mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CBC HONORS AMERICA'S VETERANS
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2023-5-22

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. I also thank Representative Cherfilus-McCormick and Representative Jackson for hosting this Special Order hour. prgtoken , I can tell you that as a member of a family whose relatives and brothers and dad and uncles have served in the service, Memorial Day weekend is very important to me. prgtoken As our Nation prepares to celebrate this Memorial Day, I am so pleased to join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus on the floor to recall the great sacrifice of all that we ask of those who put on the uniform. prgtoken Memorial Day is a stark reminder of the cost of that service and the sacrifice that comes with taking that oath. There are few other callings in life as humble or as selfless as the sacrifice of a member of the military. We owe them so much. prgtoken Because of this sacrifice, this distinguished body is able to gather today, tomorrow, and the next day under the ``E pluribus unum'' in this Chamber. Because of their sacrifices, there are so many more who are inspired to put on the uniform and will do so in the coming days. prgtoken , while Memorial Day reminds us to celebrate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, Memorial Day also urges us to do something active for those veterans that are serving now, that are standing up for our freedoms and liberties. I am so tremendously proud of the work that House have done to continue in this regard-- efforts like the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, the Honoring our PACT Act, that is being aggressively implemented by the administration to ensure it fulfills a promise to provide generations of veterans with the care and benefits that they have earned and deserve. prgtoken This new law creates a strong framework for expanding and extending eligibility for VA healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in uniform. For too long, , veterans have had to fight just to get benefits that they earned for exposure to some dangerous toxins while they were in uniform. prgtoken More than 3.3 million veterans have received the new toxic exposure screening set up by this new law, and I am grateful that while many of them have passed on, those who are alive will get some remuneration for their suffering. prgtoken On this day, I especially want to remember other veterans who did not necessarily die in combat but died even so as a result of their service--someone like my constituent Corey Adams. prgtoken Corey Adams wanted to serve his country and follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, so he joined the Air Force right after high school. This week, I intend to introduce a bill named after him. prgtoken Corey served 4 years on Active Duty, and then he joined the Air Force Reserve. He had overseas deployment, including 6 months in Afghanistan in 2009. prgtoken Sergeant Corey Adams was later diagnosed with post-tra
CBC HONORS AMERICA'S VETERANS
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2023-5-22

I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for her tremendous leadership in serving as co-chair not just for tonight's Special Order hour on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, but every time that Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Representative Jonathan Jackson are able to lead in this time. prgtoken , I rise with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus to thank and recognize our Active-Duty servicemen and servicewomen and to honor Black veterans from around the Nation, those who have returned to civilian life and those who are serving here in Congress. I also thank all of their families who also serve alongside them in the freedoms that we hold dear. I rise today to honor them for their service, their patriotism, their courage, and, of course, their sacrifice in keeping our Nation safe and free. prgtoken Unfortunately, the stories of Black veterans are too often untold. Even now, the very history of their service is under threat of being taken out of our schools. It is important that we never forget the unique history and contribution of our Nation's Black veterans, like the Tuskegee Airmen, and we cannot ignore inequities Black veterans have faced over generations, like being denied benefits in the GI Bill following World War II, something that our assistant ic leader, Mr. Clyburn, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus are working to address. prgtoken Black veterans account for nearly a third of our Nation's unhoused veteran population, and Black veterans are nearly two times as likely to live in poverty. prgtoken As a Congress, we must fulfill our responsibility to repay our veterans for their service, including to the Black servicemen and servicewomen who are still making contributions to our Nation today. prgtoken , there are a few veterans from Nevada's Fourth Congressional District who represent the best that Nevada and our country have to offer whose stories I will share. prgtoken One of those constituents was a servicemember named Kelley. Toward the end of her service in the Air Force, Kelley's health began to deteriorate. After consulting with doctors, she was diagnosed with untreated fibroids, which caused her immense pain and forced her to rely on pain medications. prgtoken In the early years, there were no women's clinics and Kelley had only male doctors attending to her care. However, the VA's renewed focus on addressing the unique needs of women veterans means there is now a safe space where Kelley can feel comfortable alongside fellow women veterans who share similar experiences. prgtoken Christina is another Black woman from my district who was in the Air Force. She served from 2002 until her medical retirement in 2008. Tragically, during her service, she fell victim to sexual assault, which caused her immense trauma and impacted her mental health. prgtoken After leaving the military, she grasped her need for help and turned to the VA, where she engaged
PREVENTING THE FINANCING OF ILLEGAL SYNTHETIC DRUGS ACT
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-5-22

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time, and s on the other side of the aisle for their bipartisan support. prgtoken , I am pleased to rise in support of the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act, H.R. 1076. prgtoken , as the ranking member of the Financial Services Subcommittee of National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, our jurisdiction tends to focus abroad, but make no mistake, the epidemic of synthetic drug overdoses impacts each and every congressional district and every community throughout our country. For example, Ohio ranks third in the overall number of drug overdose deaths, which we are not proud of. prgtoken According to the most recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 107,000 people in the United States have died from drug overdoses or drug poisoning in the past 12 months. prgtoken , 5,000 of those individuals were right there in my district. prgtoken Let me also share, as my colleague and our chair of the committee has stated to us, under the bill, the GAO would examine these illicit financial flows from and to foreign nations, including China, and will review the business of the trafficking of synthetic drugs and related illicit finance, such as participation in transnational criminal organizations and behaviors. prgtoken If we are going to stop the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl and meth and the tragic loss of lives they bring with them, then we need to know more about the who, the where, and the how of the illegal trafficking trade. prgtoken , that is why I am honored to support what I call a commonsense, bipartisan piece of legislation. Again, I thank the chair, our ranking member, the bill's sponsors, and, certainly, our Financial Services Committee, and I urge my colleagues to join in support.
RECOGNIZING JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-22

I rise today to recognize the celebration of Jewish prgtoken American Heritage Month, as well as the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. prgtoken Throughout a multitude of sectors in fields like government and military service, science and innovation, business, medicine, and the arts and humanities, Jewish Americans have made a mark on the course of history and have created a strong foundation for future generations to come. On this occasion, we have the unique opportunity to recognize the impact that Jewish American people, organizations, businesses, and more have made, all while connecting people to their heritage. prgtoken During Jewish American Heritage Month, we are also reminded that the vibrant culture of the Jewish people has not always been embraced, but it has certainly been a part of enriching our communities' history, values, and culture. In a country where diversity should be cherished and protected, Jewish communities continue to endure hostility, hatred, and narrow-mindedness. Anti-Semitism in any form, by anyone, is simply unacceptable, and it is our job to ensure Jewish Americans can proudly and safely express their faith and identity. Despite experiencing discrimination and adversity, this community has undoubtedly played a central role in the growth and prosperity of our country. prgtoken We are proud to celebrate Jewish Americans' legacies and accomplishments during this Jewish American Heritage Month. I look forward to celebrating more notable milestones with Jewish American communities for decades to come.
CBC HONORS AMERICA'S VETERANS
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-22

I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for affording me this time. prgtoken I am very pleased to join with all of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to honor the veterans, African-American, Black veterans, who have served this country so honorably. prgtoken We could talk all night about the contributions that have been made, the sacrifices that have been made, and we take this time to point out not only the contributions but individuals who have played an important role as Blacks in the military. prgtoken First, I would share that, in 1994, I introduced legislation, H.R. 3013, to create the Center for Women's Veterans. That bill became law under Sonny Montgomery, who was the chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs at that time. I think that overall bill was the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act. prgtoken I am very pleased that that center has paid attention to some of the concerns that we have had about the treatment of women, Black women in particular. prgtoken , I rise to recognize someone from my district, an extraordinary woman who happens to be a veteran. prgtoken Patricia Jackson-Kelley is a military veteran of the United States Air Force and United States Army and Navy Reserves, having served our Nation collectively for 26 years, where she rose to the top rank of lieutenant colonel after serving honorably on both Active Duty and in the Reserves. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Jackson-Kelley recently completed a 4-year impressive term as the national president of the National Association of Black Military Women, with chapters across the United States. prgtoken While serving our Nation in the Armed Forces and post-service, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson-Kelley served as the program manager for a 40-bed substance abuse ward and as the women veteran program manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs, West Los Angeles. prgtoken During her term on executive staff, she was instrumental in implementing programs, and she increased funds and resources for women veterans. During her time at the veterans hospital, she also served as one of the initial board members during the inaugural formation of U.S. VETS. prgtoken Patricia Jackson-Kelley is also a commissioner for the County of Los Angeles, Second District, Military and Veteran Affairs, and commander for The American Legion Jackie Robinson 252 Post. prgtoken Most recently, she was appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Task Force Working Group, covering national concerns and issues. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Jackson-Kelley has received awards and commendations from President , the California Governor's Office 2006 to 2009, NAACP, Blacks in Government, and many top community organizations. prgtoken In 2010, she was selected as Southern California Women Veteran of the Year by the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and she was the inaugural recipient of the PFC Gladys
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TRANSPORTATION FUNDING EQUALITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-5-22

I rise to introduce the District of Columbia Transportation Funding Equality Act. The bill would make the District of Columbia eligible for three federal programs that support the development and revitalization of public transportation systems in the same manner that states are currently eligible for these programs. It would also make D.C. eligible for a transportation program that prgtoken would support the replacement and removal of infrastructure that damages the ecosystems of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. D.C. residents pay the same federal taxes as residents of the states. In fact, D.C. pays more federal taxes per capita than any state. D.C. should be treated as a state in federal programs. prgtoken First, the bill would treat D.C. as a state in the High-Density States Formula for certain grants from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund. Currently, only states are eligible for these grants. Second, the bill would treat D.C. as a state under the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Under this program, each state is authorized to receive a minimum amount of $4 million per year, while D.C. is authorized to receive a minimum of only $1 million. Third, the bill would treat D.C. as a state under the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program. Currently, only states and units of local government are eligible for these competitive grants, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has held that D.C. does not qualify, even though it operates as the functional equivalent of a joint city, county and state. Fourth, the bill would treat D.C. as a state for the purposes of the Safe Streets for All Program. Cities, counties and political subdivisions of a state are eligible for these grants, but DOT has held that D.C. is ineligible. prgtoken The programs in the bill fund the modernization of bus and rail fleets, the purchase of zero-emission transit vehicles, the improvement of station accessibility for all users, the extension of transit service to new communities, the replacement and repair of culverts, and the implementation of roadway safety improvements for all road users. They especially benefit communities of color, since these households are twice as likely to use public transportation. prgtoken Last Congress, the House's surface transportation reauthorization act, the INVEST in America Act, would have made D.C. eligible for these four programs in the same manner as states. Unfortunately, the enacted surface transportation reauthorization act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the Senate wrote, did not. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
RECOGNIZING HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF FRANK SCHILLARI
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-5-22

I rise today to recognize a great public servant, a law enforcement professional, a veteran of the United States Navy, and a dear friend, Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari. prgtoken Sheriff Schillari will be honored tomorrow in New Jersey for his over 25 years of service, 13 of which he has served as our county's highest ranking law enforcement professional. prgtoken Throughout that time, Sheriff Schillari has garnered respect from all corners for his devotion to protecting the residents of Hudson County and for ensuring our county roads, parks, and government facilities are safe for all to use. prgtoken His accomplishments have included improved community policing, the modernization of the sheriff's office, increased patrols of our county parks and roads, and building up the county's crash investigation unit. prgtoken In the last 25 years, Sheriff Schillari has embodied the best of law enforcement: fairness, respect, and devotion to his county, State, and country. prgtoken All the while, he has been a caring father to his children and a husband to his wonderful wife of 50 years, Mrs. Schillari, an incredible individual in her own right. prgtoken Today, on behalf of our county, I thank him and congratulate him on being honored by those who he has so selflessly served.
POLYCRISIS HURTS SENIORS
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-5-22

I rise today to address the Chamber for 5 minutes and to talk about what political scientists are calling a polycrisis. prgtoken A polycrisis is multiple events that have happened globally that have an enormous impact not only on the world but here. I am going to focus on just three of them right now: the pandemic that we are currently going through, , which has been extraordinary, as well as the supply chain issues that have happened; a global pandemic creating global supply chain issues, which led to ensuing global inflation; and in the midst of that, the Ukraine war, which has become a global war, again, impacting supply chain and other issues. prgtoken Who in the United States of America has this impacted the most? In our country, this pandemic has impacted the elderly. Of the 1.2 million people who have passed away, over 850,000 were over the age of 65. With regard to inflation, the group that is hurt most by inflation are people on fixed incomes, and that would be close to 70 million Social Security recipients here in this Nation. prgtoken We have a crisis in this country: a pension crisis and a crisis that Congress has neglected for more than 52 years. prgtoken 1971 was the last time that Congress did anything to enhance Social Security benefits. A gallon of milk was 72 cents at that time. A lot has changed since 1971, but what hasn't changed is Congress' recalcitrance to address the needs of our seniors. prgtoken Social Security is the number one antipoverty program for seniors and the number one antipoverty program for children, yet there are 5 million Americans currently who get below-poverty-level checks from the Federal Government after having paid all of their lives into the system. prgtoken The only reason that is so is because Congress hasn't acted. It is long overdue for Congress to act. We have legislation that we will be introducing in the Ways and Means Committee that will enhance Social Security with across-the-board increases for everyone to lift people out of poverty and provide every single district with economic recovery. prgtoken Why? It is because, on average, there are 145,000 people per congressional district who are on Social Security, and that money is spent right back in that congressional district. People are not buying back stock options with their Social Security checks. They are spending it at the grocery store. They are spending it on rent. They are spending it on prescription drugs. That is what is needed. prgtoken It is long overdue for Congress to act. It is not simply a question of protecting or saving Social Security. It is doing something to end this crisis in the midst of the worst pandemic, in the midst of inflation, and in the midst of a supply chain issue to make sure that our elderly and our people are being protected.
CBC HONORS AMERICA'S VETERANS
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-22

I thank my distinguished colleagues, the Honorable Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and the Honorable Gwen Moore for their comments. prgtoken , I rise today to give special consideration to the contributions and bravery of Black soldiers and veterans. prgtoken Veterans in this country deserve far more than we have thus far been willing to give them and, certainly, Black veterans are more than eligible for the kind of dignity and respect too long denied to them, both in and out of the armed services. prgtoken Let us never forget that, in several instances, the enemies of America were treated better than Black soldiers fighting for America. I remember my grandfather today, Charles Henry Jackson, who was working three jobs for a man in South Carolina who, after having been disrespected, told the man he could keep his jobs; although our family needed the money, needed the work so that we could feed the family. prgtoken The young man then went on to turn my grandfather into the Army recruiting office and had him enlisted, drafted into World War II. prgtoken Having fought in World War II and being honorably discharged he recounted the story for me when he came back from New York City, down on the train in first class, down to Union Station, not far from here. By the time they were heading down south to the Jim Crow era of the south, he had to go to the second class coach cars in the back of the train so that Nazi POW prisoners could sit in first class, right here in Washington, D.C right here in America. prgtoken Let us never forget the kind of bigotry and hatred the Black soldiers had to endure simply because of the color of their skin. prgtoken It would be a tragedy of the worst kind for us to no longer remember the intrinsic, systemic evils that prevented African Americans from receiving equity in healthcare and the distribution of benefits, once again, simply because of the color of their skin. prgtoken There have always been gross inequities in how Black veterans have been treated and, regrettably, this has always been the case. prgtoken A recent internal document from the Department of Veterans Affairs obtained by NPR revealed that Black veterans are less likely to get approved for benefits associated with conditions like PTSD. prgtoken According to NPR, an internal report developed by the Veterans Administration found that Black veterans who filed claims for PTSD were rejected, on average, 12 percent more often than their White counterparts. Thankfully, the VA's equity task force has been alerted to this problem and is dedicated to making improvements. prgtoken This is not the first time Black veterans have been treated with indifference and disrespect. Black soldiers were never allowed to have full and unfettered access to the benefits enshrined to them in the GI bill. prgtoken In some cases, Black veterans could not take advantage of the GI bill simply because they were not granted an honorable discharge. In other c
RED FLAG LAWS
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-22

I rise because earlier today in Royal Oak, Michigan, our Governor, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside our Attorney General, Dana Nessel, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, our State house judiciary chair Kelly Breen, and a former Member of Congress, Gabby Giffords, stood today as the Governor signed into law a suite of bills that would allow families, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to petition courts to remove guns from those judged to be an imminent threat to themselves or others. prgtoken Michigan now joins more than a dozen other States to implement red flag laws, sometimes known as extreme risk protection orders. prgtoken Our State has been rocked by each gun death earlier this year: a mass shooting at Michigan State, as well as at the end of 2021, a mass shooting at Oxford High School. prgtoken Moms Demand Action, and so many others in our community, for gun safety, the number one killer of children in the United States of America. I am so pleased to see Michigan take this step.