mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ESG DISCLOSURE SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2021
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-16

I include in the Record letters from California Public Employees' Retirement System, Public Citizen, the North American Securities Administrators Association, and Principles for Responsible Investment. California Public Employees' Retirement System, Executive Office, June 14, 2021. Subject: H.R. 1187, The Corporate Governance Improvement and Investor Protection Act. Hon. Nancy Pelosi , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC Dear Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the California Public Employees' Retirement System, I write to express support for the overall direction of H.R. 1187, the ``Corporate Governance Improvement and Investor Protection Act,'' which would require public companies to disclose material information on the link between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics and their long-term business strategy, as well as political expenditures, compensation practices, climate-related risk and tax expenditures, among other issues. This bill will improve and enhance corporate disclosures essential to maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. financial markets. As the largest public defined benefit pension fund in the United States, we manage approximately $465 billion in global assets on behalf of more than two million members. Our fiduciary duty requires that we take a long-term view in assessing whether the companies that we hold in our portfolio are effectively managed and able to provide the sustainable, risk-adjusted returns that allow us to meet our commitments to pay benefits earned by these dedicated active and retired public servants for decades to come. We fundamentally depend on the integrity and efficiency of financial markets to meet these commitments and rely upon financial reporting to provide transparent and relevant information about the economic performance, conditions, and operations of the companies in which we invest. We believe corporate disclosure of material financial information is a precondition to maintaining effective and consistent corporate accountability and sustainable economic growth. As the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'') has said in the past: ``Only through the steady flow of timely, comprehensive, and accurate information can people make sound investment decisions. The result of this information flow is a far more active, efficient, and transparent capital market that facilitates the capital formation so important to our nation's economy.'' Critically, CalPERS and other pension funds are inhibited from adequately exercising
RECOGNIZING GARY T. JOHNSON ON HIS RETIREMENT
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary T. Johnson on concluding a lengthy and illustrious career as President and CEO of the Chicago History Museum. prgtoken After nearly three decades of legal practice in Chicago, Gary made his arrival at the Chicago History Museum in 2005, beginning his tenure as President by transitioning the Chicago Historical Society into the Chicago History Museum as we know it today. prgtoken For more than 15 years, Gary spent his time as President focusing on community outreach and strengthening the institution's financial capacity. Along the way, he also headed Museums in the Park, a group of 11 museums on land owned by the Chicago Park District. prgtoken During his time as President, Gary brought significant improvements to the museum. He completed a $27 million campaign and implemented the Museum's 2006 ``reinvention,'' which included renovating 75 percent of its space, announcing a name change, and installing the highly praised Exelon Crossroads exhibition, the Museum's foundational overview of Chicago history. Additionally, he increased the museum's annual attendance by 89 percent over a 10-year period and extended school visits to 60,000 students annually. prgtoken One of Gary's most important and more recent accomplishments was the completion of the landmark five-year, $50 million This Is Chicago campaign, an effort which involved raising $11 million for the museum's endowment, acquiring millions of artifacts, increasing education program offerings, and more. prgtoken Educated at Yale College, Oxford University, and Harvard Law School, Gary never lost his commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of students in Chicago and beyond. For over ten years, he led the Rhodes Scholarship selection process for the district that includes Illinois, while also dedicating his time to visiting over 300 of Chicago's grade schools--bringing with him artifacts from the Museum's collection to ensure that all Chicagoans had access to the city's greatest treasures. prgtoken Madam , please join me and all of our colleagues in the House of Representatives in recognizing Mr. Gary T. Johnson's years of service to the City of Chicago and congratulating him on his retirement.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 475, JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY ACT
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-6-16

I now recognize my distinguished colleague, the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in the House Committee on the Judiciary. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee is a tremendous advocate and leader in the fight for racial equity and an inspiration to many of our colleagues, including myself. Coming from the great State of Texas, she is all too familiar with the history and importance of Juneteenth for African Americans and for all Americans to recognize and reconcile our history. prgtoken In Congress' past, Representative Jackson Lee led the charge to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday by introducing legislation to federally recognize this historic day. In the 117th Congress, she, again, introduced H.R. 1320, which I understand formed the basis for the Senate bill. prgtoken Through the tireless work of her and her Senate colleagues, we now have the privilege of voting on this historic legislation. I applaud the tremendous work of the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Russia (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-16

today President had the first of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He certainly has many important messages to convey to Mr. Putin about ongoing cyber attacks against us and our allies, the murdering of peaceful political opponents, and potential areas where we may be able to work together to deal with nuclear proliferation. The important discussion comes after several days where President reaffirmed our relationship with our most important allies, those in the G7 and NATO. There were important announcements about leading the global COVID vaccine effort and standing up to the outrages perpetrated by nations around the world. But perhaps what was most important was that President reasserted America's role as a leading champion of democracy, security, and international norms. prgtoken I hope this spells an end--and I believe it does--of the unimaginable events that occurred in the previous administration: Coddling a foreign dictator such as Putin, dismissing our closest allies, and threatening the critical North Atlantic Treaty Organization. prgtoken President knows that America's leadership and its example are critical in leading shared efforts to stop this pandemic, tackle climate change, push back on rogue nations, and maintain global norms of behavior. President also knows that how we manage our democracy here at home affects our ability to lead abroad. prgtoken The last administration bullied our allies, who watched in disbelief as it cozied up to the autocrats around the world. I have often said that a great deal of America's influence around the world comes from the power of its ideals and values--critical and precious assets that we must nurture and never take for granted. prgtoken Our historic peaceful transfer of power has been a marvel for generations for much of the world. I will never forget the power and emotion felt walking with my friend the late Senator John McCain through Ukraine's Maidan square, looking at the makeshift memorials to those who lost their lives hoping for a free and democratic Ukraine. prgtoken John McCain once said: America's greatest strength has always been its hopeful vision of human progress. prgtoken I couldn't agree more. I couldn't be more proud that President is reaffirming this belief on the world stage this week. So let me take this moment to commend the President and his team for a timely, critical, and important visit with international allies and adversaries in recent days. It won't solve all the problems we face, but we can be proud of this example of American leadership, generosity, and decency.
IN RECOGNITION OF ORLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Marie Newman (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of the brave first responders of the Orland Fire Protection District. prgtoken This exemplary fire district has shown tremendous dedication to protecting the lives and property of the residents of Orland Park, Orland Hills, and unincorporated areas of Orland Township. Due to their excellence, Orland Fire Protection District is recognized as one of the best fire department organizations in Illinois and the country. Chief Michael Schofield's First Command Team and his first responder units have won national awards for their quick response times, high cardiac save rates, and efficient processes and procedures. Further, Orland Fire is 1 of 84 internationally recognized agencies with both an ISO Class 1 rating and accredited agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). They displayed their commendable service during the COVID-19 Pandemic when they created a first of its kind response model to address the immediate needs of the community. prgtoken I honor their strong leadership, resourcefulness, and innovation in dealing with the effects of COVID-19 directly and swiftly. Their drive to share knowledge, equipment, and resources will cut inefficiencies and save even more lives. I thank the Orland Fire Protection District for their service, resiliency, and bravery. I honor their dedication, not only today, but every day. They are our heroes.
HONORING DR. BETSY OUDENHOVEN
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-6-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Deputy City Manager Nancy Freed and congratulate her on her retirement following 28 years of service to the city of Aurora. prgtoken During Nancy's career, she oversaw nearly every department in the city. Nancy's impact can be felt across every part of Aurora, as she was integral in the planning, construction, and operation of many community services across the municipality, including libraries and recreation centers. prgtoken Nancy saw Aurora through incredible challenges, through drought, unprecedented population growth, and tragedy. She rose to each occasion, creating the Prairie Waters Project, one of the country's first reuse water projects; helping plan Colorado's light rail system, including bringing the RTD's R Line to Aurora; and founding the Aurora Strong Resilience Center and the 7/20 Memorial Garden project following the 2012 Aurora Theater shooting. prgtoken In 2018, Nancy was named an Unsung Hero of Aurora by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken A powerhouse of knowledge and creativity, I thank Nancy for her dedicated service and leadership. Recognizing Arapahoe Rescue Patrol
JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY ACT
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-6-16

. Madam , we cannot change the future if we can't acknowledge the past. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated and commemorated ending of slavery in the United States. Emancipation did not free all slaves, only those in the Confederate States. Independence is freedom for all people. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of S. 475, a top priority of the Congressional Black Caucus, to enshrine Juneteenth as a legal public holiday and a bill with tremendous historical implications for our Nation. prgtoken Madam , I thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, for your work. prgtoken I thank Nancy Pelosi for speaking truth to power on this floor. prgtoken Lastly, as the chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, I stand here leading our 58 members saying to you: We are the conscience of the Congress. prgtoken And today, I ask all of my Members to join us. Let us unite and pass this bill.
PROJECT ENLIGHTENMENT
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-6-16

I rise today to recognize a pioneering institution in the field of early childhood education located in my district, Project Enlightenment. prgtoken Project Enlightenment provides extraordinary services to families and children, and I was privileged to visit with them last week. prgtoken In the late 1960s, insightful staff from the Raleigh city schools, Wake County Mental Health and Dorothea Dix Child Psychiatry recognized that strengthening a child's social and emotional development in the early years would have long-term benefits. They were right, and the American Families Plan recognizes this fact. prgtoken Project Enlightenment has offered prevention and early intervention services to young children by providing services to the primary caregivers in their lives. Over the years, they have helped people all over the State of North Carolina and all over the country. prgtoken I am grateful for the attentive staff that includes a variety of professionals. Because of their commitment to our children, they truly make our county and State a better place.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE JACK B. WEINSTEIN
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-16

I rise to honor a giant of the judiciary; a member of the Greatest Generation; an independent advocate for the least, the lost, and the left behind. prgtoken Yesterday, the Eastern District of New York, the residents of Great Neck, his family, and all justice-seeking people lost a giant intellect and champion. prgtoken Judge Jack B. Weinstein was 99 years old. prgtoken Judge Weinstein served as a Navy lieutenant during World War II. After the war, Weinstein graduated from Columbia Law School on the GI Bill and went to work for the NAACP; clerk for the Court of Appeals; teach at Columbia; serve as the Nassau County Attorney; and, in 1967, President Johnson appointed him to the Federal bench. prgtoken My father, also a World War II veteran and member of the State judiciary, always pushed me to seek out and learn from this brilliant jurist when I clerked in the same courthouse. Judge Weinstein encouraged me throughout my career. prgtoken Judge Weinstein created the concept of a special master in complex mass tort cases. He protested mandatory sentencing guidelines that he believed betrayed the concept that the punishment should fit the crime, especially in drug cases. prgtoken Time does not permit me to properly extol his intellect, compassion, and impact, but on behalf of the people of the Third Congressional District of New York, I offer my condolences to his family and I hope they will take comfort that his life will never be forgotten.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-6-16

I have 14 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing nominations. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet prgtoken during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing nomination. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 12 p.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Rules and Administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 2: 15 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship prgtoken The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 3:30 p.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 3 p.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed hearing.
Nomination of Radhika Fox (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-6-16

I rise today to urge our colleagues to join me in voting to confirm Radhika Fox--Isn't that a great name, Radhika Fox?--to be Assistant Administrator for Water of the Environmental Protection Agency. prgtoken Over the past 2 months, as Radhika Fox has gone through the confirmation process, I have had the real pleasure to come to know her and, frankly, to admire her. I am convinced that she is an excellent choice to lead the EPA's Office of Water at a crucial time in the Agency's history. prgtoken Ms. Fox brings with her an impressive, professional record of service and accomplishment spanning over two decades, working on water issues at the local, State, and Federal level. prgtoken Most recently, before she was nominated for her position at EPA, Ms. Fox served as the CEO of the U.S. Water Alliance. There she worked hand-in-glove with organizations across this country representing a wide range of water stakeholders, from industries to municipalities, from service organizations to consumer groups, and from agricultural groups to environmental organizations. What those organizations have said again and again about Radhika Fox is that she is an exceptional leader who will work day and night to come up with practical solutions for our country's serious water challenges. Moreover, Ms. Fox will make sure that everyone's point of view is heard and taken into account when EPA acts to protect our country's precious water resources. prgtoken And how do we know these groups say all these wonderful things about Radhika Fox? Because they have written to us, urging the Senate to act swiftly to confirm her, again and again and again. In fact, over 80 prominent organizations that are key stakeholders in the nation's water policies have written letters in support of her nomination to this important post. prgtoken When I say that over 80 organizations have written, I don't mean that 80-plus organizations have signed on to a common letter--one letter of support. No, no, no. I mean that over 80 organizations have taken the time to write their own unique, thoughtful letters of support. prgtoken In fact, the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, which I am privileged to lead along with Shelley Capito of West Virginia, has been inundated with letters of support for Radhika Fox. Each letter describes the specific and positive impact that Ms. Fox has already had on issues of importance to those individual organizations and the members of those they represent, and she has done it under previous professional positions consistently. prgtoken I will take a few minutes. I don't do this very often, but I just want to take a few minutes here and actually go through some of these letters, these 80 letters of support. They are remarkably consistent letters of great compliment and praise for her and the kind of person she is and the kind of leader that she is. But I want to share the words of some of those who rea
CONGRESS SHOULD MAKE DECISIONS TO DECLARE WAR
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-6-16

the most solemn decision a country can make is to send its sons and daughters to war. The most solemn responsibility Congress has is to make that decision. Yet, Congress has delegated that authority too often and too long to the executive. prgtoken It resulted from an AUMF vote, Authorization for Use of Military Force, for a lie-based war in Iraq, resulting in the loss of life of over 4,500 of our fellow citizens, 200,000 Iraqis killed, and destruction and instability in the Middle East. prgtoken That authorization will be repealed by a vote of Congress, and I will vote to repeal that authorization and restore to the Congress its responsibility to make that solemn decision about whether and when we send our sons and daughters to defend us abroad.
ESG DISCLOSURE SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2021
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-6-16

. Madam , I thank Representative Waters for her leadership on this issue. prgtoken Madam , I want to highlight some language in this en bloc amendment that is very important to the working women of this country. The provision requires publicly traded companies to disclose the number and monetary amounts of settlements and judgments in connection with workplace harassment claims. prgtoken This will not only improve transparency and accountability for public companies, but it will provide incentives for them to foster respectful, safe workplaces free from harassment and to make sure that there are consequences when workplace abuses occur. prgtoken Here is the thing. Up to 80 percent of women have experienced some form of workplace harassment, and there are serious implications that often result: physical and mental health problems, career interruptions, and lower earnings. Enduring this kind of harassment at work can even discourage women from advancing their careers, which only makes the gender wage gap worse. prgtoken All persons must have safe workplaces to reach their full potential, and investors should know more about the workplaces they are putting their money behind. Transparency should add motivation to employers to keep their employees safe, and that is good for everyone.