mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Mr. Chair, this amendment would ensure that our Federal prison develops tools to communicate parenting program availability and eligibility criteria to each employee of the Bureau of Prisons and each pregnant incarcerated woman so that each of these women in the custody of a Bureau of Prisons facility understands the resources available to them. prgtoken Mr. Chair, we know that women are the fastest growing population in the criminal justice system. Only 5 percent of the world's female population lives in the U.S but they account for nearly 30 percent of the world's incarcerated women. That is an injustice to not only those incarcerated but to their families, our economy, and our society as a whole. prgtoken According to Prison Policy Initiative, 80 percent of the women who will go to jail this year are moms, including nearly 150,000 women who are pregnant when they are admitted, and many of these women are the primary caretaker of their family. prgtoken This means that the impact of their incarceration reaches far beyond the prison system. As we incarcerate women, we are also incarcerating their families. prgtoken Currently, the BOP does offer some programs to women who are moms or soon-to-be mothers. Mothers and Infants Nursing Together, otherwise known as MINT, is offered to moms who are pregnant at the time of commitment. Participating mothers can enroll in pre- and postnatal classes on childbirth, parenting, and coping skills. This program offers the chance for mothers to acquire parenting skills and bond with their infant after birth. prgtoken The Residential Parenting Program offered by the Washington State Department of Corrections' Residential Parenting Program gives its participants and their infants the opportunity to reside in the minimum security unit for up to 30 months after birth. prgtoken Mr. Chair, these programs are important resources to pregnant mothers and parents who are incarcerated. In fact, participants of the MINT program have reported that the program has helped them learn important parenting skills and develop a bond with their infants. prgtoken However, the September 2018 Department of Justice's OIG review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' management of its female inmate population found that BOP's pregnancy programs were underutilized. prgtoken Between fiscal years 2012 and 2016, there were 951 pregnant incarcerated women in BOP's custody, 558 of whom were in institutions designed to house sentenced inmates. Of these 558 sentenced pregnant inmates, they estimate that only 204 participated in MINT or the Residential Parenting Program. That is, only 37 percent were in these parenting and pregnancy programs. prgtoken The reasons were varied. Incarcerated mothers who may be eligible for the programs are often not identified as being eligible. While social workers are responsible for informing inmates of these opportunities, social worker positions often remain vacant. prgtoken Many staf
TRIBUTE TO LAURA ADAMS
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-4-3

in 2002, as Rhode Island's attorney general, I launched an organization aimed at helping Rhode Island's healthcare system reduce waste and improve care for our patients. The first hire at the new Rhode Island Quality Institute was Laura Adams. Convincing her to join us as president and CEO was our extremely good fortune. As Laura steps aside from those duties, I come to the floor today to recognize her many contributions to our healthcare system, in Rhode Island and nationwide, and to wish her well in her next adventure. prgtoken Lowering costs and improving quality in our healthcare system is, to say the least, a vital purpose. The Rhode Island Quality Institute was established to tackle some of the main drivers of America's healthcare problems, to improve health and advance the quality and value of care in Rhode Island. Under the leadership of Laura Adams, that mission achieved national recognition. As Laura prepares to leave, the institute's innovation and expertise is helping improve care around the country. prgtoken Laura got off to a very strong start. In 2002, the RIQI collaborated with Surescripts to pioneer a first in the Nation, end-to-end electronic prescribing system. Today, Surescripts has scaled up to every state in the country, with virtually every prescriber using it. In 2007, Child Magazine pointed to the State's uptake in e-prescribing as a key reason for ranking Rhode Island first overall on its list of the ``Safest Places in the Nation to Raise a Child.'' prgtoken Laura then turned to another big challenge for our healthcare system: hospital-acquired infections. In 2005, with Laura as Principal Investigator, RIQI launched the Rhode Island Intensive Care Unit Collaborative to identify ways to reduce the incidence of infections among ICU patients. By 2012, Rhode Island ICUs had shown significant improvement on several key types of infections. prgtoken In 2004, Laura and RIQI joined the Rhode Department of Health to apply for Federal funding to build an ambitious, innovative statewide health information exchange. RIQI took the lead building and maintaining the resulting system, CurrentCare. It took tremendous technical expertise to confront the complex governance, business, privacy, and security challenges involved. Laura, with the assistance of a talented lawyer, Linn Freedman, proved more than equal to the task. A 2017 analysis shows that CurrentCare returns millions of dollars in savings to our healthcare system. prgtoken Over the course of the development of CurrentCare, RIQI became the only organization in the country to win all three major health information technology grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, bringing in a total of $27 million to Rhode Island. Federal agencies like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology awarded RIQI substantial Federal grants to tackle diffic
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1585, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-3

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her outstanding work on this bill. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of this rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. prgtoken I want to be associated with the remarks that the gentlewoman just gave prgtoken that this is about protecting women, and the addition that says that if you take away guns from convicted abusers or those who are being watched and being restrained, this will save lives. So this is an important part of protecting women. prgtoken VAWA is a law that literally, absolutely literally, saves lives, and this bill we are voting on today provides even more lifesaving resources to women and families, like closing the boyfriend loophole that she just mentioned and providing housing and beds for abused women. prgtoken It is important to point out that this landmark legislation was created in 1994 and has been reauthorized many times. But I would say that protecting women or providing lifesaving resources should be permanent law. We should not have to come back to this body and be subject to the whims of legislators who don't think it is important to protect women, which this bill does. prgtoken One of the lifesaving resources in this bill is the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, which was created by legislation I first authored in 2004, and it is renewed in this bill through 2024. prgtoken This legislation, which has been called the most important anti-rape prevention legislation ever signed into law, provides funding to localities to audit and process DNA evidence kits, including unprocessed rape kits. Each rape kit represents a life. If you convict that rapist and get them off the street, you save the lives of other women and prevent rape. This is just one example of this important bill.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-3

I understand the majority is considering another change to how judicial nominees are considered. prgtoken My understanding is the majority leader may move to break the rules of the Senate and cut the time that Senators can debate nominees after cloture is invoked from 30 hours to 2 hours. prgtoken Just yesterday, the Senate rejected this change. The Lankford resolution was voted on and did not receive 60 votes, let alone the 67 votes required to change the rules. prgtoken The resolution would also have changed postcloture debate time on circuit court and Supreme Court nominees from 30 hours total to 30 hours divided between the majority and minority leaders or their designees. This means debate on a Supreme Court nomination could be limited to only 15 total hours of debate. prgtoken Despite bipartisan opposition to the Lankford resolution, the majority is now considering limiting debate time by breaking longstanding rules of the Senate. prgtoken Changing the rules is not only unnecessary, but also is dangerous, especially when we are talking about lifetime appointments. Further, given this administration's failure to properly vet its own nominees, the Senate should not restrict critical vetting and due diligence. prgtoken There is simply no need to limit debate on President 's judicial nominees. In fact, President 's judicial nominees have been confirmed at a record pace. prgtoken Through his first 2 years in office, President had more circuit court nominees confirmed than any other President had at the same point in their tenure--30 total. That is on top of two Supreme Court Justices and 53 district court judges. prgtoken Further, the current administration's circuit court nominees have been confirmed nearly twice as fast as President 's, 256 days for President 's nominees versus 139 days for President 's nominees. prgtoken The rules change is also unnecessary because Senate are in no way obstructing confirmations. Senate have not required cloture votes on more than half of President 's district court nominees. prgtoken On average, the Senate has used only 3 hours of floor time for debate on President 's district court nominees. prgtoken In addition, a higher percentage of President 's district court nominees have been confirmed by voice vote as compared to President 's district court nominees, 49 percent versus 35 percent. In other words, Senate have not required the majority to hold rollcall votes on nearly half of President 's nominees to the Federal district courts. prgtoken Finally, have worked with the administration to identify qualified judicial nominees. prgtoken For example, Delaware's two ic Senators, Senators Carper and Coons, worked with the White House to identify two qualified nominees to be judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. prgtoken Senators Durbin and
RECOGNIZING JOHN NAVARRA
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize my constituent, First Sergeant John Navarra, who is retiring as the leader of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. prgtoken John N. Navarra is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with 22 years of service to our country. During this time, he served in multiple locations including the United States and Germany and primarily worked in the administration and logistics fields. prgtoken Coupled with his service, John has demonstrated a life-long commitment to education by earning an Associate's degree in Business and Computer Science, a bachelor degree in Interpersonal and Group Communications, a Master's degree in Education with Concentrations in Teaching and Evaluation and a MBA in Leadership. prgtoken However, it is not just his own education that John has been committed to. John has served as the JROTC Army Instructor at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for 12 years, beginning in 2007. In this role, John educated, provided guidance, and mentored the students in the JROTC program In doing so, he instilled in them the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. prgtoken Madam , today I am pleased to honor and thank Mr. John Navarra for his service to his country and his community. I congratulate John on his retirement.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam Chair, I support this amendment because it improves and enhances the special Tribal criminal jurisdiction pilot project created by VAWA in 2013 specifically to benefit Alaska Natives. prgtoken For over 5 years, the special Tribal criminal jurisdiction has given qualifying Tribes across the United States the authority to prosecute non-Tribal members for certain offenses. prgtoken This year's reauthorization of VAWA would extend that jurisdiction to more crimes, including dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. prgtoken Tribes across the country have been effectively exercising their authority under VAWA and keeping their communities safe. This amendment would ensure that Alaska Native villages that qualify are also able to exercise this type of jurisdiction. It is only fair that they be allowed to do so. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and .
EZEKIEL HATFIELD
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Ezekiel Hatfield for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Ezekiel Hatfield is a student at North Arvada Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Ezekiel Hatfield is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ezekiel Hatfield for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam Chair, as we have heard over and over today, and justifiably so, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is critical for women across this country. This bill will ensure the safety of women, especially Native American women. prgtoken My amendment will expand the definition of domestic violence to include violence against or witnessed by a prgtoken child or elder, as defined by Tribal law. This important amendment will allow Tribes to ensure that perpetrators acting violently toward or near children or elders receive consequences for their actions. prgtoken The Tulalip Tribe is one of the first Tribes to implement the Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction from the 2013 Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. They immediately experienced the implications of not having this protection for children and elders in their jurisdiction. prgtoken Of the 30 cases they received in Tribal court, 20 involved children and/or elders. Although the violence impacted the child or the elder, the Tribal court was not able to prosecute. When the jurisdiction moved to the State, it did not prosecute the remaining 20 cases in State court. Justice was not served for the children and/or the elders experiencing violence. prgtoken In 2010, the Attorney General's report on American Indian and Alaska Native children exposed to violence included the recommendation that Congress should restore the inherent authority of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes to assert jurisdiction over persons who commit crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native children. prgtoken This amendment is a step toward guaranteeing that Congress keeps American Indian and Alaska Native children and elders safe. By passing this amendment, Congress will restore the inherent authority for the Tulalip Tribe and others to fully secure the safety of Tribal children and elders throughout Indian Country. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to protect Native children and elders by supporting this amendment. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
RECOGNIZING DEPUTY CHIEF HECTOR RODRIGUEZ OF POMONA
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent, Deputy Chief Hector Rodriguez of the Pomona Police Department. After almost 30 years of dedicated public service to the people and communities of the City of Pomona, Deputy Chief Rodriguez is finally retiring and will be sorely missed. prgtoken Before officially working for the department, Rodriguez formed part of the Pomona Police Explorer program in 1982. His remarkable career with Pomona Police Department began on January 2, 1990 as a Patrol Officer. Four years later, Rodriguez was promoted to the rank of Police Investigator to the Gang Unit and the Homicide Unit. Then, in 2005, he was promoted to Sergeant. prgtoken During his time in law enforcement, Rodriguez joined the Neighborhood Enforcement Team and LA Impact Task Force. These teams focused on quality of life issues. LA Impact specifically focused on uniting federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County to investigate major crimes and the dismantling of major drug trafficking organizations. Additionally, Rodriguez served on the Pomona Police Department's SWAT Team for 18 years. prgtoken In recognition of his excellent service, Rodriguez was promoted to Lieutenant as he returned to the Investigative Services Division. Then, he was Captain for the Operations Division. Two years later, Rodriguez became the Deputy Police Chief, which he served as for the rest of his distinguished career. prgtoken His admirable character and confident approach left an indelible mark at the Pomona Police Department. His dedication to the profession, the community, the Department and the City of Pomona is highly commendable and has earned him the esteem of the men and women of the Pomona Police Department. prgtoken For his remarkable accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Deputy Chief Hector Rodriguez. His decades of commitment and contributions to the City of Pomona are worthy of commending and admiration.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-4-3

. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment offered to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. prgtoken My amendment will ensure that a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is able to apply for an emergency transfer to another available and safe dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program. The covered housing provider shall grant such application. prgtoken This amendment has also been scored by the Congressional Budget Office to have no effect on direct spending or revenues. prgtoken In my home State of Texas and my city of Dallas, we are, unfortunately, deeply familiar with the tragedies involved in domestic violence. Families have been broken apart and people have lost their lives to the scourge of domestic violence. prgtoken We have the duty to do more to protect these people. Therefore, it is necessary for us to make clear the distinction in law, the difference between internal and external transfers. Though it may sound trivial, this amendment is crucial to providing victims of domestic violence a sense of safety, security, and dignity. prgtoken As representatives of Americans from all corners of our country, we know that this problem is not unique to any one part of our Nation. It is widespread and engrossing, and our response to it must also measure up to the significance of the challenge. prgtoken Americans today are in need of protections and assistance to recover from domestic violence. They need these protections to return to full and prosperous lives. prgtoken By voting in favor of this amendment, Congress is upholding our sacred obligation to protect the millions of victims and survivors who need and deserve our wholehearted, full support. prgtoken As co-chair of the Congressional Homeless Caucus, I have worked on housing issues for a long time. I am appreciative of my colleagues on the Judiciary and Financial Services Committees for their partnership in strengthening the housing protections in this Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and .
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. This legislation is the result of the tireless work of advocates, Chairman Nadler, of the bill's original sponsor, my colleague from California, Congresswoman Karen Bass, and most especially, the women who survived domestic violence and sexual assault and bravely shared their stories. Without their courage, this legislation would not be on the floor today. prgtoken I also appreciate the title in this bill which helps victims of domestic violence access safe housing. Women who are in dangerous situations at home need to be able to quickly transfer to alternative housing, and that is precisely what Title 6 of this bill aims to do. I understand that there are some stakeholders who have raised some questions about how the implementation of this title would work, and I will continue to work with them as this bill moves through the Senate. prgtoken Though the Violence Against Women Act has led to widespread change in how our Nation understands and responds to domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, much work remains to be done. prgtoken Twenty-five years after the original Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, women who came forward are still too often disregarded, disgraced, and humiliated, all because those in power know that if the stories of the trauma and abuse suffered by women are true, then everything--including their power--would need to change. My amendment is another step toward ensuring that women who speak out and refuse to be silenced are supported and heard. prgtoken Section 303 of H.R. 1585 includes the grant program that provides funds to higher education institutions to combat violent crimes on campuses, including especially, domestic and sexual violence. My amendment would create a new purpose area for section 303 grants, which allows funding to be used by higher education institutions to train employees on how to conduct victim-centered, trauma-informed interviews with the students who report being a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. The employee would be trained to communicate in a manner which does not blame or judge the survivor for the crimes he or she reports. prgtoken My amendment stipulates that if a student requests to have a record of their conversations with college employees and administrators, then schools which accept funding for this purpose area must offer a recorded interview. Given the lengthy record of colleges suppressing reports of sexual or domestic violence on campus, recorded interviews can be incredibly important to survivors. prgtoken Only one in five female college students report their sexual assault, and many cite a fear of retaliation and not being believed as the primary reasons they stayed silent. Students who come forward and report an assaul