mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING LGBTQI+ AMERICANS ON VALENTINES DAY
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , Valentine's Day is a time for us to cherish the loved ones in our lives. I rise to celebrate love in all its forms and to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ communities in California and across the Nation. prgtoken While we have made progress to protect the rights and safety of queer Americans, there is still more to be done. prgtoken Last year, a record number of bills restricting LGBTQI+ rights were introduced in legislatures across the country, an extremist Supreme Court effectively legalized discrimination against the queer community, and House s targeted LGBTQI+ in dozens of hearings. prgtoken These attacks are unacceptable. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I will always seek to champion and protect LGBTQI+ Californians. prgtoken May this week serve as a reminder to my colleagues that we must relentlessly celebrate and defend love. Commending United to End Homelessness Milestone
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today in honor of National Entrepreneurship Week. During Black History Month, I am proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black small business owners and champion solutions that will build on the progress that has been made. prgtoken Thanks to historic federal investments through the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, Black business ownership is growing at its fastest pace in 30 years and Black wealth is up 60% from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we celebrate these historic gains, it is important to recognize the challenges that Black small business owners still face when seeking access to credit. According to the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, Black-owned businesses are three times more likely to be labeled a higher credit risk than non-Black counterparts, and 72 percent of businesses use personal savings to overcome difficulties accessing credit from other sources. prgtoken Business owners in my district have experienced these barriers. Che Houston, the ``Macaron Maven of Atlanta'' and owner of Che Rene Macarons & More, has herself experienced difficulty securing financing for her growing business. Despite these challenges, Che's business has continued to grow at a rapid pace. Last year, she earned recognition as OUT Georgia Business Alliance's New Business of the Year, and she continues to serve as an Ambassador for OUT Georgia Business Alliance where she assists new members in Food and Beverage startups. She is also a stakeholder with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. prgtoken Here in Congress, I am fighting for solutions that will eliminate barriers that business owners like Che face when developing and growing their small businesses. And back home, I am committed to sharing federal resources that have been made possible through the historic investments from the - Administration. I urge my colleagues to consider additional solutions to help our entrepreneurs thrive. Together, we can champion solutions that invigorate our communities and strengthen our economy.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF CHAPLAIN CHARLIE GRANT
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to recognize the dedicated public service of Chaplain Charlie Grant of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. prgtoken Before his passing on December 6th of last year, Chaplain Grant was one of the leading members of our community who was known for his dedication to others, integrity, and passion for helping those in need. prgtoken Throughout his life Chaplain Grant worked tirelessly in his service to others. He filled his time working to help those in need and to make his community a better place. This is seen in the countless hours he spent serving the members of his community although he did more than just serve. Rather, chaplain Grant established many of the systems and programs still used to help people in our community to this day. prgtoken Chaplain Grant was instrumental in creating multiple institutions in our community such as the LINK Against Hunger and the Good Shepherd Alliance which provides housing services for those in need. Further, it's this desire for service and compassion for his community which led him to establish the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Chaplain's Program, the program for which he is perhaps most well-known, in which he was instrumental in providing support and services for the brave men and women of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. prgtoken This legacy of service will be fondly remembered in the community as Chaplain Grant exemplified the ideals of service, dedication, and compassion. The services and programs he established are being carried on by his successors. Even after his passing, Chaplain Grant is still watching over his community. prgtoken I want to formally recognize the service of Chaplain Grant to our community and the Nation. He exemplified the ideals of service, charity, and compassion and has irrefutably benefited the lives of countless people of the 10th District of Virginia and our Nation.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to express my frustration with the obsession with LNG and fossil fuels. I commend the administration on this decisive and very important step to fighting the climate crisis. prgtoken s have been making the same argument since the nineties even as the realities of the argument have been changing. Green energies like wind, solar, and hydro are no longer the future. They are the present, and they are now cost competitive with fossil fuels and continue to become even cheaper, not to mention that they don't leave lasting damage and impact to our planet that we will have to clean up later. prgtoken LNG is dangerous, it is dirty, and it leaves lasting environmental and health damage to the community where it is produced. prgtoken I want to be even clearer. According to the Department of Energy, the more LNG that we export, the more expensive prices will be for gas at the pump, and our electricity bills will be even higher. prgtoken Additionally, LNG, which is 90 percent methane, heats the atmosphere at 80 times the rate of carbon dioxide, and for my fellow Floridians, we are having hotter and hotter summers and record heat. This means even hotter summers, even deadlier summers and faster sea levels rising. prgtoken LNG is a loser for our pockets. It is a loser for humanity. It is a loser for our communities, and it is killing us. prgtoken To hear my colleagues say that: Oh, the President is pandering to the climate movement. Two things: Number one, I can only hope, pray, and fight to make sure that we build off of this victory to get to a green, clean future. Number two, the climate activists, advocates, and organizers are heroes for fighting to protect all of us, even your constituents. prgtoken So s have been fighting on behalf of their friends in Big Oil for longer than I have been alive, and I am asking for the sake of humanity, for God's sake, please find better friends.
HONORING MRS. ZETELDA WYNTER ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to honor Mrs. Zetelda Wynter of Lithonia, Georgia, in celebration of her 100th birthday. prgtoken Mrs. Wynter was born in the Parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, on February 20, 1924. After attending Carron Hall School and dressmaking school, she became a professional seamstress and opened her own clothing store. prgtoken After some time, she and her family set their sights on a new beginning in the United States. In 1968, she settled in Virginia and later the greater DMV area with her family. She also had a notable career in various aspects of the hospitality industry. She became a naturalized citizen in 1986 and staunchly advocated for her children to follow in her footsteps. prgtoken Mrs. Wynter's life has been about resilience, service, and determination. In the face of unspeakable tragedy when she lost her youngest son at the hands of a drunk driver, she joined the Washington, D.C. chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) where she turned her pain into purpose by working to save lives and prevent families from experiencing the same grief she had. prgtoken Seeking a warmer climate and a new chapter in their lives, Mrs. Wynter and her husband, Egbert, moved to Lithonia, Georgia, in 1997. A devout Christian, she was very active in her local church and continued serving her community by visiting nursing homes. She is an inspiration to all who meet her, including the many generations of her large and loving family. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Zetelda Wynter a very happy and blessed 100th birthday.
KANSAS CITY SHOOTING
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-2-15

St. Louis and I rise to send our love and condolences to Kansas City, Missouri, in the wake of yesterday's mass shooting. prgtoken This preventable and despicable epidemic of gun violence affects us all. It prgtoken impacts my district in St. Louis. It impacts your districts. It impacts our entire country, and it does not need to be this way. prgtoken Missouri has some of the weakest gun laws in the country. Instead of addressing this epidemic, Missouri s continue to eviscerate and obstruct gun safety laws. prgtoken Therefore, to the Missouri s who are pointing their finger at the people of Kansas City, Missouri, and calling them thugs-- Missouri s need to get a better vocabulary--this blood is on your hands. prgtoken My colleagues don't get to scapegoat the victims of this shooting when they are actively blocking gun violence prevention legislation. Their allegiance to the NRA over the needs of the people of our communities is absolutely shameful. prgtoken Missouri needs action. Join in passing meaningful, commonsense gun safety legislation so that we can put an end to this crisis and save lives.
HONORING THE IMPRESSIVE SERVICE OF ANDREW O'GRADY
Patrick Ryan (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise to honor Andrew O'Grady, CEO of Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County, for his extraordinary 30 years of service to those affected by mental illness and addiction in the Hudson Valley. prgtoken Andrew has been with MHA of Dutchess County for 23 years and managed the transition of Case Management Services and Mental Health Clinics, from Dutchess County government to MHA and local hospitals. Through his embrace of change and leadership in development, design, and staffing, New York State has had successful major transitions in the human services sector. prgtoken Andrew has appeared on both radio and television speaking about mental health in an effort to eradicate stigma associated with getting care. prgtoken He has been a leading voice in discussing mental health and addiction in his community and has been recognized locally and statewide for his leadership and commitment. prgtoken As President of the NYS Care Management Coalition, Andrew helped grow the annual conference and the Coalition added a new website. Andrew also lobbied for the continuation and modification of the Health Home Care Management system in New York State. He is also a senior adviser to a new whole health support app-based business called PACiFYr. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Andrew O'Grady for his service in fighting for mental health awareness.
RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF BOB MOOORE
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise to celebrate the amazing life of my friend, Bob Moore. He was an icon in so many ways. prgtoken It was such a delight to visit him in his company headquarters. The connection he had with all his employees was astounding. He was an evangelist for healthy foods, understanding nutrition, and giving quality products to the public. He built a thriving business, and then turned it over to his employees to continue his amazing tradition of quality, innovation, and service. prgtoken I learned a great deal from Bob about healthy food and of course caring for the public. We are all richer for his legacy. Evidenced each time young people go overseas with packages of his food to help sustain them. prgtoken I thank Bob for enriching our lives with a model that everyone should embrace.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 7176. This bill is nothing more than a handout to Big Oil and Gas that will enrich our adversaries, including China, and force American families to pay the price with higher energy bills. prgtoken It removes a requirement that the Department of Energy first determine liquefied natural gas exports should be in the public interest before approving export applications. prgtoken This defies logic. The bill assumes that all LNG exports are automatically in the public interest. This is utterly absurd considering there is widespread consensus among researchers and economists that increasing LNG exports directly leads to higher natural gas prices here at home. prgtoken Americans know this reality all too well because they have felt it firsthand. Our LNG exports quadrupled over the last 5 years. During that same time, in 2022, natural gas prices more than tripled. prgtoken Make no mistake: If this bill ever becomes law, Americans will pay more for the gas that heats their homes and keeps their lights on. prgtoken It is an affront to middle-class families who can't afford to deal with more fossil fuel price volatility. They are tired of our energy prices being manipulated by our adversaries simply because s are in a mad rush to send it all abroad. prgtoken Now s also claim to be tough on China. I hear this every day in the Energy and Commerce Committee. We have to be tough on China. prgtoken This bill is a gift to China. In 2021, China was the second-largest recipient of American LNG, and Chinese LNG purchasers have continued to snap up any long-term deal they can from American exporters. prgtoken By removing the requirement that our exports be in America's best interests, this bill would allow China and other adversaries to purchase even more of our energy to use against us. prgtoken Thankfully, the administration is taking a different approach, one that prioritizes the needs of the American people rather than Big Oil and Gas. prgtoken Last month, the administration announced a temporary pause on new LNG export authorizations while the Department of Energy confirms that they are in Americans' interests. prgtoken This is just common sense. Before we send our energy resources abroad, it is only right that we first confirm that doing so will benefit Americans. prgtoken Anyone who says this pause is a ban on LNG exports is also peddling in blatant disinformation. The temporary pause does not affect current exports and does not affect exports from facilities that are under construction. It doesn't even affect exports from facilities that haven't begun construction but are fully permitted. prgtoken If the Department of Energy never approved another permit, our LNG exports are still on track to triple from now until the end of the decade, more than enough to ensure Europe gets all the gas that it needs. prgtoken
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-2-15

I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding me time. prgtoken I rise today to oppose the GOP's latest love letter to Big Oil and Gas here the day after Valentine's Day. prgtoken This bill is a giant handout to Big Oil and Gas that will enrich our adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, and force middle-class families to pay more on their home electric bills. prgtoken Gas companies and CEOs want the unfettered ability to send American gas to China and other countries, so I thank the administration for stepping in to analyze the cost to American consumers of doing so. prgtoken Folks back home in Florida are paying exorbitant electric bills because we are tied to gas. prgtoken The administration is right to study how unfettered gas and methane pollution costs my neighbors more. They are right to understand how that threatens our way of life as the atmosphere is overheating and is causing extreme heat waves, droughts, drying up our lakes and rivers and water supply, wildfires, and deadly hurricanes that are so costly. They are right to consider the national security concerns, as well. prgtoken While we are talking about national security, there is a larger context that brought me to the floor today. That is the complete failure of s to govern and accomplish anything for the American people. prgtoken They announced last night that we are leaving early for the rest of the month. prgtoken Are we going to do a tough, bipartisan border security bill? No. prgtoken Are we going to do anything to address mass shootings? No. They just ignore the fact that the leading cause of death among American children and teens is death by gun. I am angry like the Kansas City police chief said she is angry. prgtoken How about working on national security? No. The GOP has checked out. They can't govern. It is outrageous that extreme MAGA s are siding with Putin and blocking a national security bill. prgtoken How about the basic responsibility of passing appropriations bills? The fiscal year started on October 1, but s have cowed down to the MAGA extremists in their party, who thought a costly shutdown was the way to go. prgtoken This is the least productive Congress in modern times, and it shows. If the GOP cannot govern and they want to leave, I have an idea: Let tackle these problems. We are good at finding solutions. We are good at lowering costs for American families. We put people over politics, while the GOP put politics over the people. They put Putin over the people. They side with polluters every day that we are here. prgtoken Vote ``no'' on this bill, and tell the folks here in Washington, especially the GOP, to get to work.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF DR. HENRY STANLEY ZAYTOUN, SR.
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today in recognition of the one- hundredth birthday of Dr. Henry Stanley Zaytoun, a significant figure in the North Carolina orthodontic community and beloved father, grandfather, and grandfather. Henry turns one hundred on February 23, and he will be surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. prgtoken Dr. Henry Zaytoun grew up in New Bern, North Carolina before enrolling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he completed his pre-dental studies. He subsequently attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. After graduating from the V-12 Navy College Training Program, Henry went on active duty and served as a Naval Dental Officer at the U.S. Third Army Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. Following his tour in Germany. Henry married Martha Nassif of Wilson, North Carolina, and practiced general dentistry in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. prgtoken Henry returned to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn his M.S. in Orthodontics and moved to Raleigh in 1960 to establish his orthodontic practice, where he worked for the next 50 years. He has steadfastly supported the UNC Adams School of Dentistry over the years, co-chairing the capital campaign to construct the building that houses the school, establishing an endowment for a Term Professorship in Orthodontics, and establishing the Henry S. and Martha N. Zaytoun Professionalism and Ethics Award. prgtoken In 2004, North Carolina Governor Mike Easley awarded Henry with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest honor that acknowledges exemplary service to the state. He has also been recognized for his support for the arts across the state, even endowing an associate principal trumpet chair for the North Carolina Symphony. prgtoken Henry is a beloved father to nine children, grandfather to 24, and great-grandfather to 15. He has made significant contributions to the dental and orthodontic communities in North Carolina and has led a lifetime of extraordinary dedication to the Wake County and North Carolina communities. I am pleased to celebrate his achievements as a community leader and philanthropist, and I wish him well in his next year of life.
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PI LAMBDA LAMBDA CHAPTER OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Chapter includes the communities of Prince William County, the City of Manassas, the City of Manassas Park, and Stafford County. prgtoken Coinciding with the local chapter's 20th Anniversary is the international organization's 112th Anniversary. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on November 17, 1911, by three Howard University undergraduate students, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman, along with their faculty adviser, Professor Ernest E. Just. Together, they laid the foundation of an organization based on the core principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, ``friendship is essential to the soul'', the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. For 112 years, the membership has upheld a strong tradition of friendship and civic engagement. prgtoken The chapter was chartered on January 24, 2004, by the fraternity's Supreme Council led by the 37th Grand Basileus, Dr. George H. Grace and the Third District Representative, Brother Curtis Baylor. The 29 Charter Members of the chapter are Brother Crispin A. Abad, Brother Honney L. Barner, Brother David Bell, Brother Gene Bryson, Brother Willie D. Camp, Brother Byron L. Cherry, Brother Leonard Daniels, Brother Phillip Ferguson, Brother Anthony M. Fields, Sr Brother Walter Gooley, Brother Gregory L. Hamlett, Brother George M. Hampton, Brother Darryl K. Hairston, Brother James , Brother Steven B. Holmes, Brother William H. Hundley, Brother Alexander King, Brother Johnny Q. Ledbetter, Brother Bennie J. Lotlie, Brother Herbert Mitchell, Brother Bernard V. Oliphant, Brother George M. Parker, Sr Brother Jordon C. Pope, Brother Gregory Reid, Brother Carl T. Ross, Brother Andre Smith, Brother Arthur A. Sobers, Brother David Stevenson, and Brother Algie Walker, Jr. prgtoken The chapter members are expected to participate in social action programs and activities that will uplift their communities. Some of the activities under the umbrella of social action include voter registration, education, Assault on Illiteracy, Habitat for Humanity, mentoring, and participation in fundraisers for charities such as American Diabetes Association, United Way, Sickle Cell Anemia, etc. Additionally, the chapter offers 5 different scholarship opportunities for students. prgtoken The chapter leadership over the 20 years has been past Chapter Basilei: Brother Bernard V. Oliphant, Brother Byron L. Cherry, Brother Harvey L. Woodson, Jr Brother George M. Parker, Sr Brother Trevor J. Hamilton, Brother Tony B. Bullock, Brother David Holliday, Brother Raymond Bell, Brother Eddie Stephens, Jr Brother Jeffrey Allen, and the current Chapter Basileus, Brother Charles Hunter. prgtoken The chapter has won many fraternity and civic awards most notably the following International Awards: