mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-3-27

today Senator Carper and I introduced the Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019. Enacting this bill would restore the role on Congress in overseeing international trade matters. prgtoken I have been outspoken against the abuse of executive authorities that have been delegated to the President. Congress has a Constitutional power to oversee international trade. We have recently seen an abuse of this power, as with other executive authorities. This bill would mandate expanded Congressional involvement in international trade decisions by requiring the Administration--and future Administrations--to further analyze, communicate, and justify tariff actions to Congress. Congress would then review new tariffs and if the Administration used national security to justify the tariffs' need, Congress would be required to approve them. prgtoken I am advocating for my colleagues to consider supporting this bill, especially as the damaging effects of the ongoing trade war continue. It's time for Congress to step in and act on our Constitutional duty.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam Chair, I am proud to introduce an amendment with my colleague, Representative Beyer from Virginia, that will ensure that the major employers are required to report that information to that commission. That will go a long way to finally ending the systemic barriers that women and women of color face in this country. prgtoken I thank Chair Scott and Chair DeLauro. I am really excited to be part of this change-making Congress. prgtoken I include in the Record a letter from the NAACP in support of this legislation. Washington Bureau, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Washington, DC, March 25, 2019. Re: NAACP Strong support for the immediate passage of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. The Honorable, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the NAACP, our nation's oldest, largest and most widely-recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization, I strongly urge you to support and vote in favor of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. This critical legislation would update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which mandated that employers pay equal wages to men and women who perform substantially the same work. The Paycheck Fairness Act closes loopholes in the Equal Pay Act which have diluted its effectiveness in combating unfair and unequal pay. While the Equal Pay Act has helped to narrow the wage gap between men and women in our workforce, significant disparities remain and must be addressed. Especially in today's economy, more women work outside of the home and their paycheck is a necessary part of their households' resources. Yet all too often women are forced to raise their families on incomes lower than that of male colleagues performing the same jobs. According to 2018 data, women in the United States are typically paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. The median annual pay for a woman who holds a full-time, year-round job is $41,977 while the median annual pay for a man who holds a full-time, year-round job is $52,146--a difference of $10,169 per year. The statistics are even worse for women of color. African- American women make only 61 cents, and Hispanic women only 53 cents, for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. These gaps translate into a loss of almost $24,000 a year for African-American women and almost $28,500 annually for Hispanic women. The Paycheck Fairness Act is a responsible, steady yet aggressive bill. It will help remedy this inequity and close this unacceptable gap. In short, the legislation will protect women and families across America by: protecting against retaliation for discussing salaries with colleagues; prohibiting employers from
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-3-27

I would really feel challenged to think that my colleague is unaware that there are young girls who are teenagers who work in restaurants and in other capacities, not because their parents want them to have activities but because they are literally trying to survive and feed themselves and sometimes their brothers and sisters, and to say that it is not necessary for us to have data and not just stand at a mike as an elected official and make assumptions based on your own privilege of life. prgtoken I think it is imperative that we look at the data, and here I am saying that--before I can say and validate the status of teenage girls--I would want statistics and reports so that we can truly address the inequality that girls often get, and the mindset that a little boy who is out working, he needs the pay and often is given a larger amount of money versus a girl--and every girl is not a babysitter, but if we want to call this the babysitter amendment, I will accept it. prgtoken As we work to address the pay gap, it is important that we do not forget our new generation of leaders, and it is about breaking a cycle, about having a young girl who is working, and she understands that I have value and that I too should be paid an equal pay. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-27

. . I wish to honor the distinguished career of Bruce Benson, the outgoing president of the University of Colorado. Through his tenacity and hard work, Bruce made the university and the State of Colorado a better place. CU is one of the Nation's great universities, and Bruce's contributions, including the record- breaking growth in research funding, have made it a source of statewide pride. prgtoken Bruce would admit that he was originally reluctant to take the job and with good reason: He had already enjoyed a long and fruitful career in politics, philanthropy, and business. However, those experiences and relationships were exactly what made Bruce so effective. As only he could, Bruce was able to use these experiences to further CU's standing as one the Nation's prominent public universities and research institutions. prgtoken Under Bruce's leadership, the university's research funding reached record levels, surpassing $1 billion during the last academic year. This money allowed for critical research in biotechnology, healthcare, energy, and aerospace and a number of other fields. Additionally, CU had its 6 best fundraising years during his time at the helm, including a record $440.4 million between 2017 and 2018. All the while, Bruce guided efforts to implement operational efficiencies, cut bureaucracy, and improve business practices at the university. Successes like these solidify Bruce's legacy and his commitment to the future of Colorado. It is worth noting that he is retiring as the longest serving CU president in more than half a century. prgtoken Bruce has always been a tireless champion for Colorado's young people. He worked to make the DPS Foundation into the great civic organization it is today. He has also done extraordinary work at Children's Hospital Colorado. prgtoken Bruce has consistently worked to change the lives of children and students across the State of Colorado, from the youngest of kids to college graduates. I know I speak on behalf of all of Colorado when I say that we are all grateful for his service.
ASSYRIAN NEW YEAR
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I rise today to wish the Assyrian community in the Central Valley and across the world a Happy New Year. prgtoken One of my fondest memories growing up in Turlock was spending afternoons with my Assyrian neighbor, who was like a grandmother to me. Her name was Nana Bitpera. prgtoken Every day, she would pick grape leaves in her backyard while she made rice, so my brother and I could enjoy fresh, homemade dolmas after school. prgtoken She would tell me stories about the incredible contributions of the Assyrian culture to art and literature: how Assyrians built the first human cities, were the first to domesticate crops, and how they literally invented the wheel. prgtoken She also told me about the centuries of persecution that Assyrians faced that caused so many to come for a new future in America. prgtoken Madam , as we celebrate the year 6769, I want to tell the Assyrian community how grateful I am to be their neighbor, and may this new year bring their families joy and happiness.
SALTON SEA DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I rise today to address concerns about the Colorado River drought contingency plan and to sound the alarm and avoid a public health crisis at the Salton Sea in southern California. prgtoken To be clear, I support the goals of the DCP, which outlines voluntary water use cuts across seven Western States in the event of a worsening drought. However, I am concerned that the current proposal to implement the DCP provides an expansive waiver to the Bureau of Reclamation that could result in the reduction of water to the Salton Sea. prgtoken The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water in all of California, and its very existence is already at risk. Ensuring the Salton Sea is protected as part of this agreement is critically important because, if the Salton Sea decline accelerates, thousands of lake beds will become exposed, subjecting residents of southern California to harmful dust that penetrates the lungs and can cause severe respiratory illness. prgtoken I look forward to working with the Natural Resources Committee to find a solution that prevents a broad waiver of Federal laws and that preserves water rights and critical environmental protections for its surrounding residents. prgtoken Madam , I support the goals of the DCP. However, I cannot in good conscience support implementation in a way that harms the Salton Sea or threatens the health of the people I serve.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Women continue to earn 20 percent less than men, on average, according to Census data. Women earn less regardless of the choices they make in their career or education. Across industries, whether you are a financial manager, a registered nurse, a schoolteacher, or an executive, a pay gap exists between men and women. prgtoken Ten years ago, we passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It reopened the courtroom door but did not address the underlying issue at hand today. prgtoken We have an opportunity to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. It is a matter of right and wrong. Discrimination is unacceptable, and we are all diminished when we fall short. prgtoken President Kennedy said, when he signed the Equal Pay Act, that this would ``add to our laws another structure basic to democracy'' and ``affirm our determination that when women enter the labor force, they will find equality in their pay envelope.'' prgtoken We can do this today on the floor of this House. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote for the Paycheck Fairness Act and make sure that we guarantee equal pay for equal work.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken I have left the chair, where I had been presiding, to speak on my bill, which is included in H.R. 7. My bill is Pay Equity for All, to bar an employer from asking about a person's prior pay. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I want to thank all of you who have led this bill to where we are today. I also am very much for the bill in which my bill is included, H.R. 7, which includes class actions, for example, the clarification for which has been most needed. prgtoken Expanding this bill is personal for me. I was the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and enforce the Equal Pay Act, expanding it during my term at the commission. prgtoken I, therefore, am very grateful to my good friend Rosa DeLauro, a great champion of equal pay, for including my Pay Equity for All Act in this bill. prgtoken , many employers may not recognize that they are discriminating against women because they may not intentionally do so. But setting wages based on salary history is routinely done in the workplace, perhaps even by some in the Congress, and it reinforces the wage gap and may be the most important reason for the persistence of the wage gap that we have been unable to unlock. prgtoken What it means is that historically disadvantaged groups--women and minorities in particular--often start their careers with unfair and artificially low wages compared to their White male counterparts. This then gets imbedded--this discrimination--and compounded throughout their careers, so they never catch up with their male counterparts. prgtoken Job offers ought to be based on an applicant's skill and merit, not past salary or salary history. prgtoken My bill keeps an employer from asking applicants for their salary history or their salary in the last job during the interview process or as a condition of employment. prgtoken One study has shown, if you don't ask this question, wages are set at 9 percent higher. Therefore, this bill is a very important component of bridging the wage gap.
MIGUEL MAY
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Miguel May for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Miguel May is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Miguel May is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Miguel May for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE POLICE ASSOCIATION PIPES AND DRUMS
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. In October of 1994, New Hampshire State Police Sergeant James Noyes was shot and killed during a standoff with an armed barricaded subject. Inspired by the Boston Police Gaelic Column's performance at Sergeant Noyes's funeral, members of the New Hampshire Police Association set out to create a pipes and drums band of their own. Coming together from various police departments across the state, a small group was assembled in December of 1994 and made its official debut in 1996 during the New Hampshire Police memorial in Concord. prgtoken Ever since, this distinguished band has grown in size and notoriety. We gather to celebrate a quarter century of this effort, and to acknowledge and honor the life of Sergeant James Noyes and of every New Hampshire law enforcement officer who has been tragically killed in the line of duty. prgtoken Sergeant Noyes's sacrifice is a humbling reminder about the acute danger our brave police officers face each day as they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Their service deserves our appreciation and our undying support. In order to truly honor their service and sacrifice, we need to do more than pay lip service to their effort. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to fight for additional resources that allow them to do their jobs effectively for the rest of us. prgtoken In order to properly serve New Hampshire's First District and pay appropriate respect to the services we are lucky to receive from our New Hampshire police officers, I am committed to fighting on their behalf in Congress, to guarantee that our law enforcement officials have the resources they need to combat the opioid crisis, keep our streets safe, and protect our communities from harm. prgtoken Congratulations to the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums on 25 years of excellence. It is my honor to serve them as the Representative of New Hampshire's First Congressional District.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7, PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.RES. 124, OPPOSING BAN ON TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act, long overdue legislation to close the gender wage gap and ensure equal pay for equal work. prgtoken Too many Americans are not making enough to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck. We need to focus on strategies to raise family incomes. H.R. 7 does just that. prgtoken H.R. 7 would limit pay secrecy, expand pay data collection, and create more employer accountability for pay differences. This legislation will build upon and improve the work of President Kennedy, who signed the Equal Pay Act, and President , who signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. prgtoken Despite the progress we have made over the last 50 years, women are still earning less than their male counterparts across age, race, and socioeconomic groups. This stubborn wage gap, often exacerbated by employer-imposed pay secrecy policies, makes it clear that we must be intentional in our efforts to address persistent pay disparity. prgtoken On average, women working full time lose a combined total of more than $900 billion every year due to the wage gap. If the annual gender gap were closed, a working woman would have enough money for an additional 13 months of childcare, a year of college tuition, more than 1 year's worth of food, or an additional 10 months of rent. prgtoken Equal pay is not simply a women's issue. It is a family issue. When women bring home less money each day, it means they have less to take care of their family, including for groceries, rent, childcare, and healthcare. prgtoken Opponents of this legislation argue--we just heard it--that this is a gift to attorneys representing employees and that their fees should be severely limited. Remember, rights are easily disregarded and violated if you don't have the ability to enforce those rights. prgtoken This argument made by opponents is simply an attempt to avoid talking about the pervasiveness of wage discrimination. It is an attempt to decrease enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act and to lessen the penalties for employers who engage in discriminatory practices. If nothing else, we should call it out for what it is. prgtoken We know that when women succeed, our country thrives. The Paycheck Fairness Act will take us forward to ensuring economic security for working women. prgtoken I want to end by acknowledging the extraordinary leadership of Rosa DeLauro, the Congresswoman from Connecticut who has spent so much of her life dedicated to this issue. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7.
CONSEQUENCES OF AIR FORCE RUNNING OUT OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-3-27

. Madam , I rise to raise the concerns of Floridians and Georgians who still await a supplemental appropriation from the Congress. prgtoken Every other major storm and disaster received a supplemental appropriation, but for some reason, victims of Hurricane Michael remain waiting. prgtoken The Air Force, expecting an appropriation, began the process of rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base. This morning, the Air Force put out news that they have run out of O&M funds. prgtoken What does this mean? It means that, as of this morning, we have deferred 61 required facility projects at bases in 18 States across our country. prgtoken It means that, on May 1, we will stop work on Tyndall Air Force Base, failing to meet our obligations to rebuild. prgtoken It means that, on May 15, the Air Force will cut aircraft repairs, potentially endangering our pilots' safety when flying and limiting their training capacity. prgtoken Ultimately, it means that, on September 1, we will cut 18,000 training flying hours. prgtoken This is unacceptable in the current global environment. We must act now to ensure that the men and women serving in the Air Force are furnished with the tools to accomplish their missions. prgtoken This is our job as the Congress, and we need to do it immediately, since there are very few legislative days remaining before the Easter break.
TRIBUTE TO DR. RONNIE BOOTH
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-3-27

today I would like to celebrate the service and achievements of Dr. Ronnie Booth of Anderson, SC, as he approaches his retirement from his position as president of the Tri-County Technical College. Dr. Booth, named the third president of TCTC in 2003, has spent the last 16 years helping to advance the college and community to its current level of unprecedented success. prgtoken Under Dr. Booth's leadership, Tri-County Technical College launched three community campuses, three workforce training centers, and economic development, technology and student success centers among different campuses. He also created and established the Bridge to Clemson and Connect to College Programs, which both help to create pathways for students of all backgrounds to achieve their goals. Other notable achievements during his tenure include the Technical Career Pathways Program, Michelin Manufacturing Scholars Program, and I-BEST Manufacturing Pathway Program. prgtoken Just this past year, Tri-County Technical College earned the top ranking in student success, transfer, and graduation among the 16 colleges in the SC Technical College System and also ranked in the top 1 percent nationally for successful transfers to 4-year colleges and universities. Community support and partnerships have also grown under Dr. Booth's leadership, truly uniting the Tri-County area for the better. prgtoken Dr. Booth has also been an active and engaged citizen, being a member of multiple professional associations, civic groups, and State and national boards. His commitment to improving the lives of his students, school, and community cannot be understated, and he has surely made a resoundingly positive impact on countless students, faculty, staff, and community members. His leadership will not be soon forgotten, and I congratulate him on his successes, as well as wish him good fortune, on this next chapter in his life.
KINETIC KIDS
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-27

my team and I are committed to fighting the bureaucracy for folks I represent across the 23rd Congressional District of Texas who can't battle it on their own. prgtoken Recently, my team helped Kinney County in south Texas cut through Federal red tape to secure $4 million in funding and spare the county from financial ruin. The county was being punished simply for following orders, but due to conflicting information from Washington bureaucrats regarding how much to pay employees at the county detention center, they were told they owed the Federal Government $4 million. prgtoken Once my office heard about this issue, we worked relentlessly with the U.S. Marshals Service to ensure these costs were covered. prgtoken I thank Kinney County Judge Tully Shahan for informing me of this issue and the Department of Justice for working with my office to resolve this situation. Women's History Month