mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING INVEST IN AMERICA ACT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , today, I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act, which will create good paying jobs to rebuild and re- imagine America's surface transportation infrastructure by revitalizing our existing roads and bridges and making investments in passenger rail, public transit, cycling and walking infrastructure, and zero- emission options--while creating safer, more connected communities. prgtoken After decades of disinvestment and four years of failed `Infrastructure Weeks,' I believe that now is the time to make desperately needed investments to rebuild our nation. prgtoken According to the 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure assessment by the American Society of Civil Engineers, our nation's infrastructure receives the grade: C-. A continued underinvestment in our infrastructure at current rates will cost $10 trillion in GDP, more than $3 million jobs, and $2.4 trillion in exports over the next 20 years. prgtoken We cannot wait. It is time to invest, reimagine, and revitalize a new American economy by building the architecture of our nation's future. We need transformative plans like the INVEST in America Act and the American Jobs Plan, a once-in-a-century capital investment in America that will create millions of good-paying-jobs and rebuild our country's infrastructure, including high-speed rail. prgtoken We need to recognize the importance of investing in high-speed rail. And I will continue working for more rail investment and ensure that federal dollars fund high-speed rail projects across this country-- including projects in Connecticut, which total almost $10B in CT's new initiative, TIME FOR CT and along the Northeast Corridor which currently has $117B of needed investment through their project titled CONNECT2035 and New Haven's Downtown Crossing, which I was proud to help secure $20 million for New Haven to reconnect its downtown with both the outlying neighborhoods and the train station--helping the local business community flourish. prgtoken We can make opportunity real for millions with good-paying jobs. And, we can strengthen our economy. So, let us move boldly. And let us start rebuilding America.
REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I thank Chair Lofgren for her leadership. I'd prgtoken also like to thank our , our Majority Leader, our Whip, Mr. Clyburn, Chairwoman Beatty, Chairman Bennie Thompson, and Congressman Butterfield for moving this legislation forward with the urgency that it requires. prgtoken I rise in strong support of H.R. 3005, which will remove shameful monuments to slavery, segregation, and white supremacy from the U.S Capitol. In 2017, in the wake of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, I introduced the Confederate Monument Removal Act to remove all statues of people who voluntarily served the Confederacy from the Capitol building, so thank you for including this in this current bill. Venerating those who took up arms against the United States to preserve slavery is an affront to the human dignity of all Americans. prgtoken These painful symbols of bigotry and racism have no place in our society and certainly should not be enshrined in the U.S. Capitol. Following our historic vote on Juneteenth, it is past time for Congress to stop glorifying the men who committed treason against the United States to keep African Americans in chains. prgtoken The movement to honor Confederate soldiers was a deliberate act to rewrite history and diminish the role of slavery in the outbreak of hostilities between the North and the South. The Confederacy sought to uphold the institution of slavery and maintain a racial hierarchy that brutalized and oppressed Black people. This ideology of white supremacy led to the rise of Confederate memorials in the 20th century. Most Confederate statutes were erected during periods of extreme civil rights tension, not in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. Placed in public spaces, they were testaments to the enduring notion of white supremacy and used to push back against the movement for equality for African Americans. They are symbols of white supremacy and hatred, not Southern heritage. They don't belong here in the U.S. Capitol. prgtoken We are in a critical moment to act. The removal of Confederate statues from the U.S. Capitol is an important step in confronting our nation's painful legacy of slavery, racism, and oppression. As a descendant of enslaved Africans, I support this bill and I ask for an `aye' vote.
IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , the history of whistleblowing dates back to the founding of this country. The Continental Congress was committed to making sure that whistleblowers would have a voice. Last year alone, $2.2 billion was saved by the taxpayers because of whistleblowers in our government. prgtoken The April massacre of IGs was an unprecedented power play by the President, a ruthless President who somehow thought they worked for him. They don't work for him. They didn't work for him. They work for the American people, and that is why, since the founding of this country, we have been so committed to it. prgtoken Today's legislation will protect IGs from retaliation and increase their independence, ensuring they operate free from political interference. Those complaints that those IGs were looking at were brought to them by individuals. It was a political move by the President to fire them. prgtoken I am interested that my colleague on the other side of the aisle was concerned about the costs of being represented by counsel when someone who is a Federal employee is called in to testify. Maybe we can work on a bill to make sure that every Federal employee has that benefit. No one talked about that when Ambassador Yovanovitch was called in to testify or National Security Advisor Fiona Hill or Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, all of whom had to pick up the tab for the attorneys representing them. prgtoken Last month during a hearing before the Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, the current Chair of the Council of the Inspectors General, Inspector General Allison Lerner, testified that while they offer multiple trainings for IGs, the trainings are not mandated. prgtoken I believe, without mandated training, it is impossible to ensure that IGs are operating at the highest level and are well-equipped to carry out their duties, so I am pleased that my amendment requiring minimum standards and best practices for training IGs has been included in this bill.
REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , just a note of the process. In fact, Arkansas is now selecting an artist to develop the Bates statue that has to be approved before we can proceed. Meanwhile, even though they want to get rid of that statue, it stays here. If we pass this bill, the statue will be gone while Arkansas pursues a replacement. prgtoken Madam , I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), my colleague, a member of the Committee on House Administration, and a scholar and former constitutional law professor.
IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise in support of the IG Independence and Empowerment Act. prgtoken This comprehensive legislation would ensure inspectors general have the tools needed to conduct thorough investigations without fear of political retaliation. prgtoken Many of these reforms have had strong bipartisan support for years, in particular, my bill, the IG Subpoena Authority Act. This provision grants IGs the authority to subpoena testimony from former employees and contractors as a tool to better undercover waste, fraud, and abuse. Currently, the absence of such authority hinders the ability of OIGs to conduct complete oversight in matters of corruption and injustice. prgtoken I know my colleagues claim this authority has no protections from abuse, but that simply is not true. This bill includes safeguards to ensure that this authority is not abused by requiring that an IG must have a subpoena approved by a panel of three other IGs. prgtoken Additionally, I understand my colleague may introduce an amendment that would strike the subpoena authority provision from this bill today. I find this interesting and confusing because the IG Subpoena Authority Act was first introduced in the 115th Congress by Congressman Steve Russell with the support of then-Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa, and it passed the House by unanimous consent. prgtoken This bill has not changed substantially since the 115th Congress. What has changed is the political context in which we are trying to pass this reform. If a reform was good for government then, it is a reform that is good for government now. Nothing has changed. prgtoken Madam , we need to make sure that the IG Subpoena Authority Act is included and passed today. That will help strengthen the integrity and maintain the accountability in our Federal agencies. prgtoken I thank Chairwoman Maloney for its inclusion in the IG Independence and Empowerment Act. It is a step forward for good government, and I strongly encourage an ``aye'' vote.
PASSING OF JUSTIN WALLACE
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor Justin Wallace, of Rockaway, New York, who was tragically taken from us on June 5th. Justin was a blessing to all who knew him. An adventurous and loving spirit, he brought tremendous joy and laughter into the lives of everyone around him. To his family, Justin was a ``miracle baby,'' his very existence a gift that defied the odds. A curious explorer with a bright mind, he was always fiddling with new gadgets and technology, learning about cars, enjoying mathematics, and playing video games. To our community, he was a beacon of hope--a gentle giant with a big heart, raised by his loving family to have integrity, respect, and to treat others with compassion and dignity. prgtoken Justin was taken from us much too soon. His family and friends have confronted unimaginable grief at the loss of such an innocent and beautiful life. His bright and determined spirit will be dearly missed. Their hardship reflects what a gift he was to his family and friends who had the privilege of loving him. As Justin's brother so eloquently put it: ``Ten years old was short, but it was a blessing and it was beautiful.'' prgtoken I pray that God will give strength to the Wallace family as they bear this great personal loss. As Scripture tells us in Mathew 11:28-30, ``Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'' prgtoken May God bless his soul.
IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today with a grieving but hopeful heart in the wake of an unimaginable tragedy in Surfside, Florida. prgtoken As we gather, our world-renowned Miami Dade search and rescue teams are joined by teams from as far away as Israel and Mexico to search for potential survivors of Champlain Towers South in Surfside. prgtoken Since that unprecedented collapse, first responders, medical personnel, engineers, grief counselors, and caseworkers have painstakingly worked nonstop to assist in the search and rescue, providing support to the families and to begin an investigation. prgtoken For those still trapped, we hold out hope for the search to discover survivors. For all those who lost loved ones, we send our deepest condolences and pledge support and solidarity. prgtoken So many in our community fled nations where they faced danger. That makes this tragedy all the more painful. But we are resilient. We will be there every step of the way for the families of those missing in the rubble. But we know we cannot do this alone. prgtoken I thank the administration for the speedy delivery of Federal resources, and Mayors Daniella Levine Cava and Charles Burkett for their steadfast leadership in this truly unprecedented crisis. prgtoken And our deepest thanks for the remarkable, relentless first responders who are still on that pile, searching around the clock in the hope of finding even one survivor. prgtoken Madam , the agony that these families are going through is beyond comprehension. So on behalf of the missing, those who perished, and their families, I ask that the House please rise and pause for a moment of silence in memory and in honor of those who have been struggling through this Surfside tragedy and crisis.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER THOMAS SAWYER
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor Officer Thomas Sawyer of the Hammond Police Department, who heartbreakingly passed away earlier this month after a 5-week battle with COVID-19. prgtoken Officer Sawyer's life's work was one of public service. After serving as a member of the United States Air Force during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he went on to serve another 23 years with the Hammond Police Department. prgtoken The first responders of northwest Indiana and across our Nation run toward danger at a moment's notice in our times of greatest need, and our communities will forever be grateful for the selfless service of Officer Sawyer. prgtoken As Officer Sawyer contracted this disease in the line of duty, let us continue to recognize its ever-present danger and how we must take action to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, Mary, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.
Now, I yield to my friend from California (Mrs. Kim), who has taken a leadership role from the other side of the aisle to talk to us about SALT.
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Sure. So as you know, the people in my district pay State and local taxes, and that is what funds our great public school system. New Jersey has the best public school system for 2 years running in the Nation; types of things like that, services that our New Jersey families care so much about. And now the Federal Government is taxing that money. So you are getting taxed twice in New Jersey, to really put downward pressure on our ability to fund those great public services.
REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 3005 to remove the bust of Chief Justice Roger Taney and Confederate statues from public display in the U.S. Capitol Building. prgtoken The people's House can never truly be for the people if it is lined with tributes to those who fought to continue the enslavement of Black people in this country. prgtoken My ancestors built this building. Imagine how they would feel knowing that, more than 100 years after slavery was abolished in this country, we still paid homage to the very people who betrayed this country in order to keep my ancestors enslaved. prgtoken Imagine how I and other African Americans and people of color feel walking through Statuary Hall, knowing that there are monuments to people who supported, embraced, and fought for the breakup of our country. prgtoken We are not trying to erase our history. We must confront our past when prgtoken we talk about who we should honor in this building. prgtoken Should we honor the man who wrote the Supreme Court ruling that African Americans can't be citizens? Or should we honor the man who got the Supreme Court to rule that separate but equal cannot be equal? Should we honor a legal architect of slavery? Or should we honor a legal architect of the civil rights movement? prgtoken When I hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk about the ic Party, I wonder if you are aware of the whole history of the civil rights movement, where Black people and other people of color fought to enter the ic Party. And when people objected to our participation, and when people objected to our right to vote, those people left the ic Party and joined the Party. We are extremely aware of our history of racism in the ic Party. prgtoken Part of our history as Americans is that we criticize our country. We don't just honor the nice stories of our history, but we honor and embrace all of our history. And we fight for a more perfect Union. Fighting for a more perfect Union for people of color meant fighting to enter the ic Party. prgtoken It is my hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will go back to that history of the Party that you honor and fight for the right of all Americans to vote.
RECOGNIZING JOEL GOMEZ AS MY CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , it is my great honor to recognize Encinitas native Joel Gomez for my June Constituent of the Month. Recent graduate of Classical Academy High, Joel Gomez has not only represented California's 49th Congressional District around the country with his impressive athletic ability, but also the United States on the world stage as a medal award-winning Paralympic athlete. A member of the United States Paralympic Track and Field team, Joel has competed with great success in Switzerland, Peru and Dubai, earning two gold medals and one silver medal in the 1500 meters and 400 meters events. On top of that, Joel was named the 2019 Male Junior Para Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field. prgtoken Still just 17 years old, Joel is currently preparing to represent the United States as a member of Team USA once again at the Tokyo Paralympics. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on much of the athletic communities' plans, Joel remained positive in his training and competition efforts, a perseverance he is no stranger to. With the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and Olympics, Joel had the opportunity to train, stay motivated, and work harder than ever for what he hopes will soon be the pinnacle of his running career upon successful qualification at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials. prgtoken In addition to his athletic achievements, Joel is an accomplished student, and is set to attend Purdue University this fall, where he intends to study industrial engineering. He also plays 4 instruments and sings, and in 2017, he made it to the finals in the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County Idol Season 8. I'm honored to represent such an impressive young man, and I'm eager to watch and cheer him on as he races on the behalf of Team USA. Competing at an international level is an incredible feat, especially at such a young age, and I am proud to stand behind this remarkable, well-rounded young man, who I'm pleased to recognize as my June Constituent of the Month
Now, I yield to my friend from California (Mrs. Kim), who has taken a leadership role from the other side of the aisle to talk to us about SALT.
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Absolutely. As you know, when the income tax was put in place more than 100 years ago, it was a decision that communities, that States that decided to invest in their people, would not be double taxed. prgtoken Yet, in 2017, the decision of the s was to specifically attack these States, these blue States like Illinois and New York. It is unfair to these communities that are investing in schools, public services, fire departments, police departments, making the decision to responsibly pay for them, and then have their residents told they have to pay a second time with the Federal tax. prgtoken To add on top of that, these are the States, like New York and Illinois, who pay more to the Federal Government than they get back. So not only are we getting double taxed, we have a burden of subsidizing the States that are attacking us now. prgtoken So this is absolutely unfair. It is unfair to the States. But, more importantly, it is unfair to the families we represent.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER YOCK
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the life of Christopher Yock, who passed away on June 8, 2021 at the age of 57 after battling a structure fire at San Francisco International Airport. He was a beloved member of the San Rafael community and a San Francisco firefighter. prgtoken Christopher was born on December 27, 1963 in San Francisco and was raised in the Westborough neighborhood of South San Francisco. Christopher began his journey in the fire service as a firefighter at the Alameda Naval Airbase Station and the Presidio Fire Department before finally achieving his dream of becoming a firefighter for the San Francisco Fire Department. Christopher loved his career in the fire service, and was a beloved firehouse chef who prepared amazing meals for his fellow firefighters. prgtoken Christopher lived a full and vibrant life, meeting and making lifelong friends along the way. He had a passion for traveling, cooking, photography, and music. Christopher was a seasoned world traveler, with some of his favorite destinations being Palau, Porto, Maldives, Tahiti, Bali and numerous family trips to Maui. Christopher is survived by his siblings, Jeffery Yock and Jennifer Yock-Lanthier, his son, Cayden Yock (Nancy Galvin), his brother-in-law, Sean Lanthier, and his nephew and nieces, Danielle Gracia, Alyssa Sozio, Adam Lanthier, and Ashley Yock. prgtoken Madam , I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Christopher's family and friends and in expressing our deep appreciation for his dedicated service to public safety and the San Francisco Fire Department.
IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I thank the chairwoman for her incredible leadership on this very critical and important legislation. prgtoken Madam , I rise today because I support this bill and the commonsense amendment that I have for it. I thank the chairwoman for her incredible hard work on this important issue. prgtoken Inspectors general play a key role in our government. They provide transparency and accountability into government programs and spending. They help prevent waste and fix mismanagement and abuse. prgtoken The IG Independence and Empowerment Act would ensure that they have the autonomy and the authority to do their jobs without political interference. My amendment is simple and in line with the goals of the bill. It would ensure that the inspector general is paid commensurate to their task. prgtoken Currently, IGs make less money than some of their senior advisers. I think the person with the most responsibility should be paid accordingly. If we want the best people to work these important jobs, we need to make sure that their pay matches their role. My amendment would fix an unintended consequence of current law and strengthen IG offices so that they can better carry out their essential work.