mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-5-1

it is always an honor to stand here in the House of Representatives, to have the opportunity to address colleagues, friends, and the Nation. I especially thank the leadership for allowing these privileges. prgtoken I am grateful to the many people who are still here as we continue with our statements on the floor of the House. You work tirelessly, and it seems that you work endlessly, . I think it appropriate that we thank you for being here with us into the late hours as we present our floor messaging. prgtoken , I am proud to be here tonight to announce that my dear friend and colleague, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, has joined me in reintroducing a resolution in recognition of Fair Housing Month. prgtoken Housing, , is a basic human right, but access is too often limited based upon race, sex, national origin, and sexual orientation. This resolution marks the 51st anniversary of the congressional passage of the Fair Housing Act, properly styled title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. prgtoken The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based upon race, national origin, religion, sex, or familial status. This year, , also marks the 31st anniversary of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. prgtoken More than 50 years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech. It was considered, and it is still considered, one of the greatest speeches in American history. prgtoken In his speech, Dr. King called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. Passionately, he argued that all men are created equal and should be treated equally. Although that was not the case in America at that time, he believed it must be the case for America's future. prgtoken I must tell you, we have come a long way, , but we still have a great distance to go to realize the dream of Dr. King, a world where persons are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Dr. King was a very strong supporter of fair housing, and he envisioned a society free of discrimination. prgtoken I would like to speak just a moment about access to affordable housing. Each year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development releases the ``Annual Homelessness Assessment Report.'' This is released to Congress. It provides the best available estimates of homelessness and how it is impacting the United States. prgtoken According to the 2018 report, there were 552,830 persons experiencing homelessness in the United States on a single night in 2018. prgtoken The report also provides details on the demographics of the people experiencing homelessness. For example, for women and children in 2018, nearly 160,000 children and youth experienced homelessness, representing nearly 30 percent of the total persons who are in a state of homelessness. Over 216,000 women and girls experienced homelessne
104th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-5-1

on Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend the 104th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian genocide, hosted at the Armenian Martyrs Memorial in Providence, RI. I was pleased to be able to join with so many in the Armenian community in my home State for this solemn event. prgtoken Over a century ago, one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century began when the Young Turk leaders of the Ottoman Empire executed more than 200 prominent Armenians. What followed was an 8-year campaign of oppression and massacre. By 1923, an estimated 1 and a half million Armenians were killed and over a half a million survivors were exiled. These atrocities affected the lives of every Armenian living in Asia Minor and throughout the world. prgtoken The U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during this dark time, Henry Morgenthau, Sr unsuccessfully pleaded with President Wilson to take action, and later remembered the events of the genocide, saying, ``I am confident that the whole history of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.'' prgtoken Those who survived the Armenian genocide, however, persevered due to their unbreakable spirit and steadfast resolve, going on to greatly contribute to the lands in which they established new homes and communities, including the United States. That is why we not only commemorate this grave tragedy each year, but also take the time to celebrate the traditions, the contributions, and the bright future of the Armenian people. Indeed, my home State of Rhode Island continues to be enriched by our strong and vibrant Armenian-American community. prgtoken To honor the memory of this tragedy, I have once again joined with several of my colleagues on a resolution to encourage the U.S. to officially recognize the Armenian genocide. We must find a way to come together to recognize the truth of what happened and support and assist those facing persecution today. prgtoken As ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I also remain committed to supporting assistance to Armenia to strengthen security, promote economic growth, and foster democratic reforms and development. prgtoken As we remember the past, we remain committed to forging a brighter future. We must continue to guard against hatred and oppression so that we can prevent such crimes against humanity from happening again.
STUDENT DEBT CRISIS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-5-1

we talk about opportunity a lot in this Chamber. The opportunity to thrive, the access to get ahead in life if you worked hard. We tell our kids every day that opportunity is abundant. It is everywhere, in every corner. If you just work hard, you can have access to a tremendous amount of opportunity. prgtoken Yet we know now that many roadblocks exist through no fault of their own. This is why it is so critically important to talk about the college affordability issue and crisis in our country. prgtoken There are many motivations to go to school. For many first-generation college students like me, it is to help their families. Many want to give back to their community, yet many are not able to fulfill this dream because of affordability. prgtoken In fact, , Michigan ranks among States in the bottom half in college attainment. Fewer than 30 percent of Michigan adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. We are closing the door on those who want to help others, whether it is their family or their broader community. prgtoken Studies show that first-generation college students go to college in order to help their families. Sixty-nine percent of them say they want to help their families compared to 39 percent of students whose parents have earned a degree. This desire also extends to the community with 61 percent of first-generation college students wanting to give back to their communities compared to 43 percent of their non-first-generation peers. prgtoken Regarding college school loan debt, students used to think about getting good enough grades when we go to college. That is what we were focused on. Not anymore, . Students today are forced to make a decision between a degree and access to that opportunity or debt. prgtoken In 2016, 64 percent of Michigan college graduates left school with debt, an average of over $30,000 a year, the 11th highest in the Nation. Even after factoring in grant programs, low-income families have to pay more than 70 percent of their income to cover college costs. prgtoken I want to share a story of my friend in college. It took him close to a decade because he was serving our country. He came back after serving not only as a U.S. marine but also doing civil service work for the United States Army. He came back, and all he wanted to do was become a schoolteacher, a public educator. He loves it. It is his passion. prgtoken As he sits in his classroom every single day educating our children, he has to also deal with the increase in debt, with the high cost of interest, and with all those things that now put him in a financial crisis. prgtoken The bottom line, , is that low- and middle-income households already face higher burdens. They are less likely to have family assistance and more likely to have other pressures such as a part-time job or family caretaking roles in addition to their schoolwork. prgtoken As many low-income students avoid applying to college altogether due to costs,
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-5-1

. Let me explain. I am only claiming the time in opposition. I actually support the gentleman's amendment. prgtoken In the interest of increasing transparency and public participation in the development of the President's climate plan, I believe that Mr. Bost's amendment actually is a good one. prgtoken Speaking on behalf of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, we support its adoption and would accept the amendment. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
REMEMBERING DOMINIC DiFRISCO
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-1

in 1962, the airline Alitalia sent a young man named Dominic DiFrisco to Chicago to help with publicity for its inaugural flight between the city and Rome. What was a temporary assignment became a life decision for my friend Dominic. He found a home in Chicago and, in the decades following, became a champion for Chicago's Italian community. prgtoken On Sunday, he passed away at the age of 85 after a life of celebration, stories, and love. There are so many stories of Dominic helping people that they are too numerous to count here. If you grew up in Chicago, you knew Dominic. prgtoken For decades, Dominic was the most recognized and vocal supporter of Italian Americans. Dominic was born in 1933 in the Bronx of New York City to Leoluca and Antonina, immigrants from Sicily. He graduated from Fordham University in 1955 and began his career in public relations. His career was defined by building bridges between the public and private sectors. prgtoken His color commentary, with his vast knowledge of Chicago-Italian history, was a staple during the broadcast of Columbus Day parades. He helped make sure other ethnic groups and Jewish Holocaust victims had roles in the Chicago Columbus Day parade. He was a man of stories. He always had one for any situation, and Columbus Day will not be the same without him. prgtoken If you travel a few blocks north of Taylor Street's Little Italy in Chicago, you will find Our Lady of Pompeii, the oldest surviving Italian-American Catholic Church in Chicago. It has been an anchor to the community since 1910, but in 1993, the archdiocese announced it would close Our Lady of Pompeii. That didn't sit well with the locals, especially Dominic. He joined the effort to resurrect the church, which continues to serve the community today. Our Lady of Pompeii calls him a founding father. prgtoken Dominic was president emeritus of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, and he created and hosted the annual Dante Awards. More than 40 journalists have won Dante Awards for their work answering Dante Alighieri's call to be ``no timid friend to truth.'' Dominic was no timid friend to anyone he knew. prgtoken Dominic was a great friend. He was always helping people whether it was a smile, a kind word, or his latest recommendation for an Italian restaurant. His stories were legendary, but his whole life was an extraordinary story. A few years ago, Dominic accepted my invitation to attend a joint session of Congress featuring the Prime Minister of Italy. It is fair to say that many of those in the Capitol that day were as impressed with Dominic's passion for life, his stories, and his hopefulness for the U.S.-Italian relationship as the speech itself. prgtoken In a Chicago restaurant called Gene and Georgetti's, there is a table that was Dominic's. It was his court, and now, sadly, it is quiet. To his wife Carol and the DiFrisco family, Loretta and I send our sincere condolences.
FOUR PILLARS FOR AN INFRASTRUCTURE DEAL
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2019-5-1

House have an opportunity to create substantive, innovative, and cost-effective legislation that will bring jobs and economic growth to America through an infrastructure bill. prgtoken As co-chair of the New ic Coalition's Infrastructure Task Force, we are actively drafting policy priorities to be considered for a House infrastructure bill. It is important to have Americans of all sectors' voices as we do this, and last week the infrastructure listening sessions were hosted by Representatives Colin Allred and Marc Veasey in Dallas and Joe Cunningham in Charleston. prgtoken New are intensely focused on receiving and implementing forward-looking and practical ideas to help everyday Americans use infrastructure that supports job creation and advancement, multiple forms of transportation, policy proposals to mitigate climate change, and streamline bureaucracy. prgtoken It is my hope that the President and s will join us as we focus on four pillars for an infrastructure deal: modernize America's infrastructure and seek new revenue, create an infrastructure bank to finance the project, create incentives for communities most in need to finance those projects through grant programs, and encourage innovation and reform through responsible regulatory streamlining and the utilization of public-private partnerships that work. prgtoken Building and renovating roads, bridges, ports, greener schools and hospitals, and broadbands all need the support of Congress to advance the flow of America's goods and services. It is what we need to do to keep our dominance in the economy.
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-5-1

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 9, which would recognize the importance of the oceans to our global climate system and the international efforts under way to include our oceans in nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, under the Paris Agreement. prgtoken When we talk about the impacts of manmade climate change, we focus on the worlds of our lands and air, but we tend to forget the largest world of all, our oceans. Yet, some of the foremost negative consequences of climate change, as well as the positive vital processes that have kept our climate on an even keel until recently and can continue to do so, lie in the ocean. prgtoken We cannot forget the oceans. No climate change solutions can work if our oceans are not in the room. prgtoken The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth and directly affects weather around the globe. The temperature and currents of the ocean determine storm patterns and strength. prgtoken We have seen increases in measures of intensity, frequency, and duration, as well as the number of the strongest--category 4 and 5-- storms since the 1980s. prgtoken The ocean also absorbs many of the most immediate consequences of carbon pollution, buffering us from some prgtoken of its most damaging impacts. The ocean has absorbed 93 percent of the total excess heat energy taken up by greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Additionally, the ocean is the largest sink for anthropogenic carbon dioxide, or CO2, absorbing roughly one-third of CO2 emissions. prgtoken The increase in temperature and carbon in the atmosphere and oceans are directly impacting communities throughout the world. According to the 2018 Fourth National Climate Assessment, or NCA, released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, made up of 13 Federal agencies: ``Human-caused carbon emissions influence ocean ecosystems through three main processes: ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation.'' prgtoken Additionally, the NCA states: ``The social, economic, and environmental systems along the coasts are being affected by climate change. Threats from sea level rise are exacerbated by dynamic processes such as high tide and storm surge flooding, erosion, waves and their effects, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and elevated groundwater tables, local rainfall, river runoff, increasing water and surface air temperatures, and ocean acidification.'' prgtoken In just one compelling instance of many from around the world, my State of Hawaii's oceans and coastlines are on the front lines of dealing with the impacts of climate change in our oceans and coasts. prgtoken For example, the Honolulu tide gauge, a constant for over a century now, has measured a sea level rise of nearly half a foot since 1905. prgtoken Over 70 percent of our beaches in Hawaii are in a state of chronic erosion, likely caused by a combination of shoreline hardening an
CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-5-1

. In addition to sending an important signal to clean energy, job-creating businesses, this will send an important signal to our allies across the world. We expect ambitious action from them. prgtoken I have heard my friends on the other side of the aisle say, but China. Well, if the President forces a retreat here, other countries will retreat, as well. A vote against H.R. 9 is a vote to let China off the hook. This is a patriotic vote. Vote for America, vote for our future, and keep us in the climate Paris Agreement. I thank the hundreds of my colleagues who have joined this, and I thank the brave s who will join us in this patriotic vote for Climate Action Now.
Barr Hearing (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-1

we have now had a day where the Attorney General testified before the Judiciary Committee, and many issues are not resolved because there are great discrepancies based on Mr. Mueller's letter that has been made public--two letters, in fact, that have been made public between what Mr. Barr has been saying and what Mr. Mueller believes. prgtoken The cloud that hangs over our country because of Russian interference in our elections--and, frankly, that hangs over the President because of the actions Mr. Mueller outlined in his report--remains. There is a great need to clear all of that up and to clear all of it up with no ands, ifs, or buts. prgtoken I was shocked when I heard the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, my friend and colleague whom I have traveled with, Lindsey Graham, come out of the hearing and say that he was not going to call Mueller for a hearing. The fact that he on his own, despite the desires of many other members of the committee, would simply say that Mueller is not going to testify was so outrageous and wrong. So I went to my colleague here on the floor--my friend Lindsey Graham. I said to him: How can you do this? This is outrageous. prgtoken He said: I am just going to ask Mr. Mueller in a letter if Barr said anything misleading or inaccurate but not have the hearing. prgtoken I was appalled. prgtoken Now I see on a tweet by a reporter, Emma Dumain, that Lindsey Graham has slightly modified what he has said. He said that if Mueller tells Graham in the letter that Barr said anything misleading or inaccurate today, he would have the hearing. That is not good enough. That is a game. He should not put the onus on Mr. Mueller, a straight arrow, somebody who believes in a chain of command, to publicly state that in a letter. prgtoken Mueller should come testify--no ands, ifs, or buts. Mueller should come testify--no games as to what he answers in a letter. prgtoken What are our colleagues so afraid of on the other side of the aisle? Are they afraid Mueller might say things that are different than what Attorney General Barr said? Are they afraid for the country to discuss the kinds of things the President has done, which nobody much seems to like? Are they afraid that we talk about foreign interference in our elections? prgtoken I would plead with my colleague Lindsey Graham to reconsider. I would plead with my colleague Lindsey Graham to say: Mueller is coming; no ands, ifs, or buts so we can question him, including our side of the aisle. That is what Congressional oversight is about. It is not about the chairman of the Judiciary Committee deciding what should be heard and what should not be heard. That is not the job of the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, no matter who he or she is. prgtoken Special Counsel Mueller just concluded one of the most important investigations in our Nation's history. The Senate and the American people have a right to hear from the special counsel
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 9, CLIMATE ACTION NOW ACT
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-1

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill. prgtoken Climate change is the greatest, the greatest, and most urgent challenge of our time and this government should never put corporate profits and those kinds of concerns ahead of the health and safety of our children and our future. prgtoken Climate change isn't just a ic or a issue. It is an existential issue for our species on this planet. prgtoken I am hearing so many mischaracterizations of what the Paris accord is. These standards that are applied to the United States are not from the outside, not coming from across the pond. We agree to reduce carbon emissions on our own terms. Every country develops its own plan and its own program. prgtoken This issue about jobs is just ridiculous. Everyone understands that our future is not in the fossil fuel industry. The future is in the green technologies that are being developed by entrepreneurs. Young people get it. The 21st century jobs of the future are clean technologies that make sure our planet is good and that entrepreneurs can actually succeed. prgtoken The costs of not doing this right now are so enormous. We are seeing, practically every year, what are called 500-year floods. They are only supposed to happen once every 500 years, and now we are seeing State after State, in my own Midwest, under water, and it happens all the time.