mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record the following: first, a letter from the National Child Abuse Coalition supporting H.R. 2480, which praises the legislation's improvements to interstate data sharing and increases to authorization levels; second, a letter from the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsing H.R. 2480, which praises the legislation's public health focus; and third, a letter from the American Psychological Association supporting H.R. 2480, which praises this legislation's improvement to research on helping families experiencing substance use disorders. National Child Abuse Coalition, May 7, 2019. Chairman Bobby Scott, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC. Representative Kim Schrier, Washington, DC. Ranking Member Virginia Foxx, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC. Representative James Comer, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Foxx, Representative Schrier, and Representative Comer: On behalf of the National Child Abuse Coalition, thank you for your outstanding leadership on the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The reforms and funding levels you have proposed in this legislation are extremely important, and we strongly encourage all members of the House Committee on Education and Labor to support its passage. If appropriately funded, this legislation will reduce child abuse and neglect, strengthen families through community-driven solutions, improve local responses to child trauma, increase states' child safety tools, and bring much improved data and transparency around abuse and neglect fatalities so that states can make tailored reforms to prevent future fatalities. Though some changes to the bill are still needed, we look forward to continuing to work with you as the legislation moves forward. In particular, we strongly support the following elements of the proposal: Authorization levels. Meaningful increases to CAPTA funding are essential to ensure this bill's important reforms will make children safer and families stronger. For too long, Congress has sought key improvements to this law but has failed to appropriate the funds that would allow states to successfully implement them. The Coalition believes at least $500 million for each title is critical, but we recognize the authorization levels in this legislation reflect your strong commitment to keeping children from being harmed. We were very disappointed to learn that the House Labor-H bill released today does not reflect the important investments you have included in the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the United States works to prevent and stop violence when we help to build stronger, more secure communities around the world; when we try to make the most vulnerable regions more stable and prosperous, we are improving the lives of large numbers of people. We are also advancing our own interests by eliminating the root causes that allow extremism to fester and drive threats to our own security. prgtoken That is the aim of my bill. That is the aim of this bill we are considering today. It is a smart approach to a serious foreign policy challenge. prgtoken The House passed it in the last Congress. I hope the other body will take it up soon so we can get it to the President's desk. prgtoken Madam , I again thank the ranking member, Mr. McCaul. prgtoken Policies like this should always be bipartisan. As I always stress, as does Mr. McCaul, we try to work in a bipartisan way on the House Foreign Affairs Committee because, after all, the work we are doing is work for all Americans. It helps all Americans. It helps our great Nation. prgtoken So I again want to thank the ranking member, Mr. McCaul. I ask all Members to support this effort, and .
IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORARY CONSULATE OF LATVIA IN MASSACHUSETTS
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the official opening of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Norwell, Massachusetts. prgtoken The United States and the Republic of Latvia share an important bilateral relationship that has only grown stronger with time. The ties that our two nations have fostered over the years remain meaningful, whether it be through security assistance and cooperation, trade agreements, or our shared membership in critical international organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, United Nations, and World Trade Organization. prgtoken In today's ever-changing international climate, it is crucial to applaud and encourage new opportunities for cooperation, dialogue, and friendship with treasured allies. The opening of this new Honorary Consulate is such an opportunity, and I am thrilled that my district can have a place in this progress. I would like to extend particular commendation to Uldis K. Sipols, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Massachusetts. As a longtime resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a seasoned professional in the business world, I know that he will bring much needed enthusiasm and experience to his new diplomatic role, and I wish him the best. prgtoken Madam , it brings me great pleasure to recognize the opening of this important consular office and to call attention yet again to the invaluable relationship between the United States and the Republic of Latvia.
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to show my support for a Stronger CAPTA. prgtoken The opioid crisis is devastating communities across the country, and we are seeing rising rates of child abuse and neglect as a result of this crisis. In order to reverse these trends, we must invest in smart primary prevention efforts like those included in this bill. prgtoken Passing Stronger CAPTA will mean stronger networks of prevention services that will benefit children and communities for decades to come. prgtoken It will also mean a stronger child welfare workforce. Some States see a 40 percent annual turnover rate among the child welfare workforce. We must do more to equip our workers to better serve our most vulnerable children and families. prgtoken That is why I am pleased this bill includes a provision I authored with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Wright), my colleague, that will help develop and retain a high-quality workforce in the child welfare system. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote from my colleagues on this commonsense bill.
Tribute to Sister Jane Gerety (Executive Calendar)
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-5-20

I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Whitehouse in celebrating the tenure of Sister Jane Gerety as president of Salve Regina University. Sister Jane has served the Salve Regina University community since 1995. First, she was a member of the board of trustees, and, starting in 2009, she became its seventh president. She has been an extraordinary leader, educator, and friend. We will miss her dearly in Rhode Island as she retires and embarks upon her next venture. prgtoken Salve Regina University is a special institution. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, its original charter authorized establishing a college to ``promote virtue, and piety and learning.'' In 1947, after the acquisition of Ochre Hall, Salve Regina College enrolled its first class of 58 students. In doing so, it opened the gates of some of the mansions of America's gilded age to serve a new and better purpose of expanding educational opportunities in the pursuit of wisdom and universal justice. prgtoken It comes as no surprise that Senator Pell made Salve Regina University his home away from home upon his retirement from the Senate. Senator Pell was committed to a just and harmonious world. He was a man, born of privilege, who dedicated his career in public service to expanding educational and cultural opportunities that had previously been reserved for the elite to all Americans. prgtoken Senator Whitehouse and I share a keen sense of responsibility to protect and build on Senator Pell's legacy. In Sister Jane, we had a true partner in that effort, and we are grateful for her service. prgtoken Sister Jane embodies the founding principles of Salve Regina College, now Salve Regina University. On campus, she is known as the students' president, perhaps the highest praise for a university leader. prgtoken She has been a real presence in student life on campus. From the athletic fields to the dining halls to her office, where the doors were always open, students knew that she had their back. She was their president. prgtoken It was only fitting that the university has dedicated Wakehurst Hall, the hub of student activities and home to the office of community service, the student government association, and the campus activities board, in her honor. It is now called Gerety Hall, a name that in Sister Jane's reflection on her family speaks to love, fidelity, and perseverance. prgtoken Under Sister Jane's presidency, Salve Regina University has grown, thrived, and helped address vital needs in the community. Sister Jane oversaw the expansion of academic programs, including a new doctorate program in nursing, a master of fine arts degree program in creative writing, additional experiential learning opportunities in business, ground-breaking research programs in the sciences, and a new campus in Warwick, Rhode Island to serve the academic needs of working adults in graduate and continuing education programs. prgtoken She improved the cam
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS: HONORING JUDGE DAMON J. KEITH, DISCUSSING ROLLBACK OF SAFETY NET PROGRAMS
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-5-20

. There was a recent article that showed many of the workers of large employers who don't pay a livable wage are on SNAP benefits. These are people who are working, but because they are not being paid an adequate wage, they are eligible for SNAP benefits. prgtoken On top of that, based on the rule change and the discussion the gentlewoman just outlined, 11 million could lose their benefits. These are people, some of whom are working but because employers aren't willing to pay them a living wage, they are on benefits, Federal benefits, being subsidized by the Federal Government. prgtoken Either we need these employers to step up and give America a raise so they don't have to be on SNAP benefits or we need this administration to understand that balancing the budget on the working poor isn't the solution.
REAFFIRMING AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF INTERIOR TO TAKE LAND INTO TRUST FOR INDIAN TRIBES
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2019-5-20

I include in the Record the following article from The Washington Examiner regarding consideration of H.R. 375. [From The Washington Examiner, May 13, 2019] prgtoken House rescheudle votes on tribal bills pulled after tweet (by Naomi Lim) House have rescheduled votes on two Native American tribal bills this week after they were yanked from the floor at the last minute following pressure from President . ic leadership has set a vote for Wednesday on H.R. 312, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. William Keating, D- Mass maintaining the status of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation in the Bay State. A second proposal, H.R. 375, introduced by Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla would reaffirm Interior Secretary David Bernhardt's authority to take land into trust on behalf of Indian tribes. That measure is also due to be considered Wednesday, but under a streamlined process requiring two-thirds support in the House. As such, it needs the backing of House s. ``Both of the bills pulled from the floor of the House, H.R. 375 and H.R. 312, are important to Indian Country,'' Cole told the Washington Examiner in a statement on Monday. ``I support both of the bills and look forward to working with my and ic colleagues to pass them on the floor. I believe we will be successful in doing so.'' But GOP lawmakers like Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar, R-Ariz have said they will not help the legislation pass the chamber. A spokeswoman for Gosar told the Washington Examiner on Monday her boss, who sits on the House Natural Resources Committee with Cole, was ``strongly opposed'' to the proposals and would vote against them ``in their current form.'' ``Gosar has been leading the charge against these bills since they were first brought up in Natural Resources Committee. He offered two amendments to both bills in committee--both failed,'' the spokeswoman said. H.R. 312 and H.R. 375 were originally scheduled for votes on May 8, but were yanked after tweeted that they would be ``unfair'' to Native Americans. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe wants to build a $1 billion casino on its land, but the deal has been delayed by the Interior Department and Rhode Island lawmakers worried the development will undercut profits generated by its own casino industry. The opposition has resulted in the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including ic 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, to push for the measure so the tribe can have full control of the reservation. Matt Schlapp, American Conservative Union chairman and husband of Whi
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 2480, the bipartisan Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. prgtoken Child maltreatment is a public health crisis and a threat to our country. Although we have made progress toward reducing cases of child maltreatment since passage of the original CAPTA, in recent years, the rates at which children are abused and neglected have steadily increased. Evidence suggests that the opioid crisis is responsible for new challenges in protecting vulnerable children. prgtoken Stronger CAPTA is an important step toward making sure that all children grow up in safe and healthy environments that allow them to reach their full potential. prgtoken The bill will strengthen Federal investments in community-based prevention services so families across the country can receive help before children suffer. prgtoken It will build networks of wraparound services that lower the risk of child maltreatment by helping families navigate complex health, education, and financial hardships. prgtoken It will seek to reduce rates of child maltreatment exacerbated by the opioid crisis by supporting the development of best practices and strategies. prgtoken Importantly, the bill will streamline communication between and among States so child protection agencies across the country can work together and prevent cases of maltreatment from slipping through the cracks, no matter where they occur.
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , I rise in strong support of my colleague Representative Schrier's Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which increases funding for under-resourced child protection agencies. prgtoken I am particularly proud that we could reach bipartisan agreement on a top priority of mine in this bill, which is ensuring that State plans of safe care for infants exposed to substances in utero do not unfairly target pregnant women who need to remain on medication in order to stay healthy. prgtoken Prior to 2016, States only developed plans of safe care for infants exposed to illegal substances in utero. It became clear during the opioid crisis that we needed to look at the abuse of legal drugs during pregnancy. prgtoken In 2016, Congress updated the law to ensure that all infants and families impacted by substance abuse could get the care they need. Unfortunately, as an unintended consequence, some States are now referring all infants exposed to substances in utero to child protective services and opening CPS investigations even if the mom was using the substance in a treatment plan that was prescribed by a doctor. prgtoken In some States, new mothers using antidepressants during pregnancy are being referred automatically to CPS for investigation. This is not only unjust but also a waste of limited resources. prgtoken Untreated depression during pregnancy is linked to premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems, not to mention increased risk of postpartum depression and poor health for pregnant mothers. prgtoken There is already incredible stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment for mental illness, with communities of color facing greater barriers to that treatment. prgtoken What is more, mothers who made a safe choice to transition to medication-assisted treatment for opioid withdrawal shouldn't automatically be investigated by CPS. prgtoken I am so grateful to Representative Guthrie on the other side of the aisle, the chair and ranking member, and experts in pediatric medicine for finding a solution. This bill clarifies that CPS will only undertake an investigation when the findings of a family assessment warrant it, not when moms are simply following their doctors' advice to stay healthy. prgtoken Stronger CAPTA will prevent unnecessary trauma to families.
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-5-20

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of Stronger CAPTA, which includes provisions from the Safe Home Act, which is bipartisan legislation I introduced with Representative Don Bacon. prgtoken These provisions address unregulated custody transfers. This is the frightening practice of transferring a child, usually an adopted child, to a stranger outside the safeguards of the child welfare system. prgtoken Known as rehoming, this phenomenon occurs when parents lack the supports to meet their children's needs and, instead, place them with individuals who haven't undergone background checks, home studies or supervision, where they are at risk of further abuse. prgtoken Unregulated custody transfers are a form of child abuse and neglect, and Stronger CAPTA removes any ambiguity that might prevent child welfare agencies from being able to investigate these cases. So it will give States the tools to prevent, identify, and respond to such dangers so that they can safeguard our most vulnerable youth. prgtoken Madam , I thank Congresswoman Schrier for her leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support Stronger CAPTA.
Abortion (Executive Session)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-5-21

I come to the floor to join my colleagues who have been speaking this morning about the access to healthcare for women in America. Today, as women take action across the Nation to bring focus to this issue, I would like to join my colleagues, particularly the senior Senator from Washington, and I thank her for her leadership on this important issue. She knows better than most how many times the Senate and the Congress in the last decade have fought over access to healthcare for women. It seems like every budget debate, every fiscal cliff, every budget negotiation, and every issue had to have a debate about whether we were going to defund Planned Parenthood. So it is not a surprise that we are out here today as States across the Nation try to roll back access to healthcare. I guarantee you, I believe and my State believes that access to healthcare should be and is protected under the Constitution as a right to privacy. We believe that and codified Roe v. Wade into statute by a vote of the people in the 1990s. So any time anybody is going to take on access to healthcare for women and erode what is a basic right in our State and, I believe, a basic right protected in our Constitution, we are going to raise our voices. You are going to hear from us. So it is amazing to me that every budget battle and every debate here in the Senate comes down to rolling back access to women's healthcare. prgtoken Now we see Supreme Court Justices who may or may not uphold those basic rights as were established in Connecticut v. Griswold, as did a Supreme Court Justice, who just happened to hail from the State of Washington, who understood that the privacy rights protected in the Constitution are in the penumbra of rights. So, yes, I believe that our Supreme Court Justices should also continue that well-established practice of observing those privacy rights. So it is hard to say what all of these State actions will lead to, whether they will make it to the Supreme Court and what this Supreme Court will have to say about it. But I can tell you that we here in the Senate--women who understand the access to healthcare--are so emphatic that we not erode these rights. prgtoken I had the very unfortunate situation of having to speak at a funeral this weekend for a 28-year-old former staff member who died of cancer. I know how much fight she had in her, but it was afterward where one of her relatives said to me: Senator, you cannot leave this unaddressed. prgtoken Young women at college campuses are not getting the breast exams to do early detection that they should. They should be out there. We should do more to evangelize that young women need to pay attention to their healthcare. Yet we are here across the Nation having this debate, and I guarantee you that the access to healthcare to do those early detections in a lot of communities comes with the access that organizations like Planned Parenthood and others deliver
MARKING THE CENTENNIAL OF PASSAGE OF 19TH AMENDMENT IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-21

. Madam , I rise today to mark the 100th anniversary of this Chamber's passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. prgtoken The battle for the 19th Amendment was long and hard-fought. It was 72 years from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to the affirmation in our Constitution that women were owed the right to vote. prgtoken But the ultimate goal was not just the vote. It was what the vote means: that American women, all women, could enjoy the same rights and freedoms as American men. prgtoken In the last 100 years, we remain well short of that goal. In fact, this past week's latest assault on women's bodily autonomy is proof of that. The fact that women make 80 cents on the dollar compared to men, and much less for women of color, shows that we have a long way to go. prgtoken When there is so much work left to do to realize full equality for all American citizens, we cannot afford to move backward. prgtoken It is clear we need women's voices now more than ever. I am very proud of the fact that 40 percent of the in Congress are women, but we need more. prgtoken I am proud to serve with the largest group of women in Congress in U.S. history and to call these incredible Congresswomen my friends, colleagues, and of the House. I look forward to working with them toward full gender equality. prgtoken We will not wait another 100 years.