mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Jahana Hayes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , l rise today to voice my opposition to Amendment No. 97/No. 188 of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act. prgtoken This amendment was included as part of an en bloc which l supported, however, I do not support this amendment. During my time in Congress I have been an ardent supporter of high-speed rail, building rail capacity and improving existing infrastructure in Connecticut, the Northeast, and across the country. Unfortunately, I do not believe this amendment and the specific compact it seeks to create are the best path forward for rail in my state, the region or the country. The INVEST in America Act presents us with an opportunity to make a once in a generation investment in our transportation systems and infrastructure, and in rail in particular. I am concerned that proposals like this take away from our ability to implement comprehensive, fully vetted plans, that are free of redundancies. prgtoken As we look towards the future of rail in the United States, we must be sure that we partner with state and local transit authorities, and stakeholders. We must also be sure to consider and mitigate the climate and environmental risks that stem from these projects. prgtoken Congress must advance a bold vision for our Nation's infrastructure, and I look forward to the INVEST in America Act passing the House. I hope the Senate will quickly begin working on this vital issue.
CONGRATULATING ANDY MELENDREZ
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to congratulate a constituent and dear friend, Andy Melendrez, on his retirement from the Riverside City Council. prgtoken Mr. Melendrez has served as a council member for Ward 2 for four consecutive terms. During his first term as council member, he focused on enforcing public safety. prgtoken He has also always been a strong advocate for Riverside's youth. Mr. Melendrez brought the first youth opera program to the Cesar Chavez Community Center-Bobby Bonds Park and other social service programs for youth that would provide them with mentoring, workforce development training, and other opportunities to improve their lives. prgtoken Mr. Melendrez's dedication to improving the lives of families in Riverside is admirable. There is no doubt of his dedication and commitment to public service. prgtoken Riverside was lucky to have him as a local leader, and I wish him the best in his retirement from the city council.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today in support of the INVEST Act. prgtoken This bill represents a substantial investment in American infrastructure that will touch every corner of this country . prgtoken It will rebuild crumbling highways and bridges, reduce traffic congestion, enhance auto and pedestrian safety, expand transit options, help local governments finance their infrastructure and capital needs, and commit our nation to clean energy future. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Defazio and Chairwoman Norton for working with me to include in this bill the Metro Accountability and Investment Act (H.R. 694), which helps the federal government meet its financial obligations to the national capital's transit system. prgtoken The bill increases the existing federal commitment to Metro, provides annual operating funds for the first time, and conditions new funding on important accountability and ethics reforms that will strengthen the role and independence of the WMATA Inspector General. prgtoken I also welcome the reinstatement of the Build American Bonds program, a direct subsidy bond program that helps municipalities access financing for infrastructure project and which I have previously championed with my own legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF REGINALD ALTON POPE
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise to honor the life of Pastor Reginald Alton Pope, a beloved faith and community leader in Los Angeles. prgtoken Under Pastor Pope's direction, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church went beyond the walls of the church to offer support services to its neighbors, did outreach to the unhoused, provided unemployment services, and much more. prgtoken I witnessed this work after worshipping with the church on a Father's Day morning. prgtoken It was a moving service. Pastor Pope preached that this country is big enough for all our children. I will always remember Pastor Pope's passion and his compassion. prgtoken Pastor Pope founded the Watts Area Ministers as a force for positive community change. I was honored to participate in their annual Martin Luther King Day festivities, always first-rate, service-focused events. prgtoken After a life of service to our community, Pastor Pope passed away on June 16, 2021. prgtoken He is missed.
HIGHLIGHTING IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNANCE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-7-1

thank you for your courtesies. And I begin with a clarion call. The wears many hats, and we have been in meetings where we have focused our legislative prowess, legislative questions, on voting rights. So, I think it is appropriate to begin today to say that a crisis is pending. prgtoken I am stunned by this decision. I am aghast. I will not use the word ``enraged'' because action requires a calm and contemplative mind. prgtoken Today, the Supreme Court upheld voting restrictions. They might have written it and said they upheld voting laws. They upheld voting restrictions in Arizona and signaled that challenges in new State laws making it harder to vote--my God, I am going to say that on this floor--making it harder to vote in spite of the constitutional privilege that is ensconced in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments that generates into the States the dignity of humanity, that citizens' birthright is the right to be precise in your desires of your representation. prgtoken And then, it signaled in this article that challenges to new State laws making it harder to vote would have a hostile reception from a majority of the Justices. prgtoken The vote was just as we expected. All the Court-packing--all the Court-packing--has borne fruit. prgtoken Forgive me. I wanted to be on this floor speaking eloquently, if you will, about a myriad of things, but a 6-3 vote, not even a light of difference: three who were not appointed by Presidents, and then, of course, the packing by the former President of the United States. prgtoken By the way, I just want to make a public statement. I know the First Amendment has its privileges. I ask the media to call the former President ``the former President.'' He is not the President of the United States. He is not ``President'' and his name. He is the former President. He is not ``President'' and his name at the border. He is the former President at the border, creating havoc. prgtoken And havoc was created with this 6-3 vote. The decision was the Court's first consideration of how a crucial part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 applies to voting restrictions that have a disproportionate impact on members of minority groups. prgtoken It was issued as disputes over voting rights have taken center stage. We are still suffering from the Shelby case of 2013 that indicated that the Section 5 provision is unconstitutional and has left us with no tools to deal with this. prgtoken As -controlled State legislatures increasingly seek to impose restrictions, new voting rules, we are in the fight of our life. prgtoken I am on the floor of the House today to indicate that there is no divide in any of us, thanking the Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Beatty on the urgency of voting rights, and the Judiciary Committee and the chairman of that committee, the subcommittee chairmen of that committee, and all the Members and staff, we needed this decision to be able to craft
TAKE ACTION ON WILDFIRES
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

2020 was California's worst fire season on record, and 2021 has the potential to be even worse. prgtoken Wildfires damage property, pollute our air, and threaten lives, and we need to take action. prgtoken I have been calling for fair pay for Federal firefighters. These brave Americans put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, and I am glad that the administration recently committed to paying Federal firefighters at least $15 an hour. prgtoken As we begin another fire season, we need to strengthen our coordination across levels of government to learn from past disasters. I have introduced legislation to create an independent board to closely examine and report on natural disasters. This will keep families safe and save taxpayers money. prgtoken And, of course, we need to tackle a key contributor to worsening fire seasons, the climate crisis. prgtoken As we move forward on infrastructure legislation, environmental protection must be a priority. prgtoken For the millions of Americans and Californians hurt by wildfires each year, doing nothing is not an option.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR JOE GROCHMAL
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Joe Grochmal on entering his 68th year as a golf instructor in western Massachusetts. This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for Joe's hard work and steadfast love for the game, something he has instilled in the hearts of thousands of students. prgtoken Sometimes referred to as the ``Godfather of Western Massachusetts Golf,'' Joe began working as a golf instructor in 1953. Although he frequently changed his teaching philosophy, exploring new techniques to bring the most out of every golfer, Joe consistently shared with his students a genuine appreciation for the game of golf. During a career that spanned nearly seven decades, Joe dedicated countless hours to sharing his knowledge and expertise, meeting golfers young and old at local driving ranges after putting in a full day's work. Joe truly represents the best of Massachusetts' First District, and that is why I am proud to join with his family, friends, and the entire western Massachusetts golf community in recognizing this milestone achievement. prgtoken Madam , I would like to once again acknowledge Joe Grochmal. I am proud of his accomplishments and I wish him many more years of health and happiness, along with many more fairways and greens.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 205. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Babin (Nehls) Cawthorn (Nehls) Cicilline (Pingree) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Cammack) Fallon (Nehls) Gallego (Gomez) Garcia (TX) (Jeffries) Grijalva (Stanton) Herrera Beutler (Rodgers (WA)) Horsford (Jeffries) Jacobs (NY) (Garbarino) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Katko (Joyce (OH)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Leger Fernandez (Jacobs (CA)) Lieu (Beyer) Long (Fleischmann) Lowenthal (Beyer) McNerney (Huffman) Meng (Jeffries) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Nunes (Garcia (CA)) Owens (Stewart) Payne (Pallone) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Salazar (Cammack) Sewell (DelBene) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (DelBene) Suozzi (Panetta) Timmons (Gonzalez (OH)) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Young (Mast) Amendment No. 132 Offered by Mrs. Lee of Nevada
IN RECOGNITION OF ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize St. Luke's Episcopal Church on the 150th anniversary of its first service at its edifice on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The occasion will be celebrated with a service and open house on Friday, July 2, 2021. prgtoken St. Luke's Episcopal Church was incorporated at its initial location on Penn Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1852. Between 1850 and 1860, the city rapidly expanded and increased in population, and a larger building was needed to accommodate the faithful who gathered each week to worship. The Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company donated two lots in the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue for the new church. On July 5, 1866, the parish broke ground on its new building designed by top ecclesiastical architects Richard Upjohn and his son Richard Michell Upjohn in the Victorian Gothic style. prgtoken On July 2, 1871, the St. Luke's Rector, the Reverend Able Augustus Marple officiated the first service with the Right Reverend William Bacon Stevens, the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, delivering a sermon titled ``the Lord in his Holy Temple.'' The bishop administered the rite of confirmation during a second service that day. Congregants were in awe of the beauty of the new church, calling it ``an ornament to the city.'' prgtoken An architectural marvel, the church has been a significant structure in the city's skyline for the past 150 years, towering above Wyoming Avenue in the heart of downtown. It has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1905, the Jermyn family gifted a new altar and reredos, improvements to the chancel, a new baptistry, and new decor in the nave in honor of vestryman John Jermyn. The altar, reredos, and window design were done by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany Studios in New York. prgtoken In 1898, Mary Throop Phelps funded the construction of the adjacent parish house in memory of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Throop. The Throop Memorial Parish House followed the national tradition of Episcopal parishes dedicating a parish house to serve the community. St. Luke's provided a summer home for women and children, and under the direction of the then-rector Rogers Israel, the Parish House hosted the Girls' Friendly Society, the Boys' Industrial Society, and a free kindergarten. prgtoken Today, St. Luke's continues to grow and prosper under the direction of priest-in-charge, Reverend Rebecca Barnes. She worked with the parish to establish Cypress House at St. Luke's which offers social services in the greater Scranton area. The parish is dedicated to social justice initiatives and community outreach, and remains an open and welcoming Christian congregation with a tradition of musical excellence. prgtoken I am honored to join with Mother Barnes and the entire congregation to celebrate St. Luke's 150th anniversary on Wyoming Avenue. The parish has been an essential part of the Scranton community, providing support and
RECOGNIZING THADDEUS C. SHEEHY, SR. FOR HIS RETIREMENT FROM 25 YEARS OF COACHING MARYLAND'S YOUTH THROUGH CLUB LACROSSE
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Thaddeus C. Sheehy, Sr upon his retirement from 25 years of coaching Maryland's youth through club lacrosse. prgtoken Coach Sheehy served the community as a dedicated volunteer, coaching Maryland's sons by not only teaching them the game of lacrosse but also instilling in them life lessons along the way. This commitment to help build character in his players and ensure their growth as leaders also extended to his own family, as Mr. Sheehy coached his three sons, Thaddeus, Jr Sean, and Liam. prgtoken Coach Sheehy, a 1988 graduate of Saint Mary's Parish High School located in downtown Annapolis, learned the importance of servant leadership through Saint Mary's varsity lacrosse program. Coach Sheehy took this servant leadership philosophy into the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders, with the mission to help young men get better at the sport they love while giving back to their community and those who protect it. prgtoken Francis McAndrews, who coached with Mr. Sheehy for 18 years including his last season as the Face-Off Coach of the Bay Raiders, commended his dedication and skills noting, ``Coach Sheehy placed the development of the entire player at the forefront of the team's priorities. For 18 years I worked alongside him to build leadership through the C-4: character, commitment, confidence, and courage in our young men, and I am proud to call Tad my friend. Tad had a successful style of building character through humor and was known to give each boy on the team a nickname--and very often those nicknames stuck well after their lacrosse careers!'' Coach Sheehy could often be heard asking his players--``what have you done for your academics, what have you done for your family, and what have you done for lacrosse today?'' prgtoken Sheehy coached the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders to be Maryland State Champions in 2015 and helped to take four teams to Anne Arundel County Champions in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Coaching Award by the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders, while at his last lacrosse tournament on June 20, 2021. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Coach Sheehy today for his 25-year commitment to help shape Maryland's young men and athletes into servant leaders, and for his leading by example through his service to the Annapolis community.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for bringing this bill to the floor. I represent the 3rd prgtoken congressional district of Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers. This location presents both challenges and opportunities. My district is home to the Port of Virginia, one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard. With 95 percent of our nation's trade moving by water, it is essential that the port is able to maintain operations. prgtoken Unfortunately, due to sea level rise, both attributable to climate change as well as historic subsidence, these same waterways also pose a serious risk. State and local elected officials in Virginia already appreciate the significant threat sea level rise poses to Hampton Roads. Unfortunately, the cost to proactively and aggressively address this problem head-on is far too great for any city to bear by itself. While Hampton Roads has already spent considerable sums of money to address the rising water and implement resilient infrastructure where feasible, the scope of the entire project to actually address the problem is expected to total in the billions of dollars. prgtoken Hampton Roads is also home to significant traffic backups throughout the region, especially at waterway crossings. The widening of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel is primarily being financed with local and state revenue from sales and gasoline taxes in the Hampton Roads Transportation Fund but it requires federal support. There are limits to how these major transportation projects can move forward without federal assistance. For example, the Downtown and Midtown Tunnels, connecting the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, were in such a state of disrepair and need of expansion that the Commonwealth had few options other than to enter into a lopsided private-public partnership leading to egregious tolls for decades to come. The Hampton Roads region is also in vital need of public transit investments. Our airports, roads, and bridges are in need of repair and I would urge the committee to commit crucial federal support for infrastructure in every state. prgtoken This infrastructure bill includes much needed investments in a cleaner and greener infrastructure. This bill targets investments that will improve energy efficiency and resilience and grow local economies without passing the burden onto local communities. prgtoken I am pleased that this bill will also directly impact my district by dedicating nearly $24 million in critically needed infrastructure funds, so that we can invest in the future of our communities. With these funds the Birthplace of America Trail can expand in Newport News; the City of Chesapeake can begin a pilot program for electric emergency response vehicles; Hampton Roads Transit can move forward with the Bus Rapid Transit project making traveling around Hampton Roads wit
RECOGNIZING BRUCE WARNER'S PUBLIC SERVICE
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise to recognize a distinguished citizen of my state of Oregon. Bruce Warner has spent his life in public service in a significant variety of roles. prgtoken Today, Bruce steps down after ten years as Board President of the TriMet Board of Directors, which is my region's major transit district. During that time, he oversaw successful labor negotiations, a commitment to transition to zero-emission buses, the construction of a new light rail line, and the hiring of executives, managers, and employees that reflect the greatest number of people of color in a public agency in Oregon. prgtoken His devotion to serving his community is truly exceptional. prgtoken He was born in Fork, Washington and raised in Port Angeles. He graduated from the University of Washington in civil engineering, and while he is a Husky fanatic, we have never held that against him. He is an Oregonian not by birth but by heart. prgtoken He began his career as a young civil engineer designing parks and culverts before prgtoken quickly moving to Portland where he worked for the Army Corp of Engineers. Living far from work in distant South East Portland, Bruce rode a bus to work. He says that experience began shaping his thinking on transportation, equity, land use, and social responsibility. How transportation is provided as a service became part of his life-long critical examination. prgtoken He started as a City Engineer for Hillsboro Oregon and then was elevated to the director of Washington County's Land Use and Transportation. Again, ideas of equity, fairness, land use, and transportation continued to churn in his mind. prgtoken It came as a shock to many when, as the new director of the Oregon Department of Transportation Region One, he moved headquarters from a suburb to a regional center in downtown Portland. And, he limited employee parking and encouraged the use of transit instead. Transit over traffic. Pretty revolutionary for a leader who oversees freeways and highways to make a land use decision based on transit opportunities and equity for employees and the public. prgtoken He took a brief sojourn from ODOT to lead the solid waste efforts at our regional government and because of his tremendous talents, quickly became Metro's Chief Operating Officer. prgtoken He was then tapped by the governor and state legislature to lead the Oregon Department of Transportation. His service was remembered as a healing time for the agency with the legislature and closing the urban/ rural divide. prgtoken He planned on retiring from ODOT, but was recruited to become the director of the Portland Development Commission where he supported small business development programs for communities of color; light rail construction in downtown; and one of his proudest achievements, the creation of affordable housing. prgtoken He tried to retire once again, but duty called. He was asked to be the temporary Hillsboro City Manager. prgtoken Oregon's governor m
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILLIAM BEAUMONT ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
Veronica Escobar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the opening of William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Texas. prgtoken The William Beaumont Army Medical Center first opened in July 1, 1921 and has since become a major medical asset for the U.S. Army--serving the needs of countless soldiers, veterans, military families, and El Paso residents. Whether through assisting victims of the August 3rd, 2019 domestic terrorist shooting or working day and night during the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical center has always helped our community and continues to be an invaluable resource for El Pasoans. prgtoken As the United States Army prepares to open one of the most advanced medical facilities in the country, the El Paso community is thankful for the Army's support and wishes William Beaumont Army Medical Center the best of luck as it begins its years of service. prgtoken Again, I am pleased to recognize the opening of William Beaumont Army Medical Center