mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Hal Malchow (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-3-5

I rise today to celebrate the incredible life of a dear friend and a great American, Hal Malchow, someone whom I think many of my colleagues on the ic side have known. prgtoken I first met Hal in 1985. I was visiting my dear friend from law school, Rob McDuff, in Oxford, MS. Hal and I were pretty young back in those days, both interested in politics, and the two of us really hit it off at a party that Rob hosted. prgtoken Now, Hal has long enjoyed a successful career as one of the country's premier political consultants, but before that, he went to Millsaps College and then the McGeorge School of Law in California. He did practice law for a bit in Jackson, MS. But Hal's real passion was never the law; it was always politics. prgtoken In fact, when young, aspiring lawyers would come to his office to get advice about following him into law, Hal was known to reach into his big, impressive wooden desk and pull out his latest rental car contract with Hertz. ``See that contract?'' he would ask the enterprising, would-be attorney, slapping it face down on the table. ``You go to law school, you are going to spend the rest of your career writing those kind of deals.'' prgtoken So after a few years as a bond attorney in Mississippi, Hal turned his attention to politics. He took on three different candidates as a campaign manager and managed to lose all three races. prgtoken Undaunted, in 1984, Hal took on a new challenge. There was an up-and- coming young Congressman from Tennessee with a pretty good resume and a well-known family name who was thinking about running for the Senate. And despite his rather unimpressive track record so far, Hal managed to get an interview. ``So,'' Al Gore said to him, ``I've got one question for you, Hal. If I hire you to be my campaign manager, how am I supposed to explain it to my supporters?'' prgtoken The way Hal tells it, he looked Gore in the eye and said, ``Everyone in Tennessee thinks you're a lock for this seat. But you can tell them you're taking nothing for granted because you hired the hungriest SOB in the country to run your race.'' prgtoken Needless to say, Hal got the job, and Al Gore went on to the Senate that year. Soon, Hal moved to DC. Starting at his kitchen table in a small, one-room apartment, he managed to build the Nation's largest voter contact firm, pioneering the use of advanced data analytics to revolutionize political targeting, launching experiments to measure and improve campaign tactics, and revolutionizing direct mail and fundraising. prgtoken He brought the notion of the ``moneyball'' approach to politics a decade before anybody else was doing it. That will be one of Hal's greatest legacies to the ic Party and to American politics: the idea that spending decisions should actually be driven by data. He wanted to hold campaign consultants like himself accountable for being wise stewards of donor dollars. He measured success in
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-5

. Madam , I thank the Honorable Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. from the great State of New Jersey. It has been a pleasure of mine to have worked with his father and to see his honorable son continue on in his tradition. prgtoken Tonight, in this great Chamber, we gather to honor and remember the contributions of women to the indispensable future of the American experiment with democracy. In particular, I rise to give special commendation to the role that Black women have played in the formation of American possibilities. prgtoken It is not such a stretch to suggest that America would be unlivable for a great many of its citizens were it not for the indelible work and prophetic imagination of women in this country. prgtoken Where would this country be without Eleanor Roosevelt, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Diane Nash, Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi, the Honorable Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee? prgtoken Black women, and all women really, are the fabric that holds this Nation together because when men have followed their egos and ambition into war and repression, it was the women of this country who stood up to the madness, demanding ever more forcefully that the center must hold. prgtoken On this side of the aisle, we still believe that every woman should have the right to vote, the right to equal pay for equal work, the right for every opportunity and resources available to any man. prgtoken We believe that when at all possible no woman should ever lose her life giving birth to a child in the United States of America. prgtoken We believe that the maternal mortality rates of Black women are a moral indictment against the persistence of bigotry and discrimination in America. prgtoken On this side of the aisle, we believe in the right of every woman to control what happens to her body as a matter of reproductive justice, personal autonomy, and self-determination. How dare any man tell a woman what she can do with her body? How dare any government come in between a woman and her medical decisions? How dare any political party use a woman's body as an opportunity to get elected rather than respecting the fact that every woman is made in the image of God? prgtoken That is the difference between this side of the aisle and, I must say, the other side of the aisle. This side of the aisle gave the Nation Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first African-American woman to sit on the Supreme Court. prgtoken The other side of the aisle has spent the last 50 years trying to destroy Roe v. Wade. Even after they facilitated that disaster, they even are now trying to undermine in vitro fertilization, because that is the difference between this side of the aisle and the other side when it comes to issues that matter. prgtoken This side of the aisle produced the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, who was principally responsible for passing the Affordable Care Act that has allowed mil
HONORING LATONZIA DORSEY-EVANS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2024-3-5

I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Mrs. LaTonzia Dorsey-Evans. LaTonzia has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success. prgtoken LaTonzia, a resident of Mayersville, Mississippi, is currently working on her Doctorate at The University of Memphis in African American Literature and Cultural Studies. Her research interest includes the Black Arts Movement, African American Literature, and Hip- Hop. She also holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from William Carey University. prgtoken LaTonzia spent a year as the 11th and 12th grade English teacher at South Delta High School before transitioning to Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) as the Sophomore Year Experience Coordinator in University College. Currently, she serves as an Instructor of English in the English and Foreign Languages Department at MVSU. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the title of Humanities Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024 by the Office of Academic Affairs. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. LaTonzia Dorsey-Evans for her passion and dedication to the Arts & Social Justice.
PREVENTING MATERNAL DEATHS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-5

I rise today in support of this bipartisan effort to address the maternal health crisis. prgtoken One of the most glaring inequities in our country is the disparities in maternal health outcomes. In the richest country in the world, the United States is falling behind and failing our mothers and babies. prgtoken Over 1,000 women died in 2021 because of complications from childbirth. This is up from 861 deaths in 2020 and 754 deaths in 2019. What is even worse, as you have heard, is that Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as non- Hispanic White women, and that depends on where you live. The area I represent is six times as likely. Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as non-Hispanic White women. Again, it depends on where they live. This is just unacceptable. prgtoken I am proud to say that this legislation will bring us closer to a future where no mother has to worry that growing her family will cost her life. The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, that I co-led with Representatives Burgess, Cammack, Castor, Carter, and DeGette, will strengthen and expand Federal support for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, or MMRCs. State-fashioned MMRCs are tasked with identifying maternal deaths, analyzing the factors that contributed to those deaths, and translating those lessons into policy changes. prgtoken I am proud to say that a piece of my comprehensive maternal health legislation, the MOMMA's Act, is included in this legislation. prgtoken The Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act has received unanimous, bipartisan support from the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health and the full committee. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and save moms' lives.
Israel (Executive Session)
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-3-5

every day we are reminded of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Most of the infrastructure in the territory has been destroyed. Thousands of apartment buildings, schools, mosques, hospitals, shops, and markets have been reduced to piles of twisted metal and rubble, under which the bodies of an unknown number of people are buried. prgtoken Of the world's many humanitarian crises, the situation in Gaza is among the worst. This is due in large measure to the onerous impediments by the Netanyahu government to the delivery of sufficient food, water, medicines, shelter, and fuel. prgtoken Getting aid to those who are suffering and preventing starvation should be our most immediate and highest priority, along with obtaining the release of the hostages. prgtoken As I said when I spoke out for a cease-fire in November, an immediate and indefinite cease-fire is the only way to achieve these goals. I am very heartened by Vice President 's call for an immediate--if temporary--cease-fire to get aid in and hostages out, because the reality is, the supply of lifesaving aid has dwindled to a trickle. prgtoken Last week, the depth of the humanitarian emergency in Gaza exploded with the deaths of dozens of Palestinian civilians as they frantically tried to reach food supplies from aid trucks that were guarded by Israeli soldiers. People were trampled, people were run over by trucks, and they were shot. prgtoken It was a horrifying scene and a direct result of the Netanyahu government's failure to put in place workable procedures for the delivery of sufficient aid to starving people. As others have said, there is no legal or security justification for restricting humanitarian aid to civilians who are caught in the middle of an armed conflict. prgtoken The more desperate people become, the more chaotic and precarious the security situation, the more likely there will be other senseless tragedies just like this. prgtoken I recently introduced a resolution, along with 15 of my colleagues, calling for the urgent delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid. prgtoken The administration has repeatedly called for greater access for more aid trucks to Gaza, but the number getting through remains far below prewar levels. And I am encouraged, nevertheless, that President has directed the United States to begin airdropping aid in--a decision made with the understanding that, while not enough by any means, it could save lives. prgtoken Israel now occupies Gaza. It has an obligation under international law--not to mention the moral responsibility--to feed and shelter Palestinians under its occupation. prgtoken Beyond the moral imperative, the path to peace, security, and stability would be enhanced dramatically by facilitating the delivery of essentials for survival to the Palestinian people whose fate is imperiled. But as we saw last week, that is not happening. prgtoken The Netanyahu government's rejection
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-3-5

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Illinois for that kind introduction and also the gentlewoman from Florida for hosting this Special Order hour. They come here every week bringing the message from the CBC, and they do an incredible job. prgtoken Also, it is very difficult to follow my classmate, the former chair lady of the CBC. It is a very hard act to follow. When I see her, I kind of cringe because I know I better get it together. The Honorable Joyce Beatty has been a true friend, sister, and colleague to me. prgtoken And to you, Madam , as you sit in that seat, it is apropos that this month you have been given the honor to stand over the 's rostrum and control the House of Representatives, so I salute you, as well, as a woman. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to celebrate the influence and achievements of Black women in America during Women's History Month. First, I will discuss the origins of Women's History Month. prgtoken Women's History Month started as Women's History Week in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. The local Sonoma County Commission on the status of women planned a week of celebratory events to connect the International Women's Day on March 8. prgtoken The events highlighted the many contributions of women to American history, culture, and society. It included school presentations in Sonoma County, a student essay contest to honor local women with the parade through downtown Santa Rosa. prgtoken The year after that, Santa Rosa's historic week triggered similar events to celebrate women in communities nationwide. prgtoken In addition, historians and women activist groups began to push for a National Women's History Week. prgtoken In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential proclamation to declare the first week in March as National Women's History Week. prgtoken However, 1 week was not enough to celebrate the enormous contributions of women to American history, so Congress created Women's History Month in 1987. It is stated that the month would recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of America's history in a variety of fields. prgtoken This month, we honor women from all races, cultures, and creeds during Women's History Month. However, we are here today as the CBC to honor Black women who have made a difference in America, and many of them need to be recognized more often: Women like Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to be a licensed pilot in this country; Alice Coachman, the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal for the United States of America; Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States; Phillis Wheatley, the first Black woman to publish a book in this great country; and Mary Jane Patterson, the first Black woman to graduate from an established college. prgtoken We also have Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first Black nurse and eventual cofounder of the American Nurses Association. More than that,
RECOGNIZING DIRECTOR OF CASEWORK DECONTEE SAWYER FOR HER EXCELLENT WORK ON BEHALF OF MINNESOTA'S THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-3-5

I rise today to recognize my Director of Casework, Decontee Sawyer, for her work on behalf of every constituent in Minnesota's Third Congressional District. This week, Decontee will depart my office for a new opportunity serving as Rep. Angie Craig's Casework Director, and I could not be more proud or grateful for her service. prgtoken As Director of Casework, Decontee masterfully led my casework operations and team of caseworkers, working tirelessly for our constituents. Decontee has always gone above and beyond to advocate for constituents, lending her expertise to a wide range of cases and crises. As a true servant-leader on the front lines, she restored Americans' faith in government one passport, immigration case, tax return, and VA benefit at a time. prgtoken A St. Cloud State University graduate, Decontee was an organizer on my first campaign in 2018, before joining my congressional staff as a Constituent Advocate. Her impressive success in that role and dedication to service led me to promote her to Director of Casework in 2023. From the beginning of her time with my office, Decontee demonstrated her commitment to our ethos that ``Representation Begins with Listening'' by connecting casework to policymaking. When Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status was about to expire for the Liberian community, Decontee worked with our legislative team to introduce the bipartisan Protect Our Liberian Community Act. She and our team worked diligently on this issue until a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on DED was included in the NDAA that passed at the end of my first year in office. prgtoken Decontee has been our office ethos of ``Radical Hospitality'' personified for the past five years. She has been the heart of our casework team since our office opened--a role that allowed her to seamlessly blend her professional experiences as a mental health professional and community organizer. No case has ever proven too big or too small for Decontee; she treats every constituent with an expert blend of professionalism and compassion. She has put her effortless way of connecting with people to work building authentic connections with communities throughout Minnesota's Third District. prgtoken Decontee's positive energy, radiant smile, enthusiasm for trivia, and inclination to dance after receiving good news on behalf of a constituent will be deeply missed by her colleagues. She has been a leader in our office, never afraid to share what is on her mind and stand up for her beliefs. Decontee knows the importance of bringing joy into work that can often feel heavy. She encourages team members to have fun in their jobs and celebrate hard-fought wins, and she demonstrates genuine care for her colleagues' wellbeing. prgtoken The people of Minnesota's Third Congressional District were lucky to have her expertise and leadership, and she will be dearly missed. However, I'm extraordinarily happy that this expertise will
ACTION FOR DENTAL HEALTH ACT OF 2023
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-3-5

I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding, and I thank both the gentleman from Kentucky and the gentlewoman from Washington for bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 3843, the bipartisan reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023. prgtoken First, from Illinois, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, for her continued leadership on this issue. I was proud to partner with her in 2018 when the Action for Dental Health Act first passed, and I am pleased to see the House of Representatives working again in a bipartisan fashion to consider the reauthorization of the Action for Dental Health Act. prgtoken Since its implementation, the Action for Dental Health Act has improved dental care in communities across the United States, strengthened the dental safety net, and brought disease prevention and education into underserved communities. prgtoken This reauthorization is an essential step in continuing to address barriers to oral healthcare services that still exist, like tackling the oral health workforce issues and reducing the number of adults and children living with untreated dental disease. prgtoken As a former dentist in Blackfoot, Idaho, I know that the more we can provide patients with an early diagnosis, the better off our patients and our oral healthcare system will be. prgtoken As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am proud to, once again, join Congresswoman Kelly in this effort, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical reauthorization so we can continue the work to decrease dental health disparities in communities where better access to care is most needed.
TRIBUTE TO CAITLIN CLARK
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-3-5

I am proud to recognize University of Iowa's Caitlin Clark, a true generational talent, for her historic achievements in women's collegiate basketball. Clark is a West Des Moines native. prgtoken In the Hawkeyes' February 15, 2024, matchup against the Michigan Wolverines, Clark became the alltime leading scorer in NCAA women's basketball history. She clinched the record in the opening 2 minutes with three baskets, including a logo 3-point shot. She put up 49 total points that game in the Carver Hawkeye Arena, a new school and personal best. prgtoken Less than 3 weeks later, during her last regular season game with the Hawkeyes, Clark surpassed ``Pistol'' Pete Maravich's 1970 record for highest number of points scored in the NCAA. To date, Clark has racked up 3,685 career points, more than any Division I player in history, men's or women's. prgtoken Clark's success is undoubtedly the dividend of her hard work, discipline, and dedication. It seems to have earned her a suffix: ``the first.'' prgtoken Clark, the first player to record a 40-point triple-double in men's or women's NCAA tournament history. prgtoken Clark, the first player to drop consecutive 40-point games in the women's NCAA tournament. prgtoken Clark, the first Division I player to top 3,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 800 rebounds. prgtoken Clark, the first Big Ten player to win every major national player of the year award: AP Player of the Year, the Honda Sports Award, the John R. Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year, USBWA National Player of the Year, and the Wade Trophy. prgtoken She is a team player, too. In the 2022-23 season, Clark was responsible for 48 percent of the team's assists--another first. No other Division I player, male or female, had ever accounted for more than 42 percent of their team's assists. prgtoken Clark is captivating the world with her talent, competitiveness, team spirit, sportsmanship, leadership, work ethic, and evident love for the game of basketball. Already, she has become one of history's most influential women in sports. prgtoken Public engagement in women's college basketball has never before reached today's heights. During the 2023 NCAA Tournament, the championship boasted a sellout crowd of 19,482 ticket holders and 9.9 million at-home viewers. The Hawkeyes' Final Four faceoff garnered 5.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched Women's NCAA Tournament semifinals game on the books. Weeks ahead of the Hawkeyes' 2023-24 season opener, the team broke the alltime attendance record for a single women's basketball game when 55,646 spectators packed Kinnick Stadium for a charity-benefit exhibition. The 2024 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament is sold out for the first time ever. prgtoken The ``Caitlin Clark Effect'' is not just changing women's college basketball; it is inspiring athletes of all ages, across all sports. As Clark continues to rise through the ranks of the ``all-time great
ENERGY EMERGENCY LEADERSHIP ACT
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-3-5

the balance of my time. prgtoken , it is an important time to address cybersecurity in this Nation. The energy infrastructure that we have is vulnerable. The gentleman from Michigan mentioned the Colonial Pipeline incident, which affected my State of South Carolina. prgtoken s generally aren't about growing government, creating new positions, and whatever, but it is important to raise this to the level of Assistant Secretary to put the emphasis where the Nation needs it to be at the Department of Energy. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg) and the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester) for authoring this bill. I thank the minority on the Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as the majority members, for supporting this through the full committee, and I would love for all of my colleagues to support this legislation. prgtoken , .