mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING DR. THOMAS F. FREEMAN: EDUCATOR, SCHOLAR, AND LEGENDARY COACH AND TEACHER OF THE ART OF DEBATE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-6-24

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, who for more than 60 years has been a professor of philosophy at Texas Southern University, which is located in my congressional district. prgtoken Dr. Freeman died last week, on Saturday, June 6, 2020, in Houston, Texas at the age of 100 years old but forever young. prgtoken In addition to being an educator and scholar of the first rank, Dr. Freeman was world renowned as the legendary coach and teacher of the art of forensic debate and who helped shape the lives of countless young people who were his students, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who once held the seat I now hold. prgtoken Dr. Freeman's tools were the spoken word. His canvas was the minds of the brilliant and talented young African Americans seeking a higher education. prgtoken A prodigy himself, Dr. Freeman graduated from Virginia Union University at the age of 18 and went on to become a professor at Virginia Union University before his 30th birthday. prgtoken He would later receive degrees from Andover Newton Theological School; Harvard University; Chicago Divinity School; the University of Vienna in Austria, and the University of Liberia in Africa. prgtoken In 1949, Dr. Freeman was among a group of accomplished academics of color hired by Texas Southern University (TSU). prgtoken That same year he held a debate in his TSU logic class using his own undergraduate experience as a guide. prgtoken Debate is defined as a contention by words or arguments; or as a formal discussion of a motion before a deliberative body according to the rules of parliamentary procedure; or a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides. prgtoken But to Dr. Freeman, it was much more than a contest; it was a way of life. prgtoken Dr. Freeman understood, as did Socrates when he said to Glaucon in Book X of the Republic that ``the contest is great my dear Glaucon, greater than it seems--this contest that concerns becoming good or bad.'' prgtoken Dr. Freeman's success was informed by his passionate belief that strong debate skills translated into a range of life skills that would serve students well in their personal lives and professional careers. prgtoken Dr. Freeman's academic roots in moral philosophy and theology came through in his instruction of his debate team students. prgtoken Through the art of debate, Dr. Freeman taught what the ancient Greeks called arete, which is defined as an ``activity of the soul in accord with virtue in a complete life.'' prgtoken As Aristotle explains in the Nicomachean Ethics, happiness comes from exercising the full range of one's vital powers directed toward excellence. prgtoken Virtue and excellence and happiness is what Dr. Freeman taught his students and that is why he and they were special. prgtoken In 1949, the Texas Southern University students who participated in Dr. Freeman's debate class were so impressed wit
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON BIGGS
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 95th birthday of George Washington Biggs, and recognize his service as a veteran of Army Air Corps and Air Force. As a Tuskegee Airman and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he is an exemplary American and Arizonan to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. prgtoken A native of Nogales, Arizona, Mr. Biggs joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and trained at the Tuskegee Institute, the all-black flight training school in Alabama. He was one of two Arizonans to graduate from the program. After training during World War II, Mr. Biggs re- enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a non-commissioned officer and subsequently received direct commission as an officer in the newly formed United States Air Force. He went on to achieve the rank of major and flew B-47 and B-52 bombers in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Throughout his service, Mr. Biggs earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 7 Air Medals, and multiple bronze stars for a total of over thirty military citations and commendations. prgtoken Since retiring from the military, Mr. Biggs has lived and worked in Nogales for the U.S. Customs Service. He has raised a family and since retired. In 2007, Mr. Biggs and other Tuskegee airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian recognition awarded by Congress, for the group's ``unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.'' prgtoken I believe that Mr. Biggs' character and actions truly embody what it means to serve one's country. Not only did he fly in multiple wars, he rose above expectation and obligation as a Navigator and an officer. In addition to his time in the Army Air Corps and Air Force, his integrity, modesty, and principled character are values that we can all learn from and should strive to emulate. prgtoken I would like to express my personal appreciation for the service of George Washington Biggs, and my hopes that he has a happy 95th birthday.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Motion to Proceed
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-6-24

this afternoon, we heard a lot of rhetoric. I would like to now deal with some reality. As so often happens, the reality is different from the rhetoric. prgtoken Since I last spoke on the Senate floor in the wake of George Floyd's murder, the American people's calls for justice and accountability have not diminished. Fortunately, they have grown stronger, and rightfully so. Even since then, our Nation has had to confront yet another needless killing of an African-American man, when an Atlanta police officer shot Rayshard Brooks twice in the back when he was fleeing from officers. prgtoken Now, I know from my own experience in law enforcement that nobody can dispute that police officers have incredibly challenging jobs. No one will dispute that they are faced with difficult, split-second decisions that impact life and death, but that difficulty does not excuse the fact that something is deeply wrong in our country. It does not excuse the fact that people of color have disproportionately suffered from police misconduct. People of color disproportionately are profiled by police, are stopped by police, are arrested by police, and are victims of excessive force at the hands of police. prgtoken Confronted with the killing of George Floyd, millions of Americans are demanding we do better as a nation. They recognize that longstanding societal prejudices and biases and have created a law enforcement culture and broader criminal justice system that perpetuates these prejudices and biases. They demand that we roll up our sleeves and do the hard work of ensuring that those charged with preserving the rule of law are also subject to it, that no person is above the law. prgtoken For millions of Americans, the time to act is now, but I think the Senate is acting as though it is not up to the task. On Thursday, the House is expected to pass comprehensive legislation to reform policing, and it is going to do that with s and voting for it. The Senate has only advanced a patchwork of half-measures that would do little more than to place a handful of bandaids on deep, generations-old wounds. prgtoken As someone who knows him, I don't doubt at all that the legislation drafted by Senator Scott is a good-faith attempt at finding consensus within the Conference on how to reform policing, but by any reasonable measure, the bill the s have put forward actually fails to reform policing. On many of the most pressing issues, such as addressing true racial inequalities or disparities or discrimination, the bill defers either by doing nothing at all or by leaving it to a future commission to study. prgtoken The bill purports to create a new grant program to fund and mandate the use of body-worn cameras, which have been instrumental in holding both the police and suspects accountable. Maybe everybody failed to notice, but Congress already created that program 5 y
HONORING MANUEL KILLEBREW
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to honor a living legend, a vessel of honor Mr. Manuel Killebrew. prgtoken Manuel Killebrew was born on November 11, 1950. He is the sixth child born to the Late Paul and Naomi B. Killebrew. He spent his early years in Marks and Lambert MS. prgtoken Manuel Killebrew attended and graduated from Quitman County High School in 1970. After earning his high school diploma, he received a B.A. in Industrial Arts from Jackson State University in 1974. Manuel still lives in the home that his father had built for $4,500.00. He has been married to the love of his life (Jewel Phipps Killebrew) for 47 years. They are proud parents of Latonia (Marvin) Thigpen and Manuel Killebrew Jr. They have been blessed with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He and his lovely wife have been blessed to travel in their retirement both in the Unites States and abroad, most recently to Japan, Hong Kong and Beijing. The highlight oftheir trip to Asia was to stand on the Great Wall of China. prgtoken While still in high school, he participated in a walk out in protest to the unfair treatment of people of color. Mr. Killebrew was a participant in the March on Washington. He also participated in the historic Mule Train. He was honored as a Man ofthe Year for the Mule Train Historical Society. prgtoken Down thru the years, Mr. Killebrew has worked as a grocery stock clerk, janitor, bus driver, teacher, and a special education trainer for new teachers. He currently serves as a deacon and treasurer for Valley Queen M.B. Church, and president of Delta Burial. He serves on North Delta Planning Development, Quitman County Gala, and the Northwest Community Foundation. The job he has most enjoyed has been serving as President for the Board of Supervisors for Quitman County for more than 30 years. Mr. Manuel Killebrew is still a country boy at heart, his fall ``green patch'' is welcomed by Quitman County residents and others. prgtoken Mr. Killebrew has been recognized throughout the Delta as a man of impeccable integrity, service, compassion and outstanding spirit. Mr. Killebrew's raison d'etre (known for) will always be the small acts of kindness done well, and without expectation of reward or recognition. These are the acts of kindness that will find a special place in people's hearts. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Manuel Killebrew for his legacy of service and dedication to the great citizens of Mississippi's Delta.
RECOGNIZING THE PALISADES FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Washington, D.C. Palisades Citizens Association and the annual Palisades Fourth of July parade. I have walked in this parade ever since I was elected, and I deeply regret that the pandemic will keep us from coming together this year to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the parade. prgtoken Begun in 1966, the annual Palisades Fourth of July Parade is a time- honored District of Columbia tradition. Each year, the parade, organized by the Palisades Citizens Association, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and proceeds along MacArthur Boulevard NW from the firehouse on Whitehaven Parkway NW to the Palisades Recreation Center. Last year, I was happy to participate alongside the D.C. Girl Scouts. A true local celebration, the Palisades parade is complete with artfully crafted floats, local leaders, D.C.'s unforgiving summer heat, dancing, music, watermelon and hot dogs. It is a one-mile walk showcasing D.C.'s best. prgtoken As we celebrate July 4th this year, in ways that promote social distancing, it is with a historic accomplishment in tow--House passage of the D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, for the first time in American history. prgtoken Each year, I encourage D.C. residents to march on July 4th to remind the country that the war to end taxation without representation is not finished. We will not be truly equal with the states until the District achieves statehood, which includes equal representation and full self- government. Last week, we moved close to that goal for the first time in 219 years. prgtoken Madam , I ask the House of Representatives to join me as we celebrate, in spirit, the 54th annual Palisades Parade and honor the Palisades Citizens Association.
A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH A. ZANARDI
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-24

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and work of a distinguished resident of the 18th Congressional District, Joseph A. Zanardi. prgtoken Joseph was born on April 16, 1943, and died on May 31, 2020. He was born and raised in Los Gatos, California, and was a proud graduate of Los Gatos High School where he was an outstanding baseball player. After high school he joined the family business founded by his grandfather near the turn of the 20th century. A lifetime of hard work followed, although he was always able to find time to coach local youth baseball teams. Joseph retired from Green Valley Disposal in 1999. prgtoken Joseph adored his grandchildren and his dog, and he had a multitude of hobbies including hunting, cars, and taking care of his roses. He was a member of the Los Gatos Lions Club for more than 50 years, and he helped launch the Los Gatos Athletic Association which has raised millions of dollars for Los Gatos High School sports. prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Joseph A. Zanardi and in extending our condolences to his wife Elizabeth, his sons and their wives, his grandchildren, and his entire family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and he will be remembered fondly by his entire community.
GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2020
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-6-25

I rise today on behalf of every Black family that has been robbed of a child, on behalf of every family member that has been forced to see their loved one lynched on national television. prgtoken Driving while Black, jogging while Black, sleeping while Black, we have been criminalized for the very way we show up in the world. prgtoken Under the harsh gaze of far too many, my black body is seen as a threat, always considered armed. Centuries of institutionalized oppression will not be undone overnight, for racism in America is as structural as the marble pillars of this very institution. prgtoken With the power of the pen, we must legislate accountability, dismantle these systems, and move in the direction of justice and healing. prgtoken The Justice in Policing Act is a critical step forward, and I applaud the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus. prgtoken But our work is unfinished. There is a rallying cry in communities across the Nation. Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people. It is time. Pay us what you owe us. Our black skin is not a crime. It is the beautiful robe of nation builders.
GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2020
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-25

I rise in support of the Justice in Policing Act and to applaud Congresswoman Bass and the Congressional Black Caucus, because Black lives matter. prgtoken All lives can't matter until Black lives matter. prgtoken I am grateful that my bill, which makes it a crime for law enforcement officers to engage in a sexual act with anyone in their custody or while exercising their authority, has been included in this bill. prgtoken Why is this important? Because sexual violence is the second-most frequently reported form of police misconduct after excessive force, yet in many States, officers can claim consent when accused of assaulting someone in their custody. prgtoken Yesterday I held a town hall with Dr. John Gates, who shared his experience as being a Black man in America, how a piece of his soul dies every time a Black man or woman dies at the hands of police, how he fears his deep love of America is unrequited. prgtoken Four hundred years ago, Black men and women were brought to these shores in shackles, deprived of their humanity. prgtoken Even at the beginning of our country, African Americans were only considered to be three-fifths of a person. prgtoken Where was our humanity then and where is it now? prgtoken Racism in America did not end with the abolition of slavery, America's original sin. It did not end with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 or 1871 or 1957 or 1964 or 1968 or even 1991. Some inevitably touted their passage as the final chapter in this long struggle to cure ourselves of the poison of racism. prgtoken Our history of pursuing civil rights in this Chamber is comprised of starts and stops, successes and failures. prgtoken Of course, passing this bill today will not end racism, but it will further the righteous cause of not just equality, but equity in this country. prgtoken Most Americans are not racists, but not enough of us are antiracist, and that is where we need to be.
H. Res. 1017
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-25

. Madam , with one word--one word-- George Floyd spoke to the conscience of this Nation in a way that countless cries for justice were met with deaf ears before. prgtoken When George Floyd called out, ``Mama, Mama,'' he activated every mother who saw that horrible video. We saw our own child with a police officer's knee on their neck. We saw our own child being murdered slowly, painfully. prgtoken As someone who spent 17\1/2\ years as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD telling people, ``Don't worry. It will be okay. The police are on their way,'' as someone with that background, my disgust is palpable for any police officer who would harm the very same people they have sworn to protect. prgtoken This was not an isolated incident. We don't have just a few bad apples. We know the names of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile, and Michael Brown because George Floyd was far from the first. And we know Rayshard Brooks' name because George Floyd is far from being last. prgtoken So the Justice in Policing Act is long overdue and urgently needed. It reforms qualified immunity so everyone who faces discriminatory policing or prgtoken excessive force has an avenue for recourse. It creates a national police misconduct registry to track officer misconduct. It improves training and practices to make sure that officers are properly prepared for the situations that we ask them to address, and much more. prgtoken I commend my colleagues for delivering this bill, and I thank Chairman Nadler for working with me to strengthen the misconduct registry included in it. prgtoken We have a long way to go as a country to heal the wounds that cut back for generations. The Justice in Policing Act is an important first step. I look forward to seeing it passed today and to the many steps that will follow in the march for justice.
GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2020
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the Justice in Policing Act establishes a bold, transformative vision of policing in America. Never again should the world be subjected to witnessing what we saw in the streets in Minneapolis, the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer. prgtoken The world is witnessing the birth of a new movement in our country. This movement has now spread to many nations around the world, with thousands marching to register their horror and hearing the cry, ``I can't breathe,'' people marching to demand not just change, but transformative change that ends police brutality, that ends racial profiling and ends the practice of denying Americans the ability to sue when they have been injured, that denies local jurisdictions the power to fire and prosecute offending officers. prgtoken Black communities have been, sadly, marching for over 100 years against police abuse and for the police to protect and serve our communities like they do elsewhere. prgtoken In the 1950s, news cameras exposed the brutal horror of legalized racism in the form of segregation. The news cameras of the 1950s exposed the brutal treatment of people who dared to challenge the system. News cameras exposed to the world that Black people did not have the same constitutional protections, that freedom of speech, that the right to assemble and protest were not rights extended to all African Americans. prgtoken Seventy years later, it is the cell phone camera that has exposed the continuation of violence directed at African Americans by the police and exposed the reality that the right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is not guaranteed to all African Americans at all times. prgtoken Now, the movement for police accountability has become a rainbow movement, reflecting the wonderful diversity of our Nation and world. The power of this movement will help move Congress to act, to pass legislation that not only holds police accountable and increases transparency, but assists police departments to change the culture. prgtoken Now, I know that change is hard, but I am certain that police officers, professionals who risk their lives every day, are deeply concerned about their profession and do not want to work in an environment that requires their silence when they know that a fellow officer is abusing the public. prgtoken I am certain police officers would like to be free to intervene and stop an officer from using deadly force when it is not necessary, and I am certain that police officers want to make sure that they are trained in the best practices in policing. A profession where you have the power to kill should be a profession that requires highly trained officers who are accountable to the public. prgtoken I am so proud to be here on this historic day, where, for the first time in I have no idea how many years, the House of Representatives will pass the George Floyd Justice in