mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of my amendment to the bipartisan Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act. prgtoken Before I begin, I thank all the veterans back in my home district in northern New Jersey and nationwide from the bottom of my heart for putting your lives on the line to defend our freedom, our families, and the greatest democracy the world has ever known. prgtoken Please know this: After sacrificing so much, no veteran should ever struggle to get the care or recognition he or she has earned. We should always get their backs. prgtoken My amendment to the legislation we are considering today will do just that. It will add critical support for our brave veterans, particularly homeless veterans, to the list of allowable purposes on which State governments, including my State of New Jersey, may deploy Federal community services block grant program investments. prgtoken The bipartisan community services block grant program helps to reduce poverty, revitalize communities, and empower families and individuals to become fully self-sufficient. It helps individuals, like veterans, to get and keep a good job, a good education, housing, healthcare, and emergency assistance and, above all, to participate more actively in their communities. prgtoken In New Jersey, the program annually serves more than 200,000 individuals and 130,000 families through the work of 25 community action agencies. These agencies are typically private nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or local government entities, like Greater Bergen County Community Action, which provides education and training, financial counseling, and more; or Bergen County's government, where our county executive and commissioners have focused like a laser beam on successfully helping combat veteran homelessness. prgtoken The bipartisan legislation on the floor today will make important updates to the community services block grant program. My amendment will add support for veterans and, in particular, as I said, homeless veterans to the list of investments States like New Jersey can make through the program. prgtoken With this amendment, community action agencies will work alongside State and local agencies to raise prgtoken awareness among veterans of housing programs and help those who bravely served our country to secure the housing they need. Once stable housing is secured, community action agencies will work with veterans and other eligible individuals to ensure the full range of community resources, including workforce training, health resources, and opportunities for peer support, are available to those veterans who need it most. prgtoken Supporting our Nation's veterans with the community services block grant program is the least we can do. After serving our country and putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom and democracy, our Nation's veterans should not struggle to get th
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise to recognize our former colleague and my friend Norman Mineta--an amazing man who broke ground in so many ways and was thoroughly committed to public service. prgtoken Norm's commitment was strong despite the injustices he and his family suffered. During World War II, they were sent from our shared hometown of San Jose to an internment camp in Wyoming. The imprisonment of Norm and his family was a terrible wrong, but it never interfered with Norm's love of the United States. He just kept going. Kept striving to make our country better. To make it more inclusive. prgtoken I knew Norm since the 1970s. When Norm was elected to the House of Representatives, I worked with his office when I was a staffer for my predecessor, Congressman Don Edwards. prgtoken I always found Norm to be tenacious--focused on getting things done. And he did accomplish quite a lot. He authored the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which officially apologized for the internment of Japanese- Americans during World War II. That meant so much to so many people. Another law authored by Norm was ISTEA, which set up many of the transportation corridors we use today. prgtoken Norm and I only overlapped as Members of Congress in 1995, but throughout the years, I've looked up to his spirit of bipartisanship. Norm, well-known as a transportation leader and Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, often said, ``bridges and tunnels are not ic or .'' And his ability to work across the aisle was useful when he served as a Cabinet Member for Presidents of both parties: Commerce Secretary in President Bill Clinton's Administration--and Transportation Secretary for . prgtoken One thing I always found fascinating about Norm was that he never forgot anyone's name. He could meet someone once . . . and then, 10 years later walk up and know exactly who that person was and when they first met. Not many of us in this Chamber would be able to do that, I presume. prgtoken And not many of us could say we achieved so many ``firsts.'' Norm went from becoming the first non-white Member of the San Jose City Council to the first Asian American serving in two Presidential Cabinets. While, the whole time, he served as an all-American representative for his constituents. prgtoken Norm Mineta made a huge impact on our San Jose community, and he changed our country for the better. He will be missed.
NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-5-13

as we celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month, I rise to recognize the hard work of teachers across northwest Indiana. From the time our children take their first steps into a classroom, teachers empower them with knowledge and support and serve as inspiring role models. prgtoken As a parent, I am grateful for their devotion to their students, for offering stability in an uncertain time, and for their determination to ensure that students can thrive in a safe and productive environment. prgtoken I personally thank all the teachers who helped shape me into the person I am today. prgtoken I thank Mr. Janich, may he rest in peace, for being an inspiration; Mr. Woodward, my government teacher, Mrs. Bliss; and Mrs. Marciniak. All of these teachers inspired me to be a better person. prgtoken I also thank my sister, Francis Majchrowicz, who is a teacher molding young minds and making sure that students are taken care of. prgtoken Good educators create engaged citizens, and I appreciate the lessons and work ethic they helped to instill in me every day. prgtoken , please join me in thanking all of the impactful teachers in northwest Indiana and throughout our Nation as we continue to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.
PROTECT ROE V. WADE
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I am outraged. prgtoken I am outraged because, in 2022, women are still fighting for their reproductive rights. prgtoken I am outraged that women do not have autonomy over their bodies. Their bodies belong to them, not Supreme Court Justices, not politicians, and not anyone else. prgtoken I am outraged that, despite the fact that the majority of Americans support legal abortion, the Senate has voted against the bill that codifies Roe and protects access to abortion. prgtoken What these political hacks on the Supreme Court and politicians do not realize is that striking down Roe v. Wade will not end abortion. It will simply end safe access to abortion, and women's lives will be at risk. prgtoken If you are not equally enraged, you are not paying attention.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE IMMIGRANTS' ASSISTANCE CENTER
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Immigrants' Assistance Center of New Bedford, Massachusetts. prgtoken Founded in 1971 by members of the New Bedford Portuguese community, the Immigrants' Assistance Center has served as an invaluable resource to the Southcoast of Massachusetts for over 50 years. Working with 12,000 immigrants and non-English speakers a year, the Immigrants' Assistance Center provides case management and legal assistance all throughout the immigration process and road to citizenship. The multilingual staff offers language and literacy classes and works tirelessly to ensure work force readiness by assisting members of the immigrant community obtain employment to become financially self- sufficient. prgtoken With its dedicated staff advising clients on the steps necessary to access essential resources--such as food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare--the Immigrants' Assistance Center is the organization that many look to for guidance when first coming to the U.S. This incredible organization assists members of the community in a variety of circumstances and across all ages. From their at-risk youth program to their elder services program, which provides healthcare coordination assistance as well as a weekly Health, Wellness, and Social program, it is clear why the Immigrants' Assistance Center has grown to become a pillar of the Greater New Bedford area. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor the 50th anniversary of the Immigrants' Assistance Center for their dedication to bettering their community. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking them for their service and wishing them all the best in the years to come.
HONORING THE INVESTITURE OF THE HONORABLE JUDGE YVONNA C. ABRAHAM
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Yvonna C. Abraham of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, on the occasion of her investiture as a judge of the Wayne County Third Circuit Court. Appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on July 1, 2021, Judge Abraham is the first Palestinian American judge in the state of Michigan. Her significant contributions to our community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Judge Abraham is a graduate of the University of Michigan--Dearborn and earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Prior to her appointment to the circuit court, Judge Abraham served as magistrate and director of probation for the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights. She also taught courses in Business Law at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. As a judge serving in the Family Division, she handles cases involving domestic relations; including divorce, child custody, and personal protection matters. prgtoken Paving the way for future legal professionals, Judge Abraham is the first Palestinian American judge in the state of Michigan. Known for her integrity and fairness in difficult matters, Judge Abraham continues to serve her neighbors inside and outside of the courtroom. A mentor to aspiring law students, she serves on the court's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. She is also a member of the State Bar Judicial Ethics Committee and was President of the Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates. At home she is a member of the Wayne Mental Health Advisory Board, the Women Lawyer Association of Michigan, and the Arab American Women's Business Council Board. Judge Abraham resides in Dearborn Heights with her husband Marwan and daughter Lena. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Yvonna C. Abraham on the occasion of her investiture as a judge of the Wayne County Third Circuit Court. This is a historic day and a culmination of Judge Abraham's lifetime of hard work and dedication to our community. We wish her the best as she takes on this new role.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-5-13

. It is unfortunate that at a time of war that we spend all our time blaming our own President. prgtoken It is unfortunate that when the Europeans put themselves over the objections of numerous administrations in a place where they had dependence on Russia, Russia has no leverage over us. We don't need Russia for energy. As a matter of fact, we voted overwhelmingly to stop buying any petroleum products from Russia which I supported strongly. On this side of the aisle and on the other side of the aisle we supported that strongly. prgtoken The fact of the matter is the gentleman refuses to recognize 80 million acres--now, it was overturned by the courts later--80 million acres. He says all these people want to produce it and they want to look to new places, and they want to find oil someplace. There was a 2 percent of response. prgtoken , 1.7 million acres out of 80 million acres were bid on. That doesn't sound to me like a stampede to find it. prgtoken But let me tell you what he doesn't tell the American people, Mr when he is making that presentation. And you would think the administration has clamped things down. The administration approved more drilling permits in 2021 than the administration approved in the first 3 years they were in office. Let me say that again: The administration approved more permits in the first year of their term than the administration did in the first 3 years of their term. prgtoken So when he says: Oh, the administration is shutting it down and that is why we are having the problem; we are having the problem because Russia--the second, third producer of petroleum products in the world--is an irresponsible dictatorship run by one man, essentially, who wants to use petroleum products as leverage. And he had leverage on the Europeans, and he had leverage certainly on the Ukrainians. They used energy as a bludgeon. prgtoken In addition to that, the oil companies were making huge profits as these prices kept going up. So they didn't go out and do a lot of drilling. They didn't bid on a lot of new opportunities that maybe they could have produced oil on. They didn't bother. prgtoken Why? prgtoken Because they were making so much money. Now, that is a business judgment. But the effect of not doing it meant that as demand went up and less of a supply, not just from their actions but from the actions of the Saudis, others, and the cartel, again, three times as many permits were authorized in the first year of the administration than 3 years in the administration. prgtoken So don't tell me about and the free market. The free market is one reason why this is happening. I am for the free market because sound business judgments work: we are making a lot of money, with that money we are going to buy back stocks; it will make the remaining stocks more valuable; we are going to pay good dividends; our stock value is going to go up, and e
ABORTION ACCESS
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-5-13

this week 51 Senators voted to allow the Supreme Court to strip women of their fundamental right to abortion healthcare. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion access will be left in the hands of State legislatures dead set on turning the clock backward 50 years. prgtoken We have already seen what s are capable of when it comes to women's personal liberties, and now I fear women in my home State of North Carolina could face a similar fate. All that stands between us, and an egregious abortion ban is Governor Roy Cooper and enough of his allies in the legislature. prgtoken Despite this threat, I am still hopeful because I believe that the women of North Carolina will make their voices heard. We are ready to fight for our freedom and liberty. Women deserve to have their decisions protected and respected.
REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE IS PERSONAL, PRIVATE, AND SERIOUS
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise in support of every girl and woman whose rights, lives, and futures are on the line if Roe v. Wade is struck down. prgtoken For the first time in our Nation's history, the Supreme Court is poised to take a constitutional right away from the American people, creating a time when America's daughters will not have the rights their mothers had. The Court's intent to turn back the hands of time by a half century, without the consent of the governed, is devastating. prgtoken If Roe falls, there will be a patchwork of States with differing laws and restrictions, causing societal chaos. Twenty-six States are likely to ban abortion, few with exceptions for rape and incest, subjecting more than 36 million women and girls to the black markets of back-alley abortions. prgtoken House will gather on the steps of the Capitol today, across the street from the Supreme Court, to stand with the millions of women whose basic reproductive rights are being stripped away by this ruling. prgtoken The Supreme Court is now surrounded by protective fencing. I think the Justices are fenced off from reality. prgtoken This is private, personal, and serious, and women should be able to make their own decisions.
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-5-13

I thank Congresswoman Jayapal and Congresswoman Maloney, for leading today's special order on the threat to reproductive rights and the devastating impact that the loss of our rights would have on communities and families. prgtoken Reproductive rights have constantly been at risk since Roe vs. Wade became the law of the land almost 50 years ago. But never have they been in jeopardy as much as they are today. prgtoken The recent disclosure of the U.S. Supreme Court's draft opinion in the Dobbs case shows just how precarious reproductive rights are in the United States. prgtoken By imposing their personal views and impetuous whim, the five justices who support that opinion could eliminate essential rights that are Constitutionally protected, relied upon by American society, and supported overwhelmingly by the American people. prgtoken Yet, these five Supreme Court Justices--who embody antiquated, regressive views--could turn the clock back to days when women did not have the right to control their bodies or their reproductive health. prgtoken In fact, by basing the draft opinion on a strict textualist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, the five renegades would be issuing an opinion that reverses a whole roster of Constitutionally protected rights, even beyond reversing Roe vs. Wade. prgtoken If the draft opinion is issued, these five jurists would be doing exactly what they testified under oath at their confirmation hearings that they would not do. It seems clear to me that they were not forthcoming--even worse, they were not truthful--when they testified to the U.S. Senate under penalty of perjury. prgtoken The myopic rationale on which the draft opinion is based reveals a lack of fidelity to the principle of stare decisis, despite the claims to the contrary that each of the five made when asked about the Roe case at their confirmation hearings. prgtoken Equally tragically, if the draft opinion in the Dobbs case becomes law without major changes, it will open the floodgates for states to curtail women's reproductive rights in myriad nefarious ways. Many states have already enacted laws which severely restrict access to abortions and other reproductive rights, and many more have accelerated the process to follow that path. prgtoken These are tragically just the latest in a long history of conservative efforts to marginalize women by eliminating our reproductive rights. These draconian efforts have an impact that disrupts every aspect of women's lives, extending to their educational plans, economic status, career paths, family choices, and role in society. prgtoken Restrictions on reproductive rights have a disproportionate effect on low-income individuals and women of color. prgtoken Low-income individuals and people of color face a range of worse health outcomes than higher income individuals and white people. prgtoken These worse outcomes are the result of higher barriers to quality health care, higher rates o
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise today in support of my amendment, which will ensure we address the impacts health inequities have on creating and exacerbating poverty within our communities. prgtoken As my constituents and far too many Americans know, unequal access to quality healthcare can be financially crushing. prgtoken Whether an individual is too sick to work and cannot receive adequate care or the care they received was very expensive and inadequate, we know health inequity is a root cause of poverty in Nevada and across the country. prgtoken We cannot combat poverty without recognizing the role that health inequities play to perpetuate the cycle of poverty. prgtoken Through my work coleading the Ways and Means Committee's Racial Equity Initiative, I have seen firsthand just how valuable data can be when we are examining disparities. prgtoken In our healthcare system, the data speaks for itself. In my State of Nevada, African Americans and Latinos are twice as likely as their White counterparts to develop asthma. This and other chronic illnesses exacerbate disparities due to their inherently pervasive nature. prgtoken To combat this, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and the CSBG Modernization Act in a bipartisan manner.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF TIMOTHY KLEIN
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , last week, family, friends, and thousands of fellow firefighters gathered to bid a final farewell to fallen FDNY Firefighter Timothy Klein. prgtoken We lost Tim in the line of duty, where he made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of incredible danger, responding to a fire in the borough of Brooklyn. prgtoken Tim was a 6-year veteran of the department. He came from a family of firefighters, including his dad. He made an impression on everybody he worked with, the junior men who he trained and the senior men and women who he impressed. prgtoken Tim was the American Dream, fueled by the will to put on his uniform, run toward danger, and put his life on the line to save others. prgtoken New York City rises today in Congress to honor his life, his service, and the memory and legacy Tim left behind.
CELEBRATING MOTHER NATURE'S GIFTS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-5-13

as spring moves into full bloom, new life is bursting forth along the southern-most shore of the Great Lakes along Lake Erie. Over 100,000 nature tourists are flocking to the Ottawa and Cedar Point Federal Wildlife Refuges adjacent to Magee Marsh and Maumee Bay State Park. Nearby freshwaters hum with new life: pickerel, perch, and even salmon. prgtoken This week our region is celebrating the 30th anniversary of what has grown into the biggest week in American birding. Over 100,000 visitors head to our northern Ohio heartland region for fishing, boating, hiking, and, yes, bird watching to fully welcome and celebrate the vast array of two-winged creatures that fly and thrive along our freshwater coast and wetlands: bald eagles, egrets, trumpeter swans, blue herons, indeed, every species one might imagine. prgtoken This splendid, colorful display by nature occurs at the crossroads of the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways. Nearby the Great Lakes Black Swamp Bird Observatory is raising funds to build a new welcome and education center to prgtoken introduce youth from across our world to Mother Nature's power and the beauty and value of our environment. prgtoken Nature tourism is not only healthy, it gives an over $40 million economic boost to our region just during May. Northern Ohio welcomes guests from around the world as we celebrate the gifts that we have been given to shepherd to generations to come. Congratulations to all who responsibly steward our region forward and our precious corner of Mother Earth.