mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RESTORE ORDER AT THE BORDER
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to remind this Chamber and our Nation that it has been over 100 days since congressional s blocked a bipartisan bill to restore order at the border and fix our immigration system. prgtoken Week after week, only toothless, do-nothing resolutions attacking the President have been brought forward. When my colleagues across the aisle were presented with a bipartisan bill to actually tackle the chaos at our southern border, crack down on fentanyl trafficking, and begin to fix our broken immigration system, they said that is not their problem to solve. prgtoken This is a bill that would have hired nearly 2,000 new border personnel and immigration judges and streamlined our asylum system, making the process faster and fairer. It would have funded new inspection machines that could have been screening for deadly fentanyl for the past 100 days if only my colleagues would have brought this bill up for a vote. prgtoken Madam , actions speak louder than words. One hundred days is already too long to wait. Let's vote on this bill today.
HONORING THE RADCLIFF CENTER
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-5-17

today I want to recognize the Radcliff Center, Garden City's recreation hub, as they celebrate the grand opening of their newly renovated space and newest facilities, the Teen Tech Room and the E-Sports Arena. prgtoken The Radcliff Center is a place where a community can thrive with no bounds The extensive resources the Center offers, along with the events it hosts, cater to all ages and numerous interests, making for an incredible place where residents can come together socially. Additionally, the center houses community support resources such as the Food Pantry, Tax Assistance, and Veteran Services. These services are the backbone of the community. But, most importantly, they ensure that our residents feel comfortable and cared for. prgtoken The Radcliff Center is proud to debut these new spaces to the public to increase community engagement and social reach. The Teen Tech Room serves as a gateway for teens to come together and establish peer-to- peer connections. Likewise, the E-Sports Arena strives to accomplish the same goals within the bounds of electronic sports. prgtoken Please join me and the 12th Congressional District in celebrating the opening of Garden City's revamped Radcliff Center and its two newest resources.
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MICHAEL A. ALFULTIS
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Rear Admiral and SUNY Maritime College President Michael A. Alfultis for his years of service and to celebrate his retirement. prgtoken Presidential Alfultis has served for 28 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, eventually rising from captain to rear admiral. After retiring from service, Admiral Alfultis began teaching at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and then went on to become the director and chief administrative officer at the University of Connecticut. prgtoken His consecutive years of academic and professional leadership culminated in his tenure as the 11th president of SUNY Maritime College. prgtoken President Alfultis' leadership has transformed SUNY Maritime and shaped the future of the maritime workforce. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including a $100 million investment in institutional organizations such as the Institute for Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation and the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Offshore Energy. prgtoken I was proud to have supported the Center of Excellence for Offshore Energy with an $800,000 appropriation to support its curriculum development for New Yorkers. prgtoken As his time as president of SUNY Maritime College ends later this month, I would like to thank President Alfultis personally and on behalf of our community for his years of service to our country, academic institutions, and the people of New York. prgtoken We wish President Alfultis fair winds and following seas.
MARKING GIANT DIPPER CENTENNIAL
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , today is the 100th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's iconic roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. prgtoken This amazing roller coaster opened on this day in 1924 and took only 47 days to construct, making it the fourth oldest roller coaster in the United States and one of the 10 oldest roller coasters in the world. prgtoken Despite its age, it still packs a punch. Starting off by racing through a pitch-black mine shaft of a tunnel, then popping outside and clinking and clacking up a steep incline. After reaching its peak point, the coaster plunges straight down and provides a ride that races up and down its wooden brace tracks, lifting you up and down out of your seats. prgtoken Just like any good roller coaster, it is a ride that can turn your stomach. No matter how you feel, the Giant Dipper is exhilarating. It is exciting, and it is just plain fun. prgtoken It is no wonder that more than 68 million people have taken this thrill ride. It is no wonder that the Giant Dipper is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. prgtoken Happy 100th birthday to this famed roller coaster, and congratulations to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I honor the Giant Dipper for providing a fun and exciting ride that has provided generations of families with fun and fulfilling memories.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS HEALTHCARE
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to share a simple truth: Mental health care is healthcare. We have to start treating it as such because these challenges are more common than people may think. prgtoken Several members of my own family have struggled with mental health challenges, so I know from personal experience how hard it is to watch the people you love suffer and not be able to help them. prgtoken It is why I have introduced several bills that would put an end to the stigma, bring down costs, and expand access through peer support programs and telehealth to ensure more Oregonians and Americans get the care they need. prgtoken May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, but raising awareness alone doesn't go far enough. We need bipartisan action on this issue. It is the only way we can put an end to the mental health and substance use crisis in America. prgtoken As co-chair of the Mental Health Caucus, I am working across the aisle to find consensus and get more policies passed that will actually help people who are struggling, people like my family members and probably yours, too. prgtoken I invite every single one of my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to join me in this fight. My door is always open, and I am open to forging solutions together.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROSE M. SCHWARTZ
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Rose M. Schwartz, an exceptional woman whose contributions during World War II exemplify the resilience and dedication of the Greatest Generation. Rose was born on April 13, 1923, in Italy, and although she made her home in Philadelphia, her frequent visits to Pittsfield to see her children have connected her indelibly to our community. prgtoken During the war, while her husband, Adam James Schwartz, served bravely as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Purple Heart, Rose contributed to the war effort on the home front. She worked at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, one of the key facilities producing munitions for the Allies. The Arsenal was instrumental in manufacturing critical supplies, and the women who worked there played a vital role in ensuring our military had the resources needed to fight and win the war. prgtoken Rose's commitment to supporting her family and her country during one of the most challenging periods in our history is a testament to her strength and patriotism. Women like Rose, who took on roles in factories and other essential industries, were the backbone of the wartime workforce. Their efforts not only supported the immediate needs of the military but also paved the way for future generations of women in the workforce. prgtoken Rose and Adam raised three children: Lorraine Rayca, James Schwartz, and Deborah Miller. Deborah, who resides in Pittsfield, carries on her mother's legacy of strength and dedication. Rose's life is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices mad by so many on the home front and the enduring impact of their contributions. prgtoken , as we reflect on Rose's life, let us also remember the countless others who, like her, answered the call of duty in their own unique ways. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our Nation's history, and it is our duty to honor and preserve their legacies. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rose's family and express my deepest gratitude for her service and sacrifice. Rose M. Schwartz's life is a beacon of courage and commitment, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.
SEGREGATION IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , and still I rise. prgtoken I am honored to have this preeminent privilege to speak on the floor, if you will, or in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. It is a unique experience to be here. I never take it for granted, and I always appreciate the leadership for affording me the opportunity to speak. prgtoken I rise today as a person of color, a person who understands the need for Brown v. Board of Education. We needed it then and still need Brown. We needed it when we enshrined it into law in this country, and we still need it today. prgtoken This is the day that marks the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, a lawsuit that has impacted the lives of all Americans but has had a greater impact, I believe, on persons of color because it eliminated the notion that we could have separate but equal institutions in the country, especially in the area of education. prgtoken Yes, we still need Brown v. Board of Education. There is an article in today's USA Today. It is styled ``School segregation is still alive and well.'' ``Seventy years after Brown, funding drives divide.'' Segregation is still alive and well. prgtoken I would like to explain why we needed Brown before delving a little bit more into this topic of funding. We needed Brown because of 335 years of slavery, convict leasing, and lawful segregation--335 years. It started on August 20, 1619, when the ship White Lion docked at a place called Point Comfort, near what we now call Norfolk, Virginia. prgtoken When the White Lion docked, it had some 20 persons of African ancestry. These 20 persons were traded to the Colonies, the persons who were here to form the Colonies, if you will. They were traded. They became the first enslaved persons to be introduced into what would become the United States of America. prgtoken These 20 persons marked the beginning of something that still haunts the United States of America, and that is invidious discrimination, but these 20 persons became a part of millions of persons who would traverse the ocean, who would be treated as cargo, not as passengers; persons who would be raped, robbed, murdered, incarcerated; persons who would be brought to this country because there was a desire to have in this country people who would be subjugated. They would be persons who could be immediately identified because of color. prgtoken They would be persons who would not be a part of a class because class is a socioeconomic circumstance. They were not a part of a class, Madam . They were a part of a caste, not a class. A class is socioeconomic. You can move in and out of a class, but a caste is associated with your heredity. If you were born into this caste, you would live in it, you would work in it, and you would die as a part of the caste. prgtoken America had a caste system. Persons of African ancestry were a part of the caste. They were persons who were immediately identifiable, who were subjugated, and made a p
CELEBRATING DR. RACHAEL MAHMOOD, THE 2024 ILLINOIS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise to celebrate an educator from Aurora, Illinois. Dr. Rachael Mahmood, a fifth-grade teacher in Indian Prairie School District 204 at Georgetown Elementary School, was named the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year. prgtoken Dr. Mahmood has taught in her district since 2005 and came to Georgetown Elementary School in 2015. Dr. Mahmood was selected from a group of 13 finalists from across the state and is the first person from Indian Prairie School District 204 to be chosen as Illinois Teacher of the Year. prgtoken As the daughter of a Russian mother and an Indian father, Dr. Mahmood found her passion for teaching by overcoming obstacles she faced as a mixed-race student. Her dedication to service, education, and equity has allowed her to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students-- whether it be helping them succeed in their studies or achieve their extracurricular goals. prgtoken Dr. Mahmood has also become an indispensable leader beyond the classroom, pioneering various cultural and social initiatives to create an inclusive environment where students can connect with their peers. As one administrator notes, she ``embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and inspiring leader.'' prgtoken At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Dr. Mahmood will go on sabbatical, touring schools around the state of Illinois and sharing some of her valuable insight with her fellow educators. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Rachael Mahmood on being named Illinois Teacher of the Year and thank her for her commitment to improving education for young people in the Aurora community.
RECOGNIZING BORICUA COLLEGE
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise today to recognize Boricua College on the special occasion of its 50th aniversary and in appreciation for decades of higher education. Boricua College was the first private, not-for-profit post-secondary educational institution established in the United States specifically designed to meet the academic needs of Puerto Ricans and other Spanish-speaking people. Today, it is a diverse institution for learning and professional development. prgtoken Boricua College inspired educated and passionate advocates for the Puerto Rican Disapora during the 1960's and 70's in New York City. Visionaries like Dr. Antonia Pantoja, founder of Universidad Boricua and the precursor of Boricua College, founded by Dr. Victor Alicea, believed that higher education and cultural pride were crucial to addressing poverty and creating economic empowerment. The significant migration of Puerto Ricans to New York City warranted a grassroots response to navigate the socio-economic opportunities and challenges of plantando bandera in a new environment. Thus, Boricua College was created and became a beacon of hope for the Latino community in Brooklyn. prgtoken Since its founding in 1974, Boricua College has grown from its humble beginnings on a single-floor storefront in Williamsburg to a multi- campus institution spanning Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The first Boricua College class had just 26 students. When it opened its doors, it broke all barriers to higher learning with a cadre of Puerto Rican bilingual professionals in New York City. Today, Boricua College has an enrollment of thousands of students pursuing an Associate, Bachelor or Master's degree in the field of Human Services, Business, Liberal Arts, Childhood Education and inter-American Studies to list a few. It is also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. prgtoken The growth of Boricua College exemplifies the growth of Latinos' economic and political empowerment across the country. The college may not have millions in endowments, if at all. However, it does have an unwavering commitment to educational advancement. By 2060, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are likely to be Latinos'. Thanks to vital institutions like Boricua College, we are making even greater contributions in every sector of society--education, politics, business, the arts, and sciences. prgtoken This fine institution is as successful as the administration and leadership. Therefore, I would also like to salute Founder and President Dr. Victor G. Alicea for a lifetime of public service, Board of Trustees Chair Benito R. Fernandez, the deans, faculty, staff, and graduates please join us in recognizing Boricua College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and offering our best wishes for another 50 years of serving the community.
HONORING REVEREND WILLIAM LAWSON
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise today to honor the life of Reverend William ``Bill'' Lawson. prgtoken Reverend Lawson was a giant in Houston. He was a warrior against the evils of discrimination, of poverty, and of homelessness, lifting basic human dignity to its highest heights. prgtoken During the peak season of the civil rights era, he was a key leader in Houston where his best work was often behind the scenes. prgtoken A patriot for peace, Reverend Lawson organized quiet desegregation of Houston through secret meetings with the business community, a plan that kept away violence and bombings that were rampant across the South. prgtoken Reverend Lawson was always on the right side of good trouble. The positivity he brought to our community will be felt for years to come. Houston will miss Reverend Lawson and his quiet demeanor and his endearing smile. prgtoken I send my love and condolences to the entire Lawson family as we remember him and all that he accomplished. Well done, good and faithful servant.
HAITIAN FLAG DAY
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Mr , on May 18th, we celebrate Haitian Flag Day to commemorate and celebrate the pride, strength, history, and courage the Haitian flag represents. prgtoken With over 30,000 Haitians in Central Florida, Haitians' work and passion have profoundly impacted the lives of countless people in Orlando and beyond. Their commitment to serving our community is a testament to the strength and solidarity that defines the Haitian people. prgtoken I want to express my gratitude to the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce for all they do to contribute to Orlando's economic and cultural vibrancy. prgtoken The humanitarian crisis in Haiti weighs heavy on the hearts of countless people, especially as individuals see friends and family enduring unimaginable hardships. During these times, it is important to be mindful of the importance of community, compassion, and unity in the face of adversity. prgtoken In Congress, I am advocating for the aid and support that Haiti urgently deserves, not just deserves but needs and demands, by advocating for efforts to invest in Haiti's economy, create jobs, foster trade, and provide stability. prgtoken Especially on Haitian Flag Day, remember that pride, history, and culture will help guide us all in the fight for a better day for the people of Haiti. The work that our Central Florida Haitian community is doing is critical to these efforts. I will continue to fight for and with the Haitian people.
RESOLUTION REGARDING VIOLENCE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise in support of H. Res. 1213, A resolution regarding violence against law enforcement officers. prgtoken Let me be clear: I am supporting this resolution because our law enforcement officers deserve better training and equipment, better data about the injuries they incur in the line of duty, and better resources to support their mental health and community engagement. Peace officers who serve their communities faithfully deserve our respect, and I resoundingly condemn the increase in violence against law enforcement officers. However, this resolution also inserts unnecessarily divisive language into what should be a unifying message of support. The claim that an increase in violence against law enforcement officers is tied to calls to defund the police is unsupported and irresponsible. Congress should never use our first responders to force a partisan, politically charged message. This is especially true during Police Week, when we reflect on those who have died in the line of duty, and honor those who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. prgtoken The work law enforcement does is felt every day, and they deserve real, tangible support. Genuine support for our law enforcement officers requires Congress to address the myriad challenges they face. For example, we must work to stem the proliferation of ghost guns and assault weapons that make it especially dangerous and difficult for law enforcement to do their job. Congress must also ensure law enforcement is equipped to respond to the many calls they receive. I strongly support federal COPS grants to local law enforcement agencies, which have provided more than $16 million to Minnesota law enforcement agencies since 2016, putting more than 100 additional officers in our communities. Just as strongly, I oppose the Majority's budget proposals to cut this essential funding. Additionally, support for mental health professionals to accompany officers in certain situations is needed. Being a law enforcement officer already entails so much. They should not be expected to fill dozens of specialized roles in addition to their primary responsibilities. prgtoken During my service in Congress, I have been committed to ensuring that our law enforcement officers have the resources and support they need to do their jobs. In my role on the Appropriations Committee, I have secured more than $8 million in Community Project Funding to directly support Fourth District law enforcement agencies and programs. I will continue to work to support Minnesota's first responders and invest in community safety. prgtoken I thank our law enforcement community for the sacrifices they make every day to keep us safe.
RECOGNIZING EPA COORDINATOR BETH MURPHY
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to extend my sincerest thanks to the dedication and service of prgtoken the EPA coordinator for Cahokia Heights, Beth Murphy. prgtoken Back in October, I asked EPA Administrator Michael Regan to appoint a member of his team to assist our response to the environmental, health, and safety crisis in Cahokia Heights. He delivered. prgtoken As the area's first dedicated Federal coordinator, Beth has helped bring new urgency to alleviating the flooding and sewage crisis in Cahokia Heights and surrounding communities. Her efforts to streamline collaboration between stakeholders across Metro East will help ensure that Federal, State, and local government resources can finally be used collaboratively. prgtoken Beth's hard work has helped us to put a spotlight on the needs of a community that has been overlooked for far too long. prgtoken I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation for everything she has done for our community. prgtoken As Beth moves to her next assignment, we are excited to welcome our new coordinator, Betsy Nightingale. I look forward to working together with Betsy to build on the progress we have made and to finally solve these problems once and for all.
CONGRESS MUST PUT POLITICS ASIDE
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , when insults, chaos, and name calling become the norm, it takes courage to come together and work through our differences. prgtoken America is facing significant challenges right here at home and around the world. prgtoken I believe that the people of eastern North Carolina sent me here to get things done. I work daily to be a champion for a part of my State that is often forgotten and left behind. prgtoken My grandmother raised me to look for the best in others because everyone is somebody. We must extend respect. We must extend dignity. We must extend civility to each other. prgtoken It is better to cross bridges together as opposed to sending one of the greatest institutions on Earth over a cliff. prgtoken We must put politics aside to achieve meaningful results for the people of eastern North Carolina and our country. May God bless us.