mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-6-24

for years, the gun violence epidemic in our country has forced us to cope with immeasurable grief and loss. prgtoken Throughout America, many communities have begun to erect memorials to remember those they have lost through gun violence. These monuments are not much different than those right outside The National Mall that honor Americans killed in war. prgtoken Just last week, people in San Bernardino, California, unveiled the Curtain of Courage made of steel and bronze to pay tribute to the 16 people who were murdered at a mass shooting there in 2015. prgtoken In Newtown, Connecticut, a planned memorial will feature a spiral of granite inscribed with the names of 20 children and 6 teachers killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. prgtoken Memorials are being built or planned, as well, to honor those who died in shootings in Charleston, Orlando, Las Vegas, El Paso, Buffalo, Uvalde, and many others. prgtoken The best way to honor those we have lost to gun violence, however, is not with bronze, steel, or granite. Rather, it is with meaningful action to prevent others from suffering the same fate. prgtoken The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was overwhelmingly passed by the United States Senate, and which I am pleased to bring to the floor today, is a step in the right direction to take action. prgtoken This legislation includes measures that will reduce the threat of gun violence and save lives across the country. It will help implement red flag laws that empower law enforcement officers to keep guns out of the hands of people at risk of using them to harm themselves or others. Closing the so-called boyfriend loophole in this bill will prevent people convicted of domestic abuse in a dating relationship from possessing deadly firearms. If they have displayed violence, they ought to be prohibited from getting weapons prgtoken that will make mass violence more probable and possible. It will also require more thorough background checks for Americans under the age of 21 who seek to purchase a gun. prgtoken We passed expanded background checks through this House, and 85 percent of the American people say they are for that--and that is the minimum--but no action has been taken in the United States Senate. They have taken some action, and some action is better than no action. prgtoken Additionally, this legislation includes $250 million in funding for community-based violence prevention programs. prgtoken Do we not want to see community violence diminished? prgtoken It will also crack down on those who make straw purchases, purchases of guns that otherwise, under the existing system, could not be purchased by the ultimate user of those guns. prgtoken , I thank Senator Murphy, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, Representative Lucy McBath, Representative Robin Kelly, Chairman Mike Thompson of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and those s who said that ``NRA'' does not stand for ``no
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-6-24

I thank the distinguished chairman who has done so much on this issue for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 2938, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. prgtoken More than 15 years ago, I was chairman of Fairfax County when the Virginia Tech tragedy occurred. We buried six young people in my community that week--six. I am still in touch with those families, and the emptiness in their souls will never go away. prgtoken Today, we have an opportunity to choose: will we protect our children, or will we continue to persist in an abstract ideological commitment to an absolute reading of the Second Amendment which is false, and a false reading of the Constitution. prgtoken We can do something finally. America demands we do something. We need to disenthrall ourselves from the gun mythology and do the right thing: protecting our communities and our children.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF DOWNRIVER LINKED GREENWAYS CHAIR ANITA TWARDESKY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Anita Twardesky on the occasion of her retirement from the Downriver Linked Greenways, where she served as Chair for over two decades. Her years of service to the Downriver community and to our environment are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Ms. Twardesky is a Michigan native and a longtime environmental advocate in our community and previously worked as Recreation Director for the cities of Flat Rock and Woodhaven before starting as the Community Outreach Manager for Riverside Kayak Connection. The non- profit the Downriver Linked Greenways was launched in 1999 as a result of the Downriver Summit hosted by the late Congressman John Dingell. As Chair of the Greenways, Ms. Twardesky spearheaded multiple projects to extend the Downriver Linked Greenways trail system, including the embarking on the first Downriver trail project and the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail. Furthermore, she helped the organization become a 501(c)(3) and secured over $15 million in funding for trail construction as well as gap analysis of the trail system. Her efforts have helped create over one hundred miles of trails in Downriver. prgtoken In addition to her role at the Downriver Linked Greenways, Ms. Twardesky has long been a leader in Downriver. She served on the Healthy Trenton Coalition and helped found the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. Additionally, as the founder of Destination Downriver, she is actively changing the perception of Downriver and attracting new businesses and visitors to the area. Ms. Twardesky's dedication to the evolution of Downriver and its community has not gone unnoticed, and in 2019, she was awarded the Women of Achievement Leadership Award from the Southern Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, Ms. Twardesky has headed the ``Go Impact'' program through her church, Southpointe Church, which supports seniors and disabled community members with yard and residential clean ups. A passionate volunteer, she also assists in feeding and housing our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Ms. Twardesky resides in Flat Rock with her husband, children, and grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anita Twardesky for her exemplary work at the Downriver Linked Greenways. I join with Ms. Twardesky's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to her for her tireless commitment to our community and to thank her for her role in Downriver's environmental and economic development. Though we will miss her passion for Downriver and for our wildlife, we wish her the very best in retirement.
KEEP KIDS FED ACT OF 2022
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-6-24

I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, long overdue legislation to address gun violence in our schools and neighborhoods. Although this legislation is far from perfect, it is an important step forward in solving the epidemic of gun violence that has gripped our nation for decades. prgtoken In the weeks following the tragedy in Uvalde at Robb Elementary and the racist attack at a grocery store in Buffalo, I spoke with many constituents who continue to urge action. Teachers, parents, and concerned community members from Northwest Oregon shared pleas for Congress to follow through on our responsibility to our children and our nation by immediately passing bold policies to implement gun safety reform. An educator I know told me that after Uvalde, she sat down with her students and told them she would take a bullet for them. Conversations like this are happening in classrooms across the country, but they shouldn't have to. Congress must provide all students with safe learning environments free from the threat of gun violence. The House already passed a comprehensive slate of gun violence prevention legislation, and I look forward to building on that by voting for this legislation that came out of the bipartisan Senate negotiations. prgtoken The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act will help to protect Americans and make gun sales safer. The most effective way to protect communities from gun violence is to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who are a danger to themselves and others. This legislation will incentivize states to establish extreme risk protection order laws, enhance background checks for people under the age of 21, end straw purchasing, and penalize gun traffickers. It will also safeguard survivors of domestic violence by closing the so called ``boyfriend loophole,'' prohibiting people convicted of domestic violence crimes from possessing firearms. prgtoken Additionally, this bill makes a robust investment in under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Fully funding this important grant program will help to close the opportunity and resource gaps in our nation's public schools, and I'm pleased this bill recognizes the importance of this program in providing students of all backgrounds with a well-rounded, safe, and healthy education. prgtoken Although these actions to address gun violence in our communities and fund critical school improvement programs are important, I am concerned about how various provisions in the bill could harm Black and brown students and students with disabilities in our nation's schools. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increases funding for school resource officers (SROs) and codifies further involvement of the Department of Homeland Security in education through threat assessments. Research and practice show that both SROs and threat assessments are ineffective in keeping students safe in schools. As Chair of the Civil Rights and
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-6-24

from Ohio, soon to be the Judiciary chair, for yielding. prgtoken First, thank you to the Supreme Court for removing the curse of abortion sanctioned by a Federal Court ruling back in 1973. Six Supreme Court Justices have stood for life, and that is a beautiful thing. prgtoken Now, regarding this gun control bill before us today, this bill would have done nothing to curb the actions of illegal-minded criminals intent on harming our children. But it will harm the law-abiding citizens of this great Nation by violating their Second, Fourth, Fifth, and 14th Amendments, specifically, their due process rights. Let me refresh our collective memories. prgtoken The Fourth Amendment: ``The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.'' prgtoken The Fifth Amendment: ``No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.'' prgtoken The 14th Amendment: ``Nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.'' prgtoken Then, of course, my favorite, the Second Amendment: ``The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.'' prgtoken These red flag laws enable one-sided ex parte hearings, and though they don't take some of the guns from all of the people, they take all of the guns from some of the people. This is completely unacceptable. prgtoken I stand against it, and I encourage all Members of the House to vote against it.
GEORGE WILSON
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the life of George Robert Wilson. prgtoken George was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and spent a remarkable 46 years as an employee of Fruit of the Loom in Campbellsville. As a Taylor County resident, he also joined the local Fire Department in 1967 and became Chief in 1970. prgtoken He held this position for an astonishing 50 years until retiring in 2021. Over that time, George spearheaded a huge project for the County. He helped build the downtown firehouse by raising funds and organizing volunteers to build the structure. prgtoken His dedication to the community was unparalleled. In 2017, a new facility was built on Greensburg Road in honor of Mr. Wilson. In his free time, George was a passionate fan of University of Kentucky basketball and enjoyed hunting and fishing. prgtoken On behalf of the First Congressional District of Kentucky, I want to send my condolences to George's family and friends. Taylor County was so fortunate to have an individual so dedicated to the community.
RECOGNIZING DR. DAVIE JANE GILMOUR
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , after nearly 25 years of service as President of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour is retiring. prgtoken During her accomplished tenure, Dr. Gilmour has guided Penn College through challenges, growth, and innovation, ultimately shaping the institution into a national leader in applied technology education. prgtoken Penn College has stepped up in a big way to develop Pennsylvania's workforce and close the skills gap, largely due to Dr. Gilmour's vision and commitment to giving students the tools to excel in high demand fields. prgtoken Dr. Gilmour and I share that vision, and I have enjoyed working with Penn College in Congress to develop policies that bring job creators and the workforce closer together, expand opportunities for career and technical education, promote economic development, and spur job creation. prgtoken I thank Dr. Gilmour for her service, vision, and tireless commitment to Penn College's important mission. I wish Dr. Gilmour all the best in her future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE, INC.
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the 40th Anniversary of Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. (TBCHS) of northeast Michigan. Throughout their many years of service in healthcare, TBCHS has displayed steadfast devotion to their community and has become a crucial part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken Thunder Bay Community Health Service was founded in 1980 by a group of Michiganders motivated to create greater access to primary care services in the Great Lakes region. TBCHS opened their first clinic in Hillman, Michigan, in 1982 while also becoming a National Health Service Corporation solo practice. Today, they are a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center, allowing them to provide a broad variety of much-needed programs and services within rural areas. prgtoken Throughout the years, TBCHS has continued to expand--building facilities to support the people of Montmorency, Alpena, Cheboygan, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties. Most recently, they opened their site in Fairview, adding Oscoda County to their community of care. TBCHS prides itself on offering services such as dental and general health to ensure their population can find proper care, creating healthier Michigan communities. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to recognize Thunder Bay Community Health Service, Inc. for decades of success and service to northeastern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-24

no one on that side of the aisle cares more about the lives lost than the people on this side of the aisle. We are as heartbroken as anyone is. We are trying to find a balance between the thing that we have all agreed and swore an oath to uphold and defend, the rights granted by God enshrined in our Constitution and weigh that--and weigh that--with keeping our community safe. prgtoken Ladies and gentlemen, our society has a sickness. That is for sure. The laws passed in this House to restrict people from their constitutional, God-given rights that criminals disobey is not going to change that. It is not going to change that. prgtoken We can do something great here today. We could. We could do something great in this body, , but we are not going to. prgtoken We are going to infringe on the rights of the law-abiding who want to defend themselves for the sake of the criminals who refuse to follow the law.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO S. 2938, JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE...
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , it is a privilege to be here. This is a somber time. Yes, the Senate has sent us something over prgtoken again that we never got to really look into before we have to vote in the House. prgtoken Madam , I actually have a bill, H.R. 7909, that I think you all would be interested if I had gotten to speak to it in the Committee on Rules this morning. prgtoken It does three things: It says to our law enforcement retired professionals if they want to get a part-time job as an armed resource officer with the school district, they don't have to pay Social Security, withholding taxes, FICA--none of that--that is so they don't get thrown into a higher income tax bracket. prgtoken The second thing it does, is it allows schools to hire an absolute professional, a retired law enforcement professional at a reduced rate, because they don't have to match Social Security, withholding, and FICA. prgtoken But third and most importantly what it does, is it gives the students and the teachers and the staff of that facility, first-class armed protection in that school system and in that school district so that when and if this happens, they have got a professional there. prgtoken May 18, 2018. It was a Friday; 10 people were killed in Santa Fe High School, in my district. prgtoken John Barns, a police officer, an unarmed police officer was there within 3 minutes. prgtoken He came around to confront the gunman, and the gunman pretty much eviscerated his right arm with a shotgun. Other police officers showed up quickly. prgtoken Madam , we can do this with help to the school districts. We can get armed professional police officers there to help protect our schools, the kids, teachers, and the staff. It doesn't have to be about violating the Second Amendment. It doesn't have to be about taking away gun rights. This is one simple thing. prgtoken Madam , I would urge my colleagues to look at that bill, see if they are interested in it because it is one way we can help.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO S. 2938, JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE...
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , House s are committed to addressing the tragedy of these school shootings, but we cannot and should not impede the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. This is not a matter of or ; it is a matter of what is in the Constitution. prgtoken Congressman Hudson's legislation is something we can pass right now, today, that will have immediate positive effects, keeping students safe while getting Americans the mental health resources they need. prgtoken Many of these solutions are included in the bill we are considering under the rule, but Congressman Hudson's solution achieves the same outcome without infringing on our Second Amendment rights. prgtoken Madam , I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson), to speak further on the amendment.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-6-24

this bill is, at the same time, an attack on constitutional rights and a dangerous, poorly thought out, ill-defined improvisation. prgtoken Wringing your hands and doing something instead of the right thing will continue having the same result it has had since the 1960s. prgtoken Show that honesty and courage does not reside only in the Supreme Court building across the street. Defeat this bill.
RECOGNIZING MASHAMA BAILEY
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mashama Bailey for her achievement of receiving the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. prgtoken Mashama is a renowned chef at The Grey in Savannah, Georgia, where she has served Southern cuisine since 2014. prgtoken She traveled to many locations around the world, perfecting her culinary craft, and uses what she has learned to showcase the amazing taste of Southern cuisine. prgtoken The James Beard Award was established to highlight the exceptional talent and achievements in the culinary prgtoken arts. Mashama also received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast back in 2019. prgtoken Throughout her career, she has taken the fine dining world by storm through her exceptional dishes that have helped put Savannah among some of the best culinary spots in the Nation. prgtoken Mashama's commitment to her passion has fed many Savannahians some of the best food in the world, and she is an inspiration to the First Congressional District. prgtoken Congratulations, Mashama, and good luck in your future endeavors.
HONORING CAROLYN SAMPSON-WINGER
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-6-24

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Carolyn Sampson-Winger. Carolyn won the award for Entrepreneur of Excellence from the YWCA St. Joseph Women of Excellence Awards program for her financial and community successes. prgtoken After going into business as an independent insurance agent in 2000, she became recognized as an ``All-American Agent''. As an employer with a two-person staff, she has consistently been a leader in excellent customer service, business ethics, faith, strong work ethic, and community service. She has served in various leadership positions in the community, including on her church board, Southside Rotary, South St. Joseph Progressive Association, and Southside Business Women. She has also served on the City Planning & Zoning Commission and on the Board of Directors for the Robidoux Resident Theater and lnterServ. prgtoken Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Carolyn Sampson-Winger for winning the Entrepreneur of Excellence award as well as her excellence in finance and service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Carolyn Sampson-Winger in the United States House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING ART COMPETITION WINNER LIERA BERTOLSIO
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-24

today I welcome Liera Bertolsio and her family to Washington, D.C. to celebrate her great accomplishment. prgtoken Liera is the 2022 winner of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District Congressional Art Contest. prgtoken The annual art competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, showcases the creative talents of high school students from across every congressional district in the country. prgtoken Liera has just finished her sophomore year at Forest Hills High School located in Sidman, Pennsylvania. Her work ``Girl with Pearl Earring'' is an acrylic painting on canvas. prgtoken This year, 81 students entered Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District art competition. Liera's work was selected by a panel of independent judges. The 2022 competition had our largest number of entries to date. prgtoken All the winning pieces from around the country will be displayed for the year in the Cannon tunnel where they will be viewed by Members of Congress, staff, and those who visit the Capitol every day. prgtoken , once again, I congratulate Liera on her remarkable achievement.