mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Thank you, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, for yielding, for your tremendous leadership on so many issues, and for once again bringing us together tonight. You and our pro tempore who is managing the floor tonight, Congressman Ritchie Torres, I thank you both so much for really continuing to beat the drum throughout the country about so many issues that are so important to not only the African-American community, but to our entire country. prgtoken Also, to our Chairwoman, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, I just want to salute you for your leadership and for really ensuring that the Congressional Black Caucus stays the conscience of the Congress in so many ways on so many issues, being such an inclusive caucus under your leadership, which is, I guess, the largest one ever now on our 50th anniversary. So thank you so much. prgtoken And to Congresswoman Terri Sewell, daughter of Selma, I know your mother is very proud of you, and I know that John Lewis is shining his light upon you and Selma and this 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. prgtoken Congresswoman Sewell, I just have to say that I have been with her many times in Selma, in Alabama. She fights so hard for her constituents, but also to make sure that Selma gets the recognition, the credit, and also the resources that it so deserves as being that historical place where, had it not been for Bloody Sunday and Selma, we would not be here tonight as a strong Congressional Black Caucus leading the way on so many issues. prgtoken A year later, after John Lewis's passing, of course, we celebrate his life and his legacy, but also we honor him for really passing the baton to our young people, who he knew would take that baton and run this next lap of the race. prgtoken I had the privilege to attend the Faith & Politics pilgrimages for many, many years, at least 17 or 18 years. I took children, young people from my Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center on these pilgrimages. We crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge many times each year. John Lewis was so committed. Even with the 500, 600 people there, he took time to talk to young people, to explain to them not only the historical context upon which we were marching across that bridge, but he took time to encourage them and to empower them to take that baton and run this lap of the race for justice. prgtoken I just have to tell you now with what is going on in the country now with voter suppression efforts throughout, we cannot go back to the days of Jim Crow. I am thinking now, 56 years later after Bloody Sunday, the moment that we are in, because we must run this lap of the race and we must run it much faster now. prgtoken Bloody Sunday was just that. It was bloody. It was bloody. Those who were beaten and bloodied 56 years ago, they deserve our gratitude and our honor by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, H.R. 4. Because of those heroes and sheroes, we all stand here as Members of Congress. prgtoken Because of John Lewis,
RECOGNIZING REVEREND FLOYD L. WHITE, III
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Reverend Floyd L. White, III on his retirement. During his over twenty years of service, Reverend White has been a stalwart of the community, always putting other's needs before his own. prgtoken Since 1988, in his private capacity, Reverend White has served as a Pastor for the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church, providing spiritual leadership to church members. In his public capacity, since 1988, Reverend White has served America's servicemen and woman. Beginning as Battalion Chaplain, Reverend White administered to the spiritual and moral needs of approximately 150 soldiers and their families. Eventually, from 2012 to 2019, Reverend White served as the Director of Camden County Veteran Affairs where he worked to better the lives of veterans and their families. After twenty years of service, Reverend Floyd L. White, III more than deserves a peaceful retirement and I wish him the best. prgtoken I commend Reverend Floyd L. White, III for his dedication to serving the people of New Jersey and I know the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church will be sad to see him go.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-8

56 years ago, our beloved colleague, the late Congressman John Lewis, and hundreds of other heroes marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. prgtoken We now know this infamous day in American history as Bloody Sunday. prgtoken These warriors of justice were brutally harassed, beaten, and murdered by Alabama State Troopers and county citizens, all fellow Americans. prgtoken But it was because of their courage on that day, because of their unwavering commitment to finishing that march that inspired President Lyndon Johnson to sign into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965. prgtoken And it was because of their continued advocacy that the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized in 1970, 1975, 1982, 1992, and again in 2006. prgtoken When I was chair of the CBC in the 107th Congress, we worked diligently in a bicameral fashion to protect voting rights in this country. prgtoken I teamed up with former Senators Tom Daschle, Chris Dodd, and our current Senator Dick Durbin, to pass the Help America Vote Act of 2002. prgtoken Specifically, this bill was signed into law by President on October 29, 2002. prgtoken Help America Vote provided funds to our States to improve voting equipment and train workers at polling places. prgtoken But even with all of the policy work to level the playing field, why are we still advocating for our right to vote in 2021? prgtoken The answer is that there has been a widening gap of epic proportions between the ideals of the Voting Rights Act and the harsh reality that many prgtoken Black and Brown Americans face; that is, blatant and recognizable acts of voter suppression. prgtoken Some of the ways it manifests itself is through partisan gerrymandering, obstructive voter I.D. laws, felony disenfranchisement, just to name a few. prgtoken But, today, we have doors of opportunity open, and we still must refer back to Bloody Sunday and to John Lewis's leadership. Take this Special Order hour, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus, and in the memory of John, as a prime example of our progress. prgtoken , it is in that spirit that I call upon Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We must eliminate that type of discrimination, and we must protect and preserve widespread voting access for all Americans. prgtoken I thank Congresswoman Beatty and Congresswoman Sewell for hosting this Special Order tonight on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus. It is time. prgtoken My last question is: How long?
COVID RELIEF PACKAGE
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-3-8

I know that no one in this Chamber needs to be reminded that we are here to represent people. In my community and nationwide, many people have been facing unprecedented financial hardship and personal struggles for a year now. Despite that fact, some people in this town will grow louder and louder in saying that the American Rescue Plan is too large and that after passing tax cuts for the super-rich, we can't afford to come to the aid of everyday working people and small business owners. prgtoken The truth is that we are in danger of doing too little, not too much. As Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz wrote: ``Congress must pass this legislation or risk an anemic and devastatingly incomplete recovery.'' prgtoken After the 2008 financial crash, Washington bailed out the largest financial institutions without passing a large enough relief package. The resulting recovery was weighted heavily against working people. We cannot make that same mistake today. prgtoken Passing the American Rescue Plan means saving as many as 4 million jobs and returning to full employment as quickly as possible. It means setting up more vaccination sites in our communities. prgtoken Let's pass this bill this week and get it to the President's desk for signature.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2021-3-8

the COVID pandemic and economic crisis are destroying the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of Americans across the country. And our most vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt. prgtoken Thankfully, help is on the way. The American Rescue Plan will save lives and livelihoods by putting vaccines in arms, putting children safely back in school, putting money in people's pockets, and finally putting people back in jobs. prgtoken I am proud to note the inclusion of provisions in this bill for the Virgin Islands and other territories that we all in this House have been fighting for. This plan creates equality in the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, including an advancement of the child tax credit in 2021. prgtoken The child tax credit provision in the bill will be transformational in the lives of hundreds and millions of children, lifting them out of poverty. This is generational change. This will reduce poverty and improve the economic standing of Americans throughout our country. We are grateful for this bill.
HONORING DELWYN SHOWALTER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Delwyn Showalter, a long-time coach, athletic director, and mentor to many students in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Delwyn is set to retire from his roles this year, and I wish to recognize him as my Iowan of the Week for his outstanding service to his community. prgtoken Delwyn has been with the Mount Ayr Raiders since 1984, serving in a number of roles from teaching social studies, coaching numerous sports, and as athletic director. Under his leadership as co-coach of the Mount Ayr football team, the program has seen continued success with a recent playoff appearance. In fact, Delwyn and his co-coach Derek Lambert, are the winningest coaches in program history with 135 wins in 19 seasons. Even more impressive, the pair has had only one losing record. Delwyn's coaching prowess doesn't end there, however, as he has also coached the basketball team to three conference championships. prgtoken Beyond leading his teams to victories, Coach Showalter has also been a leader for his student athletes. His friends and colleagues describe him as a caring and supportive man with an ability to lead young men. His players talk about his work ethic and how he's a man you can look up to as a mentor. He sets high standards for his students yet connects through humor and humility. We all know that there is much more to high school athletics than simply winning, and Coach Showalter is an example to all on the positive influence a coach can have on young student's lives and their community. prgtoken For Delwyn, sports is also a family affair. His two sons, Daniel and David, followed in his footsteps. Daniel coaches with his father on the Mount Ayr staff and David is a teacher and coach in Ackley, Iowa. While I know his players and community will miss Delwyn on the sidelines, I am sure he'll stay connected to the sport through his family. After 36 years with the Mount Ayr Raiders, Delwyn deserves this retirement and we all can be thankful for his service to his community. I am proud to recognize Coach Delwyn Showalter as my Iowan of the week.
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-8

I rise today in honor of a legend and the conscience of this Congress, a civil rights hero and a dear friend, the late Representative John Lewis. prgtoken I stand here today also to give honor to the facilitator for this hour, and that is Sheila Jackson Lee; and also to honor the current chair of the Black Caucus because we in the Black Caucus remind ourselves that we are the conscience of Congress. We could never forget that with John Lewis and his guidance because the pictures that you saw displayed by Terri Sewell are the things that when we looked at John Lewis, we have flashbacks of the sacrifices he made so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we have. prgtoken Yesterday marked the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the first of which was commemorated without John standing there welcoming all of us. Although he is not with us, his life serves as a blueprint of how we can make this country a better place. Every single day John was committed to justice, equality, and a little bit of good trouble. We must carry on this legacy by working to restore the Voting Rights Act. prgtoken I remember one time being challenged by John. He said, ``Why do you think they worked so hard? Why do you think they worked so hard to take away your right to vote?'' He said that we have to stand up, and we can't allow that freedom and the right in our democracy to vote. prgtoken We passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act once before. And I stand with my colleague, Terri Sewell. We will pass it again. In honor of John's memory and the hundreds of civil rights activists who were beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the countless others who have fought for voting rights, we must pass this bill again. prgtoken As John famously said, ``Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get into good trouble.'' prgtoken He reminded us that that good trouble was necessary trouble for the rights and freedoms of Americans--all Americans. prgtoken While we say we miss John, he has not left because of the memories, the prgtoken blood he shed, the example he led, and his constant voice in our ears to never, ever give up. I stand here today to honor him.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BOB EGOLF
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bob Egolf of Churubusco, Indiana. prgtoken For 65 years, Egolf worked in the grocery business. He started his career at John Shelton's IGA, located on North Main Street in Churubusco in 1956 when he was 14 years old. Seven years later, he purchased the grocery from Shelton in 1967, and in 1982 built a new store south of Churubusco on US 33. prgtoken Egolf's IGA is known throughout the area for its freshly cut meats and daily baked bakery prgtoken items. Egolf opened the store early and closed late, operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. He made it a point to talk with his customers and would take special orders of items that people wanted. prgtoken Egolf was one of the longest continuous business owners in Churubusco's history. In addition to running his business, he frequently gave his time and money to local causes. But for Egolf's partnership with the Churubusco News, the newspaper would not exist today. He also contributed to the community through various organizations, such as with the Churubusco Area Jaycees, Churubusco Chamber of Commerce and as a longtime Smith Township trustee. prgtoken The story of Mr. Egolf is one that is uniquely American: defined by hard work, sacrifice, and service to others. Though Bob is no longer with us, his spirit of good will and generosity to those in Churubusco and beyond endures.
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to the rule providing combined consideration for H.R. 8, H.R. 1446, and H.R. 842. prgtoken I want to focus on the first two. That is where are peddling their dangerous gun control agenda under the guise of working to stem the tide of firearms used in crime and under the guise of helping make our communities safer. These ic efforts are part of their larger radical and shameful ploy to slowly chip away at the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. prgtoken As a Federal firearms dealer by trade, I remain staunchly opposed to any effort that abridges our God-given Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms--those inalienable rights recognized by the Constitution. prgtoken If enacted, H.R. 8 will criminalize many common and often necessary firearm transfers between law-abiding citizens while not reducing criminals' access to guns at all. I predict we will see more moms and pops get busted for prgtoken illegal possession or transfer of a firearm than we will violent gang members or criminals. prgtoken How on Earth will criminalizing moms and pops curtail firearms used in a crime? The answer is that it won't. My colleagues are naive to think that criminals are suddenly going to rush to the closest firearms dealer to buy a gun. I know. prgtoken Even more egregious than H.R. 8 is H.R. 1446, as it not only sets up a process by which American citizens would have to petition the government to exercise their right to bear arms, but it also extends the amount of time before a dealer can legally transfer a purchased firearm. prgtoken Current law provides a 3-business-day safety valve to ensure the government doesn't further infringe on the customer's constitutional rights, and that must not be extended. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule and ``no'' on the underlying bills.
REMEMBERING BOB SMITTCAMP
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a San Joaquin Valley legend, Robert Smittcamp, who passed away on March 4, 2021, at the age of 79. I am deeply saddened by Bob's passing. prgtoken Bob was a one-man Valley institution. A businessman, philanthropist, and community activist, he headed both Lyons Magnus food company and Wawona Packing. He had a particular passion for expanding healthcare access and improving education, donating millions of dollars to enhance both sectors throughout the Valley. prgtoken I'm lucky to have had Bob as a close friend and mentor. I was among countless Valley residents who frequently turned to him for advice on Valley issues. His assistance was invaluable on critical issues such as the Valley water crisis and the 2008 recession. prgtoken Bob and I also spent many hours discussing how to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to every Valley family. I valued his insights on that question because he developed innovative ways to provide healthcare for his employees, who he always viewed as part of his own family. I'm convinced Bob's approach provides a model for drastically improving healthcare for the entire country. prgtoken Bob epitomized all the virtues of the San Joaquin Valley. He was always available to help those of us who sought his guidance. But if you were looking for someone to sugarcoat a tough situation, then Bob was not your best option. He was an honest straight-shooter who'd give you candid answers whether you wanted them or not. That's why I always consulted him when I had especially tough problems that needed realistic solutions. prgtoken Bob's love for the Valley ran deep, and the region is richer in countless ways thanks to his contributions. He created jobs, ran companies that fed millions of people, shared his wisdom and experience with anyone who asked, generously funded deserving community institutions, and raised an exceptional family. prgtoken Bob was simply irreplaceable. He'll be deeply missed, but he leaves behind an incredible legacy of hard work, success, and unconcealed passion for the Valley and its people. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Annette, his children Brent, Lisa, and Brandon, and the rest of his family.
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to the attempts to take away our Second Amendment rights. prgtoken As a gun owner myself, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and for me, this support is personal. prgtoken Years ago, myself and my employees were held at gunpoint in my own pharmacy. Fortunately, we all made it out safe. Do you want to know why we made it out safe? Because we had a gun as well. prgtoken But I know we were more fortunate than most who have a similar experience. I have utilized my gun carry permit ever since. prgtoken I believe Americans should have the right to defend themselves like I did. This experience is just one reason why I oppose attempts to weaken our right to carry. prgtoken Without our Second Amendment rights, we undermine our own rights to self-defense for ourselves, our businesses, and our families. This would be a terrible mistake, to try to take away our inalienable right to self-defense. prgtoken Madam , I hope my colleagues will join me in opposing any legislation that threatens our Second Amendment rights, including H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446.
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I thank Representative Fischbach for yielding to me. prgtoken Madam , the rule before us today makes in order two pieces of legislation that this Chamber already considered last Congress. I am incredibly disappointed, yet once again, that we are considering legislation that makes it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, but does nothing, nothing at all, to address the root cause of gun violence. prgtoken Despite what the majority claims, these bills would not have prevented any recent, high-profile mass shootings. These bills would not have prevented criminals from obtaining firearms. The overwhelming majority of criminals who commit crimes or are in possession of a firearm, they commit those crimes with firearms that were acquired through theft, the underground market, or straw purchases; and these are already illegal. Nothing in these bills would stop criminals from continuing to break the law. prgtoken Instead, H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 would make it harder for domestic violence victims to protect themselves. It would give unelected bureaucrats the power to indefinitely delay legal gun purchases. It could even be used to create a national gun registry. prgtoken If you don't believe me, the administration even said that universal background checks are unworkable unless you have a national registry. But let's just get back to the text. prgtoken As we pointed out last Congress, H.R. 8 is so poorly drafted that a transfer of a firearm to another person during a life-threatening emergency could land somebody in jail. That is how poorly this is drafted. So, again, these bills do nothing except penalize law-abiding citizens. prgtoken You know, I learned to shoot from my grandfather. I was very young and learned how to shoot in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Guns and firearms are very important to me and to a lot of my constituents. I can attest and I can assure you that the vast majority of gun owners are hardworking, law-abiding citizens looking to protect their families, looking to hunt and shoot with their friends. prgtoken But my colleagues on the left would be wise to just stop their grandstanding and focus on solutions that have been proven to work, like improving law enforcement coordination, increasing information sharing, and giving authorities more resources to actually prevent, deter, and prosecute firearm violence. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this rule, vote ``no'' on H.R. 8, and vote ``no'' on H.R. 1446.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-3-8

today is International Women's Day, and I rise to celebrate three special women who are in my life. prgtoken My mother, Joyce Burchett, was the youngest of seven. One of her brothers was actually killed by the Nazis shortly after D-day in the Second World War. prgtoken She flew planes in World War II to help with the war effort. That is my wonderful mama right there. She was doing that when my dad was off fighting the Japanese during the Second World War. prgtoken She was the youngest of seven, as I stated, and she didn't even have electricity until she was a senior in high school. prgtoken This is my wife, Kelly, and my daughter, Isabel. Kelly was a single mom when I met her. Being a mom is already a really tough job, and doing it alone is even tougher. I am blessed to raise Isabel along with Kelly and to be a father to her. She has been one of the greatest joys in my life. They both have been. prgtoken My mother was and Kelly and Isabel are strong and determined women. They influence and inspire me every day, and I am grateful to have them in my life.