mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ALASKA'S RIGHT TO PRODUCE ACT OF 2023
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I do appreciate my colleague's love of tennis, our mutual love of tennis and his sense of humor. I have less appreciation when he draws tortured analogies to international sanctions and national security issues. It is just hard to take that kind of sanctimony seriously from somebody who just last week voted, along with the majority of the House Conference, to hand Ukraine over to Vladimir Putin. prgtoken As I often say in these debates, you have to take a lot of this political theater with a grain of salt, in this case, with a glass of vodka. prgtoken , I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alaska (Mrs. Peltola).
RESCHEDULING OF CANNABIS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-5-1

the administration announced the long-awaited rescheduling of cannabis from schedule I to schedule III. prgtoken This reschedule eliminates the vestige of the failed war on drugs started by the Nixon administration. Contrary to science, it was used for political purposes against Black Americans, young Americans. prgtoken A schedule I controlled substance, which cannabis has been for over 50 years, is one that has no medicinal value and is highly addictive. At the time the Nixon administration made that determination, they knew that that was false. It is not highly addictive, and it has, in fact, medicinal purposes. That has been demonstrated by vote after vote by Americans across the country that recognize that medical cannabis has tremendous therapeutic features. prgtoken I could not be more excited or optimistic that we are finally on the homestretch to end the failed and misguided war on drugs. This action by the administration ties together many of our initiatives, from justice to research to tax fairness, and charts the path for more progress sooner. prgtoken One of the overhauls here is the prohibition of the State legal cannabis businesses from banking services. Every day in the United States, there are people with shopping bags full of $20 bills that they use to pay their State taxes. prgtoken Think of it. It is outrageous. It has made these State legal cannabis businesses sitting ducks for robbery, and it severely handicaps their ability to work in a constructive fashion. prgtoken Furthermore, what is going to happen with this rescheduling is it is finally going to allow State legal cannabis businesses to fully deduct their business expenses. prgtoken Right now, due to a provision known as 280 of the tax code, these businesses are prohibited from deducting legitimate business expenses. prgtoken As a result, State legal cannabis businesses pay two, three, maybe four times more than a comparable noncannabis business. It is outrageous. It poses serious problems in terms of their profitability and being able to thrive. prgtoken These decisions are going to raise the profile of an issue very important to some of us but which has never gained the attention it deserves or the momentum that it demands. prgtoken We have made some progress here in the House. We have passed safe banking seven times with overwhelming bipartisan support, but it never could quite get across the finish line. prgtoken This rescheduling by the administration is going to help us change prgtoken that, and it is going to help the almost half a million people who work in the industry, the $40 billion a year of economic activity, eliminate the injustice, and perhaps, most of all, it will usher in a new era of protections because right now, somebody who buys their marijuana from a corner drug dealer in a park, that person has no license to lose. It doesn't check for ID. prgtoken Treating marijuana in a thoughtful fashion is goin
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-5-1

. Continuing: I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ``order'' than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: ``I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action''; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a ``more convenient season.'' Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured. In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn't this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isn't this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquiries precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hemlock? Isn't this like condemning Jesus because his unique God
HONORING CHARLES AND BARBARA WHITE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-1

I humbly rise to acknowledge and honor a remarkable couple, Apostle Dr. Charles White, Jr and Elect Lady Barbara White, on the golden anniversary of their ministry. prgtoken Along with their loved ones, parishioners, and friends in a room decorated in gold, they celebrated 50 years in the ministry throughout their 55-year marriage. prgtoken Despite facing challenges, such as prostate cancer and Parkinson's, they have continued to serve with unwavering faith and determination, reaching out to those in need and delivering hope to countless lives. prgtoken Greene County has been blessed with their ministry, and we are so grateful for their positive impact. prgtoken I thank the Lord for blessing us with such compassionate and caring souls as Apostle Charles and Elect Lady Barbara White.
RECLASSIFYING MARIJUANA
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-1

. Madam , I rise in support of the news that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will soon reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. prgtoken Reclassifying marijuana from a schedule I drug to a schedule III drug while not legalizing marijuana is an important step in normalizing cannabis use in the United States and recognizing that marijuana is not cocaine, and it is not heroin. prgtoken The order will broaden access to the drug for medicinal purposes and move us further away from a time of prosecution and incarceration for simple possession, something that has had damaging effects to Black and Brown communities across this country. prgtoken I commend President for his important work on this issue. From pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana to reviewing all Federal marijuana laws, the administration is taking the necessary steps to improve marijuana policy in the United States. prgtoken Promises made, promised delivered. I thank President .
ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT OF 2023
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2024-5-1

. President said there are good people on both sides. prgtoken Well, there are good people on both sides in Columbia, but there were not good people on both sides in Charlottesville. prgtoken That anti-Semitism needs to be addressed and has not been addressed by my friends on the other side, although Mr. Smith has addressed it and there are others, so I don't want to paint a broad brush. There have been so many instances in history that have come not from these Palestinian supporters, but from skinheads, Neo-Nazis, and Klansmen, and that needs to be addressed. I think Mr. Smith's and Ms. Manning's bill addresses it. I hope that comes to the floor and we do a comprehensive attack on anti-Semitism.
TRIBUTE TO GUADALUPE MARTINEZ
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-5-1

today I rise to honor Guadalupe Martinez, executive director of United Migrant Opportunity Services--UMOS--on his retirement. Over the last 55 years, Guadalupe Martinez has been a tireless advocate who has grown a multistate organization with programs to provide education, improve employment and housing for migrant workers and underserved populations. prgtoken Mr. Martinez was born in 1945 in Corpus Christi, TX, to migrant parents and was one of 10 children. Throughout his life, his family migrated around the Midwest, working as fruit and vegetable harvesters, before settling in Oklahoma. As a young boy, his job was to haul baskets to the workers. Martinez also served as the translator for his family, taking care of essential household duties. Eventually, his family bought a farm in Stevens Point, WI. prgtoken In 1969, Martinez saw a help wanted ad for UMOS. He applied, and on May 5, 1969, Martinez started as a community outreach worker in Door County, WI. He later enrolled in classes at UW-Milwaukee, became a teacher, and eventually rose to the position of director of education for UMOS. Then, in 1974, he became the CEO and president of UMOS. prgtoken Martinez helped broaden the scope of UMOS by providing direct program services that focused on workforce development, social services, and child development. Through his leadership, UMOS has grown into the largest Hispanic-managed nonprofit in the State of Wisconsin and into one of the largest in the Nation. Martinez also founded the Latina Resource Center, which offers advocacy and supportive services to increase the safety and empower victims of domestic violence. prgtoken As a young man, Martinez organized and marched side-by-side with Cesar Chavez during the Grape Boycott of the 1970s, and in 1993, Martinez served as a pallbearer for Cesar Chavez for his ``final march.'' prgtoken Mr. Martinez has served as chairman of the National Farmworker Alliance, MAFO, and, most recently served as chair of the Wisconsin Council on Migrant Labor. He has also served on the board of Farmworker Justice, Wisconsin Farmworkers Coalition, and National Council of La Raza. prgtoken Mr. Martinez is truly a Wisconsin trailblazer, consistently fighting for equality throughout his 55-year career. He has been a tireless advocate since the 1960s, and I am pleased to join others in recognizing Guadalupe Martinez's success and contributions to the people of our State and our Nation. I wish him all the best in his retirement.
ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT OF 2023
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the gentleman's remarks are slanderous. prgtoken First of all, the bill that I cosponsored 2 years ago was a different bill. It did not exclude--let me read from this bill: ``The use of alternative definitions of anti-Semitism impairs enforcement efforts by adding multiple standards and may fail to identify many of the modern manifestations of anti-Semitism.'' prgtoken That is nonsense, and it was not in the bill that was, I think, about 7 or 8 years ago. The two bills are different. prgtoken Second, I oppose this bill because it infringes on freedom of speech, and there are Jewish groups, such as Reconstructionist Judaism, J Street and T'ruah that oppose this bill for the same reason, and they are not anti-Semitic. There are Jewish groups that support the bill. There are Jewish groups that oppose the bill. prgtoken I have been a supporter of Israel and of Zionism, and an opponent of anti-Semitism all my life. I have been active in Zionist organizations ever since I was in high school, and to say that anyone who votes against this bill is supporting anti-Semitism is a disgrace. prgtoken There are differences of opinion that occur on this floor from time to time, honest differences. Someone who opposes this bill may think that it infringes on freedom of speech. Someone who opposes this bill may note that the author of the IHRA definition that this would enshrine in law said don't codify it. The author, Kenneth Stern, said this is a good working definition that may indicate anti-Semitism. So are the other two, but it should not be codified into law because that could make, depending on the circumstances, free speech illegal. The author of the IHRA definition said that. prgtoken There may be legitimate differences of opinion between those who support this bill and those who oppose this bill, but to say that anyone who opposes this bill supports anti-Semitism is a disgraceful slander. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE MARK E. JOHNSON
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise to recognize the decades of dedicated service that the Honorable Mark E. Johnson has given not only to his country, but to his community. prgtoken Johnson spent 28 years of his life in the United States Army, rising through the ranks due to his impeccable service and endless perseverance. In this period, Johnson received an astonishing 30 awards and decorations, including the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star. prgtoken After retiring at the rank of Colonel, Johnson embarked upon a new challenge, bringing his love of public service to the legal profession. Johnson worked in the private sector and as a Deputy Public Defender for the Riverside County Public Defender's Office to ensure everyone had access to a vigorous defense. prgtoken He went on to serve as a judge for the Riverside County Superior Court, ruling thoughtfully in over 200 jury trials and presiding over many of the most significant cases in our community. prgtoken Above all, Johnson worked at every point in his storied career to serve other veterans. Johnson labored endlessly to ensure no one who sacrificed for our nation would fall through the cracks. He developed the Riverside County Veterans Treatment Court to help address the service-related health issues too many of our veterans face. prgtoken The Honorable Mark E. Johnson has done more for our veterans, our communities, and our Nation than can ever be repaid. I stand today to ensure his work is never forgotten.
HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY AND PROLIFIC MINISTRY OF THE REVEREND DOCTOR WAYNE DEAN BAKER
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to a loving husband, dedicated father, exceptional mentor, devoted leader, faithful servant of God, and friend of longstanding, The Reverend Doctor Wayne Dean Baker, as he concludes 40 years of dedicated service as the Senior Pastor of the Spirit Filled Ministries Church in Columbus, Georgia. A special celebration commemorating this special occasion will occur at the church on Sunday, May 5, 2024. prgtoken Reverend Dr. Wayne Dean Baker, a man of humble beginnings, was born and raised in rural Russell County, Alabama. His thirst for knowledge led him to graduate from Oliver High School in 1966 and later, in 1971, from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. However, it was in the same year that his life took a significant turn when he met the love of his life and lifelong sweetheart, Rita Delynn Howard. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 1974. prgtoken Dr. Baker experienced another life-altering event in 1975 when he was converted to Christianity in a shopping center in Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequently, Dr. Baker was licensed to preach in 1976 and was ordained in 1979. His ministerial journey led him to Pastor several churches, including Pleasant Grove, Peace and Goodwill, and Wayman Chapel in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. prgtoken The scripture says, ``Where there is no vision, the people perish.'' Frustrated by the tenets of liberal theology, Dr. Baker founded Spirit Filled Ministries in 1984. During his tenure as Pastor, he has preached over Ten Thousand Sermons, but more importantly, he has brought countless souls to Jesus Christ. Under his guidance, the church has flourished spiritually, numerically, and in its physical facilities. Doctor Baker has used his television ministry at Spirit Filled to reach the community in furtherance of Kingdom business here on earth. prgtoken Dr. Baker has never been one to rest on his laurels and has constantly expanded his educational horizons for the advancement of God and His people. He enrolled in Moody Graduate School to pursue a Master of Arts in Ministry. In 2018, he earned his Master of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia. He also earned his Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice. Furthermore, he has pursued Ph.D. studies at Columbia Biblical Seminary. prgtoken Dr. Baker's work for God has not been limited to the community of Columbus, Georgia, as he has taught, lectured and conducted revivals on a global basis, including in South Korea and Germany. A voracious writer and biblical scholar, Dr. Baker has authored eight books: Clay in the Master's Hand; Biblical Theology of Goals; Evangelism; Freedom Prayers; Ministry Handbook; New Members Handbook; The Case of Ham Revisited; and the White Jesus Myth Revisited. It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Dr
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I will continue with the reading of the letter from the Birmingham jail. You may well ask: ``Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn't negotiation a better path?'' You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word ``tension.'' I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue. One of the basic points in your statement is that the action that I and my associates have taken in Birmingham is untimely. Some have asked: ``Why didn't you give the new city administration time to act?'' The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act. We are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell as mayor will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is a much more gentle person than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, dedicated to maintenance of the status quo. I have hope that Mr. Boutwell will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust postu
REMEMBERING ADMIRAL JOHN C. AQUILINO
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-5-1

. Madam , this Friday at Kilo Pier, Pearl Harbor, Admiral John C. Aquilino, call sign ``Lung,'' relinquished his command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and closes four decades of service to our Nation. prgtoken Throughout, Admiral Aquilino has exemplified loyalty to his oath. At INDOPACOM, he has been fiercely realistic about the challenge we face and fiercely focused on the path we must take. prgtoken His rock has always been his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Jess and Lisa. We owe them a true debt of gratitude. prgtoken When he assumed command 3 years ago, Admiral Aquilino quoted Admiral Nimitz doing the same in December 1941 at Pearl Harbor: ``It is a great responsibility, but I shall do my utmost to meet it.'' prgtoken Admiral Aquilino has more than met his responsibility, and we are truly grateful.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DOUGLAS D. DELAIR
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

on April 18, 2024, Douglas `'Doug'' D. DeLair, died in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 81. He was born on December 12, 1942, in Oakland, California, to the late Raymond DeLair and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair. prgtoken A distinguished captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, Doug served admirably as a helicopter pilot. prgtoken His disciplined spirit later guided his fulfilling career in bankruptcy law in Lincoln, Nebraska alongside his beloved wife, Sandra DeLair. prgtoken Beyond his professional achievements, Doug was a devoted bowler and golfer, his sportsmanship and enthusiasm endearing him to many. prgtoken Doug will be remembered not just for his achievements but for his generous heart, sharp wit, and the unwavering support he provided to his friends and family. He was a pillar prgtoken in his community, often volunteering his time and legal expertise to those in need. prgtoken He is survived by his wife Sandra and their children Dianne, Deborah (partner Antonio), John, Robert (wife Christine) and Danielle (husband Joshua). Doug was blessed with eleven grandchildren including Lucy, Everett, Elaina, Ivy, Breanna, Claudia, Lydia, Sharon, Anthony, Lizzy, and Gabe. Doug was also a brother to Steven DeLair (wife Sally), Stanley DeLair (wife Bertha), and John DeLair (wife Gail). prgtoken Doug was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair.