mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Debra Anne Haaland (Executive Session)
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2021-3-11

I rise today in support of my colleague in the New Mexico congressional delegation, my Representative in the House of Representatives, and President 's nominee for Secretary of Interior, Congresswoman Deb Haaland. prgtoken Congresswoman Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna. She is what we like to call in New Mexico a 35th-generation New Mexican. prgtoken As many have noted, she will make history as the first-ever Native American Cabinet Secretary, something that, frankly, should have happened a long, long time ago in this country. prgtoken Deb also has lived experience--as a single mother, as a small business owner, as a Tribal administrator--experiences that will serve her well and bring real representation to President 's Cabinet. prgtoken She grew up in a military family. Her father was a decorated Marine combat veteran, and her mother is a Navy veteran. She grew up like a lot of kids with parents in the military, moving frequently, actually attending 13 different public schools over the course of her childhood. prgtoken Before being elected to Congress, she owned her own business, she was the chair of the board of a tribally owned business, and also served as Tribal administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe. prgtoken Thanks to all of that experience, Congresswoman Haaland knows firsthand how the decisions that we make here in Washington, and particularly in the Interior Department, affect communities across the country, especially in Tribal communities and rural Western States. prgtoken As Representative of the First District of New Mexico, my former district, Congresswoman Haaland has served as vice chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, a position where she made us very proud. prgtoken As a committee leader, she routinely demonstrated her commitment to working across party lines. prgtoken Of all the Members of Congress newly elected in 2018, she introduced the most bills with bipartisan cosponsors. She has always shown the ability to bring people together, something evidenced by her introduction in our committee by Congressman Don Young, of Alaska. prgtoken She has an open door. She has an open mind and will listen and consult with a diverse range of stakeholders to try and build real consensus. prgtoken I am confident that she is the leader that we need at Interior to take on the important work of restoring our landscapes, opening up new outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans, and putting our public lands to work in confronting the climate crisis that too many of our colleagues have long ignored. prgtoken Americans want the Department of the Interior to create more equitable access to our public lands, to stand for environmental justice, to find real solutions for the climate crisis, to protect wildlife and clean water, and support rural economic development
ARTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN OUR LIVES
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-3-11

. Madam , these are challenging times for everyone, including for our Nation's young people, who are trying to cope with growing up and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken At this challenging time, arts education is more important than ever. The arts provide a way to help people connect and cope; and after this crisis, the arts will continue to play an important role in helping to heal. prgtoken In recognition of Music in Our Schools Month, I want to highlight the value of music education. My mom was a piano teacher, and I took lessons myself. I know music is an important part of a well-rounded education. It helps students become critical, creative thinkers across subjects and eventually in their careers. prgtoken Yesterday, I spoke with band and choir educators from Oregon, who are working to safely reengage students in in-person music classes. I thank them, and I am grateful that the American Rescue Plan will provide funding to help schools open safely, including those important band and choir classes. prgtoken Please join me in supporting music education.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-3-11

I rise to celebrate Harriet Tubman, one of the most notable individuals in Maryland's history. Congress began officially recognizing March 10th as Harriet Tubman Day in 1990 and I am always grateful to speak to her accomplishments. Throughout her life she served as an abolitionist, soldier, spy and, most famously, as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. I would like to reflect on her contributions to human rights, civil rights, and women's rights in our Nation and to renew my commitment to addressing the shameful legacy of slavery in Maryland and across the U.S.--particularly as it pertains to environmental justice. prgtoken Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross to enslaved parents in Bucktown, Maryland in 1822. After emancipating herself, she dedicated her life to the advancement of freedom and the fight against slavery. Araminta adopted the name ``Harriet'' at the time of her marriage to John Tubman, a free Black man, around the year 1844. Tubman and her husband continued to live in Dorchester County until her escape from slavery in 1849, at the age of 27. She would courageously return to make over thirteen dangerous trips to lead nearly 70 enslaved people seeking freedom, repeatedly risking her life in pursuit of our Nation's highest aspirational ideal. prgtoken Throughout the American Civil War, Tubman served the Union at various times as a cook, nurse, scout, and even spy. She helped orchestrate the Combahee River raid in South Carolina that freed over 700 enslaved men, women, and children. After the war's end, Harriet focused her efforts on women's suffrage. In 1908, Tubman established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn, New York. Five years later, she died of pneumonia on March 10, 1913. Although she spent her final decades in New York, the marshes and forests of Maryland's Eastern Shore are where Harriet Tubman first grew spiritually and physically strong. prgtoken Harriet Tubman made an indelible impact on my State and our Nation's history and I am proud to have played a role in memorializing her story to future generations. I worked to secure the authorities and funding for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which tells the story of her life in Dorchester and Caroline counties, and for the Harriet Tubman Underground National Historical Park. The National Park Service administers the national historical park Congress created in December 2014 and the national monument authorized by President in 2013 as a single unit. The Park Service works in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and the State of Maryland, which owns and co- manages the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, to commemorate and interpret Tubman's remarkable story. Visitors can access the marshlands, largely preserved since her time, at the Visitor Center and nearby Refuge. The Harriet Tubman Underground
WE WILL MISS YOU, JOE NOVOTNY
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-3-11

. Madam , this month is the end of an era, as Joe Novotny concludes a 30-year career in the House, the last 10 as our Reading Clerk. prgtoken He assumed that role naturally with quiet competence. He was unflappable in the midst of often frantic activity. He is the face of a critically important and complex set of activities that keeps the House legislative process moving forward. Even when it seems like we are not doing much, it takes a lot of people to make it look that way. prgtoken He was born for this important role, having literally grown up in the House as a House page to see firsthand the legislative process. His rise through the ranks culminated with his decade as the House Reading Clerk. He has steadily and thoughtfully performed his duties in an exemplary fashion, being helpful, a perfect representation for the many men and women behind the scenes who hold this place together. prgtoken I, along with thousands of C-SPAN junkies will miss you, Joe, and we all wish you well, the very best in the next chapter of your career and life.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-12

I am very pleased that the Senate has passed and the House is now expected to re-pass the ``American Rescue Plan Act of 2021'' (H.R. 1319), for President to sign into law. prgtoken This critical legislation provides federal relief totaling more than $218 billion to state governments and more than $140 billion to county and municipal governments. State and local governments will use this federal relief to continue providing essential services to the American public. With this soon-to-be law, Congress has answered President 's call to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy, and help Americans return to normal life once we have widespread vaccination. prgtoken While this soon-to-be law does not include my ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' (H.R. 535), I hope that states will use the flexibility provided under the ``American Rescue Plan Act'' to pass though some federal relief to the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide providing essential public services cities and counties do not provide to residents. Those services include first responders, policing, firefighting, public health, and more, making special districts indeed critical to the communities they serve. Special districts must now make their case directly to each state's Governor. prgtoken I want to thank my colleagues who cosponsored H.R. 535 and U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) for sponsoring the companion legislation. prgtoken I plan to continue working to ensure that special districts can access the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility in the future, as called for in my ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act.'' Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently guaranteed access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by this ongoing pandemic or similar emergencies. prgtoken Congress must ensure that local governments including special districts have the federal support needed to deliver crucial quality- of-life services to communities during this global pandemic and future national emergencies.
IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN WILLIAMS' 100TH BIRTHDAY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize John Williams of Allen Park on the occasion of his 100th Birthday. His contributions to our community and to our nation are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Mr. Williams was born in Emporia, Kansas and moved to Detroit, Michigan as the eldest of nine children when he was only three years old. Growing up in Detroit he was an active athlete, playing both baseball and football. He proudly cast his very first vote on election day for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. prgtoken As a young man, he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Navy. Stationed in the Pacific, he survived the attacks on Pearl Harbor on that infamous day, December 7, 1941. After the death of his first wife while she was pregnant with their third child in California, Mr. Williams returned to Detroit with his two children. It was here where he later met his late wife Oila. Mr. Williams worked for Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse, Michigan for nearly 35 years. prgtoken A man of faith, Mr. Williams has served as a deacon at Whitlock Memorial Church of God in Christ in Detroit for over 63 years. These days, he continues to attend bible study and still makes time to attend church services. Friends and family know him as someone with a big smile, a love of people, and most importantly, someone who always has time to impart his wisdom or share a joke. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John Williams on his 100th Birthday. He has honorably served this country through his service in the United States Navy during World War II. I join with Mr. Williams' family, including his two granddaughters, four great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends in extending my best wishes to him on his birthday, in celebration of another exemplary year of life.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-3-12

I rise today to pay honor to the legacy of our late colleague, and my dear friend, Congressman John Lewis. This year marks the 56th Anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March in Selma, Alabama, over the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It is vital that we pay homage to Congressman Lewis and to the hundreds of individuals who marched beside him to protect the voices of the many, as well as to remember the history, legacy, and increasing importance of the infamous Bloody Sunday March. prgtoken On March 7, 1965, about six-hundred peaceful protesters, including a 25-year-old John Lewis, were violently attacked by Alabama State troopers while attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge to begin the peaceful march from Selma to Montgomery. The ongoing Civil Rights Movement led nonviolent demonstrators to the bridge that Sunday with the risk of being met with opposition from law enforcement--but the outcome was much worse. Protesters were tear-gassed, clubbed, spat on, whipped, trampled by horses, and ultimately degraded by the police. The abhorrent attacks, which were seen on television and in newspapers, shocked the nation. prgtoken The events of that day mobilized Congress to pass the bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965--outlawing discriminatory voting laws which silenced the voices of Black Americans. Fifty-six years later, we celebrate the ``good trouble'' Congressman Lewis created that Sunday, and the decades to follow, embarking our nation down a path toward a more perfect union. Bloody Sunday is a dark moment in our country's history, but it should not be left in the past. The increasing importance of memorializing that day draws on the impact it made on our citizens as well as our legislative body. This Congress should continue to implement the principles of our late colleague and uphold his legacy. prgtoken , I am so privileged to join the Congressional Black Caucus in its First Annual John Lewis Special Order Hour. Please join me in commemorating his leadership and bravery on the Edmund Pettus Bridge fifty-six years ago. May he Rest in Power, a well-earned peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all of us who loved him.
COMMITTEE ON ETHICS SPECIAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO FINE NOTIFICATIONS AND APPEALS
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-3-12

. Madam , pursuant to section 1(e) of House Resolution 73, 117th Congress, and clause 3(g)(4) of House Rule II, I hereby submit the following special policies and procedures adopted by the Committee on Ethics on March 9, 2021, for printing in the Congressional Record. prgtoken Special Policies and Procedures Relating to Fine Notifications and Appeals (Adopted by the Committee on Ethics--March 9, 2021) 1. Upon receipt of a fine notification under House Rule II or H. Res. 73, the Committee will send a letter to the Sergeant at Arms, U.S. Capitol Police, and/or Chief Administrative Officer requesting that they preserve all records of any reviews, determinations, or decisions regarding the alleged violation(s) and any additional information, including video recordings of the alleged violation(s). Also, the Committee will send a letter to the Member notifying them of their right to appeal, the deadline by which to file an appeal, the Committee's special policies and procedures, and noting that an appeal to the Committee shall include a response to the findings issued by the Sergeant at Arms, and may include the basis for the appeal, a description of the occurrence precipitating the fine, any exculpatory information, any request to appear before the Committee, and any additional information that the appellant believes will assist the Committee in considering the appeal. In addition, for receipt of any fine notification under H. Res. 73, the Committee shall notify the Member of the Committee's obligation to publish the fine notification. 2. For a fine notification received under H. Res. 73, the Chair and Ranking Member will make the notification public within two business days of receipt. The Committee will provide the subject of the fine with notice of publication one business day prior to release. 3. The Chair and Ranking Member may make redactions to the public fine notification received under H. Res. 73 as they deem necessary to protect certain personally identifiable information or other sensitive details. 4. In appealing a fine to the Committee, the appellant may be represented by counsel at their own expense. 5. Upon receipt of an appeal of a fine, the Committee will send a letter confirming its receipt of the appeal and notifying the appellant that it will consider the appeal within 30 calendar days. Also, upon receipt of an appeal, the Committee will send a letter to the Sergeant at Arms, U.S. Capitol Police, and/or Chief Administrative Officer requesting that they provide the Committee with a copy of all records of any reviews, determinations, or decisions regarding the alleged violation(s) and any additional information, including video
Nomination of Debra Anne Haaland (Executive Session)
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-3-15

I rise today in strong support of the historic nomination of Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior. When Representative Haaland appeared before the Senate for her confirmation hearing, she opened by saying: ``My story is unique.'' prgtoken Haaland is a 35th-generation New Mexican, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, and will be the first-ever Native American to serve as a Cabinet Secretary. prgtoken National Congress of the American Indians President Fawn Sharp noted that it is fitting that as we celebrate Women's History Month, Deb Haaland is poised to make it. Her nomination is a historic choice and a moment of deep meaning to Tribal nations and indigenous people across the country who have seen over and over again the Federal Government fail to keep its promises to Native people, promises made in law and treaty. prgtoken It is clear to me that we need Representative Haaland's strong voice of stewardship for our public resources, cultural resources, and public lands, for action on the climate crisis, and for making sure that the Federal Government lives up to its treaty and trust responsibilities for Tribal nations and their citizens. prgtoken Representative Haaland's background and her life experiences make her perfect for this job. As Haaland said during her confirmation hearings, ``If an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings can be confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, our country holds promise for everyone.'' prgtoken The Interior Department includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which manages the Federal Government's relationship with American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. Indigenous leaders across the country have expressed broad, bipartisan support for Representative Haaland's nomination because they know that she will bring a personal commitment to lifting up Native voices and addressing deep inequities and longstanding funding challenges on Tribal lands. prgtoken The Department is also responsible for public lands, energy resources, and wildlife conservation, and so it requires a leader who understands the cultural and economic value of these resources and the importance of conserving them. Representative Haaland grew up with a deep affinity for public lands, for responsible land use, and for hunting and fishing. In fact, her family on her father's side is from Minnesota, where she tells me she learned a lot about the joys of walleye fishing. prgtoken In the House, Representative Haaland served as the chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, and she has earned the support of hundreds of groups working on climate change, conservation, and public lands management. prgtoken Representative Haaland has been a champion for the tragic crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. prgtoken Here we have a strong, capable, competent leader ready to serve our country as the first Native woman to lead the Interior Depar
Nominations of Lisa Monaco and Vanita Gupta (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-3-15

last week, my friend and colleague, the senior Senator from Texas, came to the floor to speak about two highly qualified nominees seeking senior positions in President 's Justice Department--Lisa Monaco and Vanita Gupta. prgtoken I was pleased to hear Senator Cornyn express support for Lisa Monaco. She is nominated to be the Deputy Attorney General. She has vast experience and deep ties to the Department. She has served in multiple roles as both a career employee and a Senate-confirmed official. She is also someone who has predicted and responded to several of the greatest threats of our time, including global pandemics and the rise of domestic terrorism. She has what it takes to serve as the No. 2 person in the Department of Justice and along with the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, to restore independence and integrity in that Department. prgtoken Unfortunately, my friend from Texas went on to take a different view when it came to Vanita Gupta, who has been nominated to be an Associate Attorney General, the No. 3 position at the Department. Every Senator, of course, has the right to oppose any nominee, even though many of my colleagues across the aisle have spoken about the importance of deferring to President and his choices to lead his Cabinet. prgtoken But when opposition turns from beyond just feeling negative toward someone to stating things about that person that may not be altogether accurate, I feel obligated to come to the floor and correct the record. I would like to address a few of the false attacks that are being leveled against Ms. Gupta. prgtoken She unequivocally stated in her testimony under oath before the Judiciary Committee last week that she opposes defunding the police. Any suggestion to the contrary is patently false. We have seen statement after statement from law enforcement organizations that support Vanita Gupta and her nomination. They admitted plainly that they know she doesn't call for defunding the police. prgtoken Yet we also continue to see statement after statement from Senators and many of their allies buying television ads claiming the contrary. Ask yourself this basic question: If Vanita Gupta wants to defund the police, how would she get the support and endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Sheriffs' Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and others? I think we know the answer. She doesn't want to defund the police. It is simply something that is said about her that is not true. prgtoken But what Ms. Gupta has called for and what she reiterated before the Committee on the Judiciary last week is making sure that police officers, the men and women who put themselves in harm's way every day, are not called upon to be mental health counselors. Some may have that skill, but most are not trained in that field, and