mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS
Mimi Walters (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to join my fellow female Members of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 100 years ago. prgtoken A mere 4 years after Congresswoman Rankin's landmark election, three more women were elected to Congress, including Mae Ella Nolan. prgtoken Congresswoman Nolan was not only the first woman from California to be elected to Congress, she was also the first woman to chair a congressional committee. prgtoken , now a century after Jeannette Rankin was sworn into Congress, it is not enough to simply recognize the significant contributions prgtoken women have made throughout history, we must also look to the future. prgtoken We have made significant strides in this country, but more are needed. Women represent over 50 percent of the population, yet we still face significant obstacles in the workplace, academia, and elsewhere. That is why we must work together to expand opportunities, remove barriers, and empower the next generation of women. prgtoken We must always remember that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and fought for equality--equality of opportunity, not- quality of outcome. prgtoken As we strive to make our country stronger for the next generation, we must continue to fight so that each woman has an equal opportunity to compete and to excel based on her abilities and accomplishments. prgtoken I want to thank the co-chairs of the Congressional Women's Caucus, Congresswoman Brooks, and Congresswoman Frankel, for sponsoring this Special Order.
AMENDING THE VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota, for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 544. This legislation ensures that the approximately $1 billion left in Choice funding is spent on the critical mission of providing veterans timely access to care. prgtoken It would be an abdication of our responsibility to veterans if we allowed this money to go back to the Treasury instead of going to those who need and deserve our support. prgtoken I appreciate the efforts from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for advancing this legislation. prgtoken The Choice Act was designed as a rapid response to the veteran wait time crisis, but its framework and implementation has been deeply flawed. Objective analyses found that it is not meaningfully reducing veterans' wait times, and its arbitrary standards have added a layer of confusion for both patients and providers. prgtoken There is bipartisan consensus that these concerns must be addressed when the Choice Act sunsets and the funding expires. We can and must do a better job of prioritizing and streamlining veterans' access to care in the community. We can and must do better than the existing Choice Act. prgtoken Now, the Choice Act was a temporary emergency measure to address an unacceptable crisis. Unfortunately, it contained language that undermined protections against workplace discrimination for Federal contractors. The next iteration of this law cannot subvert the rights of those who treat and serve our veterans. prgtoken The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs continues to be a vital tool for ensuring fairness and equality in the workplace. It should apply to everyone that does business with the Federal Government because the Federal Government cannot endorse discrimination of any kind. prgtoken I will fight to ensure that this committee and this Congress restores their commitment to equality and fairness as we develop a more streamlined and thoughtful method for connecting veterans with community care. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter echoing these concerns from the Human Rights Campaign, the National Women's Law Center, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and the National Partnership for Women & Families. April 5, 2017. Dear Representative: We write to express our serious concerns about H.R. 369/S. 544, which would eliminate the sunset of the Veterans Choice Program. The Veterans Choice Program currently includes a provision exempting it from oversight by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). This has diminished civil rights protections when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) enters into federal contracts for veterans' health care services. The Veterans Choice Program was always intended to be a temporary solution to ease the health care access crisis face
JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-4-5

it is an honor to be with you today. prgtoken First of all, I want to celebrate Jeannette Rankin also as being the first woman in Congress. prgtoken Today I am going to talk about someone who was my role model, one of my favorites, Bella Abzug. prgtoken Bella Abzug was a leading liberal activist and politician. She lived from 1920 to 1998, and was especially known for her work with women's rights. After graduating from Columbia University Law School, she became involved in the antinuclear and peace movements. In the 1960s, she helped organize the Women Strike for Peace and the National Women's Political Caucus. prgtoken I just want to say that I feel like that is how I got my start in political activism, was in the antiwar marches in the 1960s at Boston University. prgtoken Mrs. Abzug won a seat in the United States House of Representatives, where she advocated for women's rights and withdrawal from the Vietnam war. And even after leaving office, she continued to work on many causes, including the establishment of the Women's Environment and Development Organization. prgtoken Incidentally, I know we have a lot of Harvard lawyers in this Congress, but she was rejected because of her gender. But kudos to Columbia because they got her. prgtoken She was known for her hats and her big voice, and she really left a mark for many of us. prgtoken Representative Brooks, I am happy to be with you here today. I think there are a lot of women today who are feeling nervous or anxious because of political situations, but someone like Bella Abzug gives us inspiration that you can have a big voice, you can be a community activist, and you can make a difference in life. prgtoken I am going to leave you with her quote. She said of herself: ``I've been described as a tough and noisy woman, a prizefighter, a man-hater, you name it. There are some who say I'm impatient, uppity, rude, profane, brash and overbearing''--oh, my goodness, I think I am talking about the whole Women's Caucus here--``but whatever I am--and this ought to be made very clear at the outset--I am a very serious woman.'' prgtoken , I want to thank another very serious woman. It has been a pleasure to be with you and to honor the women who came before us and led the pathway.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' SMETHERS
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize and honor the life of William ``Bill'' Smethers, who passed away on March 31, 2017. Bill was a wonderful friend and beloved member of our community whose passing is deeply felt. Having known and worked with Bill, I know that he will be greatly missed. He touched many lives throughout his decades of service to our community. As a former Santa Clara County Fair Manager, Bill fought to protect the County Fair from being eliminated and continued to advocate for improving the Fair well after leaving his post as manager. His steadfast dedication became an inspiration for others to follow, encouraging them to preserve and continue these Fairs, festivals, and other cultural institutions not only in Santa Clara County but across California. Most importantly, Bill founded Youth Focus Inc. almost 50 years ago to empower and motivate youth, providing learning opportunities for youth to excel and become future leaders in our community. Through various cultural and educational enrichment programs, Bill and his team at Youth Focus Inc. made a tremendous impact on countless young people by helping them develop skills they needed to become productive and contributing members of our society. His work has left a lasting impression on those who participated in Youth Focus Inc. programs and will continue to be felt by future generations our San Jose community mourns the passing of Bill Smethers as we honor his life today. We thank him for his lasting contributions to our community and join his loved ones in celebrating his incredible life.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Natomas Unified School District. As staff, families, and community members gather to celebrate this momentous occasion, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding school district and all that it has accomplished over the past 25 years. prgtoken On March 5th in 1991, the Natomas community overwhelmingly voted in support of a proposed Natomas Unified School District. It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since July 1992, when the Natomas Unified School District officially was born. Today, the Natomas Unified School District serves over 15,000 students and their families in pre- kindergarten through 12th grade. The school district now offers countless programs and services that help students be successful in school and ultimately graduate college and enter the workforce. prgtoken I have seen firsthand the incredible impact the Natomas Unified School District has on our community. For 25 years, the dedicated staff of the Natomas Unified School District has carefully selected qualified and passionate teachers, involved the community in the education process, and worked tirelessly to meet the needs of students. These staff and teachers help create a safe and welcome learning environment for their students, and that important work truly has a positive impact on our community as a whole. prgtoken , as the Natomas Unified School District and the community it serves gather to celebrate the District's 25th Anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring 25 years of providing high quality education for children and adults in Natomas.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ARAB AMERICAN COMMUNITY DURING ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize the Arab American community during Arab American Heritage Month. Arab Americans embody the core values of our country through their initiative, work ethic and dedication to faith and family, and their contributions to the United States are worthy of commendation. prgtoken April is widely recognized as Arab American Heritage Month, and it is important that we acknowledge the vital role that this community plays in our country's civic life. According to the Arab American Institute, almost four million Arab Americans live and work through the United States, with a variety of backgrounds and cultures. These individuals have made vital contributions across a variety of fields, including medicine, business and government. Arab Americans represent individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, and their family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great democracy. prgtoken I am fortunate to represent one of the largest Arab American communities in the country in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn is a diverse blue-collar city that is home to a branch of the world-class University of Michigan and an iconic American auto company in Ford Motor Company, and the Arab American community continues to play a key role in their successes and other endeavors in the city. These hard-working individuals exemplify the values that make America great, and we must continue to recognize the heritage and contributions of the Arab American community to the United States. During Arab American Heritage Month, it is my hope that the contributions of Arab Americans throughout the country will be given the recognition and acclaim that they deserve. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Arab American community and their accomplishments during Arab American Heritage Month. Their positive impact on the United States' civic life is deserving of recognition.
ZAIRA GARCIA DE LA CUEVA
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize and applaud Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken Zaira Garcia De La Cueva is an 11th grader at Northglenn High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Zaira Garcia De La Cueva 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. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS HARMING OUR HEALTH
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-5

Earth Day 2017 provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the consequences of President 's executive action abandoning meaningful progress on climate. Left unchecked, climate change will continue to harm the health and safety of our communities. That is why the American Public Health Association declared 2017 as the Year of Climate Change and Health. prgtoken Seasonal changes, higher temperature, droughts, and severe storms are leading to more heat-related illnesses and death, increased asthma attacks, and more severe allergies. The scientific evidence is clear: climate change endangers human health. The health harms of climate change led 11 medical societies to form the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, which recently issued a report titled: ``Medical Alert! Climate Change Is Harming Our Health.'' prgtoken One of the consortium doctors said: ``The worst-case scenarios of climate change really worry me. It would mean a level of human suffering we can hardly contemplate, much less respond to.'' prgtoken , we can't allow that to happen. This problem demands immediate action, not denial, and certainly not delay.
CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS BASKETBALL TEAMS
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise to congratulate the University of South Carolina Gamecocks basketball team. It was the thrill of a lifetime to attend the NCAA women's basketball national championship game last Sunday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Gamecocks have electrified Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina, and we are all incredibly proud of what these coaches and players have achieved. prgtoken For Head Coach Dawn Staley, winning the national championship is the latest in a string of achievements that she has accumulated in her lifetime and in South Carolina over the last nine seasons. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have made the NCAA Tournament six years in a row and went to the final four in 2015. This year, they finally got over the hump and are national champions. Her coaching staff, Lisa Boyer, Nikki McCray-Penson, Fred Chmiel, Melanie Balcomb, Cynthia Jordan, Freddy Ready, Ariana Moore, Hudson Jacobs, Marcella Shorty, and Katie Fowler have done an impressive job, and I congratulate each of them. prgtoken The team Coach Staley has built is an incredible group of young women from South Carolina and around the country. A'ja Wilson, a Junior from Hopkins, South Carolina, won the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four award and was named to the All-SEC First Team this season. Wilson was joined on the All-SEC First Team by Senior Alaina Coates from Irmo, South Carolina. Unfortunately, Coates missed the NCAA tournament with an ankle injury and has concluded a fantastic career with the Gamecocks. In addition to making All-SEC First team this year, she did so last season as well, and was All-SEC Second team in her first two years in the program. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she has as much success in the future as she has had with the Gamecocks. prgtoken The full roster of this championship team includes: Victoria Patrick, Bianca Cuevas-Moore, Kaela Davis, Doniyah Cliney, Allisha Gray, Araion Bradshaw, Tiffany Davis, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, A'ja Wilson, Alexis Jennings, Alaina Coates, and Tyasha . prgtoken The Gamecocks finished 2017 with a 33-4 record and won their third consecutive Southeastern Conference Championship en route to this national championship. The Gamecocks have developed an incredible fan base. They have led the nation in attendance for women's basketball over the last several years. In addition to their success on the court, these coaches and players are role models off the court. prgtoken I especially want to acknowledge Assistant Coach Nikki McCray-Penson. Diagnosed with cancer three years ago, she has been a real inspiration to many. Throughout her treatment she remained totally committed to the team, and never missed a day of work. Thankfully, she is now cancer free. prgtoken I also wish to congratulate the Gamecocks Men's team. After winning their first NCAA tournament game in 43 years they reached the final four for the first time in their pr
CLOSE THE FOREIGN MONEY LOOPHOLE
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-4-5

we know from our law enforcement and intelligence agencies that there was an effort by Russia to covertly influence our elections. prgtoken And we know that, according to Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, Russia is both covertly and overtly trying to influence elections right now in France and in Germany. prgtoken What most folks may not know is that right now there is a loophole in our campaign finance laws that would allow foreigners to use their wealth to influence our elections, possibly including wealthy individuals aligned with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and corporations controlled by Putin allies. prgtoken This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue. There was more than $1 billion spent by outside groups in the 2016 election. It is virtually impossible to know where all this money is coming from. prgtoken While U.S. laws prohibit foreign money from being used in our elections, there is a loophole that could allow this money in. That is why I am introducing the Election Protection and Integrity Certification Act to close that loophole and keep money from Russia and other foreign sources out of our election system. prgtoken , our democracy is under attack and and s need to join together to stop Russian influence in our elections. We need to close the foreign money loophole.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CHUCK BERRY, THE FATHER OF ROCK N' ROLL
Wm. Lacy Clay (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to honor a legendary American musical genius; An inaugural member of the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame; And a former neighbor and friend of the Clay family for six decades . . . The father of Rock n' Roll; the immortal Chuck Berry. Mr. Berry, a legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist who created the original American art form that would come to be known as Rock n' Roll, died on March 18 at the age of 90. He began singing in the Antioch Baptist Church choir in St. Louis when he was just six years old. In 1952, when jazz pianist Johnnie Johnson lost his saxophonist, Alvin Bennett, to a stroke on Christmas Eve, he called on Mr. Berry to join the Sir John Trio. The group played at the famed Cosmopolitan Club in East St. Louis. Although he was a new guitarist, Mr. Berry added vocals and showmanship to the group and was soon its leader. During a 1955 visit to Chicago, legendary Blues man Muddy Waters suggested that Berry should reach out to Leonard Chess at Chess Records. Mr. Berry sent him four demos; one was his iconic single . . . Maybellene. He got the contract. The high-octane Maybellene became his first hit single. As the civil rights movement was awakening the nation to the struggle for justice and equality for African Americans, Chuck Berry's music smashed the color barrier. He was one of the first Black artists to become as popular with white audiences as he was with Black audiences. In 1958, he did an ode to teenage-hood: Sweet Little Sixteen. It grabbed the No. 1 spot on the R&B chart and No. 2 on the pop chart. Then came Johnny B. Goode, his anthem that was part autobiography, part tribute to his piano player, Johnny Johnson. It's about a poor country boy with a gift for playing the guitar and dreams of someday seeing his name up in lights ``saying Johnny B. Goode tonight.'' In 1987, his self-titled autobiography was published and the enduring documentary film about his life, Hail! Hail! Rock n' Roll, was released. Mr. Berry appeared as himself in the 1978 film, American Hot Wax, and performed at the Carter White House in 1979. A career that transcended hate and racism, and outlasted hardship, began winning long-overdue recognition in the '80s. In 1985, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame. In 1986, after more than 40 years in show business, Chuck Berry was inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class. Two years later, Chuck Berry received his star on St. Louis' Walk of Fame. In 2011 . . . a larger than life statue of Mr. Berry was installed near his star, across the street from the world-famous Blueberry Hill on Delmar Boulevard in the heart of my Congressional District. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and many other world-class groups owe their success to the innovative genius of Chuck Berry. Mr. Berry's most recen