mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-6-14

. Mr. Chair, the balance of my time. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I will take this opportunity on the last en bloc package to give my closing remarks on the bill. prgtoken We do have a few more amendments to go, but this will be the last opportunity to speak about the broad issues surrounding the bill. prgtoken The first thing I will do is thank Chairman Rogers, his staff, and the entire team on the Armed Services Committee for the work that they have done in pulling this bill together. As we often lay out from the beginning of the process in committee, there were well over a thousand amendments offered in committee, well over a thousand amendments offered to the Rules Committee that we all had to sort through to try to produce a piece of legislation. prgtoken Coming out of committee, we produced an outstanding piece of legislation. I think even on the floor and even where we are at right now, this is a very, very good bill. The chairman, Mr. Rogers, deserves an immense amount of credit for getting us to the point where we have a very good bill that deals with a lot of incredibly important issues. prgtoken Most notably, as we have mentioned, this is a piece of legislation that does the most to help support the men and women who serve in the military and their families out of any piece of legislation that I have ever worked on. prgtoken I thank Don Bacon and Chrissy Houlahan and all of the members of the Quality of Life Panel that really did a deep dive to figure out what our servicemembers and their families need. They did a large number of hearings. They brought in veterans. They brought in Active- Duty members. They brought in family members to say what their life is like and how we can make it work better. prgtoken They put together a series of proposals that are really quite remarkable. Some of it is pay, certainly, but it also has to do with support for spouses in finding employment. It has to do with childcare, healthcare, education, housing. A wide range of issues are very aggressively addressed in this bill, and I strongly support those provisions. prgtoken I also have worked closely with the chairman on what I think is a critical issue of modernizing our military, making sure that we can hit the production numbers that we need to hit, to have an adequate deterrent in light of the challenges we face in the world and then also making sure that we modernize. prgtoken So much technology is crucial to warfare when it comes to drones, counterdrones, missiles, missile defense, and having secure information systems. There are a lot of provisions in this bill that put us in a better place to get those technologies quickly and field them. prgtoken We have a long way to go. I understand that. We are not where we need to be, but we have made a lot of progress and, again, that is a testimony to everybody who worked on this bill. prgtoken I also thank my staff on the ic side. We have a real spirit of biparti
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. MARY HIGHFILL
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Mary Highfill, a ``Rosie'' whose critical contributions to the World War II Home Front helped empower American women and advance gender equity in the workforce. Ms. Highfill, who passed away at the age of 100, leaves behind an indelible legacy of service to our country and Contra Costa County. prgtoken Born in San Francisco and raised in Point Richmond, California, Ms. Highfill's commitment to her community inspired her to enter the workforce at a young age. During World War II, she joined her fellow Rosies in answering the call to serve and help meet the unprecedented demand for war materials and support services. During the war, she worked at Standard Oil Company as a stillman, where she helped prepare crude oil to be shipped for use at home and abroad. When our country needed courageous women to fill the roles historically held by men, Ms. Highfill's selflessness and bravery led her to step up and sacrifice her personal comfort for the sake of our country. prgtoken Ms. Highfill's passion for service expanded beyond her essential contributions to the World War II Home Front. She also served as President of the Washington School Parent Teacher Association and as a member of the Richmond Galileo Club Women's Auxiliary. In addition, Ms. Highfill served as Secretary of the Historical Association and participated in countless Rosie the Riveter events to honor and celebrate the legacy of the millions of women who selflessly supported the wartime effort during World War II. prgtoken Rosies like Ms. Highfill are a testament to women's empowerment and an inspiration to future generations of women and girls. Ms. Highfill will be remembered not only for her service to our country in its time of need, but also for her vital part in building a stronger, more equitable America. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Ms. Highfill's loved ones. I know they and the people of Contra Costa County join me in celebrating her life and legacy.
PROMOTING A RESOLUTION TO THE TIBET-CHINA DISPUTE ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today in favor of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. prgtoken Sixty-five years ago, in the Tibetan Uprising of 1959, thousands of courageous Tibetans risked their lives for their freedoms as they took a stand against Chinese occupation. When the People's Liberation Army security forces tightened their hold on Lhasa in response to the uprising, a young Dalai Lama was forced to flee his country--and he has lived in exile ever since. prgtoken The leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama serves as a symbol of the bravery and resilience of the Tibetan people--and his story challenges the conscience of all freedom-loving people. It was my privilege to lead Congressional delegations to visit the His Holiness in Dharamsala in 2008, and 2017. On those trips, we saw firsthand the aspirations of the Tibetan people--especially in the eyes of the children who had only known relentless intimidation by the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken In the decades since the uprising, Beijing has only accelerated its aggression against Tibetans. The world has witnessed unconscionable and intolerable actions of the Chinese Communist Party against the Tibetan people: mandatory political education, restrictions on religious freedom, a mass surveillance regime, and further closing off Tibet from the world. Yet despite their oppression, the children of Tibet still yearn for a future where they can speak their language, practice their faith and celebrate their culture without fear. prgtoken The United States of America has a clarion moral duty to stand up for Tibet and speak out against Beijing's abuses. In the Congress, there has long been strong, bipartisan, bicameral support for the Tibetan people. We were proud to enact the Tibet Policy Act in 2019: promoting Tibetans' religious, linguistic and cultural identity, and including the right to select their own religious leaders in accordance with their own belief system. prgtoken It has been my privilege to help shape this bill--including through our annual Tibet Strategy Meetings when I was and in further sessions convened in my office in recent months. Alongside Ranking Member McGovern and fearless Tibetan advocates, we workshopped the bill language to strengthen American efforts for a diplomatic solution to Tibet's status, from establishing a statutory definition of Tibet, to further empowering the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues to combat disinformation. prgtoken It was with great pride that I voted for this bill's passage in the House in February--and I am proud to support this bill's passage again today. I urge a strong `aye' vote today to reaffirm Congress's bipartisan and unbreakable support for human rights in Tibet and thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks for their leadership.
HIGHLIGHTING UKRAINIAN WOMEN
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-14

Ukraine is fighting valiantly to regain its freedom, but today I wish to highlight the sheroes of Ukraine, its women. prgtoken These Ukrainian women work hard in the fields and farmsteads to feed their families, neighbors, and nation during war and during peace. These women labor day after day in the hot sun. By hand--you should see their hands--they plant precious seeds they carefully saved from last year using worn, simple implements, and small handheld shovels. prgtoken They harvest with scythes and use simple pushcarts to pull their harvest by hand back to their small villages. Underequipped, they toil year after year as best they can against the forces of nature of the season of the hardscrabble circumstances of their dear lives. prgtoken Along Ukraine's eastern front where Russia has brutally invaded and is systematically destroying villagers and villages, these courageous women are planting. They are planting between land mines. Who can even fathom their heroism? prgtoken They feed their children, their families, their neighbors, their countrymen and -women. Let us celebrate these inspirational women of Ukraine, women of hope. Their extraordinary sheroism is perseverance. Their grace under pressure is defined by what U.S. President John F. Kennedy called ``pure raw courage.''
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Val T. Hoyle (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-6-14

. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this unnecessary amendment that seeks to restrict the rights and interests of Federal employees by calling into question the role of official time. prgtoken Forty years ago, Congress established official time to ensure that all employees entitled to union representation receive it regardless of whether or not they choose to join the union. Official time ensures Federal employees have a voice at the worksite to resolve disputes, address issues of discrimination or retaliation, and propose improvements to the workplace. prgtoken The Federal Government covers the cost of official time activities because under Federal law, unions must provide fair representation to all employees at the worksite, not just those who pay dues, but also those who benefit from their unions bargaining for better wages, hours, and working conditions, even though they aren't union members. prgtoken Opponents of public sector unions claim that official time is a waste of taxpayer dollars. This is false. The cost of official time amounts to just one-tenth of 1 percent of all the salaries and benefits paid to Federal employees in a given year. prgtoken This amendment is an attack on official time and on public sector unions, plain and simple. I urge my colleagues to oppose any and all efforts to take rights away from workers and to oppose this antilabor amendment.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS OF EBRAHIM RAISI
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-14

there is substantial discussion of cryptocurrencies. It was one of the things that I agreed with on when he tweeted in 2019, back when he was on Twitter: ``I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which are not money and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated crypto assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity.'' ``We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever, both dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the world, and it will always stay that way. It is called the United States dollar.'' prgtoken got it right in 2019 because he hadn't figured out that there was a way to get money by getting it wrong. Since then, he has flip-flopped. He has decided that he likes cryptocurrency. prgtoken Why is that? First, he may have discovered that those who are doing crypto mining are creating enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, entire mothballed electric plants have been taken out of mothballs. These are coal-burning plants, and the entire output is used to do highly complex calculations in order to mine cryptocurrency. That is to say, whoever does these calculations, the system gives them crypto. prgtoken Maybe it is the enormous amount of greenhouse gases, but I don't think that is it. What has discovered is that there is an enormous amount of money for him by embracing crypto. prgtoken What is crypto? Why does it have a value? At first blush, it looks like an electronic pet rock. prgtoken Why does it have value? It is right in the name. It aspires to be a currency, and if it actually became a currency--if you went to the local McDonald's and were told how much a burger cost based on its crypto value, how many hamster coins for an order of fries, then it would be a currency. prgtoken Those who are investing in crypto mostly are just thinking they will buy it now and will sell it in a month, and it will go up in value. They have no idea what they are buying, why it would have any value, why anybody else would buy it except they heard they can make money on it. prgtoken There is a constituency for that. A lot of people will make investments without thinking of the consequences. prgtoken Those in the crypto movement have told us why they have created it. They want to compete with the U.S. dollar in order to make enormous amounts of money themselves and to take from the U.S. dollar its tremendous role as a reserve currency and as an international settlements currency. The effect of that would be to make a mockery out of the sanctions that we impose on Iran, North Korea, and others. prgtoken What is the market for cryptocurrency? Why does anybody need a new currency? What is the matter with the euro? Hell, what is the matter with the dollar? The dollar is an outstanding currency. It is a medium of exchange, a store of value, but there is a huge ma
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-14

I was unable to vote on Thursday, June 13. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 261; NAY on Roll Call No. 262; NAY on Roll Call No. 263; NAY on Roll Call No. 264; NAY on Roll Call No. 265; NAY on Roll Call No. 266; NAY on Roll Call No. 267; NAY on Roll Call No. 268; NAY on Roll Call No. 269; NAY on Roll Call No. 270; NAY on Roll Call No. 271; NAY on Roll Call No. 272; NAY on Roll Call No. 273; NAY on Roll Call No. 274; and NAY on Roll Call No. 275.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF DACA
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today during Immigrant Heritage Month in recognition of the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, known as DACA. prgtoken Since 2012, DACA recipients, or Dreamers, have experienced uncertainty about their status and future in this country. Yet, their impact is certain. They are our nurses, writers, lawyers, teachers, activists, and changemakers. They have grown up here, eagerly contributing to the diversity of our country. prgtoken If Congress does nothing, we lose our neighbors, our family members, and friends. We lose fellow Americans. prgtoken With the American Dream and Promise Act, House have a plan, with bipartisan support, to finally create a pathway for citizenship for Dreamers. In America, we welcome those fleeing harm and danger. We welcome those who believe in the American Dream. We put people over politics. Americans support Dreamers, and Dreamers support America.
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise to commemorate National Homeownership Month, a time to reflect on the American Dream of owning a home and what it means for the communities of eastern North Carolina. prgtoken Homeownership for communities across the east is the cornerstone of stability and prosperity. prgtoken From putting down roots to building wealth, owning a home represents a significant milestone in the lives of Americans. prgtoken Through homeownership, we build strong communities and provide stability for families, yet we know there are many challenges. prgtoken Affordability remains a concern for many hardworking families. Congress has a duty to ensure that the American Dream of owning a home is alive and well no matter what your background or ZIP Code. prgtoken We must double down on our efforts to improve access to affordable housing, especially in rural America.
CONGRATULATING COLONEL RICHARD GOLDENBERG ON HIS RETIREMENT
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to recognize the exceptional career of Schuylerville resident Colonel Richard Goldenberg as he retires from the U.S. Army National Guard after 36 years of distinguished service. prgtoken In his 13 years as the public information officer for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he has been the steadfast voice of more than 20,000 men and women serving in the New York National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard, where his leadership in community relations and strategic information support has been vital during overseas deployments and disaster response missions. prgtoken Colonel Goldenberg's impact on our capital region has extended well beyond his service in the National Guard. As adjutant of Jewish War Veterans Post 105 and commander of the Jewish War Veterans Capital District Council, he has honored a legacy of service and brotherhood, presenting the annual Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award. prgtoken Colonel Goldenberg has also been a cherished partner in our efforts to honor veterans, joining me in seeing off hundreds of capital region veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. prgtoken Colonel Goldenberg's legacy of service, leadership, and dedication will continue to inspire each and every one of us. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement and wish him Godspeed.
RECOVERING ECONOMY
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-6-14

the United States is recovering from the pandemic faster than any other industrialized nation. In fact, the World Bank expects the United States economy to grow significantly faster than they initially predicted, and our growth is fueling a worldwide economic recovery. Yet, prices remain stubbornly high for groceries, gas, and especially housing. Both realities are true. prgtoken One culprit of this is corporate profit-taking and greed because unemployment is low, our job market is strong, and inflation is cooling. Yet, prices are still up almost 19 percent since 2021. prgtoken Historically, in the years leading up to the pandemic, corporate profits were responsible for approximately 11 percent of price increases. Contrast that with the second and third quarters of 2023. Corporate profits were responsible for more than 50 percent of price increases. In the latest quarter of 2023, American corporate profits reached an all-time high of $2.8 trillion. prgtoken President and congressional are working to address this manipulation head on, while my colleagues on the other side of the aisle propose tax cuts for the very corporations taking advantage. prgtoken , it is time to hear real solutions from the so-called leaders of the House.
MOURNING THE LOSS OF PAMELA RICHARDS
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2024-6-14

I stand before you today to honor one of the Virgin Islands' very own, the recently departed, Pam Richards. prgtoken A dedicated public servant, Pam's unwavering service to the Virgin Islands and tireless efforts to enhance our culture and heritage leave behind a legacy and an indelible mark on all us. prgtoken Pamela Richards served as Commissioner of Tourism of the Virgin Islands Government, executive director of the 29th legislature of the Virgin Islands, district director of my office, and more recently, she was the interim chief of staff for President David Hall of the University of the Virgin Islands. She served on too many nonprofits and government boards to mention. prgtoken Although deeply saddened by her passing, I find comfort in the memories of her: her sarcastic humor, our shared stories of our Virgin Islands ancestors, history, and culture. prgtoken , I say to Pam, rest well, queen. We will remember her legacy.
COMMEMORATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-14

last week, I traveled with my colleagues to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the battle that turned the tide of World War II and led to the defeat of the Nazis. prgtoken I met 100-year-old Air Force Tech Sergeant Chuck Richardson from my State of North Carolina, who flew 35 combat missions including on D- Day. He was a real hero. prgtoken We saw rows and rows of white crosses and Stars of David marking the graves of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in that terrible battle. prgtoken We were reminded of the fragility of democracy and the dangers of tyrants who disregard the rule of law. prgtoken Today, democracies around the world are under attack and authoritarian regimes are rising. prgtoken D-Day proved that brave Americans working together could save the free world. prgtoken We must put partisan divides aside and, once again, provide the leadership the world so desperately needs.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF JUDGE TIMOTHY H. POGUE
Russell Fry (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to recognize the retirement of Judge Timothy Pogue and his dedication to serving the people of Florence and Marion Counties in South Carolina. prgtoken Judge Pogue led a career as a distinguished and well-respected attorney, public defender, civil servant judge, husband, and father. His commitment to serving juveniles and those experiencing abuse and neglect soon earned him a reputation as one of the finest jurists in South Carolina. prgtoken His public service was felt throughout the community and his leadership made him a role model to many practicing law. prgtoken , I thank him for his devout service to South Carolina and to the bench. We wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.
CONGRATULATING DORCHESTER COUNTY CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH CENTER
Nancy Mace (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-14

I would like to extend special recognition to Thomas McNeil, Director of Dorchester County Emergency Management, Tristan Proctor, Deputy Director of Dorchester County Emergency Management, and Mario Formisano, Deputy Administrator for Public Safety for Dorchester County. prgtoken Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced with the old facility, which was not built to withstand significant tropical storm force winds or seismic activities and lacked adequate space.
HONORING THE 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN WESLEY POWELL'S EXPEDITION OF THE GREEN AND COLORADO RIVERS
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to honor the 155th anniversary of John Wesley Powell's daring expedition of the Green and Colorado Rivers. These findings literally put Utah's Canyonlands on the map. These rivers and canyons are vital to Utah's economy, agriculture, and recreation. prgtoken First, the expedition successfully navigated Flaming Gorge. The expedition then mapped and survived the vast canyons and open sagebrush flats of the present-day Uintah County and the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservations. prgtoken The expedition continued through Desolation Canyon, into eastern Utah, before meeting the confluence of the Colorado River in present- day Canyonlands National Park in San Juan County. prgtoken This year, Uintah County will commemorate the expedition with a musical, ``Let's Go--a John Wesley Powell Story,'' in addition to the sixth annual John Wesley Powell River Festival. prgtoken These Western heroes created the records for the lands and rivers we are now so grateful to recreate in and enjoy safely.