mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO DR. SOPHIA L. THOMAS
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-6-17

it is with great pride that I recognize a constituent of mine, Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, prgtoken FNAP, FAANP, of New Orleans, LA for her service over the last 2 years as president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, AANP. prgtoken Dr. Thomas has an exemplary career of service as a certified family and pediatric nurse practitioner and has been providing health care for over 25 years to medically underserved populations in the greater New Orleans, LA, region. Dr. Thomas practices at a federally qualified health center in New Orleans and is a clinical preceptor. As a primary care provider, Dr. Thomas provides her patients with access to cost- effective, patient-centered healthcare. Dr. Thomas has continued to work on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including educating the public, diagnosing and treating patients, and going door to door to vaccinate residents in New Orleans. prgtoken She holds a doctoral degree in nursing practice from Loyola University New Orleans, where she was honored with the Post-Master's DNP Nightingale Award, and she has a master's in nursing from Louisiana Sate University Health Sciences Center. She was inducted as fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2012. In 2020, Dr. Thomas was chosen as one of Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. prgtoken The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is the largest national professional membership organization for nurse practitioners. Under Dr. Thomas's tenure, AANP membership has grown to more than 118,000 members. Dr. Thomas has helped lead nurse practitioners in transforming patient-centered healthcare and has made tremendous strides in ensuring that policymakers and the public understand the care that nurse practitioners provide to millions of Americans each year. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Sophia L. Thomas on a successful term as president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and in thanking her for the excellent health care she has and continues to provide to her patients as well as her leadership to the nurse practitioner profession.
REPEALING THE AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ RESOLUTION OF 2002
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I think I laid out our arguments, and I think it is irresponsible to repeal this authority, which still is used to protect our embassy diplomats and soldiers in Iraq against the Shia proxies of Iran. prgtoken I am committed to work with the chairman to update this outdated AUMF. And I think if there is any agreement in this Chamber, and also on both sides of the aisle, it is that we need to modernize it to the modern-day threats. prgtoken And as I read from the President's Statement of Administration Policy, the President says: I am committed to working with the Congress to ensure that outdated authorizations for the use of military force are replaced with a framework appropriate to ensure that we can continue to protect Americans from terrorist threats. prgtoken I agree with the President of the United States, and I think the chairman does as well. We have to do this, and it is not going to be easy, but it is time to update this outdated AUMF. prgtoken I would prefer to have repealed and replaced it with our updated AUMF. But as Brian Mast, a heroic veteran who lost his legs in battle, said, We cannot just repeal this and talk about updating when we haven't even talked to the Department of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the intelligence community about what is the modern-day threat, and what we need to do in Congress to exercise our Article I responsibilities that we have a responsibility to do, and not just cede everything to the executive branch under Article II. prgtoken The argument is made, well, this could be done under Article II. Well, that is probably true. But are we not abdicating our responsibility and ceding it to the executive branch by doing this? I would argue that we are. prgtoken , I want to close with the motion to recommit. prgtoken If we adopt the motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider my amendment to H.R. 256. It responds to the serious escalation by Hamas against Israel that we saw in May. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.
LOUISIANA
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-6-17

June marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and 2021 is on us, but my constituents are still suffering from the storms of 2020. There are a lot of folks in Louisiana who are still hurting. If you were to fly over Lake Charles, LA, you would still see blue tarps on roofs of homes damaged a year ago. prgtoken I took to the Senate floor last month stressing the need for disaster supplemental while Lake Charles and Baton Rouge at that time were getting hit by heavy rains and severe flooding. At the time, Lake Charles ended up with 8 to 15 inches of rain in less than 12 hours. It is heartbreaking to see them affected once more by a natural disaster. Baton Rouge got more than 13 inches of rain overnight, with 15,000 homes and businesses without power the next morning. All this comes on the heels of Hurricanes Laura and Delta and winter storms which had catastrophic damage to livestock, crops, and structures for Louisiana farmers. prgtoken For those who need a refresher, 2020 set a record for the most named storms--30 in 1 season and 5 of those named storms hitting Louisiana, which is also a record. Hurricane Laura, a category 4 hurricane, hit Lake Charles, devastated it, and then almost the exact same place that Laura hit, Delta hit--category 2--6 weeks later. It is unprecedented to have one hurricane followed by another. prgtoken NOAA calculates the damage from Hurricane Laura at about $19 billion and Delta at $2.9 billion. Laura wreaked havoc through devastating winds, which reached 150 miles per hour at landfall--the strongest hurricane to hit my State since 1856. Delta was just rain. In LeBleu Settlement, just northeast of Lake Charles, they received almost 18 inches. prgtoken I may sound like a broken record, but I need to just play this broken record once more. We cannot allow the impact of an entire year's worth of natural disasters to go unaddressed. prgtoken Just a few weeks ago, I was in Lake Charles, and I heard incredible frustration about rebuilding in the aftermath of these storms--a church still with its roof ripped off; homes, as I mentioned, covered with tarps--and stories from members of the community who are not back in their homes and, frankly, may not even be back in their city because there are no homes and there is no housing for them to return to. prgtoken The people in Lake Charles have an incredible resilience and an incredible we-can-do spirit. So you go there, and people are laughing and they are smiling, but then you see that blue tarp, and you know that this community will not recover at the way things are going. I would argue that the weather events were tragic, but the lack of action upon recovery is making a tragedy worse. prgtoken In March, my colleague from Oregon, Senator Jeff Merkley, and I urged the administration to support a supplemental disaster appropriation to urgently address and direct Federal resources to communities throughout America str
ISSUES OF THE DAY
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-6-17

. That didn't lose their jobs. And the harder part of the scoring is--and this was one of the miracles of 2018 and 2019--the repeatedly attacked the tax reforms from the end of 2017 and the regulatory reforms. prgtoken But there were so many people working, and there was such vitality in the economy that Medicare part A, the trust fund, grew in years. Social Security grew in years because there were so many people paying their payroll tax. prgtoken They didn't really pay income tax because they were part of the population that had been removed from having to pay income tax because we changed--but it turns out, if you actually, truly believe we have a societal obligation to keep our promises, to keep Social Security, to keep Medicare vibrant, it turns out you need an incredibly vibrant economy for people to be working. You can do that also by a rational tax policy instead of a punishing one.
HONORING WILLIAM ALLEN PULLUM
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-17

today I rise to honor the life of William Allen Pullum. prgtoken Navarre is a community in my district in Florida that is one of the fastest growing. It is vibrant, full of warfighters, workers, and lovely people. Bill Pullum is the father of Navarre. prgtoken He was born in 1947 and lived most of his life in this community. He joined the Army in 1967 as an Army helicopter prgtoken pilot and earned the Silver and Bronze Stars, as well as two Distinguished Flying Crosses in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1970. prgtoken He was involved in every aspect of life from real estate to business development, chambers of commerce, Kiwanis Clubs. There was hardly a cause in Navarre that Bill Pullum and his family did not support. prgtoken He was dedicated as a family member, a husband, a father, and was instrumental in mission work in Honduras throughout his life. prgtoken , please join me in honoring the late Bill Pullum for his life of service to our country and to the community in my district.
REPEALING THE AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ RESOLUTION OF 2002
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-17

the balance of my time. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his hard work. As he has indicated, it is a pleasure working with him on this committee and working collectively and having open and honest dialog where we agree and where we disagree. The manner in which we do that, I think, serves this body in a very good way, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in that regard. prgtoken Even though we see this a little differently, I will say right now that I am prgtoken ready to work with the gentleman in repealing and replacing the 2001 AUMF. I think that is what we utilized as primary for the 2014 ISIS issue in dealing with all of the terrorists and terrorism that is going on. But the 2002 AUMF was specific to Iraq. prgtoken Our duty and our responsibility in what took place is over. There comes a time when certain AUMFs simply become outdated and need to be repealed. We are going to do two others. We have an AUMF still on the books from 1957. We have another one that is on the books from 1991. There is no need to repeal and replace. They are outdated. Once they become outdated, let's just remove them from the books. prgtoken So let me again reiterate this: the repealing of the 2002 AUMF would have no effect on any outgoing military operations in Iraq. In fact, the only thing leaving the AUMF on the books does is risk inviting future administrations to try to stretch its legal authority and bypass Congress' constitutional obligation to make decisions on matters of war and peace, thereby getting past and abdicating our responsibilities under Article I authority and allow the executive to interpret the AUMFs far beyond their intent. prgtoken So the repeal of the 2002 AUMF is only one in a series of steps that Congress must take to reclaim its Article I authority, but it is, indeed, an important step. Today's historic vote is a turning point to quickly bring an end to this outdated AUMF. I understand from listening to the Senate that the Senate's intention also is to quickly bring the 2002 AUMF repeal for a vote. prgtoken So I look forward to Congress no longer taking a backseat on some of the most consequential decisions our Nation can make. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING FUNERAL DIRECTOR AND EMBALMER RAUL VILLEGAS, JR.
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Funeral Director and Embalmer Raul Villegas, Jr. (May 15, 1962--January 20, 2021). Mr. Villegas demonstrated never-ending patience and compassion to the families in his community during his life. prgtoken Mr. Villegas was born in Laredo, TX and attended J.W. Nixon High School. He then attended the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and graduated in 1986. After that, he served his 35-year career as a Texas Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer dedicated to the families of Laredo and Webb County, Texas. During this time, he was a great team leader and community member. As a funeral service professional, he met and exceeded expectations by having ceaseless patience and sympathy. Mr. Villegas had the right words for every situation and was reliable and strong even when those around him were undergoing difficult times. prgtoken Mr. Villegas will have an enduring impact on his family, team members, and all of the families in the community he served. He lived and worked his entire life by the principles of endless patience and kindness. I want to commemorate the life of Raul Villegas, Jr. and his numerous contributions to his community. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate Mr. Villegas and his notable life and career. However, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' prgtoken Mr. Villegas is survived by his beloved wife Maricela G. Villegas; children, Raul Villegas III (Melissa Guerrero), Marlene (Fernando Garza, Jr.) Villegas, David (Anabel) Villegas, Danny (Michelle) Villegas, Ricardo (Jessica) Ramirez, Jr Melissa (Salvador) Silva, Roberto C. Ramirez (Vivian); parents, Raul and Hortencia Villegas; siblings, Irma (Wayo) Butron, Jerry (Lily) Villegas, Eddie (Juanita) Villegas, Javier Villegas, and Sammy (Anna) Villegas; 20 grandchildren; as well as other family and friends. prgtoken Madam , again I rise to recognize the life and career of Raul Villegas, Jr.
RECOMMITTING ON JUNETEENTH
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-17

on June 19, 1865, freedom finally came for the last enslaved African Americans in the United States when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, more than 2 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. prgtoken Today, 156 years later, President will be signing a law to make Juneteenth a new Federal holiday. It is a cause for celebration. It should also serve as an occasion for learning and for this country to reflect on our history and recommit to doing the vital work to ensure that the lasting effects of slavery, bigotry, and racism are replaced with hope, dignity, and equality for all. prgtoken We can start with the Senate passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, legislation to reform policing and address systemic racism and bias within law enforcement, and finally making the John Lewis Voting Rights Act a law, passing it. prgtoken Today, we celebrate this historic designation of Juneteenth as a Federal holiday. Tomorrow, we get back to work.
CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Jamaal Bowman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-17

. Madam , I rise with great excitement and joy in my heart that today Juneteenth will become a national holiday. prgtoken 156 years after the end of slavery in this country, we will now, on an annual basis, reflect collectively and, hopefully, begin the process of truth and collective healing as a nation. prgtoken But I ask us that we must not stop here. We must continue to go forward to fight for racial justice because in many parts of our country it still exists in the form of housing discrimination and segregation, lack of access to healthcare, and wealth inequality. prgtoken It is so humbling to stand here as a Black man in America and take another step toward feeling whole in this country. But we must--we have to come together across party lines to do much more.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-6-17

. I think given the wise comments of not only Mr. Johnson but also the pending recommendations by the Department of Defense concerning this issue, again, the best place to have a thorough, lively debate and amendments, by the way, which are precluded in this unanimous consent, would be in the Armed Services Committee in the prgtoken context of the annual defense authorization bill. That is where we have confronted and decided these issues historically. prgtoken And with that, I would reiterate my objection to the Senator from New York's request.
INTRODUCTION OF THE GEORGETOWN WATERFRONT ENSLAVED VOYAGES MEMORIAL ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-6-17

. Madam , I rise to introduce the Georgetown Waterfront Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act. This bill would authorize the establishment of a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia commemorating the enslaved individuals who disembarked at the Georgetown waterfront after forced migration to the United States by way of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The commemorative work, to be established by the Georgetown African American Historic Landmark Project and Tour, would honor the enslaved individuals' presence, celebrate their contributions to history, recognize their resilience and fortitude and acknowledge their deeds and feats. prgtoken This week, we recognize Juneteenth (June 19), which marks the arrival of the news of emancipation to enslaved African Americans in Confederate-controlled Texas--two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued--the final end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth celebrates the culmination of the long struggle for freedom from bondage in the United States. This monumental event prompts us to reflect on the past and look to the future. prgtoken For four centuries, enslavers packed 12.5 million captive Africans into their ships to sell as chattel in the Americas. The vestiges of this history are everywhere yet scarcely marked, including here in the District. The Georgetown waterfront had an extensive and long-neglected history of involvement in the slave trade. Due to its location at the northernmost navigable point on the Potomac River, North Potomac, as it was then known, the Georgetown waterfront was a busy commercial port that operated as a mid-Atlantic trading center of enslaved people. prgtoken The first Africans were brought as slaves through the Georgetown port in 1732. Though records are incomplete, scholars have determined that between that year and 1761, seven ships carrying an estimated 1,475 enslaved people arrived there. Those who survived the traumatic ``Middle Passage'' voyage were marched through tunnels that led from the C&O Canal, through the sewage system, to a slave auction block on M Street, now Georgetown's main commercial thoroughfare. prgtoken Commodities to be sold for profit, these people were assigned no more value in America than that paid for them by enslavers. Slavery and the slave trade remained for generations an integral part of the United States. While the entire contribution of enslaved African Americans in the District and region cannot be determined, we know with certainty that white citizens and the federal government both relied heavily on enslaved labor to build the Nation's capital. prgtoken We must not hide from this history. The enslaved individuals, known and unknown, who disembarked at the Georgetown waterfront after forced migration, rest at the core of our Nation's shared history. The atrocities of the system of chattel slavery shed light on our Nation's central struggle between slavery and freedom--a freedom under
EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION TREATMENT ACT OF 2021
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-6-17

. I just wanted to let my friend Senator Blunt, whom I have been talking about now on the floor--I just wanted to say, with him here--and I knew he was going to be here shortly, but I just want to say again what a real pleasure and honor it has been to partner with my friend Senator Blunt in this really major movement to transform the way we fund community mental health and addiction services. prgtoken And our Presiding Officer has also been a leader in this. I want to thank her for that as well. But I just want to thank my partner, as I was indicating before we came down, on the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's signing his last bill. prgtoken And I am pleased we have been able to pick up the torch, and we are going to get it over the finish line and make sure these wonderful services are available across the country.
TRIBUTE TO JANET PIRAINO
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-6-17

I rise today to honor the service of Janet Piraino, my State director, who will retire from my office and the U.S. Senate on July 19, 2021. prgtoken Janet has spent her professional career dedicated to serving Wisconsinites. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin--Madison, Janet forged a path in public service early in her career. Her first job was as a field organizer for a race for Wisconsin Governor, followed by nearly 10 years as a legislative policy advisor to Wisconsin legislators in the State capitol. prgtoken Janet quickly earned recognition as a valued staff member and committed leader. Her experiences working with both legislators and constituents led to her assuming positions in a variety of roles, both at the local and Federal government level. prgtoken Over the past 30-plus years, Janet has served in a variety of capacities with many Wisconsin elected officials, including 7 years as State director for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold; 2 years as chief of staff for Congressman Tom Barrett; 8 years as chief of staff for Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz; and 2 years as district director for U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan. Outside of her roles in government, Janet has also worked as a special assistant for State relations at the University of Wisconsin System and as vice president for advancement at the Overture Center Foundation in Madison, where she led the charge to help transition this legacy performing arts venue from a city-run venue to a privately owned facility. prgtoken Janet is also an active member of many community organizations, including Madison's Downtown Rotary. She spends considerable time engaged in meeting with others interested in pursuing a career in public service and has mentored countless Wisconsinites over these many years. prgtoken Outside of the office, Janet enjoys spending time with her partner of 20 years, J.R. Sims, their grandbaby, Titan Cairo Sims, and their enthusiastic pandemic puppy, Sadie. Janet also enjoys traveling and participating in organized bike rides, including the Door County Century and the Best Dam Bike Tour on her Wisconsin made Trek Madone. She is a devoted fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo, and is always eager to host friends and colleagues on her roof deck overlooking the Madison skyline. prgtoken I knew of Janet's can-do reputation and energetic commitment to public service long before she joined my Senate office in 2015, and I am delighted that she has become a valued member of our team. Along with my entire U.S. Senate staff, I wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter with her well-deserved retirement.