mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING UCLA CHANCELLOR GENE BLOCK
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise along with my colleagues, Representatives Linda Sanchez, Jimmy Gomez, Brad Sherman, and Jay Obernolte, today to honor UCLA Chancellor Gene Block on his 17 years of steadfast leadership at one of America's premier research institutions. prgtoken Originally from New York, Chancellor Block received his bachelor's and Ph.D. degrees in psychology from Stanford and the University of Oregon, respectively. Prior to his service at UCLA, Chancellor Block was internationally recognized for his research on the body's ``biological clock.'' He continued his work at Virginia, leading a team that established an NSF Center for Biological Timing. prgtoken Since beginning his tenure in 2007, Chancellor Block's sure- handedness and optimism has navigated the Bruin community through numerous unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and 2008 recession. He has led the campus towards great successes--like consistently ranking as the top public university in the nation. In his 17 years as Chancellor, the research budget has more than doubled--from $4 billion to $11 billion annually. This enables staff and student- researchers to develop solutions to society's most pressing issues. prgtoken Chancellor Block has also increased diversity of our body and the accessibility of a UCLA education. Enrollment at UCLA has grown by 9,000 students each year, and the school has acquired new properties in the South Bay and downtown Los Angeles and has strengthened ties with the region's diverse communities. UCLA's partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District that began under Chancellor Block in 2009 brings UCLA instructional programs and teacher training to students in the underserved Koreatown/Pico-Union neighborhood. This work is important to the Southern California community that UCLA supports. prgtoken The Chancellor has overseen the fundraising of hundreds of millions towards making a UCLA education more accessible by bolstering scholarship initiatives like the Bruin Scholars initiative, Chancellors Centennial Scholars Program, and UCLA affordability initiative. As a result of his commitment to diversity and accessibility, nearly a third of UCLA graduates are first-generation college students--as Chancellor Block was himself. prgtoken I join my colleagues and fellow UCLA alums, Representatives Sanchez, Gomez, Sherman, and Obernolte, in thanking Chancellor Block for his commitment to higher education in our nation and Southern California community. We wish him a smooth transition back into research and teaching. prgtoken Go Bruins.
HONORING MEL SHELDON, JR.
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-11-3

. I rise today to acknowledge that November is Native American Heritage Month. My district includes sovereign tribes whose people and culture contribute greatly to our region and nation: the Tulalip Tribes, Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. prgtoken November is also a time to honor the women and men for their service in the United States Armed Forces. This Veterans Day, I honor the women and men from Native communities in northwest Washington who have fought for freedom, their homeland and their culture. More than 140,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans live in the United States today, including approximately 5,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in Washington. Historically. Native peoples have answered the call to serve at the highest per capita rate of any population, embodying the values of bravely and sacrifice. prgtoken The Tulalip Tribes' proud history in the U.S. Armed Forces exemplifies the tradition of Tribal service. During the Vietnam War, approximately 42,000 American Indians--one out of every four eligible Native people--served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including 39 members of the Tulalip Tribes. My friend, Mel Sheldon, Jr was one of these servicemembers. In August 1969, soon after graduating high school. prgtoken Mel enlisted in the U.S. Army. Thanks to his high aptitude, Mel advanced to Warrant Officer Flight School where he learned to fly helicopters. Arriving in Vietnam in October 1970. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sheldon volunteered to fly dangerous scouting missions as a member of Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. CWO2 Sheldon routinely exhibited bravery in combat alongside his fellow soldiers, accruing more than 900 hours of fjyjng time, including 600 hours flyjng scouting missions, before returning home in fall 1971. prgtoken Not yet 21 years old and after more than two years in the Army, Mel had a difflcult time transitioning home. As he put it, ``I wanted to feel proud of serving our country,'' but, like many Vietnam veterans, he did not feel welcomed or acknowledged upon returning home from an unpopular war. To Mel and the many veterans who felt this way-- including Tribal veterans, let me say how proud we are of their service and how grateful we are they returned home to serve their community for all these years. prgtoken After his Army service, Mel put his G.I. Bill benefits to use and furthered his education, attending Skagit College and then the University of Washington, where he earned his bachelor's degree in political science. His military service and education prepared him for a career as a commercial fisherman and, later, as a member of the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors. Mel served for six years as Board Chairman, during which time he focused on protec
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-3

. I regret that I was unable to vote on Thursday, November 2, 2023, during the second vote series. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 567, on agreeing to Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 568, on agreeing to Amendment No. 15 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 569, on agreeing to Amendment No. 59 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 570, on agreeing to Amendment No. 60 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 571, on agreeing to Amendment No. 61 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 572, on agreeing to Amendment No. 66 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 573, on agreeing to Amendment No. 70 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 574, on agreeing to Amendment No. 73 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 575, on agreeing to Amendment No. 74 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 576, on agreeing to Amendment No. 78 to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024; prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 577, H.R. 6126, Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024; and prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 578, H. Res. 798, Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff, as amended.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, the funds in H.R. 4821, The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to decrease by $3 million and increase by the same amount the $67,942,000 designated for the Department of Interior (DOI) Office of the Secretary are intended to be used for a Work Environment Survey for the Department of the Interior and all its bureaus. They will help generate data that can be directly compared to the Work Environment Survey done at Interior and the National Park Service in 2017 by the Federal Consulting Group and the CFI Group. The survey is necessary to determine whether progress has been made after years of efforts by the Department to address sexual harassment, discrimination, and other workplace satisfaction issues, and to determine how to target resources for future efforts. According to the Office of the Inspector General Report, the 2017 Work Environment Survey cost nearly $2.4 million. Assuming inflation rates assigned by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a survey conducted now would cost $3 million.
RECOGNIZING THE LIVONIA SYMPHONY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today in recognition of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, the premier professional orchestra serving the people of Livonia, Wayne County, and Oakland County, as they celebrate 50 years of musical programming. prgtoken Founded in 1973 (originally as the Oakway Symphony), the Livonia Symphony Orchestra has been a musical force that brings a wide array of music, from Broadway to the classics, as well as world-renowned performers to the community. The Livonia Symphony has only had two musical directors in its entire history, founder Francisco Di Blasi and currentjy Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk who also serves as the orchestra's conductor. Under their leadership, the orchestra has thrived. prgtoken The Livonia Symphony Orchestra is also a champion for music education. The group encourages all young people to engage in music education. Their Musical Outreach Program helps provide musical instruments to students across the Livonia and Clarenceville upper elementary and middle schools. In keeping with the Symphony's belief that accessibility inspires interest and engagement, the organization encourages young people to explore music by providing these instruments free of charge to those in need. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing the Livonia Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate 50 years of music and community engagement in Michigan's 12th District.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-3

on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, I was unable to physically attend proceedings in the House Chamber due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 559 (Motion to Table H. Res. 807--Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib); prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 560 (H. Res. 559--Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable); prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 561 (H.R. 340--Hamas International Financing Prevent Action, as amended); prgtoken YEA on Roll Call No. 562 (Motion to Recommit H.R. 4364--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2024); prgtoken NAY on Roll Call No. 563 (Passage of H.R. 4364--Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2024); and prgtoken PRES on Roll Call No. 564 (Adoption of H. Res. 773--Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the House of Representatives).
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEIRUT BOMBING
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-11-3

on October 23, 1983, the United States of America suffered an unspeakable loss as 220 Marines, 18 Navy sailors, and 3 Army soldiers were killed in a horrific act of violence in the Marine barracks at the Beirut airport. prgtoken My heart is with every American grieving the loss of a loved one. Each of those 241 Americans represents the best of our country: brave, selfless, and dedicated. prgtoken We must recommit ourselves to working to defend democracy at home and around the world. That is how we rightfully honor the legacy of the 241 heroes we lost that day. That is what we owe all of the servicemembers, family members, and loved ones whose lives were changed forever those 40 years ago.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to discuss the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriation Act and how s continue to put politics over people. prgtoken Financial support for Israel after a terrorist attack should be an easy bipartisan bill to pass. Instead, s are hijacking it to prevent the richest 1 percent of Americans from paying their fair share of taxes and preventing lifesaving aid for families caught in the crossfire. So s would rather protect their billionaire tax cheating supporters than protect children. prgtoken No one should be surprised about it. If the richest 1 percent paid their fair share, America could gain $3 trillion in the next 10 years according to economists. Even a portion of that funding would allow us to support Israel, help Palestinian families, and aid Ukraine, and it would even reduce the national debt significantly. prgtoken Nevertheless, s want to rob the poor to pay the rich, and I hope American voters are paying attention.
HONORING THE LIFE AND WORKS OF SPENCER LANCASTER
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to mourn the loss of a local civic champion and trailblazer, Spencer Lancaster, also known as ``Uncle Buddy,'' of New London, Connecticut, Spencer was a true leader for the New London community. A role model and a mentor, Spencer always wanted to make a difference and he did, playing an active role in the civil rights movement throughout his life. Aged 95, Mr. Lancaster sadly but peacefully passed away on October 24th lovingly surrounded by his family. prgtoken Born in March 1928 to Richard and Dorothy Conover Lancaster in New London, Connecticut, Spencer purposed his life toward strengthening his community. While still in high school, Spencer was recruited to build submarines by Electric Boat during World War II. After graduation, Spencer heeded our nation's call to action and served in the United States Army 98th Battalion Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, NC. Spencer's time in the army served as a catalyst for his advocacy in civil rights as he found himself disconcerted when soldiers in identical uniform were separated into groups based on race. prgtoken Upon the conclusion of the War, Spencer went back to school and attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where he met his wife and the love of his life, Pearlestine Williams. After marrying Pearlestine in September 1952, Spencer and his wife returned to his home in eastern Connecticut, starting a legacy which would mold generations to come. prgtoken Once returned to New London after the war, Spencer wasted no time in picking up where he left off pursuing his passion to make an impact in the city, successfully championing conversations for the integration of formerly all-white public housing in New London. Spencer became active in local politics and, in 1960, became the first Black elected official in the city of New London where he served on the Board of Selectmen. Here, Spencer's devotion to bringing about positive change flourished. He served as an example for others in his community and continued to combat housing discrimination and create an atmosphere where New Londoners could function as equal citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, or economic standing. prgtoken In New London, a Black Heritage Trail plaque stands on Rodgers Street to mark where Spencer and Pearlestine bought their house in 1963, becoming the first Black homeowners on their street. Although a neighborhood petition was created to force them off the street, the Chief of Police, a neighbor to Spencer and Pearlestine, immediately rejected the petition. Spencer was rightfully recognized by the city of New London as a living legend on the city's Black Heritage Trail for his persistent advocacy on behalf of New London residents. prgtoken As if his impressive works in local government were not enough, Spencer also served as the first Black Deputy Sheriff of New London and devoted his time to helping secure appointments for other Black men and
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-11-3

I was unable to attend votes on November 3, 2023. However, had I been present, I would have voted ``NO'' on Roll Call No. 597, H.R. 4821, Department of Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill makes significant cuts that hinder the U.S. response to climate change. It exacerbates environmental discrimination and prohibits funding for necessary DEI programs. I do not support this legislation.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SAM SLOM, FORMER HAWAII STATE SENATOR
Jill N. Tokuda (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise today to celebrate the life of one of my favorite s, my former colleague, my friend, the late Hawaii State Senator, Sam Slom. prgtoken For 20 years, Sam represented East Honolulu's 9th Senatorial District. and for almost half that time, he was the sole member of the Hawaii Senate earning him the self-imposed nickname. ``The Lone Ranger.'' prgtoken As one of a handful. or the only, member of the minority party, Sam read every bill, every resolution, and defied time and space to try and get to every committee and vote. prgtoken I had the honor and privilege of serving many years side by side Sam. Yes. we disagreed on many things, but more than not, we saw eye to eye, especially on our commitment to lowering the cost of living for middle class working families and being good fiscal stewards with taxpayer dollars. prgtoken Prior to his service in the State Senate. Sam served as the chief economist for the Bank of Hawaii, and for over 30 years he was the President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii. prgtoken There is much that could be said about the boy from Allentown, Pennsylvania, who found his way to Hawaii in the sixties and made Hawaii his home. prgtoken What I can personally share is that he was often the member I could count on to be there. When I needed his vote, even if he disagreed, he'd help me get it to the floor and was open and honest with me on why he disagreed. prgtoken He was a statesman till the very end, and given the partisan times we find ourselves in, I truly miss my friend. prgtoken Mahalo to Sam for blessing us with his wisdom, his advocacy. and his friendship. There are more Hawaiian hoary bats in our islands because of him and we will forever remember him as the lone ranger who challenged our minds and won our hearts.
RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2023 ARTSFAIRFAX ARTS AWARDS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-11-3

I rise to recognize ArtsFairfax and the recipients of the prgtoken 2023 Arts Awards. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of artists, arts organizations, individuals, and businesses in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church that support the arts in our community. prgtoken Founded in 1964, the formally named Arts Council of Fairfax County, Inc. is a non-profit organization designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency. Today, ArtsFairfax operates programs and Initiatives that include grant opportunities, arts advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities for more than 23 arts and culture organizations. prgtoken ArtsFairfax envisions a thriving arts and culture community accessible to all of Fairfax County. To support this vision, ArtsFairfax awards over $795,000 in County, public, and private funds through competitive grants and awards to more than 60 organizations annually. prgtoken The Arts Awards honors supporters of the arts in four categories: the Jinx Hazel Arts Award, the Impact Award, the Education Award, and the Arts Philanthropy Award. prgtoken It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2023 Arts Awards Recipients: prgtoken The 2023 Jinx Hazel Arts Award, ArtsFairfax's premier award recognizing an individual or organization whose vision and commitment has helped shape the cultural life of Fairfax County, will be presented to the Workhouse Arts Center. prgtoken The 2023 Impact Award will be presented to Inova Schar Cancer Institute in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. prgtoken The 2023 Education Award will be presented to The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University. prgtoken The 2023 Arts Philanthropy Award will be presented to Lola Reinsch. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2023 Arts Awards and recognizing the visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2023-11-3

. Mr. Chair, once again, I am kind of caught in this challenge of not understanding exactly what it is that my colleagues don't like about the term ``environmental justice,'' or in this case, ``ocean justice.'' prgtoken It seems like ``justice'' is a word that we are very comfortable with in a patriotic way that everyone understands. Justice is important in this country. prgtoken As a Member who represents as much coastline as anybody in here that is extremely impacted by the challenges that are going on in the ocean, such as sea level rise and extreme storms, I have to deal with these questions. I think it is totally appropriate to have a justice strategy in making sure that we have equitability in how we take care of people. prgtoken If you live in a community where it is underresourced and are impacted by these ocean storms that come at us with total surprise--for example, a winter storm or nor'easter, as we call them, or a hurricane in the southern part of the country, and there aren't resources to rebuild. Perhaps sea level rise is making it so that your community needs to be moved. prgtoken I was talking last night about the 31 Native communities in Alaska that have to be moved because of sea level rise. If you don't have a justice lens, somebody might turn around and just say: I am sorry. This community isn't valuable enough. You don't have the resources, and your people can't move their own homes. You can't deal with rebuilding the coastal protections, so the money is going somewhere else, to a wealthier community, to someplace where we think people matter more. prgtoken Those decisions are critical decisions about how we spend our Federal funds, about how we make sure the work we do is equitable. Climate change is having a huge impact on life on the ocean. prgtoken I do not want to criticize my colleague. I am sure he has put this forward in good faith, but the last I saw, Arkansas doesn't have an ocean, and my colleague is trying to make policy for those of us who represent ocean communities in the East, West, and South throughout this country, the 40 percent of the United States population that lives on the ocean. These are critical strategies for us. prgtoken We don't need to make the same mistakes that we made in the past with not having a lens of environmental justice. Why in the world would we want to turn back and have discrimination and make bad policy? Why in the world when we are facing some of the most severe crises we have ever seen? We have hurricanes that come on us with no warning, extreme storms in the winter, extreme storms at times of the year we never expected them. prgtoken I can go on for much more time than I have to talk about what just happened in my own State and the challenges people are worried about, about sea level rise, about the ocean impact prgtoken of storms. This would take away the opportunity to look forward on that and make sure that our funding is equitable, that all co