 p.m with all provisions under the previous order remaining in effect.
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS ACT OF 2023
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-19

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to strongly oppose this attack on trans women and girls, known as the s' politics over participation act. prgtoken Americans are concerned about gun violence, paying rent, climate change, and reproductive rights, but s are once again stoking culture fires, putting lives at risk, ignoring everyday kitchen-table issues, and searching for votes rather than solutions. prgtoken This legislation would make it a violation of Title IX for federally funded institutions to allow trans women and girls to play sports, potentially setting gender equity back decades and undermining the true purpose of Title IX. prgtoken This bill is so vaguely written that it would subject every single girl to undergo a medical evaluation to prove their femaleness. Did I wake up? Are we in Iran? Is this what we want to subject our girls to? prgtoken This bill is assaultive, dehumanizing, and tantamount to rape. To its core, this bill is issue-deflecting and cloaked in misogyny, and it is a true disgrace because I don't think you would do this to a man to prove their maleness. This is sick. prgtoken Vote ``no'' on this legislation.