mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FOSTERING UNDERGRADUATE TALENT BY UNLOCKING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-5

first, let me thank my colleagues from South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington State, Alabama, and Delaware for their hard work on this very important issue. I appreciated their words, and I think far more appreciated even than their eloquent words is the fact that we are getting this done, finally. I am so glad for it. prgtoken Let me just add my words of support for the FUTURE Act. A few minutes ago, as I mentioned, we passed the FUTURE Act by unanimous consent. I am so glad and grateful that the Senate came together today to give these institutions and the students they serve the certainty needed to continue focusing on their important mission. prgtoken In America, we believe in ladders up. People should have to climb those ladders. No one is going to put them up on a pedestal. But there should be the ladders there so that if somebody wants to work hard, they are given fair opportunity and barriers--sometimes barriers based on bigotry and discrimination--do not stand in their way. prgtoken One of the best ladders-up we have in America is our HBCUs. HBCUs make up 3 percent of colleges and universities, but they produce 27 percent of African-American students with bachelor degrees in STEM fields, 80 percent of African-American judges, 40 percent of African- American engineers, 50 percent of African-American lawyers, and 40 percent of African-American colleagues here in the Congress are HBCU graduates. So this is one fine ladder-up, as are our other institutions that spend much time helping Hispanic Americans and Native Americans as well. prgtoken We need these ladders. They are part of America. We should help them whenever we can. Tribal colleges and universities serving Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations serve more than 130,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives, the most underserved group in higher education. Hispanic-serving institutions have grown by nearly 40 percent since 2009, helping the Latino community make big inroads in college enrollment and completion. They now enroll 66 percent of all Hispanic undergraduates but account for only 15 percent of nonprofit colleges. prgtoken So all three of these types of institutions--the HBCUs, the colleges and universities serving American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Hispanic-serving institutions--are amazing ladders up. They are essential for making higher education accessible, affordable, and attainable for all Americans; essential for having that bright Sun--the American dream--actually shine on people instead of it being some words that are meaningless to them. prgtoken This is a very fine moment, and I want to thank all of those who put this all together and made it happen. We can celebrate. Most of the things that pass by UC around here--or many of them--are really kind of small and narrow. This is not. This is very important. And my salute to those who made it happen, whom I mentioned earlier.
ECONOMIC JUSTICE ISSUES
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this and for organizing what I think is one of the most important discussions that this Congress needs to have. prgtoken Housing is fundamental. It has been the major source of wealth generation for millions of middle-class Americans and an even greater source of wealth accumulation for upper income Americans. prgtoken But, sadly, it has been a source of discrimination and widening income inequality because of decades of systematic discrimination by the Federal Government against people of color, especially African Americans. prgtoken I am embarrassed that in my community, returning World War II veterans were denied opportunities to live in neighborhoods where they could actually afford the loans. The redlining practices denied them an opportunity to be able to secure government-financed lending. prgtoken We had practices in the real estate industry that actively steered people away from certain neighborhoods. We had areas where people resisted allowing people of color to move in. The Federal Government did not enforce constitutional antidiscrimination provisions. prgtoken Madam , the consequences of decades of neglect, discrimination, and underinvestment is visible today in most major American cities. It is obvious in my community, where we are seeing a homeless population that is persistent and growing. prgtoken We are seeing in communities large and small people who are rent- burdened, as my colleagues have already referenced, with half the people paying more than a third of their income, many of them over half, if they can qualify as renters at all. prgtoken The Federal Government has systematically reduced its modest housing footprint, not being involved in new housing construction for low- income and extremely low-income people. prgtoken There is no way, despite Ben Carson's mumbo jumbo, that those people can be self-sufficient, in terms of housing. They need direct government assistance. prgtoken The failure to have adequately housed them plays out in our streets. Inadequate housing has health consequences. In fact, we are watching now some of America's hospital systems realizing that fact and investing in housing opportunities and wraparound services because people who are not adequately housed actually cost society far more. prgtoken We are watching steps that are being taken in the private sector to recognize that this is the quickest way to close that income inequality gap. It is the quickest way to strengthen communities. In fact, it has profound consequences for education. prgtoken Children who are housed not in concentrated poverty but in housing opportunities that integrate them into broader communities have much better performance in schools without increasing the number of teachers, without increasing the per capita spending per pupil. Where those children live is the most profound indicator of future academic success. prgtoken
VOTE EXPLANATION
Kamala D. Harris (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-5

I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 375, the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 479, Richard Ernest Myers II, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 376, the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar No. 489, Sherri A. Lydon, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 378, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 353, John L. Sinatra, Jr of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 379, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 478, Sarah E. Pitlyk, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 380, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 381, Douglas Russell Cole, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 381, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 459, R. Austin Huffaker, Jr of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. prgtoken , I was absent, but had I been present, I would have voted no on rollcall vote No. 382, the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 460, David B. Barlow, of Utah, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF WHITNEY DOTSON
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the service of long-time community advocate, Whitney Dotson. prgtoken Whitney Dotson's commitment to the good of his community is demonstrated by his career with the East Bay Regional Park District. Beginning as an appointed member of the Park District Advisory Committee, he later was elected to the Board of Directors where he worked on his passion for parks and health. prgtoken During his many years on the Board of Directors, Whitney has supported several significant projects, including the Atlas Road Bridge at Point Pinole, restoration of Albany Beach, and preservation of the North Richmond Shoreline. He also supported the completion of two Bay Trails, one between Pinole Shores and Bayfront Park and the other between Berkeley and Albany. Director Dotson fought to prevent commercial and residential development of the Breuner Marsh at Point Pinole, which was renamed the Dotson Family Marsh. Through this project, Director Dotson was able to continue the work of his father, Reverend Richard Dotson, to keep the marsh a natural place for everyone in the community to enjoy. Director Dotson has been described by his colleagues as tirelessly pursuing environmental protections in his community. prgtoken Director Dotson's service extends beyond his work with the East Bay Regional Park District. He is the president of the North Richmond Shoreline Open Space Alliance, Associate Director of the Neighborhood House of North Richmond, and Vice Chair of the Community Advisory Group. Throughout his tenure with the East Bay Regional Park District and through his philanthropic work, Director Dotson has fought to preserve open space and ensure a clean and healthy environment for generations to come. prgtoken Director Dotson departs the East Bay Regional Park District with a legacy of championing the environmental well-being of his community. We wish him great luck and joy in retirement.
EQUAL PAY
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-12-5

this past October, the young women who make up the Burlington High School girls soccer team in Burlington, VT, made a statement: The time for equal pay is now. All they are looking for is for their leaders--leaders like us in Congress--to show the courage to make it happen. prgtoken It all began one Friday night in October, when, after scoring a goal to put them ahead in the closing minutes of a game against neighboring rivals South Burlington, four exuberant members of the soccer team removed their jerseys to reveal T-shirts emblazoned with this simple phrase: ``#EqualPay.'' prgtoken The reception to their silent statement was reminiscent of that moment when the U.S. Women's National Team made history in July, winning its second consecutive World Cup title. After a thrilling win over the Netherlands, the stadium in France was filled with chants of ``Equal Pay! Equal Pay!''. prgtoken One Friday in October, the stands--though smaller--in Burlington, VT, erupted in the same way. The result? Yellow cards for the offending players, issued by a referee bound by the rules of the league. prgtoken The young women of the Burlington High School soccer team became overnight sensations. Within a matter of days, they had sold more than 2,000 of their now iconic simple white T-shirts, raising more than $30,000 to support the Greater Burlington Girls Soccer League. Men were invited to pay an extra $4 for the $25 T-shirt: 16 percent of the cost, to represent the pay gender pay gap in Vermont. Their story was reported by local outlets like VTDigger and the Burlington Free Press, and it was featured on ``Good Morning America'' and on CNN. It even reached across the pond, where the UK's Daily Mail featured the team's advocacy. I ask unanimous consent that the report from VTDigger be printed in the Record following these remarks. prgtoken The lesson here is simple, and the voices could not be clearer: Equal pay for equal work should not be controversial, nor should it be challenged. Yet today in Vermont, a woman makes $0.84 for every $1 earned by a man. In some States, the gap is as wide as 70 percent. It is inexplicable. It is inexcusable. And it needs to stop. prgtoken Marcelle and I are proud to support the young women of the Burlington High School soccer team. We proudly wore our #EqualPay shirts outside the U.S. Capitol, standing in solidarity with these young Vermonters and with women everywhere who are simply demanding what should be theirs: equal pay for equal work. prgtoken Earlier this year, after the U.S. Women's National Team's inspiring victory at the World Cup, I reintroduced a simple resolution calling for the Federation Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, to immediately eliminate gender pay inequity and treat all athletes with the same respect and dignity, regardless of gender. It is straightforward. It is common sense. And it is past due. prgtoken Following the October game, the referee who
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4, VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT OF 2019, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 326, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING UNITED...
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , all I will observe is that the gentleman from New York oddly begins by attacking a resolution for being a recycled version of language we have already adopted on a massive bipartisan basis in the House. Then he closes by attacking us for this resolution being partisan and divisive in some way. Obviously, those two things don't match up. prgtoken Madam , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett).
RECOGNIZING JERRY REVISH
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , on behalf of the residents of Ohio's Third Congressional District, I salute Jerry Revish on his illustrious broadcasting career of 42 years. prgtoken In 1972, Jerry got his start in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio at WBBW Radio and in June 1980 he became a reporter for WBNS-TV. prgtoken Over the course of his more than four decades in journalism, Jerry won 13 Emmy awards, four Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. prgtoken In addition, he was recognized by the Associated Press for best feature, best documentary and best spot news coverage; honored with the Carl Day Award for Outstanding Achievement; and was the recipient of the Best International Reporting Award from the National Association of Black Journalists for a series of reports on the liberation of Haiti and a half-hour documentary on the new South Africa. prgtoken His reporting skills have taken him around the world. prgtoken He was the first Columbus TV reporter to go to Saudi Arabia to cover the Persian Gulf War, and he has reported from Haiti, Barbados, South Africa, Bosnia, Bahrain, Cuba, and Japan. prgtoken Among his numerous career highlights, Jerry covered many national political conventions, Ohio State University bowl games, the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, the Lucasville State Prison Riot, and the September 11th terrorist attack. He also interviewed President and helped Columbus bodybuilder Walter Smith--wrongfully convicted of rape--win his freedom through DNA testing. prgtoken In 2005, Jerry was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. prgtoken Outside of the newsroom, Jerry is the founder and senior pastor of the Unity Temple Church of God in Christ in Columbus, Ohio alongside his wife of 45 years, Danielle. prgtoken As he signs off at 10TV, I salute Jerry Revish for his commitment to excellence and service to Central Ohio--and wish him all the best as he begins the next chapter of his life.
CUTS TO SNAP AFFECT EVERYONE
Susan A. Davis (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , I want to talk about the administration's move to cut hundreds of thousands of people from SNAP, our Nation's safety net for those faced with food insecurity. prgtoken By the USDA's own estimates, nearly 700,000 people will be hurt by this policy. 700,000, that is appalling. That is 700,000 people who will struggle to feed themselves while they work towards getting back on their feet. That is 700,000 people who will have to decide whether to pay their bills or go hungry. prgtoken But this doesn't just affect those who will be cut from the food assistance program, this affects everyone. SNAP dollars are spent in local small businesses and help bring money to struggling communities. Simply put, this rule will make more people go hungry and hurt our communities in the process. prgtoken In Congress, we worked together on this issue. We reached a consensus, and we passed bipartisan legislation. So this policy is not what we passed, and it is not what the American people want. I am calling on this administration to stop this cruel policy.
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-12-5

I come to the floor today because I missed an important occasion in the Senate. We had a celebration recently of one of our more beloved Members, Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia. prgtoken There wasn't much that could keep me away from that, but there was no Senator going to Madrid to the conference of the parties to consider the Paris Climate Agreement. Pelosi asked me to come on her House delegation so that it was bicameral. As I think most people in this body know, I am pretty animated on that subject and couldn't say no. There are not many other things that could have kept me away. prgtoken I want to come now and make up a little bit for being absent that day and express my gratitude for Johnny's friendship to me over the years. I had the pleasure of going with him to the D-day anniversary on a codel that he led with his usual graciousness and patriotism. He was kind enough to join quite early on the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus I started and has been a very helpful part of that endeavor. prgtoken We have worked together on ways to improve healthcare planning for people who are in the late stage of illness to make sure that they get the care that they want and don't get a lot of care that they don't want and so that they have a chance to have their dignity and desire to be at home respected. prgtoken We have long been adherent of a biennial budget, and I am delighted that the bipartisan bill that Senator Enzi and I have put together will create a biennial budget. I am not sure we will be able to get that done before Senator Isakson leaves, but one way or the other, his interest in biennial budgeting will live on, I hope, successfully when we pass that. prgtoken We had a parity question about children's mental health hospitals that weren't getting counted and, therefore, weren't getting access to funding for the medical interns who come, and Johnny helped me fix that. It helped, I am sure, hospitals in Georgia, but it was particularly helpful to me for our Children's Hospital in Rhode Island. prgtoken We have a lot of Rhode Islanders who were killed in the Lebanon Marine barracks bombing, and there has been litigation against Iran for its responsibility for those deaths. It is not easy to collect a judgment on a foreign government, and Johnny has been very helpful to me in our joint efforts on Iran terror victims' judgments, helping us let the lawyers collect against assets of the Government of Iran. prgtoken Then, we regularly have done National Mentoring Month resolutions together. prgtoken But for all the things we have done together, that is not what I am going to miss about Senator Johnny Isakson. He is just one of the most decent, kind, good people who I have come across anywhere in my life and, certainly, one of the most decent and kind Members of the Senate. prgtoken With my very sincere apologies, Johnny, for missing the correct day, I hope you will understand how much it mattered t
PEACE PROCESS IN UKRAINE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , next week, leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia will meet to discuss a road forward to peace in Ukraine. President Zelensky was elected with a clear mandate to bring to an end Russia's illegal war on Ukraine. prgtoken The question we must ask is: Peace at what cost to liberty? prgtoken Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, already leading to the deaths of over 14,000 Ukrainians and the displacement of millions. The enemy of liberty seeks to undermine democratic institutions that have secured peace in Europe since the second World War ended. prgtoken During these sensitive negotiations, freedom lovers stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people. America will not tolerate any nation that bullies Ukraine into a sham peace that only rewards Kremlin aggression. prgtoken We join with the Ukrainian people in welcoming a just peace in Ukraine. However, any peace agreement cannot provide legal cover for Russia's land grab. Peace can only come to Europe when Russia respects the integrity of Ukraine's borders. prgtoken Madam , liberty on the European Continent hangs in the balance. Today we must do what is right and stand with Ukraine's people so that tomorrow she will have a lasting peace and Europe, as well.
HONORING MAJOR JEREMY PARR
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-12-5

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Major Jeremy Parr for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow and Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). Major Parr is transitioning from his current assignment to serve as a Battalion Operations Officer at Fort Hood, Texas. prgtoken Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, Major Parr was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps from Army ROTC in 2007. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University. prgtoken Major Parr served in a broad range of assignments during his 12 years as an Army officer. He has served in one combat deployment to Iraq with Task Force 2-16 Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. prgtoken I had the privilege of working with Major Parr, who served as a fellow in my office, throughout 2017 and during his succeeding assignment as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. Major Parr diligently coordinated with Members of Congress and their staffs to articulate the Army's budget positions to the Appropriations Committees. His professionalism, performance and commitment to the mission, as both a fellow and liaison, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression on members and staff of the United States Congress. prgtoken Throughout his career, Major Parr has positively impacted soldiers, peers and superiors. Our country has benefited from his leadership, judgment and passion for the Army profession. prgtoken The foundation of Jeremy's success is his family. His wife, Yulia, and his children, Joshua, Evan and Alexander, are the light of his life. In addition, Jeremy's parents, Debra and Earl, exemplify the selflessness and humility that characterize the families of all of our service members. prgtoken Madam , it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Jeremy Parr since the first session of the 115th Congress. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Jeremy for service to our country and wish him all the best as he continues his service in the United States Army.