mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BASSAM BARABANDI REWARDS FOR JUSTICE ACT
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-7-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 1036, the Bassam Barabandi Rewards for Justice Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by my friend, the gentleman from South Carolina, Congressman Joe Wilson, and the gentleman from Florida, Ted Deutch. prgtoken , whistleblower programs have proven themselves effective over and over again. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice collected $3.7 billion in settlements and judgments from False Claim Act cases against companies and individuals who had defrauded the government. Of the $3.7 billion, 92 percent came from cases brought by whistleblowers. Whistleblowers have easier access to evidence of misdeeds than outside law enforcement investigators, deeper knowledge of the bad prgtoken actors engaged in unlawful behavior, and greater insights into the methods through which fraud or theft is being carried out. prgtoken This bipartisan bill would authorize the Department of State to offer rewards for information about the identity or location of individuals who defy sanctions imposed by the United States or by the United Nations. prgtoken This legislation builds on several existing programs that provide rewards of information leading to the arrest or conviction of criminals engaging in human trafficking, smuggling, or other transnational crimes. prgtoken This bill will also increase compliance with American and international sanctions programs and, therefore, serves a valuable role promoting human rights, good governance, and the rule of law around the world. prgtoken , I thank Mr. Wilson and Mr. Deutch for their diligent work on this legislation, and I encourage all Members to join me in supporting it. prgtoken , .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-19

I have 2 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet dring today's session of the Senate: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 6 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Strategic Forces prgtoken The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 5:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF PAUL O. REIMER
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Paul O. Reimer, a California native who was born on July 15, 1927, and died on April 25, 2021, at his home in Portola Valley, California, at the age of 93. prgtoken Paul was the only child of Ruby and Paul Reimer and was raised in Alturas, California. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and was assigned to the University of Idaho to learn basic engineering. After basic training he was sent to Japan and Korea. After his WWII service, Paul earned a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Nevada. It was at Reno that he met his wife, Kathryn Ann Brennan, and where he developed strong loyalties to his professors and friends, and he was a very proud and supportive alum. prgtoken Paul and Kathryn married in 1951 and moved to Palo Alto, California. They had three children, Mark, Ted (who died in 2018), and Kristie. Kay died in 2005, and Paul is survived by Mark and his wife Ana, daughter Kristie, seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. prgtoken Paul formed Reimer Associates, Consulting Civil Engineers, in 1976, and went far beyond engineering design services. He was joined at the firm by his daughter Kristie in 1990, and together they gained national recognition for their work with the communities impacted by the Base Realignment and Closure Committee. Paul was a member of the Defense Environmental Response Task Force and appointment to this nine-member Task Force required House and Senate confirmation. He was an active member of many professional societies and received many honors for his work. prgtoken Paul gave back to his community through his work researching the path that Gaspar de Portola took during his 1769 expedition to the San Mateo and San Francisco County coasts, and through his long service with the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. prgtoken Madam , Paul Reimer has been described as a poet, a wit, a true gentleman, a gifted engineer, a gracious host, a best friend, and most importantly, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and godfather. He was a great and good man who made his community and his country better places for all of us. I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in extending our most sincere condolences to his family and in honoring the life of this extraordinary American.
HONORING THE LIFE & SERVICE OF GEORGE EDWARD HAIRSTON
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2021-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the life and service of Mr. George Edward Hairston. prgtoken George E. Hairston was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on February 11, 1942. He passed away on March 8, 2021, at the age of seventy-nine. He was buried with military honors next to his beloved brother Richard Hairston. After graduating high school, George graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and went on to attend Columbia University in New York City, NY receiving his master's degree in Social Work. prgtoken George served in the United States military during the Vietnam War where he was assigned to a medical unit in Korea helping those who were wounded in combat. After his honorable discharge, George attended, and graduated, from New York University School of Law. While attending law school, he worked as a legal intern at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational fund. Afterwards, Mr. Hairston was employed by the NAACP as an Assistant General Counsel. prgtoken After leaving the NAACP, he entered private practice as a independent practitioner in New York City where he maintained a distinguished national civil rights litigation and criminal defense practice. prgtoken After living out and accomplishing his goal to be a renowned attorney fighting racial injustice, Mr. Hairston went home to Chattanooga where be lived out the rest of his life until his demise. Due to his salient role and efforts in addressing racial injustice, Mr. Hairston addressed the 97th Congress at hearings held by the Subcommittee on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representative. His expertise helped Congress address racially motivated violence and systemic racism. prgtoken Mr. Hairston labored decades to make our nation more inclusive and fought for those in need of justice. prgtoken Madam , I would like to acknowledge Mr. George E. Hairston for his honorable lifetime endeavors
GORDON BEESLEY
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Arvada Police Officer Gordon Beesley, who was killed in the line of duty on June 21, 2021. prgtoken On June 21, 2021, Officer Beesley was responding to a report of suspicious activity in Olde Town Arvada, Colo. when he was ambushed and shot by a man who had immense hatred toward police. prgtoken Officer Beesley joined the Arvada Police Department in 2002 and served in a number of roles for the Department. He spent most of the year working as a school resource officer at local schools in our community, including Oberon Middle School, Lincoln Academy and Excel Academy Charter School. During the summers, he often returned to patrol work. prgtoken Officer Beesley was a well-known and well-liked member of our community. His calm, gentle and patient demeanor made a big difference in his day-to-day interactions with students, especially those students who needed it most. In 2015, he was named Employee of the Year by the City of Arvada after the city learned Officer Beesley was riding his bike to school multiple times a week with a student who suffered from developmental delays and was not able to ride by himself. Countless other stories have surfaced from students, his colleagues and community members in the days following his death about the impact he had on their lives, big and small. prgtoken Officer Beesley is the first member of the Arvada Police Department to be killed by gunfire in the line of duty and the second police officer killed in the line of duty in Colorado in 2021. prgtoken I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Officer Beesley's family, the Arvada Police Department and the entire Arvada community for this tragic incident and the loss of Officer Beesley. We will remember Officer Gordon Beesley for his kindness and bravery, and are forever indebted to him and his family for his service and sacrifice for our community.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-7-20

first of all, I want to say about my two colleagues, I have very much enjoyed talking healthcare with the Senator from Indiana, the lead sponsor of this. We have had a lot of very productive discussions about the role of healthcare in America. prgtoken I strongly support the proposition that the Federal Government doesn't know all the answers here. Sometimes my friends say I am the Senator from innovation because I am always trying to promote innovation. That is what section 1332 is all about. prgtoken My other colleague from Indiana is a very valued member of the Finance Committee. So I want it understood that I think Indiana Senators, they are 100 percent straight shooters who I enjoy talking healthcare with. prgtoken Let me say, respectfully, why I have a difference of opinion with respect to this issue. prgtoken My sense is that what my colleagues from Indiana want to do is based on a premise that comes from the administration, which I think is flawed. The premise is that those on Medicaid really don't work and don't want to work. prgtoken Having run the legal aid program for the elderly before I came to the Senate and was codirector of the Oregon Gray Panthers--and, again, it is a good discussion. People have differences of opinion. I think those on Medicaid overwhelmingly--overwhelmingly would like to be able to work and do work, and that is what the difference of opinion is here. prgtoken As I understand it, Senator Braun wants States to have the authority to condition access to Medicaid on work. Now, his colleague from Indiana noted some exceptions and the like, which sounds like it is of some value, but the basic proposition is conditioning access to Medicaid on work. prgtoken It has been my experience--and I have made a practice of it over the years, having been in public life, to go back and talk to people on Medicaid. I think overwhelmingly they want to and do work. prgtoken It seems to me, as we emerge from the economic effects of the COVID crisis--and my colleague and I are going to work, for example, on unemployment insurance, where I hope, again, to bring flexibility to the States. For example, my colleague on the Finance Committee knows that we certainly had a lot of serious technology issues with respect to the unemployment insurance programs of the States. So one of the areas I will propose, as we continue our work this year, is that the 53 systems should have a uniform baseline. And I think we are going to have good support, and s, on it. The key feature will be, of course, giving States the flexibility to innovate, consistent with having a uniform baseline. prgtoken So I want my colleagues, both of them, to understand--Senator Braun, who I have had some good conversations with, with respect to healthcare; and Senator Young, who is on the Finance Committee--I very much look forward to working with both of them on these healthcare issues. prgtoken For th
NATIONAL HEROES DAY
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-7-20

. Madam , 9 years ago today, Aurora, Colorado, faced an unbelievable tragedy when a shooter opened fire in a movie theater. prgtoken Madam , 12 people lost their lives, 70 were injured, and countless others are still impacted by the trauma of that day. prgtoken Every year, Aurora and the greater Colorado community come together to remember the lives lost and the trauma. We also come together to recognize the everyday heroes that stepped up to help their neighbors and loved ones. Their heroism saved lives. prgtoken I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Ed Perlmutter for, again, offering a resolution to designate July 28 as National Heroes Day. This year, in particular, we recognize the everyday heroes that have helped us withstand this pandemic, our frontline workers, scientists, and healthcare professionals, and the first responders who stand on the front lines every day. prgtoken As we reflect today, let us also be galvanized into action. In the 9 years since the Aurora tragedy, little has been done at the Federal level to reduce gun violence and mass shootings. Enough is enough. I am here, in part, because I have been inspired by my constituents who endured incredible tragedy 9 years ago and have directed that pain to fight for change. Let us not grow numb to the pain of this day, but let's continue to work toward meaningful and lasting change.
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND RECOVERY ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-20

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act. prgtoken This legislation is essential to promoting the Federal Trade Commission's mission to enforce antitrust law and to protect consumers. For decades, the commission has secured monetary relief for victims of unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive conduct, such as pharmaceutical companies blocking access to lower-cost drugs. prgtoken In a recent example, the FTC returned nearly $60 million to patients suffering from opioid addiction. But a few months ago, the Supreme Court severely weakened one of the FTC's most vital tools for protecting consumers and deterring bad conduct by ruling that the FTC could not seek monetary relief under one of the key statutes that it enforces. This legislation would reverse the Court's decision and would restore one of the Commission's critical tools for fighting monopolists and protecting consumers. prgtoken , I commend the bill's sponsor, Mr. Cardenas, and I thank Chairman Pallone and Chairwoman Schakowsky for their leadership to address this urgent problem, and I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
REMEMBERING RAMSES O. AGUINAGA
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-20

. Madam , today I rise to remember the life of Santa Ana Police Officer Ramses Aguinaga, who was tragically taken from his family by cancer. Ramses was a leader in the community where he grew up. He was a smart and caring person who always made an effort to understand each and every individual in his community. prgtoken In high school, he played football for Mater Dei High School where he was a key player in making sure that Mater Dei won the Southern Section Division championship. prgtoken In college, Ramses became interested in criminal justice and spent 16 years as a police officer. But his greatest accomplishment was the birth of his son, Mateus Aguinaga, and Ramses loved this child, loved him to death. prgtoken Ramses passed away in peace. His family mourns him and will never forget how he brightened the lives of so many of his friends and neighbors where he grew up. He was a loving father, a thoughtful son, a caring brother, and a role model for our community.
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND RECOVERY ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-7-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , to go back to this bill, I know my colleague from Illinois--who I like a lot--was talking about H.R. 1, but let's go back to this bill. prgtoken I know that there have been a lot of statements on the other side of the aisle about, why this bill? They didn't like the process; they didn't like what we were doing. But, look, the bottom line is very simple here. For many years, the FTC was going after bad actors and those who were committing fraud and scamming consumers, and they were basically getting the money back that was stolen from the consumers and giving it back to those consumers in a form of restitution. prgtoken The Supreme Court ruled they couldn't continue to do that, not because the Court thought it was a bad idea, but they just didn't think the statutory language allowed it. And since that time, the FTC--both under and administrations--is asking us to restore that ability of the FTC to seek restitution and give money back to the consumers who were defrauded. prgtoken There is nothing else here. That is exactly what we are doing. Nothing more. prgtoken I don't really understand the opposition that is coming from the side of the aisle because we are just making it possible for the FTC to do its job effectively, which they were doing for so many years when they recovered billions and billions of dollars for consumers. prgtoken I would say look at the language, look at what we are actually doing here, and please support this bill because this is good for everybody in this country, regardless of whether they are or , or their ideology. This is not ideological. This is a practical way to help the average person. prgtoken , I urge support, and .
HUMAN RIGHTS ACROSS THE GLOBE
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-7-20

I thank the Congresswoman for yielding. I appreciate it very much. prgtoken I want to speak today about the 47th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of the tiny island of Cyprus. For the last 47 years, Turkish troops have occupied the north of that island which is a direct violation of human rights. They have taken that opportunity to engage in disruption and desecration of cultural and religious sites. prgtoken Today, President Erdogan of Turkey visited Cyprus on this day, the 47th anniversary of the Turkish occupation. prgtoken Why did he come? prgtoken Was it to negotiate in good faith for a solution to the division of the island? prgtoken No. prgtoken Did he come to apologize for the continued occupation of the island? prgtoken No. prgtoken He came to announce the reopening of the beach town of Varosha in direct contravention of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 550 which ``considers attempts to settle any part of Varosha by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible.'' prgtoken Varosha was a once-bustling resort town. It was an international tourist destination in the Famagusta district of the Republic of Cyprus. But with the advance of Turkey's invading forces to the town in August of 1974, Varosha's native Greek Cypriot population fled for their lives. prgtoken Erdogan's visit is a cynical and shameful act designed to mock the rightful inhabitants of Varosha and to advance Turkey's agenda of dividing Cypress into two separate states instead of pursuing a bizonal, bicommunal federation that all parties of good faith have endorsed. prgtoken I urge the administration to use all means at its disposal to resist Turkey's creeping partition of Cyprus and to bring international condemnation to these outrageous steps that President Erdogan is taking which disrespect and violate the rights and human dignity of the refugees of Varosha. prgtoken One day Cyprus will be reunited, but that can only come with the forceful leadership of the American Government, deployed consistently, morally, and with an abiding sense of justice. prgtoken I want to thank the Congresswoman for yielding to me so I could address an important issue of human rights, and I want to thank her for her incredible work over decades and certainly during her service here in Congress to make sure that in this country we are recognizing human rights and the dignity of every individual. I want to thank her for her leadership on H.R. 40, this very, very important commission, and thank her for being part of the conscience of this Congress.
AN EMOTIONAL DAY
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-20

today is a very emotional day for me. I am so proud to be a Member of the House of Representatives, equally proud to be an American-born citizen, and equally proud to be raised by my two immigrant parents, who always believed that in this country, the United States of America, you can be the best that you can be, and you can do the kinds of things that in many parts of the world a child of parents with a first- and second-grade education doesn't have the opportunity to do. prgtoken Today we passed a bill, with the support of our staff and colleagues in the House of Representatives, to help protect consumers, to put billions of dollars back in the pockets of individuals who have been and unfortunately will be ripped off by bad actors across this country, but they will be protected. prgtoken The faith of our government to work for our people is being restored by restoring section 13(b) to the Federal Trade Commission. prgtoken Again, this is a very emotional day for me because my parents came to this country, working in the fields, harvesting fruits and vegetables to help Americans eat, and I get to be a Member of this House, harvesting votes to help restore the confidence and faith of the American people in our system.