mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEEMING AN URBAN INDIAN ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES A PART OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 6585 with deep reservations. prgtoken I support the substance of the measure as addressing key concerns for American Indians and Alaska Natives. My grave concern is with the inexplicable omission of Native Hawaiians as indistinguishably indigenous peoples of this country to be treated and included the same. prgtoken I spelled out my concerns at length in a submission to the record of my Committee on Natural Resources on this measure and I include in the Record my statement: U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources: July 29, 2020 Full Committee Markup on H.R. 6535: Additional Remarks for the Record: U.S. Congressman Ed Case: Chairman Grijalva, Ranking Member Bishop and fellow Committee members, I respectfully submit these additional remarks for the record on H.R. 6535, introduced by my friend and colleague on the Committee, Mr. Gallego, also Chair of the Committee's Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples of the United States on which I am also honored to serve. H.R. 6535, considered and unanimously reported by this Committee on July 29, 2020, would extend federal tort claims coverage for certain personal injury claims to urban Indian organizations by deeming them part of the Public Health Service, similar to current coverage provided to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Indian contractors and employees. I fully endorse this measure and was pleased to be able to support it in both Subcommittee and full Committee. However, I must register my deep concern that Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems (NHHCS) have not also been extended the same coverage in this measure or otherwise. Although there are legitimate procedural and related non- substantive reasons for not including them in this specific vehicle, I wish to affirm for the record that this is clearly unfinished business that should and must be remedied by this Committee and Congress at the earliest opportunity. The current federal tort claims coverage extends to many health care providers serving American Indian and Alaska Native individuals in the Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal facilities as part of the undertakings and obligations of our country to our indigenous peoples. Whole segments of our indigenous populations depend on these providers for their health needs, in particular primary and preventive care. The practical effect of covering these critical organizations under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is to simplify the processing and resolution of medical malpractice and other personal injury claims against the organization, which expedites settlement of legitimate claims and decreases administrative and related expense burdens, thus enabling providers to deliver more extensive and better service to
HONORING MARY MORIARTY
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mary Moriarty, who embodies what it means to be a public defender. For 30 years, Ms. Moriarty has dedicated herself to the Hennepin County Chief Public Defender's Office. Her tireless commitment to our community, providing quality representation to our most marginalized and vulnerable neighbors should not go unappreciated. prgtoken Ms. Moriarty was appointed Chief Public Defender in 2014. Her leadership resulted in significant reforms, providing ample and often training to new lawyers, bringing in social workers for misdemeanor cases, and requiring lawyers to have knowledge in forensic science and DNA analysis. prgtoken An evaluation from the National Center for State Courts Public Defender's Office under Ms. Moriarty's leadership validated that she runs one of the best public defender offices in the country, one that is as successful as a private firm. Dr. Brian Ostrom stated this: ``let me say unequivocally that Ms. Moriarty is the most accomplished, passionate, and articulate public defender I have ever met.'' prgtoken In her tenure Ms. Moriarty has been a devoted champion in addressing the racial inequalities in the justice system: whether that be advocating for more awareness of implicit bias for jurors, or requesting data that shows police disproportionately stop and charge African American's with obstruction of justice, compared to Caucasians. Ms. Moriarty has first-hand seen the disparities that impact our community through the legal system and has worked diligently to reform them. prgtoken To me, Ms. Moriarty represents what the standard should be for a public defender: someone who is committed to their clients and provides service to the highest of their ability, someone willing to call out the injustices and inequalities our neighbors endure, and working to reform them. Ms. Moriarty deserves the upmost admiration for continuing the good fight of improving our justice system, even in the face of considerable pushback. prgtoken I thank Chief Public Defender Mary Moriarty for her service to our community. It has been an honor to work alongside her to make our state, country and justice system a better, fairer place.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-17

I rise to speak in support of the ``Addressing Climate Financial Risk Act,'' which I introduced today. Background prgtoken The average global temperature has increased by over 3 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of my home State of California over the last century, and 2020 is on track to be the hottest year on record. Climate change is driving the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, floods, droughts, and other natural disasters and extreme weather events. prgtoken In California, wildfires in particular have become a major annual concern. This year alone, wildfires have burned 4.1 million acres of California forests and destroyed more than 10,000 structures, including more than 5,000 homes. prgtoken The damage and risk generated by these events--in addition to the changes needed to transition to a lower-carbon economy--threaten to severely disrupt real estate values in high-risk areas, make insuring against risk increasingly unaffordable, and dramatically change whole sectors of the economy. Need for Legislation prgtoken Unfortunately, U.S. Federal financial regulators have not done enough to ensure that they fully understand and are appropriately acting on the risk that climate change poses to the stability of the U.S. financial system. prgtoken Therefore, I believe there are a series of simple steps we should take to ensure that U.S. financial regulators are well-equipped to mitigate climate financial risk. prgtoken This bill would make five main improvements to the U.S. financial regulatory system. prgtoken First, it would establish a permanent committee on the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC)--which Congress has charged with identifying risks to the U.S. financial system--made up of experts in climate science, climate economics, and climate financial risk. prgtoken This committee would assist FSOC in publishing a report that assesses the ability of the U.S. financial regulatory system to mitigate climate financial risk and makes recommendations for improving its ability to do so. prgtoken Second, the bill would require each Federal bank and credit union regulatory agency to update its supervisory guidance to include climate financial risk, and to develop a strategy to identify and mitigate climate financial risk. prgtoken Third, the bill would require FSOC to specify how it will take climate financial risk into account when making decisions on whether to subject nonbank financial firms to additional oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. prgtoken Fourth, the bill would mandate a report from the Federal Insurance Office on how to modernize and improve the regulation of climate financial risk insurance regulation in the United States. prgtoken Finally, the bill would express the sense of Congress that climate change is a global problem, and that U.S. financial regulators should join international organizations focused on
JIMMY CARTER NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK REDESIGNATION ACT
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 5472, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Redesignation Act. prgtoken The legislation would change the name of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, Georgia, to the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, thereby ensuring that its nomenclature conforms to other noncontiguous sites within the National Park System. prgtoken It would also honor the wishes of our Nation's 39th President, who is a dear friend of mine, as well as my constituent. prgtoken On March 22, 2019, President Carter also became our Nation's longest- living President, surpassing the lifespan of George H.W. . In October, he celebrated his 96th birthday. prgtoken As many of you are aware, President Carter has had a number of health challenges recently, which has created a sense of urgency around this legislation and the rich legacy that he and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter want to leave for their longtime home in Plains, Georgia. prgtoken After the Carters left the White House, the Carters and Plains community took the initiative to preserve and protect the history of this small, rural, agricultural community. prgtoken In 1987, Congress established the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. As you have heard, it consists of the Plains Railroad Depot, which served as Jimmy Carter's campaign headquarters during the 1976 Presidential campaign; Jimmy Carter's boyhood farm; Plains High School, which the Carters both attended, and which now serves as the visitor center and museum; and the Carter home and compound, where the Carters currently live, which is now closed to the public. prgtoken In fact, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is the only site in the National Park System, aside from the White House, that is still an active Presidential home. I have taken my entire staff there on a number of occasions so that they could get a better feel and understanding of the values that shaped this great Georgian. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 5472 enjoys the bipartisan support of the entire Georgia congressional delegation, as well as the Plains community. prgtoken Madam , I want to thank Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop on the full committee, and Chairwoman Haaland and Ranking Member Young on the National Park Subcommittee. I thank Mr. Gallego and his able staff members, Brandon Bragato and Lily Wang, for all of their help in bringing this legislation to the House today under suspension of the rules. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMISSION AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2020
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , nearly 250 years ago, a group of visionaries met in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. Out of this unusual meeting of daring patriots, a declaration was produced stating to the world that, for the first time in the modern world, 13 Colonies would join together to become one independent nation--the United States of America, the greatest experiment in democracy that the world has ever seen. prgtoken Madam , these leaders boldly declared that no more would Americans live under the tyranny of a nation 3,000 miles away. They acted with unity and decided that our Nation will not be built upon privilege inherited by birth, but natural rights that belonged to each and every person. prgtoken In 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence. While we have not always lived up to these lofty ideals, we have continued to work to make progress and right the wrongs. prgtoken To commemorate and celebrate the founding of our Republic in 2016, Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission. The Commission's goal is to encourage Americans to remember our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a promising future. The Commission works with public and private entities across the country to make celebrations of our 250th year of independence a time to remember for years to come. prgtoken Madam , while the Commission has done incredible work thus far, the Commission Amendments Act will make needed updates to ensure that the Commission has the resources and talent it needs to fulfill its mission of national importance. prgtoken This bill will expand the membership to include cultural and historical perspectives from individuals such as the chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. In addition, the bill will provide necessary intellectual property protections for the materials created by the Commission. prgtoken This commonsense legislation will serve to further enable the Commission to carry on its important work. It has never been more important for us to come together or remember our past, acknowledge our present, and look forward to our future as one nation devoted to the ideals of liberty and justice for all. prgtoken As someone who was born in 1976, in Philadelphia, the year of our bicentenary, this has a particular meaning to me. prgtoken Madam , I thank Senator Toomey and others on the committee for advancing this. Our Nation will be the first multiracial, multiethnic democracy in the history of the world, and it is a credit to our founding vision. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF CHIEF JUSTICE BERNETTE JOSHUA JOHNSON
Cedric L. Richmond (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise to honor the retirement of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson who serves as the Louisiana Supreme Court 25th Chief Justice. She is the second female Chief Justice and the Court's first ever African American Chief Justice. prgtoken A native of Donaldsville, Louisiana, Chief Justice Johnson graduated from Spelman College in 1964 and became one of the first African American women at Louisiana State University Law Center to earn her Juris Doctorate Degree in 1969. prgtoken During the 1960's Chief Justice Johnson worked as a community organizer with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Education Fund and at the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. After graduating from law school, Chief Justice Johnson served as the Managing Attorney of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC). In that role she provided legal services to over 3,000 clients in underprivileged communities. In an effort to help improve civil rights for underrepresented communities, Chief Justice Johnson also worked in federal, state, and juvenile courts. In 1981, she joined the New Orleans City Attorney's Office and later became a Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. She also served as a supervisor for the litigations and appeals involving agencies of the City of New Orleans. prgtoken In 1984 Chief Justice Johnson was elected as the first woman to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans. Six years later she was easily re-elected and faced no opposition. In 1994, she was elected by her peers to ascend to Chief Judge. Shortly after, she was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court where she would ultimately be re- elected in 2000 and 2010 with no opposition. In 2013, she became Chief Justice of Louisiana's highest court. prgtoken Not only has Chief Justice Johnson been instrumental on the Court, she has also been a pillar of her community. She has served in several leadership roles including as an Executive Committee Member of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, as the Chair of the New Orleans Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Women Christian Association, amongst others. prgtoken Chief Justice Johnson is also the recipient of numerous awards including the 2020 National Association of Women Judges Lady Justice Award, the National Bar Association Judicial Council's 2019 William H. Hastie Award, the National Bar Association's 2019 Gertrude E. Rush Award, and Louisiana State University's 2013 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Unsung Hero Award. Additionally, she was inducted into the National Bar Association and Louisiana State University Law Center Halls of Fame. prgtoken Chief Justice Johnson is a treasure to the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. As the first African American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Chief Ju
FAREWELL REMARKS
Kendra S. Horn (Democrat, OK) \u2014 2020-12-17

I rise today to reflect on what has been the greatest honor of my life: the opportunity to represent my home State and Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District here in the people's House. prgtoken This is not an honor that I take lightly, nor is it a responsibility that I could have carried alone. prgtoken First and foremost, I begin by saying thank you. prgtoken Thank you to my family, to my parents, grandparents, great- grandparents, my friends, and all of those who have supported me throughout my life, who taught me the lessons about caring for our community, lessons about hard work and determination, about living the Golden Rule--the Oklahoma standard. prgtoken Thank you to all my teachers and guiding voices who showed me, through words and actions, the value of service, the importance of showing up for each other and standing up for what is right. prgtoken Thank you to Oklahomans who have shown up to make their voices heard. It is because of you we were able to accomplish everything we did. It is because of you that we were able to do what others said could not be done. prgtoken , I express my gratitude for my staff, who worked day and night to serve the Fifth District: my legislative team who made sure that, with every vote I took, I did what was right for Oklahoma; my caseworkers, who were nothing short of lifesavers. Their work to help veterans and seniors, to help workers and small businesses and struggling families during this pandemic literally saved lives. prgtoken Each and every one of my staff pushed themselves, not for my personal end, not to make a political point, but to serve a district and people that they care about, to help people who need it, and to make Oklahomans heard in Congress. After all, that is why we are here. prgtoken Members and staff alike, we are here to serve, and public service means putting the best interest of others before ourselves. Service means listening to and working with others, even when we disagree. prgtoken Service is not about winning at all costs. It is not about us versus them. It is about all of us working together. Service means leaving the world and our country a better place than we found it. prgtoken I still believe that we can do that, that we must do that, that we must leave this country better than we found it. And, no, it is not easy. It takes work, but it is worth it. prgtoken , during the 116th Congress, I held 54 townhalls, a record for Oklahoma's Fifth District. I met with thousand of Oklahomans: individuals, businesses, and organizations. It was worth it because connecting with constituents and making sure their voices are heard is a critical part of this job. prgtoken One of the most frequent questions I had heard time and again--one that broke my heart--was when people would ask me if it was even worth it to work across the aisle to try to get things done, whether it was even possible to find compromise and common ground in today's bitter political
URBAN FARMING
Kwanza Hall (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise today to speak on the importance of urban farming. prgtoken Urban Farming first had its start during World War II where it supplied over 40 percent of produce. prgtoken But in recent days, it is making a comeback, and just in time. As our population grows, it is unrealistic to expect that urban farming will meet all of our food needs. prgtoken But, it will most certainly make a dent. But it will also do other things. It will encourage healthier diets, which is a much-needed skill for many in urban areas, who often resort to fast food and other conveniences of big city life. prgtoken It will also do must erode the large caloric diets that many in cities follow. Urban farming also bolsters local communities by bringing folks together, which itself foster greater collaboration and understanding of other people. prgtoken It can deliver produce at a lower cost, leaving families to spend on other costs of living, like housing. prgtoken It can also be good for the environment, as it can reduce CO2 emissions attendant with transporting food from faraway farms to urban centers. prgtoken And, it can also be another source of minority entrepreneurship by encouraging ownership of these farming centers with those who live in the buildings where the food is grown. prgtoken There are many benefits to this practice and I hope that we can take advantage of them in the days ahead.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROSIE LEE ATCHISON
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-17

to live to become 109 years old in this country, or any country, as a matter of fact, is quite a feat. Such has been the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosie Atchison, who was born on August 15, 1911, in Bolivar, Mississippi, and passed away on November 23, 2020. prgtoken Her birth mother passed away when Rosie was just 6 weeks old. She was taken into the care of her father, Mr. Henry Liner, who raised her as the second oldest of 27 children whom he fathered. prgtoken Rosie grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she lived a typical life of Blacks in that area. She worked the fields, went to church, got married, had two children, lost a child, got tired of the fields and a failed marriage, and took her two children and migrated to Chicago, looking for a better life. That is exactly what she found. prgtoken With faith in God, she joined the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where the renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was a member, and she also sang in the choir. prgtoken She met and married her second husband, Mr. Andrew Atchison, who worked for the Diamond Glue Factory. She found a job cleaning railcars for the Pennsylvania Railroad and worked there until her retirement in 1970. prgtoken Mrs. Atchison and her husband became very productive citizens and developed a reputation for helping others less fortunate than themselves. She became known to many as Big Mama, not because of her stature, but because she embraced any and everyone who needed help that she could help. prgtoken She and her husband lived in the heart of the Bronzeville community until they were forced out to make room for the Illinois Institute of Technology. They protested and held marches around city hall but lost. prgtoken After her husband died, she purchased a two-flat building in the Englewood community and kept on helping people. prgtoken On November 23, 2020, after 109 years and 3 months, Rosie passed away, leaving 2 daughters; 15 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 95 great-great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Ms. Josephine Liner Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. prgtoken What a life and what a legacy. Paying Tribute to Lee Raybon prgtoken , I also pay tribute to Mr. Lee Raybon, a pioneer West Side of Chicago business and community leader. prgtoken Whereas the Almighty God has called to his eternal rest Mr. Lee Raybon, a skilled mechanic and business leader who became a legend on the West Side of Chicago in the automobile repair business, and whereas I met Mr. Raybon in the late 1960s when one of my staffers, Ms. Arlene Granderson, introduced me to Mr. Nate Irwin, who was her mechanic and working at Raybon's Automotive Repair shop, Mr. Irwin became my friend and my mechanic. prgtoken I had a reputation in my community for keeping cars a long time. I drove one car for 19 years, and everybody in the neighborhood knew the car. Mr. Raybon