mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
H.R. 5746
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-1-18

I will just read the first paragraph of this Associated Press story dated December of this past year: An Associated Press review of every potential case of voter fraud in the six battleground states disputed by former President has found fewer than 475--a number that would have made no difference in the 2020 Presidential election. prgtoken And, of course, Pennsylvania was one of those States that they looked at. We know what happened in the election, and we know why we can say with certainty that the Big Lie is nothing but a lie. After the election of 2020, in June of 2021, Pennsylvania's -controlled legislature became one of the many legislatures across the Nation passing a voter suppression law. Here is what they would have done if they were successful. If they would have passed it, this bill would have imposed unconstitutional voter ID restrictions, restricted mail-in voting--the mail-in voting they just voted in favor of in 2019, the same legislators--and this bill would essentially have eliminated the use of drop boxes. Furthermore, it rolled back several successful provisions of the bipartisan Act 77, including reducing the number of days permitted to register to vote, and eliminating an option to opt in to receive an annual mail-in ballot. prgtoken While this bill was, fortunately, vetoed by Governor Wolf, the threat to suppress the vote in Pennsylvania remains ever present as the legislature continues to work on another omnibus election bill. prgtoken Once again, the Big Lie animates the work of politicians in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. It is not simply a lie; it is a lie that engenders fear. Sometimes fear of losing your election in a primary--we understand that fear. We have seen it play out here as well. But sometimes the fear is deeper than that; that your own security will be at risk if you don't espouse the Big Lie. prgtoken In light of these efforts, it is fair to question, How did Pennsylvania go from a shining example of bipartisan election reform in 2019 to ground zero in the fight against voter suppression and election misinformation in 2021 and continuing into 2022? prgtoken In the months leading up to the 2020 general election, the former President led an assault on our election system, sowing seeds of division, and, without evidence, questioning the legitimacy of voting methods, including mail-in voting, which has been utilized in the Nation for decades. By the way, mail-in voting allowed us to set a turnout record, as I said before, in Pennsylvania, for the first time in 60 years to go that high--of the voting-age population. prgtoken The former President lost his election to President , but instead of honorably conceding the race, he created the Big Lie that the election had been stolen from him by raising unfounded allegations of voter fraud, election irregularities in Pennsylvania and a
H.R. 5746
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-1-18

this past weekend--and yesterday, in particular--we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is likely, if you attended any event in that celebration, that you heard at least part of his ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Many of us in the Chamber happily quoted it because of our respect for him and the eloquence of his language in that moment. prgtoken We like to remember the hopeful second half of that speech, as well, because Dr. King imagined a future in which Black children and White children play together, and all people are judged, as he so famously said, ``not by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.'' prgtoken However, many of us forget--or worse, ignore--the first half of that speech, in which Dr. King noted the painful irony that 100 years after the Emancipation Proclamation--the ``promissory note'' of our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence was for most Black Americans simply ``a bad check which has come back marked `insufficient funds.' '' prgtoken Many ic Senators and Senators helped to change that shameful fact. It was here on the floor of this Chamber, in 1965, that the U.S. Senate voted 77 to 19 to pass the Voting Rights Act, outlawing State practices that denied millions of Americans, particularly Black Americans, the right to vote. It is worth noting that it was a strong bipartisan vote and that, percentagewise, a greater percentage of the Caucus voted in support of it, compared to . The White from the South were notorious at that time for opposing it and opposing the civil rights movement. prgtoken Well, over the next nearly 50 years, the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized five times, and that bipartisanship continued during the entire period. Each new version of the Voting Rights Act renewed the promise and the protections of that law, and each reauthorization was signed into law by a President. prgtoken Sadly, in more recent years, things have changed in an awful way. We have witnessed a sustained effort to chip away the protections guaranteed to every American under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. prgtoken I grew up in East St. Louis, IL, and a trip to St. Louis was a big deal. I can remember my mother, who was an immigrant to this country, had only an eighth grade education, though she had self-taught herself into a much higher level of learning, but I can remember my mother always pointing out the St. Louis courthouse to me. If you are familiar with the terrain, the arch wasn't there when I was growing up. But where that arch is today, just behind it, is this famous St. Louis courthouse. We would be driving over the Eads Bridge, and she would say to me: Now, do you see that St. Louis courthouse up there? That big white building, do you see it? And do you see all those steps that you can see from here? prgtoken Yes. prgtoken They used to sell slaves on those steps. prgtoken I found it incr
FILIBUSTER
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-1-18

. I do appreciate your response, and it is so rare that we actually have any dialogue on the floor of the Senate. It is one of the things we lost. prgtoken I do recall in that moment that, for over a year, we had working groups trying to resolve the extraordinary level--the new level--of cloture motions on President 's nominations. It concluded in a meeting in the Old Senate Chamber where the agreement was reached to stop doing that. And then, as you point out, Mitch McConnell came to the floor and said: It doesn't matter the quality of the individual who is nominated. I will not let any judge be considered for these three vacancies. prgtoken That is a completely unprecedented new element that is brought in to bear on that particular conversation. That is just to, kind of, illuminate some of the details that were left out. prgtoken I was struck by another thing you said, which is that the filibuster is not a relic of Jim Crow. I was struck about that because from 1891 through 1965--so we are talking over 80 years--the only thing that was blocked in the U.S. Senate by filibuster was civil rights for Black Americans. Given that, wouldn't you say it is fair for us to say that the filibuster in that history was, indeed, a relic of Jim Crow?
RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE VILLAGE MOVEMENT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-1-18

I wish to honor a dedicated and creative organization serving communities throughout Oregon and the Nation, celebrating 20 years of allowing senior citizens to stay in their homes while providing access to affordable care and community. The Village Movement is founded on the principle of neighborliness and provides comfort, care, and affordability while maintaining dignity. prgtoken This wonderful movement started in 2002 with a group of community- dedicated friends who did not want to leave their community in retirement. Intent upon staying, the friends launched the Beacon Hill Village in Massachusetts to provide residents who were 50 and older practical support and confidence to stay in their homes and live their lives independently. prgtoken This idea soon caught on, with similar villages springing up all over the country, including in Oregon. There are now 14 villages throughout Oregon bringing services to senior citizens in the comfort of their own homes. The Movement supports what is often called ``aging in place'' by developing a nurturing network of volunteers and access to services and social opportunities that are both sustainable and community-based. prgtoken Every village is member-driven and self-governing, allowing them to respond to the needs of each community. The Movement has also expanded to include adults of all ages living with disabilities, preserving the humanity and dignity that is so important in every stage of life. prgtoken I have long viewed aging in place as a bedrock principle for improving quality of life for seniors and those with disabilities. Years ago, I started the Independence at Home Program, which helped primary care providers visit frail seniors in their homes. This helped them avoid unnecessary and potentially dangerous travel and remain in their homes longer than they would have otherwise. prgtoken I have also been proud to lead legislation as a part of the Build Back Better agenda that would put home care on a more even playing field with institutional care. These important efforts can build on one another, alongside organizations like the Village Movement, to create a rich tapestry of health and social supports for Americans as they age. prgtoken Without a doubt, the Village Movement has set a fine example of how communities can help support their neighbors. It is an honor to recognize the Village Movement for its service to the United States-- and Oregon in particular.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-18

before I begin the substance of my remarks, I want to offer a few words in reaction to the terrible hostage situation this weekend in Texas. prgtoken Saturday's hostage crisis at Congregation Beth Israel was a horrifying reminder that the ancient poison of anti-Semitism continues to this day. I am relieved that all of the hostages made it out alive, and I commend the quick thinking of the first responders and of Rabbi Charlie Citron-Walker, who acted valiantly, and all those present for bringing this crisis to an end. prgtoken Moving forward, we must get to the bottom of what inspired the terrorist attack on Saturday but increase our vigilance against all forms of anti-Semitism and racially motivated violence. prgtoken Here in Congress, we must continue working to increase our investment in nonprofit security grants to groups that are targets of hate. We need to give our communities the tools they need to protect themselves so they can live without fear of being targeted for just who they are. prgtoken On this day, I stand in solidarity with the congregation of Beth Israel, the Jewish community of Greater Dallas-Ft. Worth, and with all Jewish Americans for whom Saturday's attack was a traumatic reminder of the hate we have yet to overcome. Voting Rights prgtoken , this is on defending democracy. The eyes of the Nation will be watching what happens this week in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Just a few days removed from what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 93rd birthday, the Senate has begun debate on the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act--for the first time, the first time in this Congress. prgtoken have tried for months to hold a voting rights debate on the floor, but we have been blocked each time by s. We brought commonsense proposals four times on the floor of the Senate and only once did one Senator--Lisa Murkowski, to her credit--agree to even begin debate on voting rights. On all three other votes, not a single joined us. Every one of them voted to block even a debate on voting rights. prgtoken So, today, we are taking this step by using a message from the House. Now, it is just a step, but an important step moving forward, in that we will finally debate this one issue that is so central to the American people, to our history, and to our democracy. prgtoken As we debate these measures, the Senate will confront a critical question: Shall the Members of this Chamber do what is necessary to pass these bills and bring them closer to the President's desk? prgtoken Today, we have just taken the first steps that will put everyone-- everyone--on the record. Much has been said over the past few days about the prospects of passing voting rights legislation in this Chamber. Senate are under no illusion that we face difficult odds, especially when virtually every Senate -
H.R. 5746
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-1-18

I first want to thank my colleague from the State of Washington, Senator Cantwell, for her passion for people and the rights of people to vote, and her willingness to actually go through the details of the groups outside of this Congress that feel so strongly about this, including businesses, as pointed out, that understand that you can't do business overseas--having just come back from Ukraine, from which I just arrived an hour ago--and uphold democracies overseas, if we are allowing our democracy to go to shambles by allowing voter suppression laws to pass, as they have in numerous States across the country. prgtoken Just this week, we marked the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and, today, we are considering legislation that goes to the very heartbeat of the democracy--the freedom to vote--that so many have fought and died for. prgtoken We are here because a flood of State laws to roll back voting has surged up since the 2020 elections, when in the 2020 elections, in the middle of a pandemic, more Americans cast a ballot than ever before. They were willing to take those risks, and the laws were changed in red States and blue States and purple States to allow them to do that. prgtoken But now what do we see? A rollback. A rollback in the Presiding Officer's great State of Wisconsin. We see rollbacks attempted across the Nation in places like Montana, with same-day registration in place for 15 years. And 8,000 people took avail of it in the last election to either change their address or register that way. prgtoken So then what happens? Well, say the legislature in Montana says: Why don't we get rid of something we have had in place for 15 years? Why don't we do that? prgtoken Guess what that creates, my friends. Maximum confusion and ultimate voter suppression. prgtoken With that core freedom of voting now at stake, it is on us to stand up and to take up the torch that Dr. King and so many brave Americans carried decades ago and acted to preserve the foundational right of our democracy. And while that may sound like an ambitious task, it is one within our reach. By passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, we can meet these challenges and turn back the tide. prgtoken Today, I want to address a topic that has loomed large over this historic debate, and that has to do with the very rules of this Chamber. prgtoken This week, every Member of the Senate will have a chance to cast a vote that will determine if this is a legislative body that will rise to meet a test. The test is participation and voting. The test is actually being able to take on the issues of our day. prgtoken It won't be the first time. Indeed, four times already this Congress, our colleagues have blocked us from even considering legislation to protect the freedom to vote. But we are here again this week. We are here because, to quote Ella Baker, a granddaughter of slaves from Virginia who
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN RUSSELL
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, John Russell, who passed away on November 30, 2021. prgtoken John was a passionate North Carolinian and his contributions to our community will live on for years to come. prgtoken Born on October 22, 1954, John spent the early part of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina where he was a proud alumnus and three-sport athlete at Grimsley High School. prgtoken Music also played a large role in John's upbringing. Growing up, he was constantly surrounded by Opera. His mother Peggy, was an prgtoken accomplished Opera singer and founded The Opera Company of North Carolina, located in Greensboro. John contributed to his mother's legacy by playing a crucial role in the formation and growth of her company, which eventually evolved into The North Carolina Opera. prgtoken Following high school, John went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with the highest honors in English before receiving a Master's Degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. prgtoken After graduating from Columbia University, John spent a few years as the youngest editor ever hired by the Houghton Mifflin publishing company before deciding that he wanted to contribute to his community in a different capacity. He left New York to enroll in Harvard Law School, graduating with honors in 1985 before moving to Raleigh. prgtoken In our home of Wake County North Carolina, John practiced corporate law at Moore & Van Allen for 12 years. After, he joined Quintiles Transnational Corporation and during his tenure, he rose from Executive Vice President to General Counsel, eventually becoming the Chief Administrative Officer. In 2008, John became a partner in the Life Science Practice of the global law firm K&L Gates, where he practiced until his retirement in 2017. prgtoken John was extremely involved in the community and served on many boards and advisory roles including the North Carolina Railroad advisory, the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), Elon Law School, the Center for Studies of the American South, the Gilling's School of Global Public Health, and countless others. This work is a testament to his character and his love for the people of our state and our community. prgtoken On top of these contributions, John's passion for literature led him to write two novels, ``Favorite Sons'' (1992), winner of the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for fiction, and ``All the Right Circles'' (2019). Both examine North Carolina politics, society, and history. He also was an avid member of our Triangle wide book club, and we enjoyed our time together sharing thoughts and opinions about the nonfiction books we read. prgtoken John lived an exceptional life, and I will always be grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a dedicated husband, devoted father, and a loving uncle and son. He will be forever missed by his wife Kelley, chil
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-1-18

I applaud the remarks of our distinguished majority leader, and I know it comes from the heart because what he is saying publicly, he has also always said both publicly and privately. And I also join with him in the condemnation of the attack on the synagogue this weekend. prgtoken I know, in my State of Vermont, the faith community--the Jewish, Protestant, Catholic--all came together with prayers for the safety of the people in the synagogue. But more than just the safety of what happened then, let us pray, all of us, whatever faith we have, that such attacks do not continue in our country. prgtoken We have seen too many attacks against people based on their religion or based on their race or based on their country of origin. That is wrong. prgtoken In this country, in this country, especially--I was thinking of this when I led the Senate this morning in the Pledge of Allegiance, and I thought, ``[O]ne nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'' Well, it is a constant battle to make sure that we have liberty and justice for all, and we have to do that.
SUPPLEMENTAL IMPACT AID FLEXIBILITY ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-1-18

the balance of my time. prgtoken , over the last 2 years, Congress has taken historic steps to help schools recover from the pandemic because we know that every school and every student and every family has felt the tragic effects of COVID-19. prgtoken However, we cannot fully achieve that goal if we fail to address the unique challenges facing schools that serve students connected with military bases, affordable housing, Native American reservations, and other Federal properties. prgtoken Last Congress, and s came together and, as a Nation, tackled the first strain of COVID-19. We came together to address these challenges and to provide urgent support for Impact Aid schools. prgtoken Now, as we confront a new COVID threat, we must provide the support that federally connected children need under the Federal Impact Aid program. By providing the support and flexibility in this legislation, we will help ensure that Impact Aid schools can keep their teachers and staff on the payroll, purchase textbooks and learning supplies, and keep the lights on in their classrooms. And this bill will help ensure that hundreds of thousands of students have access to a quality education. prgtoken Again, from Minnesota (Ms. Smith) and the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Thune), as well as, in the House, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and prgtoken the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson) for sponsoring the legislation; and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens) and the committee ranking member, Ms. Foxx, as well as the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), for their help in advancing this bill. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act, and .
CONGRATULATING KOBE HALL
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Kobe Hall for winning the very first season of the World Wide Dance Challenge. prgtoken The World Wide Dance Challenge is an online dance show competition, and the very first of its kind, that was established amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With a new opportunity to engage with dancers from across the world using his unique, ever-evolving talent, Kobe vied for a winning position in the competition, ultimately to provide sustenance as a father of two in a time when the economic effects precipitated by this global pandemic affected millions of families across the globe. prgtoken After first discovering dance at the age of 10, Kobe joined Guam's Stargazers Dance Troupe in 2013 and continued developing his skills over the next four years. In the past year, and along with it the changing world that has called on us to spend most of our time at home, Kobe embraced a possibility to reignite the love for the art of dance he first encountered as a young boy. Facing off against 1,200 other skilled dancers in front of a live online audience around two o'clock in the morning CHST, he advanced through five rounds of competition to take the title. Prior to this particular show, Kobe was also able to secure four other titles as a virtual dance competition winner proudly representing Guam and our people. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Guam, I would like to extend a proud congratulations to Kobe Hall for his success in the virtually hosted World Wide Dance Challenge. Dancing is an art form that maintains a rich history and presence in cultures worldwide, and I applaud Kobe for staying true to who he is while using his gift to highlight what our small island in the middle of the Pacific has to offer. I would like to further commend him for using his success as a platform for connecting with others, encouraging dancers from our community to explore similar opportunities, and inspiring many to pursue their passions. Kobe's drive, perseverance, character, and talents will surely take him far, and I wish him the best of luck on his journey pursuing a professional dance career.