mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-9-29

I am standing here at the desk next to the desk of our fallen colleague, Senator Dianne Feinstein. It seems enormously strange that instead of being able to sit here and have her next to me, her desk is covered with a black cloth and a crystal bowl of white roses. prgtoken We come from the west coast where our States sit side by side, so perhaps it was fitting that we sat side by side here on the floor of the U.S. Senate. prgtoken One thing, in particular, that Senator Feinstein liked to do was share with me pictures of her dog Kirby, whom she absolutely loved. And she had a lot of pictures on her phone to show Kirby in different moments of delight. And I must say, for me, this was kind of a powerful, personal connection because I enjoyed showing her pictures of my dogs, Roxy and Lila, whom I love dearly. prgtoken So even as we work on the great issues of international affairs or the prgtoken big challenges of America, sometimes it is just the personal connections, simple connections in life that can bond people to each other. prgtoken Very few people's lives are as full of as much history and consequence as Senator Dianne Feinstein's: the first woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco; the first woman to serve as a Senator from California; the longest serving Senator not only from California, the longest serving woman in the Senate ever at just over 30 years. prgtoken In 2009, during my first year in the Senate, she made a point to invite me as a freshman Senator to meet her friend the Dalai Lama. I had a chance to previously meet the Dalai Lama when I was head of the World Affairs Council in Oregon, and I had invited him to speak to the people of Oregon. But this was in a different context of the connection, the foreign relations, in which we were striving to elevate concerns about the treatment of the Tibetan people. She was a passionate supporter of Tibetan people. prgtoken She had met him 30 years before in India. She had welcomed him on his first visit to the United States, as the mayor of San Francisco. She never let up on the importance of that challenge and her concerns about the mistreatment of the Tibetan people. prgtoken In fact, I also had the opportunity to work with her on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which strived to shine a light on many human rights issues, but one of which, certainly, was defending the Tibetan people's human rights and culture from the repression of the Chinese Government. prgtoken She was also a powerful partner as we worked together to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act here on the Senate floor, which we did in 2013, and then to strive to elevate the Equality Act, the gold standard for ending discrimination against our LGBTQ community--an act that we have not yet passed on this Senate floor but absolutely should. I hope someday we will have the votes to do that. prgtoken She just believed that nobody should face discrimination, every
HOPEWELL CEREMONIAL EARTHWORKS
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-9-29

I rise today to congratulate the Ohio History Connection, National Parks Service, and local Tribal communities on their historic achievement of earning Ohio's first World Heritage designation. prgtoken The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks join the Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and 21 others as U.S.- designated World Heritage sites. The designation is reserved for the places on earth that are of ``Outstanding Universal Value'' to humanity and will support the protection of the site for future generations. prgtoken The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are a series of eight ancient monuments built in the middle of the Woodland period, between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago by people we now refer to as the Hopewell Culture. The Earthworks embody the artistry, spirituality, and architecture of the Hopewell peoples. They also reflect the commitment to preservation and collaboration that archaeologists and Tribal nations have maintained over the years. prgtoken This designation would not be possible without the collaboration of the Ohio History Connection, the National Parks Service, and local Tribal communities. May the celebration and preservation of the Hopewell Earthworks tell the story of Ohio history for generations to come. Congratulations.
HONORING ROSALINE COHEN'S SERVICE TO THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2023-9-29

I rise today to pay tribute to a valued member of my staff, Rosaline Cohen, who is retiring after more than two decades of exceptional service to the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Many of you know Rosaline as the chief counsel for the Committee on Homeland Security, a position she has held since 2007. In that capacity, she has earned a reputation as a trusted and dedicated civil servant and an enviable track record for reaching bipartisan agreements. At the same time, she understands, on a deep level, what it takes to be effective as ``the loyal opposition''--as some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would occasionally lament. prgtoken Rosaline has been at my side since I was first named ranking member in 2005 and has been a steadfast and strategic partner during some of the most tumultuous days for this institution and the country. prgtoken Rosaline will tell you that her congressional career actually began in the fall of 1990, as an intern in the office of the late Representative Gerry Studds of Massachusetts. She secured the internship--only days into her freshman year at George Washington University--after walking the halls of the House buildings with her first resume in hand, hoping to get an on-the-spot interview with an intern coordinator for a Member from her home State, Massachusetts. prgtoken Her next chapter with the House started in February 2000, when--as a newly-minted attorney--Rosaline began working for former Congressman Ken Bentsen, whose district included her law school alma mater, the University of Houston Law Center. About a year and a half later, Rosaline was evacuated from the Capitol during the September 11th terrorist attacks, sheltering most of her office in her basement apartment. prgtoken Her next employer, the late Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, provided her with an opportunity to get to know the newly created Department of Homeland Security, as a personal office staffer to the then-Select Committee on Homeland Security. In 2005, when the committee was made permanent and I took on the job of serving as the ic ranking member, Rosaline was one of my first hires. She started by handling transportation security, appropriations, and management matters. prgtoken In 2007, in her first year as chief counsel on the committee, Rosaline spearheaded complex House-Senate conference negotiations over H.R. 1, legislation I introduced on behalf of the new ic majority to fully implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. In the years that followed, she has led our legislative efforts on everything from information sharing and emergency management to cyber and border security. prgtoken As chief counsel, Rosaline has shepherded 438 bills through the House and 165 measures into law, leaving her mark on nearly every section of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and other historic legislation. This is an extraordinary record, but more, it is a testa
REMEMBERING DIANNE FEINSTEIN
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-9-29

I served beside Senator Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee my entire time here, and I worked closely with her on the Intelligence Committee during the time we overlapped there. prgtoken I am honored to join my colleagues in participating in this remembrance to her. It has been said, I think, over and over again, of her elegance, as Senator Collins said; of how put together she was, as Senator Murkowski said; of how gracious she was, as pretty much everyone has said. Her preparedness was another standout virtue in this body. prgtoken I have heard her say ``I am going home to read tonight.'' Serving with her on those committees, I saw over and over again the amount of work that she put herself and her staff through to make sure that she was well-prepared. I never saw a Member of this body better prepared than Senator Feinstein. prgtoken But the characteristic that I most associate with her is bravery-- whether it was the bravery of throwing herself into California politics as a young woman at a time when not many women were doing that or the way she bravely handled the murders at city hall and her response to that or whether she was willing to come here, when women were few, and break glass ceiling after glass ceiling after glass ceiling. prgtoken But the place where I saw her bravery most was when we worked together on the Senate Intelligence Committee torture report. I was kind of Robin to her Batman in that effort. And I still remember her, right about where Senator Murray now is, delivering her legendary speech that blew the cover off the CRA torture report. To get there, she had to get through massive counterattacks from the CIA on her and on our Intelligence Committee staff. She had to oppose the administration that was pushing back against her from the very highest levels. prgtoken And when the administration changed, she had to show the same bravery and the same resistance against pretty much equal pressure from the administration to shut up and go away. Well, shut up and go away were not things that Senator Feinstein was willing to hear, and the moment that she spent on the Senate floor delivering that report was one of the moments that I am proudest of in the time that I have been here at the Senate. prgtoken Let me close by talking about her last weeks here because I think you have to see those last weeks here in the context of her preparation, her determined effort to be as perfect as she could be, and her bravery because it was not easy for her to come and do the work that she did in those last weeks. prgtoken But she knew that we needed her. She knew that despite how difficult it was, despite the difficulty she would have in meeting her own standards of perfection, it would have been easy just to go, but she knew that we needed her. We would have lost our majority in the Judiciary Committee without her, and I view her last months and weeks in this body as the last episode
TRIBUTE TO DR. ROSE MARIE McCOY, PASTOR EMERITUS
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-9-29

today I wish to pay my deepest respect in tribute to a wonderful woman of God, Dr. Rose Marie McCoy, who passed from this earthly realm to her heavenly home on September 13, 2023. prgtoken A wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, caregiver, community role model, missionary and counselor, Dr. Rose Marie was born on September 24, 1951, in Robbins, Illinois to parents Samuel Sr. and Jennie Eliza Merle Evans. Having accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in the Spring of 1976, Rose Marie dedicated her life in service and selfless devotion to others throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. prgtoken Rose Marie met and married the love of her life Dr. William McCoy, over 57 years ago. Together they shared a love that withstood the test of time and created a strong family that will carry on their unique legacy. Rose Marie was steadfast in her commitment to the Lord, living each day as a living sacrifice that I am certain was holy and acceptable unto God, as her reasonable service. prgtoken You may be asking how I know Dr. Rose Marie McCoy so well and in response, I'd say that I've known her and her husband Chief Apostle Dr. William McCoy for decades upon decades. I have worked alongside Drs. Rose and William McCoy throughout Chicago's southside in an effort to improve the lives of our neighbors, friends, children, and other vulnerable populations in our community. prgtoken Dr. Rose Marie McCoy's enthusiasm for life and her dedication to others also showed in her work on behalf of the Brothers Keeper Outreach Church, which she co-founded with her husband. Additionally, Rose Marie was instrumental in development of the Brothers Keeper Community Resource Center and the International Pentecostal Assembly Ecumenical Faith and Community Action Network. prgtoken Collectively, Rose Marie's efforts and dedication to faith-based community social services has helped change the lives of countless individuals for the better. In fact, I would posit that perhaps all of our lives have been made better off simply by our interaction and association with pastor, Dr. Rose Marie McCoy along life's journey. To know Rose Marie, was to know genuine love, faith and service. May this beautiful soul rest with the Lord in peace. prgtoken To her family, including her husband Chief Apostle Dr. William McCoy and her children Victoria McCoy-Salter, Vanessa McCoy-Pulphus, Debracia McCoy Jones, Major Lee McCoy, and Otis McCoy, all of whom she leaves to carry on her works and love, I extend my sincerest condolences on your loved one's transition. I am truly grateful to Dr. Rose Marie McCoy, Pastor Emeritus for her tremendous contributions to so many in Chicago, Illinois, and our Nation. May God bless her, her family, and all of us.
REMEMBERING DIANNE FEINSTEIN
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-9-29

before I begin, I also want to acknowledge others who are here in the Chamber to be part of this tribute, part of this moment--the first of many over the coming days and weeks, no doubt. prgtoken Senator Schumer acknowledged Pelosi, Emerita Pelosi, and Katherine in the Gallery here. We do have a good amount of the California congressional delegation here as well paying their respects--the dean, Representative Lofgren, and so many friends from the north to the south to the east and the west of the Golden State. Up in the Gallery also is Team Feinstein, so many of the staff members who make sure the office is always performing at peak capacity, just the way Dianne insisted. I know that personally, and I will tell you why in a minute. prgtoken But I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that it is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to my dear friend, colleague, and outright champion for the State of California, Senator Dianne Feinstein. prgtoken As we have been hearing today, she was a towering figure. Let me be clear. She was a towering figure not just in modern California history but in the history of our State and our Nation. Yes, she broke barriers throughout her career. You heard about that from Leader Schumer, how many firsts. Her leadership, though, as the city of San Francisco's first female mayor in the aftermath of the tragic assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk showcases her unique ability to lead with grace and strength in the face of adversity. And it wouldn't be her last time. prgtoken Following her election to the Senate more than three decades ago, Dianne's commitment to bipartisan collaboration made her a deeply respected figure on both sides of the aisle. So my heart is full to hear the words of Senator Collins and Senator Murkowski and others. prgtoken She understood the importance of working together to find common ground and to get things done for California, for the country, and most importantly, for the American people. Her ability to bridge divides and find that consensus, especially on the thorniest of issues, was a testament to her dedication to the principles of our democracy and the many attributes you are hearing about her today. That is the one I have admired most and have worked my damnedest to try to emulate throughout my career and especially here in the Senate. prgtoken Now, long before being able to serve together here in the Senate, Dianne gave me one of my first jobs in politics in her Los Angeles office at a time early in my career when I was looking to make a difference for my community and for our State. It is in part thanks to her groundbreaking career that a Latino son of immigrants could one day not just work for her but work alongside her to keep up the fight for the American dream. prgtoken As we mourn Senator Feinstein's passing, we must also celebrate her incredible legacy, her contributions to our Nati
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5525, CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND BORDER SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT, 2024
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-9-29

. Madam , I remind the gentleman from Michigan that if the s' shutdown moves forward, he has 5,607 people in his district who are Federal employees who will lose their paycheck. prgtoken In the Rules Committee today, Madam , offered an amendment saying, yeah, we are happy to talk about how to keep Social Security and Medicare solvent, but we want to guarantee that we are not going to cut people's benefits, and the s rejected that. prgtoken We know what this is about. This is about going after Social Security and trying to make it solvent by cutting people's benefits, and are against that unequivocally. prgtoken Madam , I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
REMEMBERING DIANNE FEINSTEIN
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-9-29

yesterday, the senior Senator from California came onto the floor through those doors to do her job. She voted. She voted to make sure that our country would continue to move forward and not shut down. That was Dianne. She did her job every day. She cared about her country. She cared about her State. She cared about doing a job, no matter how tough it is, for the future of America, and she did it with dignity and respect every single minute. prgtoken Today, you will hear accolades from across the country, lists of legislative accomplishments from her early days, all the way through her career. What I just want to say today: It is a true loss to America. It is a loss to her family. prgtoken My heart is with you. prgtoken It is a loss to her colleagues from California who have served with her and know her as I do--as a tower of strength--to our colleagues on the floor who have worked with her on a laundry list of legislation that you will hear about and is way too long to list today. prgtoken But, to her constituents, you need to know we depended on her just as you did, and she was here every day to fight for you, no matter what. She fought for women. She fought for those who were victims of gun violence. She fought for foreign policy that was remote to most people, but she knew every detail. And when Dianne spoke, the rest of us stopped and we listened. prgtoken , she was a friend. I was sworn into office just a few weeks after she was, and she was always there for us, in matters big and small, in matters of our country, in matters of policy, and always as a friend. prgtoken To those of you who don't know, she was the most generous Senator I have ever known. I remember one time when I noticed that her purse was really nice, and I said: Dianne, that purse is beautiful. prgtoken Two days later, I got one delivered to my door. That was Dianne. She saw people. She knew people. She saw that she could be someone whom we all needed, and she saw that she could be there when she was needed-- and she was there. prgtoken I will have more to say about my friend of more than 30 years over the next few days, and I am sure we will hear so much today. But I am so sorry I didn't hug her when she went back out that door yesterday. prgtoken .
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MURRAY SAVAR
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-9-29

. Madam , I rise for the indefatigable, musical, mystical, magical Mr. Murray Savar. prgtoken Murray, you have been the pied piper for more than 40 years--two generations--for our community's young women and girls. Students have been entranced by you and have literally found their voice and their agency under your spell. prgtoken You are priceless. Your life is an exemplar of the impact that one person, one teacher, can have on hundreds and thousands of lives, an impact that you have had by joyfully meeting the mundane world where we are with a song every single day. Southeastern Pennsylvania is so lucky that you have called it home for so many years. prgtoken I am here--just one person--standing in on behalf of more than four decades of parents and students in our community. prgtoken To quote a song that you taught generations to love, I say, ``Thank you for the music, for giving it to me.'' prgtoken Murray, your community loves you and wishes you Godspeed.
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND BORDER SECURITY ENHANCEMENT ACT, 2024
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-9-29

I rise in opposition to this so- called CR, which is a MAGA gift basket to far-right extremists. prgtoken Let's first address the reality. The gutting cuts in this bill do not continue current funding like we have historically done in continuing resolutions. Instead, this so-called CR slashes cancer and Alzheimer's research, defunds the police, and undercuts allies like Israel and Ukraine. prgtoken s claim to care about our borders, but this invites more immigration problems. Instead of giving migrants a path to work and pay taxes, it leaves them to languish in substandard private prisons. prgtoken This grab bag of budgetary garbage stands no chance of becoming law and just slingshots into a shutdown in 36 hours, a shutdown that harms everyone, from seniors and servicemembers to this Nation's most vulnerable and its very security. It snarls small-business loans and trade, delays home loans, and could force Federal contractors into layoffs. prgtoken It is a MAGA recipe for more chaos and inflation, and my home State of Florida will feel it first. The longer it drags on, the deeper the airport lines will get as TSA agents and air traffic controllers go without pay and passport processing slows down. prgtoken Worse, it actually makes our military serve without pay. Don't forget, in the 2019 GOP shutdown, they forced Coast Guard members into food banks. That does not make America stronger. prgtoken Instead of making communities less safe and handcuffing FEMA's recovery responsiveness, which this CR does, why don't s join to fight Big Pharma and keep lowering drug prices like insulin? prgtoken Instead of a shutdown that closes Social Security field offices, which this CR does, and takes food from the mouths of children, why won't s join to bolster education, healthcare, and climate investments like Americans want? Why? Because MAGA extremists don't want to make life better for all Americans. They want to inflict pain on their own leadership, on our government, and on the American people. Why? Because it covers up their lack of an agenda, excites their base, and throws gas on their bonfires of distraction and chaos. prgtoken America deserves better than that and so does this institution.