mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-29

. Madam , I rise to honor Black History Month as today marks the closing of that very important celebration in our community and across the Nation. prgtoken However, Black History Month is not just a month. It is every day of the year, and it must reaffirm unity in action. prgtoken During this month, we reflect on the significance of the shoulders we stand on, the shoulders of giants in Harlem such as the late, great Adam Clayton Powell, Jr and our former Congress Member, the Lion of Lenox Avenue, Charles B. Rangel. prgtoken This month and always, we must acknowledge the achievements of Black Americans throughout the Nation's history. That is why, Madam , I am proud to introduce the Holcombe Rucker Park Landmark Act. This is a noncontroversial measure that would honor the life and legacy of Holcombe Rucker, a World War II veteran, Harlem Junior High School teacher, family man, and graduate of City College in New York City. He dedicated his entire life to uplifting Harlem through compassion, books, and basketball. prgtoken My bill would ensure the preservation of Holcombe Rucker Park, considered by many across the country as the ``Mecca of Basketball.'' Rucker Park has helped forge a path to multiple NBA stars, such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, ``Tiny'' Archibald, and the great Earl ``The Pearl'' Monroe. prgtoken This Federal recognition would also preserve the park's legacy and ensure that future generations can appreciate his role in shaping the cultural and sporting landscapes of our Nation. prgtoken Speaking of Federal recognition, we are also closing out Dominican Heritage Month. This week, I joined Dominican-American leaders and the diaspora to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq in honor of a day of importance, Dominican Independence Day, February 27, prgtoken and in recognition of Dominican economic contributions to the United States of America. prgtoken Dominicans have more than tripled in population since the 1990s to represent a population of a total of 2.4 million people in the United States, the fourth largest population of Latinos in these United States. prgtoken Our contribution to this great Nation grows even stronger every day. prgtoken Just 2 weeks ago, we also had Dominicans on the Hill, where thousands of Dominican Americans joined us here to bring forward their message for recovery for our Nation. prgtoken Madam , finally, we will hear a lot about the border this week. We must remember that the border solution lies not just on border safety. We recognize that there must be greater border safety, particularly at the points of entry, where most of the fentanyl comes through in trucks and other vehicles. prgtoken However, we must also make sure that we don't gut our asylum system. We need to make sure America continues to be a beacon of hope and an opportunity for people that are persecuted all over the world. prgtoken It must be a balanced approach with four underpinnings: one
RECOGNIZING 25-YEAR ARMY VETERAN SHELLIE WILLIS
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-2-29

I rise today to recognize 25-year Army veteran Shellie Willis, a Pierce County-based leader in the veterans' advocacy space who empowers veterans to put the skills and knowledge they gained serving our nation to work in the civilian workforce. prgtoken As Founder and CEO of the Redefining You Foundation, Shellie shepherds a team of skilled life coaches and workforce development professionals to help transitioning servicemernbers and their spouses reenter civilian life. With special attention to supporting female veterans, Shellie's organization provides professional and personal development training, connects retired servicewomen to job resources, and builds bespoke programs to help reorient and redefine the lifestyles of those seeking direction after their military careers. Shellie's spirit of service extends to her role as Senior Director of Collective Impact at WorkForce Central matching jobseekers with employment opportunities throughout Pierce County. prgtoken With the South Sound's significant active duty and veteran population, Shellie's work plays a critical role in putting transitioning servicemembers on pathways to post-service success. I commend Shellie's service to our country and our community and am proud to have her as my Constituent of the Month.
AKRON REGIONAL TECH HUB PHASE II FUNDING
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-29

I rise today in support of Ohio's 13th Congressional District in our quest to become a leader in polymer innovation. prgtoken Ohio's 13th Congressional District made its mark as the rubber city capital of the world, building our middle class, growing our population, and literally supporting the movement of people all across the world. prgtoken Our community has proudly continued this legacy by becoming a trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering. prgtoken Last year, thanks to the combined efforts from a variety of local partners led by the Greater Akron Chamber, the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub was named as 1 of only 31 tech hub finalists across the country. prgtoken This designation was a significant achievement for our region and made our project eligible for tens of millions of dollars in additional funding through the Chips and Science Act. Now, the sustainable polymer tech hub is, once again, being considered for additional investment. prgtoken It is clear Ohio's 13th Congressional District is the perfect home for a tech hub devoted to developing the future of sustainable polymers. prgtoken Polymers touch every industrial sector, and this tech hub will help ensure prgtoken that northeast Ohio remains a global leader in innovation, while also boosting our local economy and creating good-paying jobs right here at home. prgtoken As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which is the committee that oversees the implementation of the Chips and Science Act which created the regional tech hub, I will continue to bring this to our district and specifically northeastern Ohio and the United States.
RECOGNIZING THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-2-29

today I am honored to help the Georgia Association of Broadcasters celebrate 90 years of service to Georgians. Throughout nearly a century of existence, the Georgia Association of Broadcasters has been a stalwart advocate for the television and radio broadcasting industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of time and technology to deliver their communities quality, reliable news to keep us informed, safe, and connected. prgtoken Across Georgia, local broadcasters and journalists serve as the vanguard guardians of truth. Since its establishment in 1934, the GAB has been dedicated to representing the interests of radio and television broadcasters across the State. It is an organization that has played a pivotal role in making Georgia a premier destination for broadcast journalists worldwide, shaping the narrative of our communities with public education programs, scholarships, and professional development opportunities. prgtoken This remarkable journey includes initiatives like the WSB Care-a- Thon, a testament to the compassionate spirit of Georgia broadcasters, sharing stories of hope and inspiration from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Through generous donations, this initiative funds family support services and vital research, embodying the association's commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. prgtoken And in the quieter corners of our State, we can still rely on sound local reporting, like at radio station WBHF in Cartersville, which prides itself on providing robust coverage of council meetings in towns across Bartow County, local sports and events, or school board meetings--nowhere else could local residents find such in-depth and impactful stories on what is going on in their own backyard. prgtoken Voices of Valor, a heartfelt project by WJCL in Savannah, stands as a corner dedicated to uplifting local troops and military families, as well as features honoring the educators shaping the next generation of Georgians. And over in Augusta, WRDW partners with Grant Me Hope, striving to end potential homelessness among Georgia's fostered youth by finding loving, adoptive homes before they age out of the system. prgtoken In times of disaster, the spirit of Georgia broadcasters shines a light on our better angels. When severe storms and tornadoes wreak havoc across our State, they emerge as the ``first informers,'' providing crucial information and assistance. In a remarkable display of community solidarity, local TV and radio stations, like WTVM, WRBL, and others, join forces for tornado relief campaigns, setting up online donation portals and donation drop-off locations that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need. prgtoken These initiatives underscore a fundamental truth: A story is more than a script or a soundbite; it is an opportunity to see ourselves in others, to recognize our shared humani
EXTENSION OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS ACT, 2024
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-2-29

I rise in opposition to the Paul amendment. prgtoken As part of the effort to support our economy following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve established a liquidity facility to help State and local governments better manage their cash flow and those pressures that existed and that they faced as a result of the increase in State and local government expenditures related to the pandemic and the delay and decrease of some tax revenues and other revenues. And all of the funds borrowed by municipalities under this program have been repaid. prgtoken So tying the Feds' hands to prevent it from helping States and municipalities, as this provision would do, would be dangerous. Congress has given the Fed the flexibility to transact in State and local bonds because we knew that it could be an important and helpful tool in times of an emergency--protecting millions of public workers, including police officers, healthcare workers, and other first responders. prgtoken So, as we have seen during the pandemic and natural disasters, uncertainty can hurt both big and small States, and the Fed's simple ability to assist States and local governments in this way can provide stability and allow policymakers to address emerging crises. Preventing emergency programs outright would be dangerous and unnecessary. prgtoken And, finally, adopting this amendment would require the continuing resolution go back to the House and be voted on again. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to vote no on the Paul amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 1614
90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-29

I want to recognize an important milestone: the 90th Anniversary of the Export-Import Bank--EXIM--of the United States. prgtoken The Export-Import Bank was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Executive order on February 2, 1934, ``to aid in financing and to facilitate exports and imports and the exchange of commodities between the United States and other Nations.'' Its mission and work are equally as important now as they were back then. prgtoken EXIM contributes to our Nation's economic growth by supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs for America's exporters and the workers that make up the supply chains for our exports across the country. prgtoken Congress first authorized the EXIM Bank as an independent Agency in 1945, and we have continued to support the Bank's work under its charter ever since. In 2019, Congress recognized the critical role EXIM plays by passing a historic, 7-year reauthorization with bipartisan support. I contributed to that reauthorization legislation as the ranking member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and now, as the chair of that committee, we have continued to support the Bank's work that creates jobs in Ohio and around the Nation. prgtoken Under the leadership of Chair Reta Jo Lewis, the first Black woman to lead EXIM, First Vice President Judith Pryor, Board Member Spencer Bachus, and Board Member Owen Herrnstadt, the Export-Import Bank has expanded financing for American exporters. During the last fiscal year, EXIM approved $8.7 billion in transactions, $3.5 billion more than the previous fiscal year. These transactions supported more than 40,000 jobs across our Nation, including many in Ohio. prgtoken Small business authorizations in fiscal year 2023 totaled $2.0 billion with 1,339 transactions authorized for the direct benefit of small business exporters. prgtoken EXIM also supports American workers in strategic industries. In the 2019 EXIM reauthorization bill, I helped establish the China & Transformational Exports Program, C-TEP. Congress directed EXIM to use the C-TEP program to prioritize financing for American exports in 10 critical areas, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and energy storage, wireless communications, and semiconductors. EXIM financing will help American manufacturers and exporters compete against Chinese exports that receive enormous financing from the Chinese Government, and the C-TEP program will help American companies unlock a new generation of jobs and economic growth. prgtoken EXIM supports secure and resilient supply chains. EXIM launched its first domestic financing initiative called ``Make More in America.'' By providing new financing for American companies that manufacture goods for export and new financing for their suppliers, we can bring more jobs back to our shores and strengthen our supply chains. prgtoken I have visited businesses in Ohio that depend on the Export-Import Bank to
Freedom of Speech (Executive Session)
Laphonza R. Butler (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-29

I rise today on the final day recognizing Black History Month to bring attention to this Chamber and to the American people watching the very harmful and anti-democratic practice of book banning happening or being attempted in States all over our country. prgtoken The First Amendment in our Constitution is clear: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. prgtoken This amendment gives all Americans the right to speak, publish, and read what they wish, free from government censorship. But a nationwide campaign in States like Florida, Texas, Utah, North Dakota, and even California has been deployed to limit our children's learning and enforce restrictions on one of our most fundamental freedoms. prgtoken Right now extremist politicians are working overtime to strip our Nation's bookshelves of essential literature that helps to tell the complete story of America, including the stories of great sacrifice, contribution, and pain of Black Americans. These include stories of struggle and triumph against hatred and bigotry. They recount efforts to reconcile the promise of American ideals with the reality of our most pervasive challenges. Authors who have long been recognized as chroniclers of our Nation's journey have been written off by lawmakers who seek to narrow the scope of what our children can learn about our history. prgtoken Now, the organizers of these State-by-State battles would have you believe that they are upholding parents' choice, that imposing these book bans would somehow protect the innocence of our children. But I and so many others who have been watching this contend that the mass effort to shield young learners is an utter slap in the face to communities who too long had to fight to have their very stories told. prgtoken Our Nation's most ethnically and racially diverse generation have seen themselves reflected in these pages, and for these extremist adults to deem these stories inappropriate is a direct attack on their experience and their very existence. prgtoken Over the past 2 years, these blanket attacks on our books have become more organized and well funded. In 2022, more than 2,500 books were targeted. According to the American Library Association, the majority of those books were about Black or LGBTQ-plus people. prgtoken As only the 12th Black Senator to serve in this Chamber and the first openly LGBTQ Black Senator to serve, I will not stand by silently as our stories get erased. That is why I will be joining the Freedom Readers and their efforts to ensure the freedom to learn by regularly taking to the Senate floor and inviting my colleagues to join me to read excerpts of books that tell the story of our Nation, its l
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-2-29

the United States and Turkiye have an important and complex relationship, and I have been repeatedly outspoken about my concerns regarding Ankara's actions under President Erdogan. These include President Erdogan's ongoing attacks against our Syrian Kurdish allies, his aggressive actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the role he played in supporting Azerbaijan's military assaults against Nagorno-Karabakh. The administration recently briefed me on these issues and provided some answers around my concerns. prgtoken Though I have been glad to see that President Erdogan has ceased the incursions by military aircraft into Greek airspace, the administration informed me that they continue to monitor this matter closely in order to encourage the ongoing dialogue between Greece and Turkiye. Additionally, I received assurances from the administration that it will continue to warn Azerbaijan against taking further military action against Armenia and that they will work with Turkiye to prevent any further escalation of that conflict. I remain deeply troubled by President Erdogan's attacks against the Syrian ic Forces--SDF-- in Northeast Syria; however, the administration assured me that they continue to voice their strong objections to these attacks, including the threat posed to U.S. forces working with the SDF, and reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to supporting this crucial partner, who has served as the tip of the spear in our campaign to defeat the Islamic State. The administration told me that they would more clearly communicate that commitment to the SDF to allay concerns that have been expressed about a reduced American commitment to our partnership. prgtoken While Turkiye's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership was long delayed, it has been a welcome step forward and an important signal to the NATO community. I hope that this step indicates a broader realignment of Turkiye's actions with U.S. national security interests and serves as a platform upon which we can address these other lingering issues in the bilateral relationship. It is for these reasons that I will be opposing S.J. Res. 60, which would disapprove of the sale of 40 F-16s and other defense articles and services to the Government of Turkiye. I will continue to stay in regular communication with the administration regarding their assurances on these and other key issues. It is clear that we must keep a close watch on Turkiye in the weeks and months ahead; actions speak louder than words.
AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION ACT OF 2024
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2024-2-29

. Madam , I rise in support of this extension of the FAA. We need to pass this reauthorization. To do so, we need a little more time. This will be the third extension we have asked for, and it is necessary to have this extension for 2 months to be able to reconcile the House and Senate bills. prgtoken The Senate wasn't as expeditious as the House was in getting their bill prgtoken passed, but they finally did and got it out of committee. We still have to reconcile some provisions. prgtoken I think everybody has read about the near tragedies and near contacts of airplanes flying at airports. That is because the air traffic controllers need more help. They need more air traffic controllers. They need a more diverse group of folks that will give them more people to choose from and to be trained. prgtoken We need to have more air traffic controllers, we need to pay them more money, and we need to have some improvements at airports and air traffic towers. That will only happen if we can get this FAA reauthorization bill passed. prgtoken There are consumer issues that are important and are included in the bill and disability issues which are in the bill, and we just attended a press announcement where Secretary Buttigieg is implementing many of the mobility issues by executive order and rulemaking. The rulemaking is going to take place soon. prgtoken There are a lot of improvements in air traffic and air safety, but without the reauthorization bill passing, they won't happen. We need to have this extension. It is unfortunate, but the Senate took a long time. We will work it out and get it done. prgtoken I appreciate Ranking Member Larsen and Chairman Graves on the full committee and Chairman Garret Graves on the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Israel (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-2-29

it has been several months now since Hamas carried out a truly heinous terrorist attack against Israel. The barbarity of October 7 should not be brushed aside and cannot ever be excused. prgtoken We are talking about terrorists gunning down innocent civilians-- including in their homes--committing horrible acts of torture and sexual violence, and taking hostages, among them women and elderly people and infants. prgtoken As I have said repeatedly, Israel has a clear right to defend itself and its people against the very real and continued threat that Hamas poses to Israeli civilians. prgtoken As I have also said many times, that has to be done in accordance with the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law. prgtoken I appreciate that this is a tough, emotional topic. War always is. But at times like this, we cannot let passion kill compassion. We cannot let the horrors of the present end the hope for a brighter future. prgtoken As Israel seeks to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas, it must make every effort to protect innocent civilians in Gaza, who make up the vast, overwhelming majority of people in the Gaza strip. prgtoken But as we have watched this conflict escalate, it has become increasingly clear that is not what is happening. Just consider, hundreds of Palestinians were injured or killed today after Israeli troops fired on civilians crowded near aid trucks desperate for something to eat. While we are still learning more about the details, you have to believe that this kind of bloodshed should be completely avoidable. prgtoken I come to the floor today as a friend of Israel. I understand the very real threats Israel--home to about half of the world's Jews--faces outside its borders and in keeping its population safe. prgtoken And I come to the floor as someone who feels very strongly that Israel absolutely must change course. The collective punishment in Gaza has got to stop, and Israel must do more to protect civilian life. prgtoken We need a mutually agreed-upon cease-fire to end the fighting as soon as possible. We need the return of all the hostages by Hamas. And we need a massive surge in humanitarian aid. prgtoken Israel needs to understand the casualties they have inflicted on the people of Gaza. The devastation they have caused cannot continue. It is not in line with American interests nor does it make Israel safer. prgtoken The prosecution of this war so far by Netanyahu's far-right government has been nothing short of an unquestionable strategic failure. Many of the families of hostages have been protesting Netanyahu themselves, demanding a mutually negotiated cease-fire to see their loved ones safely returned. prgtoken Let's consider what is actually happening in Gaza, the human reality on the ground. There are over 2 million people in Gaza who have been displaced from their homes and 1.7 million people facing imminent starvation. prgtoken Most of the water in Gaza is