mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING BARB HEDSTROM AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL CRIME SURVIVORS AND JUSTICE CAUCUS ED STOUT MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VICTIM ADVOCACY
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to congratulate my constituent, Barb Hedstrom, as the recipient of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus' 2024 Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy. Barb Hedstrom serves as Shakopee Police Department's Victim and Community Services Coordinator. prgtoken This award's honoree is a professional, volunteer or organization whose efforts directly benefit victims and survivors of crime. The award recognizes innovations in victim assistance and crime victim services in the areas of program development, public or agency policy development, community and public awareness, and collaboration among community and justice-based organizations that serve crime victims. prgtoken Barb is exactly that. The Shakopee Police Department was the first police department in Minnesota to have a Victim Services Coordinator. In 2015, Barb worked with her colleagues to launch the Recovery Assistance Program (RAP), which helps those in recovery by providing scholarships to help break down barriers to treatment. Barb recently started the Law Enforcement Association of Victim Essential Services (LEAVES), which is a statewide professional association of law enforcement-based victim service providers. Due largely to Barb's work, the Shakopee Police Department has been a leader in the State of Minnesota and across the country for victims' services for nearly a decade and has made victim services a top priority. prgtoken It is an honor to represent Barb Hedstrom and the Shakopee Police Department in Congress. I look forward to our continued partnership in serving the Second District of Minnesota.
THE UNITED STATES AND UKRAINE ARE AT A CROSSROADS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-4-12

the United States and Ukraine are at a crossroads. In their fight against Putin, Ukraine is rationing weapons. After 2 years of war, Ukraine is losing ground, ground that they had reclaimed from their aggressor as the Russian army grows stronger. prgtoken Still, Ukrainians fight for their freedom and fight for the future of Ukraine and of Europe. They fight for democracy itself. prgtoken Their fight is existential. Their fight is our fight, because what affects our European allies affects us, affects our security, affects our economy, and affects our very democracy. prgtoken America is the indispensable nation, yet some s in this body are willing to squander our global strength to appease Mr. Putin or a former President. prgtoken We cannot allow extreme House s to do the dirty work of Putin and , because if we abandon Ukraine, we fail to protect a younger democracy, we jeopardize our own military readiness and national security, and we fail a crucial ally. prgtoken For 2 years, the United States, President , has led more than 50 nations in supplying Ukraine what it needs to win. prgtoken We are at a crossroads. We must not stumble. We must stand strong and lead.
RECLAIM OUR INTEGRITY
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-12

what I said 6 months ago couldn't be more true today. I said that we need a permanent cease-fire to save lives and bring lasting peace. prgtoken Yet, today, over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, 13,000 children robbed of a future, and 340 doctors and aid workers are dead. One million are on the brink of famine. Ninety-five journalists and media workers are dead. After 188 days, 100 hostages are still not home. prgtoken When will we see the irony of facilitating aid airdrops while we are also supplying airstrikes? How long before we stop arming Netanyahu to wage a brutal war against civilians? prgtoken We have to reclaim our integrity. Not one more dollar, not one more bomb, and not another excuse for an extremist who prides himself on the starvation and the death of children. Not anymore.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7888, REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 529, EXTENDING LIMITS OF U.S. CUSTOMS WATERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR...
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2024-4-12

while I congratulate the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the chairman of the distinguished Rules Committee, I must say I am confounded by the audacity of any House to come to the floor and lecture any of us about national security when my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have held hostage a bill that passed the United States Senate on a bipartisan basis to address the national security needs of this country. For months, the majority has held that bill hostage and refuse to put the bill on the floor. prgtoken s also have the audacity to come to the floor and lecture us or the White House. The White House needs no reminder about the necessity of supporting our allies. My colleagues have implored this institution to do its job in supporting our allies abroad. It is the and the House caucus that refuse to do the same. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE LIVES LOST IN GAZA
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

we have statisticized, I have tried to humanize, and forgive me for not enunciating some of these words, the verbiage, properly, but my heart was speaking today so my head sometimes gets distorted. prgtoken We have humanized this baby. We have talked about what is happening and what has happened. prgtoken Now I want to talk to you about something that will give us hope. This is from the speech of the Prime Minister of Japan. He spoke where the is standing right now. Why would I go to the speech of the Prime Minister from Japan? Well, here is why. Listen to his words. He says--and this is his conclusion--``Let me close with this final thought. I want you to know how seriously Japan takes its role as the United States' closest ally.'' prgtoken Somebody remembers that the United States was the first country in the world to use nuclear power against a perceived enemy. An enemy, if you will--some would say perceived, I am going to say an enemy at the time. We dropped two atomic bombs, Nagasaki and Hiroshima, and you have got the Prime Minister of Japan standing where the is now saying that we are their closest ally, they are our closest ally. prgtoken He goes on to say: ``Together we carry a large responsibility. I believe that we are essential to peace, vital to freedom, and fundamental to prosperity.'' prgtoken This is the Prime Minister of Japan. Notwithstanding all that has happened, notwithstanding what we did in dropping atomic bombs on Japan, the Prime Minister proclaims that we are friends. prgtoken He goes on to say: ``Bonded by our beliefs, I pledge to you Japan's firm alliance and enduring friendship.'' prgtoken Why did I bring this up? I brought this up because those who say that we cannot have a two-state solution, I say to you remember that Japan is the country that we dropped atomic bombs on, and we now have a friendship with Japan. We have the Prime Minister coming here and speaking to a joint session of Congress. prgtoken Don't tell me we can't have a two-state solution. I know that Mr. Netanyahu's behavior is not that of a person who seeks a two-state solution because if it were, you wouldn't decimate Gaza, you wouldn't kill tens of thousands of people, many of them babies. prgtoken I understand that he doesn't want a two-state solution. I understand that Hamas doesn't want a two-state solution. But we cannot be guided by what Hamas and Mr. Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, what they want. prgtoken We should be guided by our conscience and do the right thing, and a two-state solution is the right solution. prgtoken , .
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-4-12

. Mr Chair, today I rise in support of H.R. 7888, Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). As someone who has worked in law enforcement and served the intelligence community for many years, I feel strongly that the FISA Authority, including Section 702, must not be allowed to lapse. This could pose a grave danger to our national security. I believe the changes and reforms included in this bill will protect our safety while also preserving our civil liberties. prgtoken I voted in the Intelligence Committee to reauthorize this vital legislation because I believe it represents a solid bipartisan approach. The bill includes reforms I fought for, and I believe it strikes the proper balance of protecting our national security in a way that is consistent with our American values. We know the FISA authority has been abused in the past, and that is unacceptable. That's why the reforms included in this bill are essential. prgtoken Provisions I recommended in the bill prevent individuals from being unfairly targeted based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity by preventing the search of a person's name simply based on those factors. As a Black, Muslim man who has been the victim of profiling, this was personal for me--and I'm glad language to codify these essential protections is included in today's bill. prgtoken It's disappointing that some of my colleagues and dedicated advocates have described our Intelligence Committee bill as fake reform, or a sham. That's not the case. Our committee's bill prohibits agencies from conducting a query for the purpose of suppressing political speech, reinforcing one of the most American liberties there is: the right to free speech. prgtoken Finally, the bill improves and codifies accountability for the FBI in particular and prevents future abuses. prgtoken This is not the end of our work to protect Americans' civil liberties in U.S. intelligence, but this program is too important for our national security to allow it to expire or experience any lapses. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.
CELEBRATING LIVE MUSIC, GOOD DRINKS AT FITZGERALD'S
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-12

today, I rise to celebrate Fitzgerald's, a community staple in Berwyn, Illinois, where we can listen to all types of music and have a good time. prgtoken The building at Roosevelt and Clarence has gone by many names and served many purposes since it became a place to gather more than 100 years ago. It was a hunting lodge and sporting headquarters. In the fifties and sixties, it was the Hunt Club, where jazz greats like Turk Murphy, Lil Armstrong, and Bob Scobey played. prgtoken In 1980, under new ownership, the venue took the name Fitzgerald's, and the rest is history. prgtoken Then, in 2020, new owners got creative with a stay-at-home concert series during the pandemic. They recently applied for Fitzgerald's to be added to the National Register of Historic Places, which I wholeheartedly support. prgtoken Fitzgerald's slogan is ``Live Music, Good Drinks,'' and I raise a glass to this cornerstone in my community.
HONORING REVEREND CHIP MURRAY
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise today to celebrate the life of South Los Angeles' spiritual and moral center, Reverend Dr. Cecil ``Chip'' Murray. prgtoken For 27 years, Reverend Murray served as pastor of Los Angeles' oldest Black-founded church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church, or FAME. prgtoken Many a Senator, Congressperson, Foreign Minister, community advocate, or person in need found their way to FAME and Reverend Murray. prgtoken He guided our community through times of crisis and toward prosperity. He sheltered and fed thousands of displaced residents at FAME during the 1992 L.A. riots and later created over 4,000 jobs, 300 new homeowners, and 500 new businesses across South L.A. through the FAME Renaissance Economic Development program. prgtoken Upon his retirement from FAME, Reverend Murray served as the John R. Tansey Chair of Christian Ethics in the School of Religion at my alma mater, USC, passing on his wisdom to a new generation of community leaders. prgtoken He was a constituent of the 37th. He was a shepherd of faith, justice, and mercy. He was an icon to Los Angeles. prgtoken , please join me in honoring Reverend Murray's incredible life and legacy.
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-4-12

today, we honor the lives of the six construction workers who passed away as a result of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. prgtoken Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, Miguel Luna, Jose Mynor Lopez, and Carlos Hernandez. prgtoken These men who lost their lives while working on the Bridge were everyday heroes. prgtoken These men could've been our fathers, brothers, grandsons, or nephews. prgtoken That evening, they arrived at work proudly as immigrants, ready to help build this country with their own two hands by undertaking hazardous and challenging tasks that others refused. prgtoken Their dedication reminds us that immigrants should be celebrated and acknowledged for contributing to this country--not vilified and attacked for where they come from, the color of their skin, or their accent. prgtoken They deserve to be praised and remembered. We should be inspired by their tenacity and dedication to pursuing the American Dream for themselves and their loved ones. prgtoken We will continue to work on behalf of our immigrant community in honor of these brave souls. We will rebuild the Bridge and help build an immigration infrastructure that celebrates our workers.
TRIBUTE TO KAREN YARBROUGH, COOK COUNTY CLERK
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-4-12

I rise to pay tribute to Cook County Clerk, Karen Yarbrough, who passed away on April 7, leaving decades of community family and political service. Karen was an active member of the Westside Black Elected Officials of Chicago, Illinois, a group for which I serve as Secretary and reflect their views. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough was born on December 19, 1957, into a prominent family and from an early age began serving others, following in the footsteps of her father, Rev. Don Williams, a businessman, minister, and politician, at one time the Mayor of Maywood, Illinois. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough's dedication to public service and her passion for advocating on behalf of people led her to be elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2001 where she represented her district with energy, integrity, insight, and tenacity--earning the respect and admiration of her constituents and colleagues alike. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough had a long list of legislative accomplishments, including bans on the death penalty and indoor smoking and the first ever lottery ticket, the Quality of Life Ticket, named ``Red Ribbon Cash'' to support HIV/AIDS prevention and education. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough's commitment to fairness, transparency, and efficiency in government inspired her to seek the office of Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 2012, where she became the first African American to hold this position and worked tirelessly to modernize operations, increase accessibility to public records, and ensure equitable access to homeownership for all residents of Cook County. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough's exemplary leadership and dedication to public service were further recognized when she was elected as the Cook County Clerk in 2018, where she continued her legacy of advocating for transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government prgtoken while also overseeing critical functions, such as elections, vital records, and property tax administration. prgtoken Clerk Yarbrough's lifelong commitment to public service, her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, and her remarkable leadership have left an indelible mark on our community, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and work toward a more just and equitable society. prgtoken We, the Westside Black Elected Officials, express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Clerk Karen Yarbrough during this difficult time, and extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing her with us. prgtoken Further, we honor the memory of Clerk Karen Yarbrough by reaffirming our commitment to carrying forward her legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy and by working tirelessly to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive society in which all people can thrive and be included as equal members.
REFORMING INTELLIGENCE AND SECURING AMERICA ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED-- Continued
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-4-16

the House managers have officially delivered the letters of impeachment for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to the Senate. Now is the time for every Senator to go on record. prgtoken Do you think Mayorkas has done a good job at the border? Has Mayorkas fulfilled the oath he swore before this body to protect and to defend our country against all threats, foreign and domestic? Is our border secure? prgtoken The answer is simple. Mayorkas has intentionally failed to do his job. prgtoken Now, Senator Schumer and the globalist have the opportunity to conduct a full and a fair trial before the entire Senate and the public. Unfortunately, that is not how this is going to play out. are going to try to table the Articles of Impeachment, which has never been done in the history of the Senate. They are going to attempt to sweep the border crisis that President has created under the rug. prgtoken Every single House voted to save Mayorkas's job. They endorsed our wide-open borders that have allowed terrorists, drug traffickers, and murderers into our country. The are lying to themselves and risking the lives of every American. Senator Schumer and the can't say they want to fix our border while voting to save Mayorkas's job. prgtoken Mayorkas has been derelict in his duty to secure the border in the 3 years he has been on the job. Our border is the least secure it has ever been. In fact, it is almost nonexistent. Our Border Patrol agents are so overwhelmed and receive such little support from the administration to enforce our laws that they have been forced to release millions of illegal immigrants into the United States. And those who are released on parole, they are even given work permits. prgtoken The administration is more concerned with taking care of illegal aliens than they are about protecting American citizens. We might as well start mailing every criminal, drug trafficker, and terrorist an open invitation to cross our borders. prgtoken I have spoken numerous times on this floor to highlight stories of Americans who have died at the hands of illegal aliens. Their tragic deaths are a direct result of Secretary Mayorkas's inaction. Mayorkas and have blood on their hands. prgtoken The most important responsibility of any sovereign nation is the safety of its citizens. Yet what did the Department of Homeland Security announce just last week? They plan on sending another $300 million to communities receiving illegal aliens from this border crisis. prgtoken The top priority of this administration is to let as many people in as quickly as possible, regardless of how many American lives are lost in the process. prgtoken The number of people crossing into the United States who are on the Terrorist Watchlist is unprecedented. Just last week, it was reported that an Afghan on the FBI Terror Watchlist has been in the Uni
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF KEVIN "CATFISH" JACKSON
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-4-16

. Madam , as you know, I come down here quite often. I consider this to be one of the great privileges that we have in Congress--to recognize people in our districts for the lives that they lived, for the achievements that they achieved. prgtoken Some of them I know, and some of them I don't. All of them deserve to be recognized because all of them have done great things. prgtoken Today, I come down to honor someone who was a dear friend. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to commemorate the life of my dear friend, Kevin ``Catfish'' Jackson. prgtoken Kevin grew up in Cartersville, Georgia. Those who knew him recognized his talent and motivated him to pursue a future in athletics and academics. He actually wanted to quit high school. He wanted to become a lineman for Georgia Power. His coaches saw his athletic ability and encouraged him to continue on, and he did. He will be remembered for, among many things, being a member of the 1980 University of Georgia National Championship football team. He played under Coach Vince Dooley and Coach Erk Russell. prgtoken In fact, Coach Russell told the story about how he got his nickname, ``Catfish.'' Some people say it was because the coach said he fought like a cat and drank like a fish. The coach also said that it might have been because, one day in practice, he was waddling around in the mud and looked like a catfish. prgtoken Due to his dedication, teamwork, and love for the sport, he was voted by his teammates as co-captain for the Georgia Bulldogs in 1983. Later, he was selected by his coaches for the Coach Wally Butts award for ``the player who pays the price,'' a title that recognized his willingness to sacrifice for others without any ends. prgtoken After graduating with a degree in business education, Kevin moved to the city of Savannah, my hometown, and he became a very prominent businessman and a very important member of our community. He applied what he learned both in the classroom and on the field to his business ventures and earned a reputation for treating staff with the respect that he hoped to receive in return. prgtoken His sales career started in 1985. He first worked as a salesman for the Georgia Fastener and Safety Company in Savannah. Then, he went on to serve as vice president of marketing at Scapa Group. prgtoken In 1999, he founded his own business, EnviroVac Holdings, a company committed to environmental and industrial cleaning services. As president and CEO, he successfully expanded his company across the southeastern region of the Nation. prgtoken Kevin was a man of many passions. He lived life like he was. He lived life big. He was known for giving his all in everything he worked on. prgtoken He served as chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. He served on the boards of directors for the Georgia Ports Authority, the Georgia Economic Development Authority, the lottery, and so much more. prgtoken Despite his many obligations, he always lo