mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025. prgtoken As a daughter of immigrants and as the Representative of one of the most diverse communities in our Nation, I know firsthand the impact of world events on my friends and neighbors in Queens, but for the second straight year, the GOP is turning our back on the world by cutting critical investments in U.S. diplomacy and development, attacking women's rights, and retreating from the world stage. prgtoken This government spending bill would slash the State and foreign operations budget to the lowest level in over a decade. It undermines America's long legacy of leadership that has lifted millions out of poverty, stemmed diseases like HIV and malaria, helped millions of children learn to read and write, and supported the most vulnerable in their time of need. prgtoken Mr. Chair, $7.6 billion in funding cuts will isolate us from our allies and the international conflicts we are confronting together. These cuts would gut women's health and rights around the world, putting maternal health and the well-being of millions of children at risk. prgtoken Furthermore, this bill would codify the -era global gag rule, forcing healthcare organizations across the world that receive aid from the U.S. to choose between providing a full range of healthcare options to their patients or forgoing U.S. assistance altogether. prgtoken From healthcare and climate change to diplomacy and security, this legislation falls woefully short of the resources we need to address the international crises we are facing today. prgtoken America alone is not America First. From my community of Queens and its connection to so many others across the globe, I am voting against this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
RECOGNIZING REAR ADMIRAL DANA THOMAS
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-26

it is my honor to recognize the accomplishments of Rear Admiral Dana Thomas as she retires from the United States Coast Guard this year. I applaud RADM Thomas for her dedication and service and congratulate her on this milestone. prgtoken Promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in March 2019, RADM Thomas has had an exemplary military career, previously serving seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard and seven years in the U.S. Army. She received her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from George Washington University School of Medicine and Public Health, and her Bachelor of Science in Honors Biology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She completed Command and General Staff College in 2005. She served her Internship in General Surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center and her residency at the Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute. prgtoken From her work with the Centers for Disease Control and service on the Physician's Professional Advisory Committee to the U.S. Surgeon General, to her current role as Director of Health, Safety, and Work- life for the U.S. Coast Guard, RADM Thomas has continued her commitment to service and public health. Her experience, knowledge, and steadfast initiative have distinguished RADM Thomas as an outstanding leader who has exemplified honor, integrity, and professionalism throughout her career. prgtoken , please join me in leading this body in acknowledgement of the extraordinary contributions of Rear Admiral Dana Thomas. She has tirelessly devoted her time and expertise to the advancement of public health and I thank her for her honorable service to our great Nation.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Lee for all the hard work that she does on SFOPS and her global leadership, which is tremendously important. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this legislation. prgtoken On this very floor, my colleagues have claimed that America is falling behind its competitors like China, that we must counter its spreading malign influence that it has commanded through foreign investments and other coercive measures. prgtoken While Beijing has increased its diplomatic budget over the last decade to surpass even what we afford our own diplomatic posts and personnel, what is the s' strategy to grow our own influence and to outcompete China, Russia, and other national security competitors and adversaries? What is their plan? They propose this legislation, a partisan chain saw to our international affairs budget, which would impose a 12 percent cut on top of the cuts they imposed in last year's budget. This bill is a white flag of surrender in the competition for global influence. prgtoken I believe there is still a bipartisan majority in this House that is serious about meeting the national security challenges we face. Unfortunately, the majority is not being allowed to work its will today. Instead, this legislation caters to the fringe MAGA wing of the Party with extreme riders on abortion and family planning, climate change, and DEI. prgtoken The bill cuts funding to international organizations, including the U.N where we must demonstrate stronger leadership to advance U.S. interests. prgtoken This bill has sharp cuts to the personnel accounts for both the State Department and USAID. How are we going to implement programming without the staffing needed to manage it, or retain the skilled diplomatic workforce? prgtoken Amendments proposed today zero out funding for Ukraine, USAID, humanitarian and international disaster relief, educational exchange programs critical to promoting America's standing around the world, and democracy and human rights programs. This is irresponsible policymaking.
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN ROBERT "AL" PERSICHITTI
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-26

I rise to honor Robert ``Al'' Persichitti, a World War II veteran and beloved member of my community who recently passed away while en route to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D- Day. prgtoken I had the honor of meeting Al several years ago, and we became fast friends. I loved hearing him talk about his time in the United States Navy where he served in Guadalcanal, the Battle of Okinawa, and the fight at Iwo Jima, landmark moments in our country's history. prgtoken At the spry young age of 102, Al's dedication to his country never wavered. Al embodied the very meaning of the word ``patriot,'' and his commitment to service over self should inspire us all. prgtoken May we follow the famous advice of General George Patton by not mourning the death of Al Persichitti, but instead thanking God that such a remarkable man lived. prgtoken , may Al rest in peace. He certainly earned it.
HONORING RIP DANIELS' 30 YEAR RUN ON JZ 94.5
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2024-6-26

I rise today to honor a dedicated broadcaster from Gulfport, Mississippi, Rip Daniels. prgtoken Rip Daniels has made a significant impact on the field of broadcasting through his diverse content and raw nature for 30 years. He is a trailblazer and an insightful commentator. prgtoken Mr. Daniels is the founder and CEO of radio station JZ 94.5, The People's Station. JZ 94.5 was the first and is the only black-owned FM station on the Gulf Coast. In its 30-year run, the show has featured guests such as former President . prgtoken Rip Daniels' impact on broadcasting is seen through his dedication and commitment to his craft. He has broadcast from his studio, on the road, and abroad, capturing stories from Senegal, Tanzania, South Africa, Greece, and more. He has also witnessed and provided coverage of notable events such as 's presidential inauguration and the Million Man March. prgtoken Beyond his broadcasting efforts, Mr. Daniels has launched a nonprofit called the People's Station Corporation. He is the CEO of the Almanette Restaurant and Hotel and the CEO of the American Blues Network, the Nation's only 24/7 blues broadcast station. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 30 years of JZ 94.5 as well as Rip Daniels' contributions to the field of broadcasting.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, sadly, I rise in opposition to the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025, with the hope and expectation that we can do better. prgtoken Mr. Chair, as the leaders of the free world, we have a duty to ensure that this critical bill reflects the importance of American leadership, our commitment to developing nations, and our investments in peace and democracy around the world. prgtoken While I am very pleased that this bill includes vital provisions for our support of Israel and maintains funding for the implementation of the Women, prgtoken Peace, and Security Act, it ultimately falls short in too many crucial areas. prgtoken My colleagues often emphasize the threats posed by our global adversaries. However, this bill fails to recognize that poverty, hunger, disease, conflict, hatred, and climate change are also formidable enemies. prgtoken So, alarmingly, it severely cuts funding for development assistance, humanitarian aid, and democracy programs, eliminating funding for such organizations that save lives like UNICEF and UNFPA. prgtoken It slashes support for women's healthcare and family planning services and includes dangerous policy riders that prevent the poorest, most vulnerable women from accessing abortion, and it shuts down health clinics just for providing accurate information. prgtoken Furthermore, this bill fails to appreciate the diversity of mankind. It contains provisions that harm the LGBTQ community worldwide and stifles diplomatic diversity initiatives. prgtoken Mr. Chair, by ceding American leadership, this bill creates a vacuum that will embolden our adversaries, leaving our country and the world less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill and send a clear message that we can do better.
RECOGNIZING PAUL AND SANDY PIMENTEL
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-6-26

I rise today in honor of Paul and Sandra ``Sandy'' Pimentel. Both raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, Paul and Sandy first met as kids and began a friendship that would last a lifetime and eventually grow into a marriage spanning five decades. After graduating high school, Paul went on to attend Harvard University, where he received a degree in engineering and applied physics, before serving in Vietnam as a lieutenant in the United States Army. Sandy went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Boston and the Lynn Hospital School of Nursing, where she respectively received her prgtoken Bachelor of Arts in management of human services and a degree in nursing. After Paul and Sandy got married in 1965, the young couple moved to Long Beach, California, while Paul completed his military training, before moving to Albion, Michigan, where the Pimentels settled for many years with their children. In Albion, Sandy and Paul became active in forums and discussions at their church regarding racial integration and inequality as the civil rights movement continued to progress. It was also during this time that Sandy became friends with Barbara Gladney, and together the Pimentels and Gladneys started a dinner club called the ``Melting Pot.'' The multicultural social group gained such popularity that the dinners had to be moved to large event halls. After returning to Massachusetts, Sandy and Paul continued their important work advancing social change. Paul became the youngest Deputy Secretary of State for Massachusetts and helped to create Vineyard Power, a clean energy cooperative bringing offshore wind power to the Cape and Islands. Sandy served as the Director of Human Services for the Norfolk County District Attorney's office and received awards from the Department of Interior for her work implementing the Alliance Against Racism and Violence Program and from the State of California for her efforts to empower young people to address racism in their communities. prgtoken Sadly, we lost Paul too soon on February 5, 2019, at the age of 76. Beyond their professional achievements, what Paul and Sandy valued most during their 53 years of marriage was their family. Together they raised their five children, Lisa, Christopher, Susan, Courtney, and Joanie, and many foster children. The hallmark of the Pimentel family has always been their dedication to uplifting those in their community and willingness to provide a warm and welcoming home for those who need it most. Over the years, the Pimentels have established themselves as a pillar of the Martha's Vineyard community, serving on countless committees and boards for local organizations, including Martha's Vineyard Community Services and the Martha's Vineyard Diversity Coalition Board of Trustees. To celebrate Sandy and Paul's work and commitment to helping others, Martha's Vineyard Community Services is holding a dedication ceremony for the newly named Paul and Sandra
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Madam Chair, I missed fourteen votes today due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 283 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1316, prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 284 on agreeing to H. Res. 1316, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 285 on agreeing to the Biggs amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 286 on agreeing to the Clyde amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 287 on agreeing to the Greene (GA) amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 288 on agreeing to the Grothman amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 289 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 290 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 291 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 292 on agreeing to the Rosendale amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 293 on agreeing to the Roy amendment, prgtoken AYE on Roll Call No. 294 on agreeing to the Steube amendment, prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 295 on agreeing to the Tiffany amendment, and prgtoken NO on Roll Call No. 296 on agreeing to the Tiffany amendment.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-26

this is the only amendment that I will reluctantly oppose. This amendment seeks to increase funding to the Peace Corps to the fiscal year 2024 level. prgtoken I do agree with the premise that the Peace Corps should receive additional funding in this bill. The reality is that there is not enough funding for the offset where the gentleman is identifying this money, and that is the State Department diplomatic programs. It is already $1 billion below the fiscal year 2024 level. prgtoken This amendment highlights that the allocation for this bill is just simply too low. We cannot expect to address the variety of global challenges to foster peace and support our diplomatic efforts with the 12 percent decrease in the top line of this bill. prgtoken I support the mission of the Peace Corps fully. They are our best diplomats. I commend all of the volunteers who serve our country. prgtoken I was recently in Africa on a bipartisan delegation, and we met with many Peace Corps members. They are serving this country, and they are helping in so many ways in the most vulnerable places on the planet. I thank them for that. prgtoken This amendment, though, is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, again, reluctantly. prgtoken , .
CONGRATULATING EDWARD LEWIS ON HIS RETIREMENT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-6-26

I rise today to honor a great Marylander: Ed Lewis. He and his wife, former Maryland ic Party Chair Yvette Lewis, are two of my dearest friends. After an impressive, decades-long career in communications and government relations, Ed recently decided to retire. We ought to pay tribute to his many accomplishments and contributions to our community over the years. prgtoken An expert communicator with a deep understanding of public policy, Ed started to hone his skills at Howard University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in journalism, and later at the University of Maryland, where he earned a master's degree in public policy management. Ed began his career as a reporter for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. While there, he helped come up with innovative new journalism tactics, developing a best practices handbook for online interviews. Ed has always maintained strong ties to the journalism community. He was the first Black person to serve on the National Press Club's Board of Governors. From the National Press Club Journalism Institute to the Press Club's s Committee to the Corporate Advisory Council of the National Press Foundation, he's held leadership positions at a variety of other press organizations. That includes his role as a founding member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. prgtoken Ed Lewis remains a towering figure in the public relations and automotive industries. He held senior positions at the Tire Industry Safety Council, the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, Nissan, Ford, and other leading automakers. For the past 18 years, Ed served as the Director of Public Policy Communications for Toyota. These companies always knew they could count on Ed to craft a compelling message and to distill complex policy into simple terms that the public could understand. Ed also cultivated close relationships with leading figures in government and the press that proved invaluable to his work. Whether it was handling crisis communications, navigating complex interactions between the public and private sectors, or helping guide high-level business decisions, Ed proved to be one of the very best professionals in his field. prgtoken Ed has received more honors and awards than I could ever list in full, but they include the Public Relations Society of America's Platinum Award and the National Press Club's Vivian Award--among many others. prgtoken What I most admire about Ed is his commitment to giving back to our community in Prince George's County. Although his corporate career may be coming to an end, I have no doubt that his commitment to serving Prince Georgians never will. I was pleased to see him and Yvette roll out their new Fresh Start initiative in partnership with Bowie State University just this past April. The program will provide financial aid to formerly incarcerated individuals to help them attend BSU. Ed and Yvette want to give these men and women an opportu
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Jared Moskowitz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, my amendment does not deny the tragedy that is going on in Gaza due to Hamas' horrific attack on Israel on October 7, but at the end of the day, the Gaza Ministry of Health is the Hamas Ministry of Health. prgtoken The idea that the United States Government would rely on a terrorist organization for statistics, for data that is being utilized, there are better ways to do this. We could work with our international partners and the U.N. prgtoken By the way, the U.N which was relying on Hamas, the Gaza Ministry of Health, if you will, lowered their numbers just a couple weeks ago by a significant amount, thousands, in fact. I believe that the United States should stop relying on a terrorist organization for information. prgtoken Remember, it is Hamas' goal to sell propaganda to the American people, to sell propaganda to the world, and the idea that we would participate in it because there are no other credible sources--Hamas is not a credible source. Since when is Hamas credible? prgtoken Mr. Chair, s, Representatives Wilson of South Carolina, Lawler, Gottheimer, and Miller of West Virginia, for supporting my amendment. prgtoken As I have said, this amendment will prohibit the State Department from using unverified statistics provided by Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan amendment, and .
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the majority's State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. prgtoken First, I would also like to thank the majority and minority staff, especially Erin Kolodjeski, Laurie Mignone, and Stephanie Reed. I also want to acknowledge Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Barbara Lee for their work on the bill. prgtoken It is difficult to imagine this entire institution without Congresswoman Barbara Lee. prgtoken As ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Lee has been a unique and effective advocate for America wielding influence on the global stage. Our soft power, our ability to bring other nations together for the common purposes of democracy, freedom, and human rights, is as critical to our freedom and prosperity as our defense capabilities. prgtoken I thank Congresswoman Lee for all that she has done for California and for our Nation. prgtoken To the bill, much like last year, the fiscal year 2025 State and Foreign Operations bill resurrects the doomed isolationism of the early 20th century. Just a few months after and s voted for final bipartisan 2024 funding bills, the majority proposes that we decimate the State and Foreign Operations bill with a 12 percent cut. prgtoken Let us take stock for a moment. Around the globe, America's adversaries threaten the peace and prosperity of the free world. With wars in the Middle East and Europe and humanitarian crises on nearly every continent, the world is yearning for American leadership. prgtoken Not since the Cold War have our diplomatic influence and soft power been more critical to keeping Americans safe, yet House s have proposed a bill that would diminish America's world leadership and obstruct our ability to support our allies, to deter our adversaries, to surpass our competitors, to maximize our influence, and to continue leading the free world. prgtoken Whether we are talking about our diplomatic strength, economic investments, or humanitarian assistance, this bill unravels the hard- fought credibility and influence we have earned to be global leaders. prgtoken This bill threatens our national security, it threatens women's health globally, it hampers our response to the climate crisis, undermines our diplomatic corps by underfunding the State Department and USAID, and completely blocks support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency--the backbone of getting humanitarian assistance to Gazans in need and jeopardizes relief for refugees in Lebanon and in Jordan--leaving behind some of the most vulnerable people facing the most unthinkable conditions in the world. prgtoken The majority's bill is, yet again, diminishing the global standing of the United States and what we stand for, what our values are, for our own people and for people around the world who look to America, the world's larges