mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRENGTHENING THE QUAD ACT
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-14

such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 5375, Strengthening the Quad Act, as amended. prgtoken , in talking about the importance of this very bill, just a few minutes ago before coming to the floor, I had a meeting with the Ambassador of Japan, Ambassador Yamada, who talked about the significance and the importance of inter-parliamentary conversation. We talked about how today prgtoken freedom and democracy around the world are under threat. prgtoken According to the organization Freedom House, the world has experienced 17 consecutive years of decline in global freedom as a result of war, coup d'etats, attacks on democratic institutions, and the rise of authoritarianism. prgtoken To stem this illiberal tide, America must lead with our values and harness diplomacy like never before. This is especially important in the Indo-Pacific region where America's presence, engagement, and alliance system have maintained peace and stability for decades. prgtoken In fact, the Ambassador also talked about how much he appreciated America being in the region and staying there and working collectively together. prgtoken Today, China's growing global influence and authoritarian model is serving to undermine freedom in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. prgtoken We need to work with fellow democracies in the region to showcase the heft of open markets and open societies. We need to demonstrate to the region that democracies can deliver real results. prgtoken Consecutive U.S. administrations have utilized the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Japan, Australia, and India to enhance our diplomatic and development efforts in the Indo-Pacific. prgtoken The administration restarted the Quad, and President elevated it to the leaders' level, supercharging Quad diplomacy. prgtoken Today, there is a strong bipartisan consensus--I worked very closely with my colleagues on the other side, especially Chairman McCaul--that the Quad is integral for a free and open Indo-Pacific. prgtoken To ensure the Quad's success and its longevity, we need a clear, long-term plan, as well as political and institutional support in all four capitals. prgtoken This is why H.R. 5375 calls on the State Department to develop a Quad strategy that focuses on building democratic coordination in the region for the long term. prgtoken The strategy and report to Congress will allow successive administrations to chart forward-looking objectives and partner with Congress to best meet them. prgtoken The bill also establishes a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate engagement and cooperation among the legislatures of the four democracies. prgtoken Inter-parliamentary engagement will facilitate legislative input and strengthen oversight to enhance the Quad's effectiveness. It will also help to sustain political support and adequate resources for the Quad in all four countries. prgtoken Plain and simple, : The world h
RECOGNIZING LAWRENCE ALLEN SWOOPE
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-14

today I rise today to recognize Lawrence Allen Swoope II as the Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken Swoope, as he is widely known, is a Christian hip-hop and gospel artist who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and he is a shining example as to why our community is the birthplace of champions. prgtoken Swoope released his first extended play record, or EP, in 2010 called ``Applause Volume 1'' and has since released multiple studio albums that have made an impact on the Christian and gospel music charts, including his 2014 album ``Sinema,'' which peaked at number 1 on the U.S. Gospel Chart and was number 55 on the U.S. Billboard 200. prgtoken Last week, Swoope won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song as a producer on the song ``Your Power.'' prgtoken The son of Lawrence Allen Swoope I and the late Pastor Diana Lynn Swoope of Arlington Church of God in Akron, Swoope has continued the mission of the church and dedicated his life's work to spreading the Lord's message and bringing people together through his music and faith. prgtoken , I congratulate Swoope for this incredible accomplishment. Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proud of him, and we all wish him many more years of success in his endeavors.
CELEBRATING CREDIT UNIONS
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to celebrate America's credit unions during National Credit Union Education Month. prgtoken Credit unions play a crucial role in improving the financial well- being of households and local businesses across America, offering working people affordable financial services for acquiring a home, investing in their child's education, and providing accessible lending options that help build generational wealth. prgtoken Credit unions are legally owned by the people who use their services, meaning that when you deposit money into a credit union, you are not just a customer, you are a part owner. This makes credit unions all the more responsive and accountable to the communities they serve. prgtoken This not-for-profit cooperative structure also ensures that earnings are paid back to members in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan rates, not to private investors. prgtoken Rhode Island boasts 18 credit unions that serve 480,000 Rhode Island residents--nearly half of our State's population. During my time as State treasurer, I worked with our credit unions in our State to help promote financial empowerment and stability for all Rhode Islanders. I look forward to continuing to support this credit union model in Congress.
CONDEMNING RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY HAMAS IN ITS WAR AGAINST ISRAEL
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 966 condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken I was proud to join my dear friend and colleague, Representative Lois Frankel of Florida--one of the strongest champions for the rights of women and girls around the world--in introducing this important, bipartisan resolution. prgtoken I am also grateful to our colleagues, Representatives Mario Diaz- Balart and Jen Kiggans for their leadership and commitment to raising awareness of the sexual and gender-based violence committed against Israeli women. prgtoken , on October 7, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, going house to house, murdering civilians, executing parents in front of their children, and massacring hundreds of young people at a music festival. In addition to the 1,200 people Hamas killed that day, it took an estimated 250 innocent civilians into Gaza, including women and children. prgtoken Since that day, we have only begun to understand the full scale of the horrific sexual violence that Hamas used as a weapon of war against Israeli women in its attack. prgtoken Just this morning, I heard firsthand testimony of witnesses and saw photographs of Israeli women of all ages who were raped, mutilated, brutalized, burned, and killed in horrific and unimaginable ways. Every day, more and more evidence is surfacing of the widespread and deliberate sexual violence that is almost unspeakable in its brutality. prgtoken This weaponized sexual violence should shock the conscience of the entire world. Despite all the evidence, however, some have minimized or outright denied the fact that Hamas used rape as a weapon of war on October 7. prgtoken The collective silence about this heinous sexual violence from groups around the world who purport to stand up for women's rights has been devastating--groups including UN Women, which took months to issue a statement clearly condemning these despicable acts as evil. prgtoken We are here today because we cannot and will not allow these horrific crimes to be denied. We must confront the terrible reality of what Hamas did in these attacks and the trauma inflicted on so many women and men. prgtoken That is why this resolution unequivocally condemns these atrocities, calls on all international bodies to denounce them, and reaffirms that the U.S. House of Representatives stands with these victims just like we stand with all women who are survivors of rape and sexual violence. prgtoken We remain deeply concerned for the women who are still among the hostages being held by Hamas. There is deep concern that these women are continuing to be sexually abused and may be pregnant. This House and this Congress must continue to do everything we can to get every single one of the remaining hostages released and home to their families. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING TIMOTHY ARNADE
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-2-14

today I would like to recognize Timothy Arnade for his distinguished career and significant contributions and accomplishments at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). prgtoken After 41 years of federal service, including 29 years with FHWA, Mr. Arnade retired from FHWA on December 31, 2023. A dedicated public servant, Mr. Arnade began his career serving in the Peace Corps. Throughout his time with FHWA, Mr. Arnade served with distinction and operated at a consistently exceptional level. From July 7, 2008, through his retirement, Mr. Arnade served as Team Leader for Congressional Affairs in FHWA's Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs. prgtoken In this capacity, Mr. Arnade led a team that responded to all Congressional requests that came to FHWA. This included thousands of requests for technical assistance on individual pieces of legislation, spanning numerous committees and both authorization and appropriations law. Mr. Arnade also played a pivotal role in numerous Federal-aid Highway Program reauthorizations, including the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21); the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act); and most recently, the transformational Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). prgtoken Mr. Arnade is a national expert in the areas of transportation safety, infrastructure, innovation, and accountability. All those who interacted with Mr. Arnade--Congressional and Committee staff, state and local governmental officials, FHWA and U.S. Department of Transportation leadership, and his peers in other modal administrations--readily acknowledge his dedication to the safety and improvement of our nation's infrastructure and the American people who use it. He brought a remarkable ability to communicate in a clear, effective, and timely manner with Member offices and Congressional Committees on complex transportation issues. This ability served him particularly well in times of infrastructure emergencies when responsiveness and communication are most critical. prgtoken Providing quality customer service is an inherent part of the responsibilities of any congressional and intergovernmental affairs specialist. Mr. Arnade's superior work ethic and professional drive to deliver high-quality, on-time service to Congress and others was exemplary among his peers. Mr. Arnade is well known among his colleagues for his availability, responsiveness and dedication, routinely working beyond traditional work hours to respond to Congressional inquiries. These efforts contributed to the development of high-quality legislative solutions and reinforced FHWA's reputation for providing exceptional technical assistance to Capitol Hill. prgtoken Mr. Arnade exemplifies the highest standards of public service and embodies FHWA's spirit of professionalism and customer service. Over the years, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7160, SALT MARRIAGE PENALTY ELIMINATION ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 987, DENOUNCING THE HARMFUL, ANTI-AMERICAN ENERGY POLICIES OF THE BIDEN...
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-2-14

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , it is clear that today's legislative calendar highlights the very distinct differences in priorities and values between and s. prgtoken are committed to putting people over politics. We are dedicated to lowering costs for everyday Americans, to raising the middle class, to growing that middle class, and to investing in our communities. prgtoken On the other hand, the s don't have much of an agenda other than chaos and trying to win the next election. prgtoken The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act is a Band-Aid on a wound s inflicted on the American people when they passed the tax cuts. It is not the kind of emergency that should be taking up our time when we don't have a budget, when we can't pay our bills in a couple of weeks, and when we have Putin possibly winning the war in Ukraine. prgtoken Be that as it may, here we are taking that up and taking up a nonbinding resolution about the President's energy policies that ignore how much we have invested in clean energy, how many jobs we have created in the energy sector, and how we are lowering prices. prgtoken That is putting people and our planet first. prgtoken Their nonbinding resolution does nothing. s keep taking up our time doing nothing on this House floor. We should be on the House floor this week talking about funding the government. prgtoken The American people deserve more than the political stunts and the partisan gridlock that comes out of this wonderful, beautiful people's House. It was in this people's House last Congress that we got so much done. prgtoken We invested in our infrastructure, we invested in our communities, and we saved America from the economic catastrophe that we were facing coming out of a pandemic. We did so much then, and we have done so little now. What a contrast. prgtoken Be that as it may, in the face of chaos and dysfunction, I and everybody in my ic Caucus remain steadfast in our commitment to progress and prosperity for all Americans. prgtoken The bills that we will be taking up if this rule passes--if this rule passes, they keep defeating their rules--they won't be doing that. This is a teeny, tiny, little Band-Aid on a big, open wound. This rule is all about politics and not about people. prgtoken Let's reject the rule and put people over politics. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and the rule, and .
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING VICTIMS OF SHOOTING AT TODAY'S SUPER BOWL PARADE
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today to take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak that so many people in the Kansas City metro area, Kansas and Missouri, are feeling right now. prgtoken I am positive that more eloquent words will be spoken in the future, and we will have many conversations about this. However, today, we had a tragedy occur, and I would like for us to take a moment of silence to honor the victims and families of those who are suffering right now. prgtoken , from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver) for a few words.
REAL LEGISLATION IS BEING BLOCKED
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-2-14

we just learned that Congress is being sent home early yet again this week because the doesn't have the votes to pass the bills he scheduled for this week. This keeps happening because Members of House leadership are unwilling to do the hard work of negotiating legislation that is supported by the majority of Congress, much less the majority of the Senate or the American people. prgtoken It is bad enough that they are wasting time and taxpayer dollars to have Congress spinning its wheels with failed bills and stupid stunts, like impeaching Cabinet members for policy disputes, but the is blocking real legislation to solve real problems, like passing the overdue budget or immigration reform or passing commonsense gun safety bills. prgtoken Early yesterday morning, the Senate passed a comprehensive national security package with a vote of 70-29, including strong bipartisan support. prgtoken If Johnson would put that bill on the House floor, it would pass with strong bipartisan support here, too. prgtoken The bill provides urgently needed humanitarian relief, as well as support for Ukraine, our allies, and our national security. prgtoken Instead of taking the day off, the needs to put that bill on the floor.
NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL SUBMARINE INDUSTRIAL BASE AND AUKUS
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-2-14

I rise today in strong support of the bipartisan national security package that passed out of the Senate Tuesday which will deliver critical security assistance to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and provide historic investments in the U.S. submarine industrial base to dramatically increase capacity in support of our own Navy and the historic trilateral AUKUS security agreement with Australia and the U.K. that Congress last December enacted in the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken , an overlooked item in this package is the $3.3 billion for the U.S. submarine industrial base for workforce development, to stabilize the nationwide supply chain, upgrade shipyard infrastructure, and advance mature technology opportunities like additive manufacturing. I would note, as part of AUKUS, Australia has agreed to match that sum and invest $3 billion into our economy and our industrial base for the same objectives. prgtoken Make no mistake, failure to pass this legislation is a vote against AUKUS and limits the outstanding progress that our nations have already made. I implore Johnson to bring the bill to the floor. We know that there are over 300 votes today to get this package through to help our friends who are desperately looking to America for global and national security leadership.
CONDEMNING RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY HAMAS IN ITS WAR AGAINST ISRAEL
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-14

I thank Representative Manning for yielding me time and for her leadership. I thank Representative Frankel for her phenomenal leadership on this issue and so many other issues. prgtoken I rise today to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting a bipartisan resolution which forcefully condemns Hamas' use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war on and since October 7. prgtoken On October 7, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and committed horrific and repulsive acts of violence, murder, and torture, including sexual assault, rape, and genital mutilation on babies, children, women, men, and the elderly, including Americans. prgtoken These deliberate and targeted acts on civilians have been verified through the testimony of first responders, eyewitness accounts, CCTV, pictures, and forensic evidence. If that wasn't enough, Hamas terrorists even recorded their acts using cameras and the phones of their victims, and cheered and celebrated as they did it. Then, these terrorists proceeded to post these videos online and send them to the families of their victims, who they mutilated and murdered. prgtoken These terrorists didn't even try to cover up their heinous acts because they wanted the world to know what they did. They wanted the world to know what they think is an acceptable way to treat Jewish people. Since then, they have promised more waves of violence and second, third, and fourth October 7s. Who would do this? prgtoken As a Member of Congress, the House Intelligence Committee, and someone who has traveled to Israel since October 7, I have seen these gut-wrenching videos and heard the testimony of survivors of the horrific acts of sexual violence and torture. These stories and images will stay with me forever. I will never forget seeing them. prgtoken That is why I continue to wear this dog tag around my neck. It symbolizes the hostages who are still being abused and held by Hamas terrorists, including the Americans still kidnapped and all of those who were victims on October 7 and experienced the most gruesome acts imaginable. prgtoken Sexual violence, assault, and rape have no place in our world, and I am shocked by those who continue to deny that these acts were used by Hamas as weapons of war against innocent civilians on October 7. prgtoken There are those who equivocate about Hamas and the terrors they have committed. There should be no equivocation. Any equivocation is despicable. Hamas is designated by the United States of America as a foreign terrorist organization. They are terrorists, period. There is no argument to be had. prgtoken In the past, the biased United Nations and its affiliated organizations have been quick to condemn acts of brutality, sexual violence, and rape prgtoken around the globe. However, the response from UN Women, whose job is to defend and promote women's rights anywhere and everywhere, was egregiously late. I cannot fathom why an organization
CONDEMNING RAPE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY HAMAS IN ITS WAR AGAINST ISRAEL
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-2-14

I am rising today not only as a Member of this Congress but as a mother and a grandmother. prgtoken , there are some subjects that are so difficult to talk about, but it is our responsibility to do so. prgtoken Today, we shine a light on something very terrible: sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Today, our usually divided House, with the support of our , the ic leaders, and my friends, Kathy Manning, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Jen Kiggans, are presenting with 200-- let me repeat that, 200--cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, from all philosophical bents, a bipartisan resolution condemning sexual violence as a weapon of war and Hamas' despicable acts of rape and sexual violence in its war against Israel. prgtoken I send a special shout-out to my good friend from Florida, Mario Diaz-Balart, for his exceptional leadership for standing up for Israel and for the girls and women of this world. prgtoken , today we mark 131 days since October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, mercilessly killed 1,200 people, tortured and maimed thousands of others, taking 240 hostages. prgtoken War is never nice, but some actions in war are so awful and so devoid of humanity, they are considered crimes. prgtoken Hamas terrorists' actions on October 7 and continuing are almost too difficult to speak about--raping, mutilating, burning, and assaulting victims to inflict physical and psychological pain, unleashing trauma that continues to plague a grieving Israel. prgtoken This is what Raz Cohen, a survivor who witnessed Hamas' brutal rampage remembers. He said that five men came out of a van. They captured a woman, ripping off her clothes as they formed a circle around her. One raped her and killed her with a knife. Then he raped her again. He said that he still remembers her voice, screams without words--while Hamas just laughed. prgtoken Raz' story is just one account of the widespread, unimaginable crimes Hamas committed. prgtoken A well-known Israeli activist and actress, Noa Tishby, put it this way, saying that these rapes were not spontaneous. They were planned. They were calculated. In fact, they were a priority. prgtoken In their interrogations, captured Hamas terrorists calmly shared their orders to soil the women. They gang-raped women to death. They shot them in the head while they were raping them. They stabbed them and shot them while raping them. They raped them next to bodies of those who already had been slaughtered. They sliced off their breasts. First responders found bodies with nails driven inside girls' vaginas. prgtoken , together with colleagues, I recently met with the parents of two young women kidnapped by Hamas. They are 19 and 20 years old. They are both musicians. They, along with 20 other young women, are feared to be held captive underground in Gaza where air and food are scarce and abuse is abundant. prgtoken They have been there 131 days. prgtoken It is excruciating to imagine the horr