mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Mr. Chair, my friends on the other side of the aisle seem unconcerned about the threat the COVID-19 virus poses to public health. They have shown that consistently over the time of the pandemic. prgtoken They have dismissed the severity of the virus. The previous Party President dismissed it, too, and tried to claim that you could just solve it with a light bulb going into your body somewhere or drinking some type of Clorox. prgtoken They have dismissed the science behind masking and social distancing. They have dismissed vaccinations. They have dismissed peer-reviewed science. They have condemned Dr. Fauci, who is an American hero who guided us through this pandemic that cost the lives of over 1 million Americans dying of COVID over the last 3 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are over 500 Americans dying each day from COVID. prgtoken I believe in science. I believe in specialists. I believe in doctors. CDC is the specialist here. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side are very concerned about China, but now they are not concerned about China--which has one of the biggest COVID problems of any place in the globe--having visitors come to our Nation without having been vaccinated. prgtoken This is a threat to the health of the American people directly from China. They are concerned about China, but not now. prgtoken I would submit most of my colleagues on the other side are vaccinated against COVID, vaccinated against polio, vaccinated against all types of diseases, but all of a sudden, they don't want to give any authority to the CDC to protect us from countries that don't have vaccination requirements. prgtoken Science first. Dollars and sense, s-e-n-s-e. That is what we ought to have.
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise today to speak out against the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in our cities and towns. prgtoken There is no gun violence without guns. From the countless calls I receive from my constituents to the majority of Americans who have voiced their support for gun control reform, something must be done by Congress. prgtoken So many Americans are haunted by the gun violence that has taken their loved ones, and that is why we should all be in favor of stronger gun laws to keep these weapons out of dangerous hands. prgtoken Too many lives have been stolen. Too many children have been killed. prgtoken For this reason, I will be introducing the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023. My bill would provide Federal grants to States, local governments, and gun dealers to conduct gun buyback programs across the country. prgtoken We need a national program to give all towns and cities the funds to get guns off our streets. This is commonsense legislation, and if made into public law, it would benefit our Nation greatly.
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer amendment No. 5 to H.R. 185. prgtoken The decision to change COVID-19 vaccine requirements for global travelers into the United States should not be made by Members of Congress but instead by public health experts. prgtoken Colleagues, if we must continue with this reckless bill that puts politics over science by replacing guidance from our public health experts with harmful ideology at the expense of our communities, our hospitals, and our health, then I would ask for your support for my amendment. prgtoken Knowing that other countries have different health standards, have little access to vaccines for COVID, why would you risk the number of hospital beds that are currently available for yourselves, your families, your community that you represent, why would you risk that to allow visitors who are traveling into the United States to not show the bare minimum of having had a vaccine? prgtoken My amendment would require that the Secretary of Health and Human Services certify that the end of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign air travelers will not result in an increase in U.S. hospitalizations due to this deadly virus. prgtoken We do not want to threaten the progress that we have made in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and push hospitals, healthcare providers, and public health resources past their breaking points again. prgtoken COVID-19 is still a public health threat, with new variants of concern having emerged globally and entering the U.S. every single day. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to please, if you must move forward with this bill, vote in support of this commonsense amendment to protect our constituents, our hospitals, and our healthcare system. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-8

Black history is American history. As Black History Month begins, all across the country we see radical, rightwing elected officials attempting to whitewash American history and ban Black history from being taught in our classrooms. prgtoken This is, , unmasked white supremacy at its core. You cannot teach the truth about American history without Black history. prgtoken This should be alarming to many of us in this Chamber, especially as we fight for a more inclusive multiracial democracy. prgtoken I am reminded of the need for Congress to pass critical legislation like Congressman Bowman's African American History Act. prgtoken It is now more important than ever and very timely that, again, we make sure that we teach our history accurately. The truth must always be taught and should inspire all of us to continue to march for freedom, equity, and justice for all in the spirit of our civil rights leaders and our social justice seekers who came before us. prgtoken We cannot, , rob our children of learning the role of systemic racism in our American history and how it continues to impact the lives of many of our neighbors across the country. prgtoken This is how we support our communities to gain unity, to embrace diversity. It is critical that we tell the truth about our Nation's past, and that includes reckoning with our history of racism, enslavement, segregation, and redlining in our communities, and even now with the Black Lives Matter movement in our country. prgtoken This painting, , is called Critical Race Theory by Jonathan , a local artist in Detroit. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of teaching and preserving Black history. We cannot allow anyone to erase Black history and the powerful legacies of our civil rights warriors, many of which inspire me today. prgtoken We cannot learn from our past if our past is no longer being taught in our education system.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE LOCAL RESIDENT VOTING RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-2-8

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken I strongly oppose this undemocratic, paternalistic resolution. There is only one question before this House. The question is: Do you believe in democracy? prgtoken More specifically: Should the District of Columbia's local legislature, whose members are elected by D.C. residents, make the laws for D.C or should Congress, whose voting Members are elected by the residents of the several States, make laws for D.C.? prgtoken What is democracy? prgtoken The dictionary defines it as a ``government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.'' prgtoken Perhaps President Lincoln described democracy best in the Gettysburg Address when he said that it is government of the people, by the people, for the people. prgtoken D.C.'s local legislature, the D.C. Council, has 13 members. The members are elected by D.C. residents. Eight members are elected by geographical area, and five members are elected at-large. If D.C. residents do not like how the members vote, then they can vote them out of office. prgtoken Congress has 535 voting Members. The Members are elected by residents of the several States. None are elected by D.C. residents. If D.C. residents do not like how the Members vote, even on legislation that applies only to D.C they can only ask politely for the residents of the several States to vote them out of office. prgtoken The Revolutionary War was fought to give consent to the governed and to end taxation without representation. Yet, the nearly 700,000 D.C. residents cannot consent to any action taken by Congress, whether on national or D.C. matters, and they pay full Federal taxes. Indeed, D.C. residents pay more Federal taxes per capita than any State in the Union and more total Federal taxes than 23 States. prgtoken The legislative history and merits of this legislation enacted by the D.C. Council that is the subject matter of this resolution are irrelevant to the question before the House, but I do want to set the record straight. prgtoken The D.C. Council passed the legislation on two separate occasions, as required by Congress, by votes of 12-1 and 12-0 after holding a hearing. The legislation is not unprecedented. Indeed, there is a long history in the United States of noncitizens being allowed to vote in local, State, territorial, and Federal elections. prgtoken I will close with two final thoughts. D.C. residents, a majority of whom are Black and Brown, are worthy and capable of governing themselves. It is true Congress has absolute power over D.C but might does not make right. prgtoken , if you believe in democracy, you will vote ``no'' on this resolution.
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-2-9

I have had it up to here with lies coming from the other side about food assistance programs like SNAP. prgtoken This weekend, five of my colleagues said that they could save $400 billion by cutting SNAP and instituting tougher work requirements for folks on the program. Clearly, they didn't do their homework. Let me correct the record. prgtoken First, 9 out of 10 SNAP recipients are in households with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. prgtoken Second, there are already strict work requirements for SNAP. Let me repeat that. Most of the people receiving prgtoken SNAP who can work actually do work. They come home when their shift ends and count pennies because the average benefit is only a couple of bucks. prgtoken I am sick and tired of s coming down to the floor and going on social media to beat up on poor people. prgtoken Members of Congress are not on SNAP. Do you know who is? Children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities. prgtoken For the record, there is a special place in hell for those who want to take food out of the mouths of vulnerable Americans.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-9

I rise to introduce the Access to Counsel Act. prgtoken This legislation would ensure that all individuals with a legal right to be in the United States who are held by Customs and Border Protection at ports of entry or airports have access to legal counsel. prgtoken This legislation would ensure that individuals who have a legal right to be in the United States and are held by Customs and Border Protection in secondary inspection at airports or other points of entry for more than an hour are granted an opportunity to access legal counsel and an interested party. An interested party is defined as a family member, sponsor, or organization with a connection to the individual. prgtoken The bill creates no obligation for the Federal Government to pay for counsel and allows counsel the ability to advocate on behalf of the individual by providing information or documentation in support of the individual. prgtoken It also invalidates any effort by CBP to persuade someone to relinquish their legal status if that person has been denied access to counsel or voluntarily waives in writing their right to counsel. prgtoken There have been repeated reports of CBP detaining individuals based on their nationality. In 2017, the first Muslim ban was implemented, and thousands of U.S. citizens, green card holders, and others with valid visas were detained at airports for hours. prgtoken They were held by CBP officers without any ability to call a lawyer, relative, or advocate. Many Members of Congress rushed to the airports in an attempt to help these individuals and were barred from speaking to them or connecting them with attorneys. prgtoken In addition, 200 Iranian-Americans were held at the northern border in Blaine, WA, for 12 hours without access to counsel in early 2020. prgtoken Everyone who has valid travel documents and is seeking entry to the United States should be afforded due process. If CBP refers someone to secondary inspection, they should be apprised of their right to call counsel or an interested party. It is imperative that Americans and those with a legal right to be here have access to representation if they are held at a port of entry.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. GEORGE DEBNAM
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-2-9

I rise today to honor Dr. George Debnam who, sadly, passed away last month. prgtoken Dr. Debman was a towering figure in our community, best known for delivering 10,000 babies; the most by any single physician in the history of North Carolina. prgtoken Dr. Debnam dedicated his life to providing quality healthcare, championing accessible education, and advancing social justice. It is only fitting that we honor Dr. Debman during Black History Month. He played a critical role in integrating healthcare in Raleigh while he worked at St. Agnes Hospital. prgtoken Born in Youngsville, and a longtime resident of Raleigh, Dr. Debman attended Shaw University and worked throughout his life to ensure that Shaw got the resources it needed to grow and thrive. prgtoken Today, his enduring legacy lives on through his twin daughters; both are physicians at the Debman Clinic in Southeast Raleigh. prgtoken Our community is forever indebted to Dr. Debman and his family.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-2-9

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
REMEMBERNG ROBERT ``BOBBY'' SILVERSTEIN
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-2-9

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism on their centennial. One hundred years ago, Scripps first opened its doors and, since then, has shaped generations of journalists and reporters and writers. The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is one of our Nation's best journalism schools and provides a unique experience where faculty empower students to think critically, write clearly, and expand their horizons. The curriculum extends far outside of the classroom with student newspapers, internship opportunities, and student-run media platforms to ensure that students have the skills necessary to excel after graduation. prgtoken Scripps students go on to do great things. Scripps alums are leading their industries, whether it is broadcast, print or digital media. They are producing award-winning content, reporting at the national, State, and local level and delivering the stories that matter most to Ohioans and Americans. Scripps journalists tell the stories that impact our daily lives and dig for those that might not be told otherwise. They are tenacious and dedicated in their pursuit of knowledge. They ask tough questions, challenge conventional wisdom, and connect us all with our communities and our world. That wouldn't be possible without their time at Ohio University. prgtoken Most importantly, Scripps is rooted in the values essential for a democratic society, the values of truth, accuracy, and independence. I can't think of better values to instill in the next generation of journalists. prgtoken In recent years, we have seen attacks on the free press, making it even more important that the journalists of today and tomorrow are prepared to fight for truth and transparency. A free, independent press is vital to our democracy. It is enshrined in our Constitution. And Scripps journalists uphold it daily. To the faculty and staff at Scripps, the students, and the alumni: Thank you for all you do to make Scripps the institution what it is today, an institution respected around the world for its ability to create the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for your commitment to journalism and dedication to the college. And thank you to Dr. Hugh Sherman and Dean Scott Titsworth for your leadership. prgtoken I am proud that Scripps calls Ohio home, and I look forward to its next hundred years. Congratulations on the centennial.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE REVISED CRIMINAL CODE ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-2-9

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from more than 100 groups led by D.C. Vote calling on Congress to keep its hands off of D.C. February 7, 2023. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Washington, DC. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Washington, DC. House Kevin McCarthy, Washington, DC. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Washington, DC. Dear Congressional Leadership: prgtoken Congress Should Stay Out of the District of Columbia's Local Affairs We, the undersigned organizations, representing millions of Americans from across the country, are concerned about the numerous measures that have been introduced that will unjustly undermine critical local decisions made by the people of the District of Columbia and their elected leadership. These local laws were enacted to address important local concerns, most notably criminal justice reform, reproductive freedom, democracy and equal treatment under the law. Efforts by members of Congress to impose legislative ``riders'' or pass disapproval resolutions usurp the prerogative of the District of Columbia's elected mayor and council and the residents they represent. We also urge Congress to refrain from taking action that could threaten the District's Local Budget Autonomy Act. The Act allows the District to spend local tax dollars based on its local budget at the beginning of the new fiscal year. The DC Superior Court has ruled the Act is valid, and the DC Council and mayor are proceeding with the District's local budget in accordance with the law. We understand that some in Congress are still seeking to use the legislative process to impose policy riders upon the people of the District. The undersigned organizations advocate on diverse issues and are united in our opposition to the inclusion of any legislative vehicle that overrides, limits or otherwise usurps locally elected decision-making by the District of Columbia. Already, in just the first month of the new Congress, legislators have promised or introduced measures that takes away the fundamental right to self-governance from the people of Washington, DC. Congressional interference in these local matters is unfair and intolerable. Right now, Americans are debating important issues in communities throughout this country. But what is not up for debate is who gets to decide these questions. DC's locally- elected leadership should decide what is best for the people of the District of Columbia. The Mayor of the District of Columbia and the DC Council were elected by DC residents to represent their interests. Congress does not impose its views on any other local
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-9

. I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, February 13; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Mendez-Miro nomination.
HONORING THE SCRIPPS HOWARD SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATIONS AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-2-9

I rise today to recognize and honor the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University on its 20th Anniversary. prgtoken The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications was established in September 2002 to train students to become expert journalists and communicators and increase diversity within the industry. Hampton University is one of the nation's top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Scripps Howard School continues the legacy of innovative higher education that is found at Hampton University. prgtoken The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications hosts a wide variety of experiences to prepare students for their future journalistic pursuits. Housed in a 36,000 square foot building, the school offers students the ability to work in a broadcast studio, a radio station, and a television station with state-of-the-art editing equipment. Alumni of the school enter the workforce as talented journalists, holding positions at local and national news organizations. The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications embodies the Hampton University motto: ``The Standard for Excellence, An Education for Life.'' prgtoken I want to thank Julia A. Wilson, the current Dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, for her dedication to the students of Hampton University. I also want to thank the prior deans Christopher Campbell, Tony Brown, Rosalynne Whitaker-Heck, Brett A. Pulley, and B. DaVida Plummer for their years of service. prgtoken , as the Hampton University community gathers this Friday to celebrate this momentous anniversary, I want to congratulate the students, faculty and alumni of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications on 20 years of excellence and wish them many more years of success.