mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-7-31

I thank the 's staff for allocating some time at the conclusion of our legislative session. prgtoken , this has been a remarkable 2 weeks in Washington. The session began on a remorseful note with the departure of our beloved John Lewis. We have been able to come together to recognize his life's work, his messages, his passion, his dedication to this country. prgtoken Many of us, as his colleagues, can look back and feel so grateful for the time that we had with Mr. Lewis. I am looking over at where he used to sit. He would make time for every single one of us. prgtoken , I also asked for this time because, as I was walking down the steps after our last vote, I felt a sense of profound reflection, reflection that is coming across our news feeds, the headlines. prgtoken Obviously, Washington is always making news. They are looking at us, and they are wondering if we are going to get a deal done. The American people are looking at us in the sense of: Are we going to get a deal done for them? prgtoken My colleague on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Comer, I happened to catch some of his remarks. I really appreciate what he had to say about our work and contribution for the American taxpayer. prgtoken See, I share that belief that we must have a return on the taxpayer dollar. I have so many constituents, so many Michiganders who pay their taxes, and they look for that realized return on that taxpayer dollar that comes into this government. prgtoken They saw us act in a moment of profound need when it was realized that this pandemic was going to rage war here in America. prgtoken Now, those heavy headlines before us, , are headlines that 150,000 Americans have lost their lives to the coronavirus scourge. Countless families, countless friends, countless workplaces, countless places of worship--our communities are changed. prgtoken 150,000, , is more than the largest town in my district. I want to absorb that number for a minute because I know people are counting on us. I know they are looking to us. prgtoken I know they saw us act in a moment of triage when we had to get that CARES Act done to secure the livelihoods for the hardworking people of this country, to allow us to successfully hibernate, to secure our industrial base, to support our municipalities, and to do so fairly, with a return. prgtoken I don't seek to act in this body other than to deliver for the people who sent me here. I certainly don't look to wage felicitous dialogue that doesn't contribute to an outcome. I take so seriously every time I have the opportunity to stand on this floor, to sit in these chairs-- oftentimes now we are up in the gallery--and to listen. prgtoken See, I came to Washington with this commitment to the people who sent me here, that I will listen, I will learn, and I will lead, in that order. prgtoken You make a mistake when you start off thinking you have all the answers right away. We are here because we want to get somethin
MOVE QUICKLY TO VOTE ON STIMULUS PACKAGE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-7-31

for 14 years, the Texas Department of Transportation has been attempting to build I-45, which would literally destroy large aspects of my community. prgtoken In this past appropriation, I am delighted to have had amendments that have indicated that you cannot use 106 funds without looking closely at the historic preservation impact. prgtoken I provided $1 million extra to help impoverished communities fight against such construction that removes buildings like homes, businesses, and culturally significant structures. That is what is happening in Independence Heights, where prgtoken churches, buildings, homes, and condominiums are all being lost. prgtoken We have to realize that people control this Nation and not governmental institutions that would do harm when people can lose their homes, their churches, and their businesses. prgtoken Finally, I am glad that as we move into the negotiation of the HEROES Act, we will not have the liability issue. We cannot have the liability issue; block the $600 that people are supposed to have; the testing that people are supposed to have; hospital compensation. prgtoken We need to move quickly to vote on this HEROES Act because our people in Houston, Texas, and across the Nation are suffering from COVID-19, and I will continue to fight so they can continue to survive and live. prgtoken Tomorrow, we open another testing site in Houston, Texas.
(By unanimous consent, Mr. HOYER was allowed to speak out of order.)
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the motion to recommit turns a deaf ear to the vast majority of Americans who believe the time is now for police reform. prgtoken This summer, we have found ourselves in a moment of national anguish over the lives that we have lost to police brutality and the injustice that we see each and every day because of systemic racism. prgtoken To meet the challenges of this moment and to live up to our highest ideals, we must have the strength and the vision to act boldly. prgtoken In the hot summers of the 1960s, this House acted on transformative legislation, which outlawed legal discrimination and expanded the right to vote. Today, we are called to take bold, transformative action to fundamentally change law enforcement in America by ending racial profiling, eliminating police brutality, and ensuring accountability and transparency and accuracy in our policing. prgtoken That is why I was so proud to join my colleagues in passing the bipartisan George Floyd Justice in Policing Act just over a month ago. prgtoken Unfortunately, that bill languishes in Senator McConnell's legislative graveyard. But we cannot wait for s to heed the voices of the left out and the left behind. If we did, we might be stuck waiting until hell freezes over. That is why House are using the appropriations process to build safer and stronger communities for every American. That is every American. prgtoken This bill provides strong Federal support for State and local law enforcement, but it conditions those funds on commonsense reforms such as banning choke holds and curbing racial profiling. prgtoken Unfortunately, in this MTR, the s who oppose those reforms, they are really turning to their favorite tactic, and that is scapegoating immigrants. prgtoken Let me be clear. Turning away asylum seekers turns our backs on our Nation's highest ideals. This MTR cuts $15 million in the bill that would help ensure asylum seekers arriving at our borders receive legal assistance. prgtoken This funding will protect the rights and the dignity of these vulnerable people, and it will help speed up the backlog of claims that has led to squalid conditions that no human being--and I mean no human being--should be forced to endure. prgtoken This week, we buried our colleague and friend, the Honorable, the Honorable Congressman John Lewis. John often spoke of the vision he shared with Martin Luther King, Jr of our human family living as a beloved community. And, yes, we have a long way to go to live up to that ideal, but the thoughtful use of Federal funds in this bill brings us closer to that goal. prgtoken This MTR, mind you, yes, it takes us back, attacking civil rights reforms, which our beloved Congressman John Lewis fought all of his life for. It demeans those who are coming into our Nation in search of a better life. prgtoken It is outrageous. I urge my co
HONORING MRS. EVELYN WILLIAMS
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , it is with great joy that I rise to recognize a very special birthday for a beloved constituent of Florida's 23rd Congressional District. prgtoken Mrs. Evelyn Williams celebrates her 105th birthday on August 2, 2020. prgtoken Mrs. Williams is a resident of Dania Beach and has spent a long life as a pioneer and community leader. Born in 1915, she has witnessed over a century of development and societal evolution. Mrs. Williams was born in Mosely Town, Georgia and raised in neighboring Vidalia. She and her husband Alonzo Williams moved to Coconut Grove, Florida in 1935. prgtoken Mrs. Williams served as a Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, and as a Mission Society representative, regularly visiting ailing and elderly people in the neighborhood and local nursing home. prgtoken Her contributions to her church are matched by her quiet but encouraging influence in the community. She financially supported many young people in the area in pursuing their college education and professional goals. She served in the Broward Civic Improvement Association--a community service organization active in Dania Beach-- during the 1950s and 1960s. prgtoken Mrs. Williams has also been commended for serving Broward County as a dedicated poll worker for more than 50 years, registering voters and carrying the message that voting is a responsibility and privilege. prgtoken She has been recognized by both the Dania Beach Historical Society and Broward County Historical Commission as a Broward County Pioneer. She remains an active member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church and I am grateful to the New Jerusalem family for coming together so we may all celebrate this special occasion. prgtoken It is with great pride that I represent Mrs. Evelyn Williams and the residents of Dania Beach in our nation's capital. I thank Mayor Lori Lewellen, the Members of the City Commission, and the city staff for protecting the wellbeing of our residents and for working tirelessly to make the City of Dania Beach a wonderful place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.
CALLING FOR BOLD ACTION ON STIMULUS PACKAGE
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , this week, the Senate s allowed expanded Federal unemployment benefits to expire and unveiled a grossly inadequate counter to the HEROES Act titled the HEALS Act. prgtoken The HEALS Act slashes expanded Federal employment benefits by $400 a week during a time when families need our support the most. prgtoken Even after some States have gradually reopened, the economy has not made a miraculous comeback. Millions of workers are still out of work, and too many of them do not have a job to return to. prgtoken Workers are relying on these unemployment benefits to cover basic life necessities while our economy recovers. prgtoken The HEALS Act is a moral failure. It puts corporations first instead of helping the people we were elected to serve or supporting the local governments battling this crisis. prgtoken This is not a time to play politics. We have to be bold and act with urgency.
ADDRESSING THE CRISIS OF SYSTEMIC RACISM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-7-31

I also want to urge the Senate to stop ignoring this issue and listen to the voices of thousands who have taken the time to add their names here and share their stories. We must take action to make it clear that Black lives matter. prgtoken , we passed a bill just a few days ago to remove the statues of Roger Brooke Taney and other people. In the opinion, the Dred Scott decision, what Roger Brooke Taney of the State of Maryland said was Black lives do not matter. They are not citizens. They are not worthy, he pointed out, to be with those of us who are White. prgtoken We need to make sure that those citizens of our country understand that, yes, Black lives matter. prgtoken , I also have the sad obligation to say that yesterday, Mr. Donnald Anderson passed away. He was a page at the age of 13 on this floor. We don't have pages anymore, but it was a wonderful experience for those young people. prgtoken He stayed. He stayed in the Cloakroom. He became the director of the Cloakroom, and then he became the Clerk of the House. prgtoken He had a distinguished career serving in this institution, which he loved. It began as a teenager, as I said. prgtoken When I came to the House, he was the assistant manager of the ic Cloakroom. He served as Clerk of the House for the 100th through the 103rd Congresses. prgtoken Donn was also a U.S. Army Reservist. His life was filled with service to his country. prgtoken , I hope all of the Members of this House will join me in expressing gratitude for his life and service and condolences to Donn's family. I will be taking time when we return. prgtoken , I want to announce our schedule. I did it before when not everybody was on the floor, but hopefully most. We are sending it out. prgtoken , I would like to take a moment to thank the House for their hard work and perseverance as we engaged in one of the most productive periods in the modern history of the House. prgtoken In 20 days, 4 weeks--1\1/2\ weeks in June, 2\1/2\ weeks in July--the number of major bills we passed in June and July is literally staggering. prgtoken We passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We passed the Defense authorization bill. We passed D.C. statehood. We passed legislation to strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act; a bill to protect renters and mortgage holders; a No Ban to reverse the Muslim ban, which was inconsistent with America's Constitution and principles; and we provided for access to counsel. prgtoken We passed the Great American Outdoors Act in a bipartisan fashion; a major, major infrastructure bill; Water Resources Development Act; a bill to remove Confederate statues, which I have already talked about; childcare bills, two major childcare bills; 10--listen to me--10 appropriations bills. prgtoken The Senate has not passed a single appropriations bill, not one. prgtoken When we came here to the last Congress, to this Congress, the government was shut down. Why? Because the ma
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-7-31

I rise in support of H.R. 7617, the Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, for fiscal year 2021, which has included multiple of my priorities critical to the communities I represent. These provisions fund our nation's most critical programs that support individuals, families, and communities throughout their lifespan, from Early Head Start to Social Security. We are dedicated to investing in programs that provide opportunities so that every person has a better chance at a better life--with a good education, a good job, and access to affordable healthcare. prgtoken This bill provides modest increases for the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The National Science Foundation is the only agency to fund research across all fields of science and engineering, and the most important agency in terms of ensuring a diverse pipeline of STEM talent across our nation. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is the global leader in measurement science and standards, and as such plays a central role in U.S. competitiveness across all sectors of our economy. However, it is one of most underfunded agencies in our government for what it is asked to do and what it is capable of doing for our nation. In addition, our nation's progress in industries of the future such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, and 5G will simply not be possible without increased investments in these two agencies. I truly understand the difficult and sometimes delicate trade-offs that my Appropriations colleagues had to make in crafting this legislation. However, I urge my colleagues across Congress to find a way to invest in our nation's future by investing more in our nation's STEM talent. prgtoken Regarding funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), I am pleased that the bill rejects the proposed cuts to high-priority science projects, including those that will provide important climate change measurements, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. We simply cannot afford to cut-off our future--the building of our next generation's skills and the development of a 21st century workforce. Overall, the bill sustains NASA's multi-mission portfolio at the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level of $22.629 billion, providing level or near-level funding for NASA's science, exploration, and space technology accounts, and provides $35 million increase for aeronautics, which contributes important research and development for our nation's civil aviation and air transportation system. The bill also sustains funding for critical exploration capabilities, including the Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle. Toward that end, I'm pleased that the bill continues
EL PASO COMMUNITY HEALING GARDEN
Veronica Escobar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-7-31

Monday, August 3, will mark 1 year since El Paso, Texas, became the target of a killer who confessed to driving over 600 miles in order to stop what he called the ``Hispanic invasion'' with his AK-47. prgtoken In a horrific act of domestic terrorism, he killed 23 people, injured 22, and devastated all of us. This wasn't only another tragic outcome of America's gun violence epidemic, but also a result of America's hate epidemic fueled by racism and xenophobia as well as rhetoric coming from the most powerful leaders in the land. prgtoken One year later, we still don't have laws that make us safer from gun violence, and we still face a reckoning on hate. prgtoken My community continues to confront hate with love and to honor the victims and survivors. In that spirit, it is my privilege today to introduce legislation that honors the victims of the August 3, 2019, attack and designates the El Paso Community Healing Garden as a national memorial.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-7-31

Soto Amendment, Soto number 77 to Division B, the Department of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2021, specified that at least $40,000,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Planetary Science budget to be applied to the general budget and applied to the Near Earth Object Surveillance Mission (NEOSM). prgtoken Space may be vast, but it's not empty. Earth is bombarded by tiny space rocks called meteors every day, most of which burn up in our atmosphere. Larger meteors, like the one that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013, can damage buildings and cause minor injuries. And on rare occasions, asteroids and comets strike Earth and cause global devastation--the dinosaurs perished when this happened 66 million years ago. prgtoken NEOSM is a 50-centimeter-wide telescope. Its camera sees things in infrared wavelengths--a type of light not visible to human eyes. Infrared light reveals heat signatures, which is perfect for asteroids because they are very dark and hard to see against the blackness of space. In infrared light, they glow because they heat up in the Sun and re-radiate that heat back into space. prgtoken This is the impetus behind NEOSM, NASA's Near-Earth Object Surveillance Mission. NEOSM would launch as soon as 2025 and within 10 years meet Congress's goal of finding 90 percent of near-Earth objects 140 meters and wider. Finding and studying these objects will not only help us figure out if any are on course to hit Earth, but will also help lay the groundwork for survey and deflection missions if one is found. prgtoken I support ensuring funding for the Near Earth Surveillance Mission efforts to identify potentially hazard near Earth objects and thank my colleagues for their support of my amendment.
CAPTAIN E. THOMAS ``TOM'' PINNELL III
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Marine Corps Captain E. prgtoken Thomas ``Tom'' Pinnell III, who will be promoted to the rank of Major this weekend. Capt. Pinnell was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 2010. A college baseball athlete, Capt. Pinnell has earned the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's ``Athlete of the Year'' award not once, but twice. He may not reach the status of a future Hall of Famer like Yadier Molina of his cherished St. Louis Cardinals, but Capt. Pinnell's athleticism set him up to represent Team USA in the CISM Military World Cup. prgtoken Capt. Pinnell has also given back to the Marine Corps as a top recruiter, selecting the best and brightest to lead the next generation of Marines. His expertise won him the title of ``Recruiter of the Year'' of the Midwestern Region. prgtoken In the coming months, Capt. Pinnell will transition from active duty to the reserves in order to begin a promising career in the practice of law. Capt. Pinnell and his wonderful wife, Lisa, just welcomed into the world their third child, Weston, little brother to Theo and Davis. prgtoken Capt. Pinnell is a loving father who has given many years of service to this great nation. Madam , please join me in congratulating Capt. Pinnell for his promotion and in wishing him all the best on his endeavors.
CELEBRATING LIBERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the Liberian community and to bring attention to an issue that Liberian refugees are experiencing in my district and across the country. prgtoken In December 2019, as part of the NDAA, we passed the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship to 10,000 Liberians who have resided in this country legally for years, with a 1-year window to accomplish this. prgtoken However, between administrative delays in publishing the rules to obtain this relief, and pandemic closures, 8 months have passed without a single application being processed. prgtoken The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing with USCIS this week to find out why, and we did not receive answers. We are a nation of immigrants, immigrants who enrich our communities and represent exactly what makes our country great. prgtoken I am proud to represent one of the largest Liberian-American communities in our country and just this weekend was honored to celebrate Liberian Independence Day with them.
IN THE MATTER OF REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SCHWEIKERT OF ARIZONA
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I thank Ranking Member Marchant and Chairman Deutch for their principled leadership on the Ethics Committee and for their reflections on our solemn duties of self-discipline, self-accountability, and self-governance. prgtoken There is no joy in reprimanding one of our colleagues, for a transgression by one of us is a stain on all of us. Whether one takes an oath of office as a politician, a police officer, or a public official, we are duty-bound to hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct and serve as role models for our Nation. prgtoken During a remarkably difficult and divisive period of American history, I am proud to have chaired a bipartisan investigative subcommittee comprised of two s--Representatives Bill Flores and John Katko--and two --Representative Jamie Raskin and me. prgtoken On most days, an aisle separates us, but there was not a moment of distance between us during our work on this subcommittee. From day one, we were unified and unwavering in our pursuit of truth and commitment to objectivity, none of which would have been possible without the remarkable, nonpartisan Ethics Committee staff, who conducted this investigation with integrity, professionalism, and extraordinary patience. prgtoken For that, the entire House joins me in expressing gratitude to Tom Rust, Brittney Pescatore, Janet Foster, Zeke Ross, Danielle Appleman, and Caroline Taylor for their principled service and diligent work. prgtoken In closing, it is my hope that every one of our colleagues takes the time to read our report, reflect on the lessons of this case, and recommit to acting creditably on the people's House and the values on which it stands.