mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Election Security (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-17

I come to the floor today to discuss yesterday's report from the Intelligence Committee, a public report, which confirmed what we all suspected last year: that the Russian Federation favored 's reelection and sought to influence the outcome by amplifying attacks on and his family. While the scale of interference appears to be less than what we saw in 2016, the receptiveness of 's inner circle appears to have been about the same. They were open for business. prgtoken I am not here to relitigate the 2016 or 2020 elections; I am here to raise my concern with the fact that, for two election cycles in a row now, the Party's nominee for President sought to normalize foreign interference in our elections. And I want to be clear. It is wrong, it is hostile, it is undemocratic, and it must stop if you want the American people to have the confidence in the legitimacy and the credibility of our elections going forward. prgtoken This is not about party; this is about the durability of our democracy. Everyone in this body has an important role to play in rejecting foreign interference and restoring trust in our election process. prgtoken While the contents of the report came as no surprise, its findings were nonetheless breathtaking. Our intelligence community is highly confident--the highest assessment they have on any given issue--in its assessment that Vladimir Putin was involved in the operation whereby Andrii Derkach and Konstantin Kilimnik successfully manipulated President 's inner circle, including his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani. prgtoken Thankfully, the American people had better sense than Mr. Giuliani and rejected the Kremlin-backed lies about and his family. That, however, does not diminish the fact that the Russian Government undertook this effort and the former President welcomed it. The Russian interference detailed in this report occurred at the very same time the administration sought to publicly downplay the role played by Russia. prgtoken This report was mandated by Congress and for good reason. Americans deserve to know exactly who is interfering in our democracy and how. As I said before, everyone has a role to play, including the American people. We have to encourage Americans to practice better cyber security and to scrutinize the information they see on the web. Carefully examining social media posts before sharing them must become the new hallmark of a patriotic, active, and informed citizenry. And our social media companies must do a better job stopping the proliferation of foreign disinformation on their platforms. prgtoken The health of our democracy depends on this vigilance. The Kremlin will continue to attack our elections and seek to sow divisions among us. We have a responsibility to resist this interference and not make their job any easier. prgtoken We live in a media environment where and his R
RECOGNIZING BISSON'S SUGAR HOUSE
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-3-17

today I would like to recognize Bisson's Sugar House, a New Hampshire institution that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. March is Maple Month in New Hampshire, where maple producers across our State produce more than 90,000 gallons of maple syrup, and the Bisson family represents three generations of this great and tasty tradition. prgtoken Lazzare Bisson and his nephew Armand found Bisson's Sugar House in Berlin in 1921, and ran the business together successfully for 15 years. Lazzare then passed the business on to Armand and his wife, Juliette. In 1953, they constructed a new sugar house to support their growing business, and since then, they have welcomed families from New Hampshire and beyond to see their work each spring. prgtoken The Bisson family has prioritized preserving the traditional sugaring experience, while also modernizing their operations in order to provide high-quality, delicious maple products to their customers. Each year, the Bisson family taps more than 3,000 trees, and they still boil their sap on a wood-fired evaporator built by Armand and Juliette more than 50 years ago. During the height of the sugaring season in March and April, they make candy with the same evaporator they have used since the 1940s. prgtoken Since 1988, Bisson's Sugar House has been run by Armand and Juliette Bisson's niece Muriel and her husband Lucien Blais. For many families, an annual trip to Bisson's Sugar House marks the beginning of spring. As the sugar business has passed from generation to generation, the Bisson family's work has encouraged Granite Staters to treasure our past and embrace the future. prgtoken I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bisson's Sugar House and sending them best wishes for a successful harvest and many more years of sharing their traditions with the people of New Hampshire.
CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-17

first of all, I would like to thank the ic Women's Caucus, Congresswomen Frankel, Speier, and Lawrence, for hosting this Special Order on Women's History Month. prgtoken I want to thank Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for insisting that Black women and women of color be seen in this body. prgtoken Last year, we celebrated the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave some women the right to vote. We know that women of color were not able to vote until decades later, and Black women fought until they got suffrage in 1965. prgtoken I am proud that this January, my bill, with the support of both s and here in this body and in the Senate, passed. It is called the Women's History and Nineteenth Amendment Centennial Quarter Dollar Coin Program Act, and it was signed into law. This measure will ensure that prominent women from American history can be honored on our circulating quarter dollar coins. prgtoken The currency we use is one of the most important shared ways that we have in memorializing what is important to us as Americans. Making sure that prominent American women are featured on our coins is an important step in recognizing the contributions women have made in furthering civil rights and making our country a more equitable place. prgtoken As the mint solicits public input for these coins, it is my hope that diverse American women will be chosen and depicted, celebrating our Nation's leaders, thinkers, and innovators. prgtoken Last election also brought a record number of women in Congress, and there are, I believe, 120 women now in the House. I know my mentor, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, would be so proud. Yes, we brought our folding chairs, but I have to just tell you, we are here to stay. prgtoken I salute my late mother, Mildred Parish Massey tonight, who blazed so many trails. She instilled in her three girls that women are equal to men, from day one. prgtoken She was one of the first 12 Black students to integrate the University of Texas at El Paso. She was the first Black female civilian at Fort Bliss, Texas, to work there for years, and she was the first in so many segregated places. prgtoken But you know what? She told my sisters and me that ``can't'' is not in the dictionary and that we can fulfill our dreams. But in doing that, we have to break these barriers so that others can enter, and she insisted that we open the doors for other women and girls. prgtoken It is so important that we celebrate Women's History Month and honor the women trailblazers who came before us. Not only should we celebrate women, but we should also ensure that they are protected and granted equality. I can't think of a better way to honor Women's History Month than for this body to pass bills to guarantee and enshrine women's equality. It is a shame we have to do that. prgtoken One important action we can take to do that
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Veronica Escobar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , since being signed into law, the Violence Against Women Act has become a crucial part of legislation to aid victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. VAWA provides lifesaving programs to help survivors navigate domestic violence and abuse situations. prgtoken Madam , in my district, I heard from innumerable counselors, activists, advocates, and attorneys about the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on families, but especially families who have to experience domestic violence. Being locked in a situation with your abuser, with your attacker, was incredibly dangerous, and there has been terrible trauma inflicted. prgtoken We need to pass VAWA now. There is no reason not to support people who are victims of domestic violence. This is an enormous step forward. prgtoken I am grateful to the leaders who brought this forward, and I rise in support.
HONORING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-3-17

in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Ann Claussen. prgtoken Ann Claussen has served in various leadership positions for 29 years in Polk County, Florida. During her career with State Farm Insurance Company, she has held many different leadership positions in the life and health company, and served as the credit union manager for 9 years, overseeing a $240 million credit union with 1,100 members throughout the State of Florida. prgtoken In January 2014, Ms. Claussen took a leap of faith to start her new career as the CEO of Central Florida Healthcare. Serving in this role has allowed her to follow her lifelong passion for making a difference in her community by providing a patient-centered medical home to over 56,000 patients. prgtoken With growth in 14 clinics and 500 employees, Ms. Claussen's passion for serving her community is demonstrated each day by her genuine compassion to be a servant leader. With an understanding of building relationships and partnering for a healthier community, she serves on the United Way board, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, and other boards and committees to ensure that our communities are working together in providing quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. prgtoken Ms. Claussen's goal is to continue to focus on expanding healthcare and creating a positive work environment surrounded by people who share her passion for making a difference in our community. prgtoken With her caring heart, she leads by example and has been instrumental in partnering with other community leaders who have the same passion to serve. prgtoken Ann is married to Jim and has two sons, Justin and Ryan. prgtoken For this and more, Ms. Ann Claussen, we honor you. Honoring Jennie Cyran
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I am using a proxy to vote on my behalf (pursuant to House Resolution 8 and in accordance with regulation C.6.). Regretfully, my proxy was unable to arrive at the House floor within the allotted time to cast my vote for H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 86 (H.R. 1620--the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021). prgtoken Stated against:
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, once again, the vital importance of the Violence Against Women Act. prgtoken With the Nation under stay-at-home orders, many women were unable to escape their abusers or find help in their communities. prgtoken Thanks to VAWA, organizations like the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence were able to meet women where they are, despite these obstacles. prgtoken In 2020, VAWA grants helped the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence assist over 9,000 survivors of domestic violence and answer over 17,000 helpline calls, nearly a 12 percent increase from 2019. prgtoken During the pandemic, through VAWA programs, Rhode Islanders have found transitional housing, received counseling services, and obtained assistance with seeking restraining orders. prgtoken Violence Against Women Act grants and programs can really be the difference between life or death. prgtoken Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and, again, for his extraordinary leadership. prgtoken Madam , this is quite a day for the chairman, with the Violence Against Women Act and the ERA, among other pieces of legislation that he is bringing to the floor. I thank him for the very prolific and excellent work of the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken Madam , here we are dressed in white because it is Women's History Month, and we are wearing the color of suffragists as we come to the floor on these two important pieces of legislation--earlier today, the equal rights amendment, and now the Violence Against Women Act. prgtoken It is a historic day as the House passes two landmark, potentially lifesaving pieces of legislation on behalf of America's women. We do so, again, during Women's History Month. I sing the praises of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has been a relentless, persistent advocate for this legislation over time; Karen Bass, one more, and our distinguished chair of the committee. prgtoken Madam , we are particularly proud to be passing this legislation under the leadership of one of its strongest champions, President . In the Senate, he was the guardian of this law, as he was the author of it. As a new-ish Member of Congress at the time, I was proud to follow his lead and the lead in the House, then, of Leader Schumer, now the distinguished majority leader in the Senate. So this is an opportunity that we have for legislation, whose provenance goes way back into the 1990s. prgtoken At that time, I was an appropriator. And after we passed the bill that had the Violence Against Women Act, it was our responsibility to make sure that it was funded properly, and that has been part of the continuing advocacy. prgtoken Madam , in 2013, the legislation was last reauthorized under the Presidency of and the Vice Presidency of , who, again, was taking the lead for the reauthorization of the legislation. It was a tough time. The bill passed first in the United States Senate. Bipartisan in the United States Senate, the bill was passed. They sent it to the House. The House refused to take it up-- -controlled House refused to take it up. prgtoken And then they had their own bill, which said: We are against violence against women, unless you happen to be a Native American or an LGBTQ woman or an immigrant woman. prgtoken Well, these are the most vulnerable in terms of using violence against women. So what happened was we persuaded the then- , Mr. Boehner, to bring both bills to the floor. Of prgtoken course, the Senate-passed bipartisan bill prevailed. We had a big ceremony, participated in by the Native American community, our law enforcement community, Vice President , and signed by the President. prgtoken So here we are, unable to get it reauthorized 5 years later, in 2018 under the then-majority and President, and here we are today, finally able to
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , before coming to Congress, I organized volunteer lawyers to represent survivors of domestic abuse, so I have seen firsthand both the need for the Violence Against Women Act and the remarkable impact of legal representation in moments of crisis. prgtoken That is why I am proud to support reauthorization of VAWA, which would, among other things, expand access to legal counsel for those who need it most. prgtoken Too often, survivors are left to navigate alone the overwhelming aftereffects of violence and abuse. Whether that means finding housing, medical, or other care in the aftermath of trauma, the process can be complicated and hard to manage. prgtoken Legal representation in these critical moments can make a life- changing difference. That is why I am proud to offer two amendments to VAWA today. prgtoken The first would expand efforts to provide legal representation in postconviction relief proceedings. The second would increase access to legal aid for veterans who have unmet legal needs. prgtoken Everyone deserves access to quality legal representation for fundamental needs, and this bill gets us one step closer to that goal. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support my amendments and the underlying legislation.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , in New Mexico, one in three women have experienced domestic violence. We must act swiftly to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. The protections in this bill are a matter of life and death. prgtoken My State has one of the highest suicide rates. My amendment will help prevent suicide among survivors of sexual assault. prgtoken It also recognizes that our diverse communities must receive culturally relevant legal aid and outreach programs. prgtoken Let's work to end gender-based violence in all of our communities.
REMOVING THE DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-17

. Madam , this is a glorious day for women in America. With the passage of the ERA and the Violence Against Women Act, we are making great strides forward. prgtoken This particular resolution does one thing. We want in the Constitution, plain and simple. prgtoken Antonin Scalia, the great jurist, said once: Does the Constitution require discrimination based on sex? The answer is no. prgtoken But if the question is: Does the Constitution prohibit discrimination based on sex? prgtoken The answer is also no. prgtoken That should send a chilling feeling in each of us that in the Constitution of the United States women are not protected. prgtoken In fact, we are the only country with a written Constitution that does not prohibit discrimination based on sex. Shame on us. prgtoken There can be no expiration date on equality. This is a bipartisan bill. We are proud to bring it to the floor. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle may say we don't need the ERA, women are already equal under the law, that it is redundant. prgtoken Well, tell that to Christy Brzonkala, who was raped by two football players at Virginia Tech. She sought justice under VAWA, but the Supreme Court struck down the civil suit provision, claiming Congress lacked the power to pass it. prgtoken Or Tracy Rexroat, whose starting salary at the Arizona Department of Education was $17,000 less than her colleague. They based the salaries on what their prior salary was from whatever job they came, so she receives $17,000 less than her colleague. She too filed an action under the Equal Pay Act, and the courts held that there was some reasonable expectation. prgtoken Well, there is nothing reasonable about that. And until we have the ERA in the Constitution that provides the same level of scrutiny as race discrimination, this will continue to be a problem. prgtoken Or ask Jessica Gonzales if she thinks it is redundant. Jessica's estranged husband kidnapped and murdered their three young daughters after the police refused to enforce a restraining order. prgtoken If we had the ERA, these cases would have had different outcomes. The ERA will create stronger legal recourse against sex discrimination, it will empower Congress to better enforce and enact laws protecting women, and it will confirm the rightful place of gender equality in the Constitution where it belongs. prgtoken I believe most of us recognize that this is the right thing to do. The ERA is about building an America that we want. It is about forming a more perfect union, it is about equality, survival, dignity, and respect.
Maiden Speech (Executive Calendar)
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-3-17

before I begin my formal remarks, I want to pause to condemn the hatred and violence that took eight precious lives last night in Metropolitan Atlanta. prgtoken I agree with Georgians, with Americans, with people of love all across the world. This unspeakable violence visited largely upon the Asian community is one that causes all of us to recommit ourselves to the way of peace, an active peace that prevents these kinds of tragedies from happening in the first place. prgtoken We pray for these families. prgtoken , I rise here today, as a proud American and as one of the newest Members of the Senate, in awe of the journey that has brought me to these hallowed Halls and with an abiding sense of reverence and gratitude for the faith and sacrifices of ancestors who paved the way. prgtoken I am a proud son of the great State of Georgia, born and raised in Savannah, a coastal city known for its cobblestone streets and verdant town squares. Towering oak trees, centuries old and covered in gray Spanish moss, stretched from one side of the street to the other, bend and beckon the lover of history and horticulture to this city by the sea. prgtoken I was educated at Morehouse College, and I still serve in the pulpit of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, both in Atlanta, the cradle of the civil rights movement. And so like those oak trees in Savannah, my roots go down deep, and they stretch wide in the soil of Waycross, GA, and Burke County, and Screven County. In a word, I am Georgia, a living example and embodiment of its history and its hope, of its pain and promise, the brutality and possibility. prgtoken At the time of my birth, Georgia's two Senators were Richard B. Russell and Herman E. Talmadge, both arch segregationists and unabashed adversaries of the civil rights movement. prgtoken After the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board ruling outlawing school segregation, Talmadge warned that ``blood will run in the streets of Atlanta.'' prgtoken Senator Talmadge's father, Eugene Talmadge, former Governor of our State, had famously declared: ``The South loves the Negro in his place, but his place is at the back door.'' prgtoken When once asked how he and his supporters might keep Black people away from the polls, he picked up a scrap of paper and wrote a single word on it: ``Pistols.'' prgtoken Yet there is something in the American covenant, in its charter documents and its Jeffersonian ideals, that bends toward freedom. And led by a preacher and a patriot named King, Americans of all races stood up. History vindicated the movement that sought to bring us closer to our ideals, to lengthen and strengthen the cords of our democracy, and I now hold the seat--the Senate seat--where Herman E. Talmadge sat. prgtoken That is why I love America. I love America because we always have a path to make it better, to build a more perfect Union. It is the place where a kid like me, who grew up in public housing, t