mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SELMA MARCH
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , as we know, March 7 marks the 55th anniversary of the 1965 Selma march, where courageous men and women crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery to peacefully fight for the right for Black Americans to register to vote. prgtoken I rise today to honor those who marched and to spotlight and highlight the Sisters of St. Joseph in my home district of Rochester, New York. The Sisters of St. Joseph came to Alabama from New York and played an integral role in running the Good Samaritan Hospital in Selma, Alabama. prgtoken The 600 peaceful marchers that day were met with tear gas and clubs, and the Good Samaritan Hospital was the only facility within nine counties that would serve Black citizens. Despite having just emergency room beds, the sisters diligently cared for the huge onslaught of people who had been attacked and beaten in their pursuit of equality. prgtoken Some of the nuns present reside in Rochester today, and I could not be prouder to call them my constituents. Let us celebrate them as courageous leaders and honor them by committing to continue their fight for justice and equality.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act is long overdue legislation that would criminalize lynching for the first time under Federal law. prgtoken The term ``lynching'' generally refers to premeditated acts of violence often resulting in death carried out by a mob in order to punish an alleged transgressor or to strike fear among a targeted group. prgtoken H.R. 35 is named in honor of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American youth from Chicago, who was lynched in particularly gruesome fashion while visiting an uncle in Mississippi in 1955. His murder and the antilynching movement that followed set the stage for the creation of the civil rights movement that we recognize today. prgtoken Generally, they could not rely on law enforcement to protect them, because they understood that the lynchings occurring throughout the South were a very deliberate campaign to subjugate our Black population. And this very deliberate campaign was started in the 1870s by the Ku Klux Klan and carried on right up to the present day through terrorism and forced Jim Crow. prgtoken Because they realized this, African Americans mobilized their own efforts to combat the terror of lynching and the threat of racial violence through grassroots activism and the founding of integrated social justice organizations. prgtoken During the period between the Civil War and World War II, thousands of African Americans were lynched in the United States, mostly in the South, but not entirely, as a means of racial subordination and enforcing white supremacy. These violent incidents were largely tolerated by State and Federal officials, in fact, often promoted by State and Federal officials. They profoundly impacted race relations and shaped the geographic, political, social, and economic conditions of African American communities in ways that are still evident today. prgtoken Although the civil rights conspiracy statute does not specify the offense of lynching as a Federal crime, this section has been used by the Department of Justice to prosecute civil rights-era crimes and hate crimes that were described as lynching in public discourse. prgtoken It remains important, however, to enact Federal antilynching legislation to acknowledge this shameful chapter in American history and to send a clear message that such violations, such violent actions motivated by hatred and bigotry will never again be tolerated in this country. prgtoken The first Federal antilynching legislation was introduced in 1900, almost 120 years ago, by Congressman George Henry White, the only African American member of Congress at that time. Unfortunately, neither his bill nor any other antilynching bills managed to pass the Congress. Antilynching bills were routinely defeated on this floor. prgtoken Today, we act to correct this historical injustice that should rest heavily on the conscience of Members of Congress.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the one hundredth anniversary of the national American Legion Auxiliary and the special one hundredth anniversary celebration being held by the Corning American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 746. prgtoken The Auxiliary was founded shortly after the American Legion was chartered after World War I. It was decided that a new women's organization should be founded that was closely prgtoken tied to the Legion, Since the Auxiliary was founded, their goal has been to serve veterans and their families--a goal at which they have succeeded at time and time again. Even one hundred years later, the women of the Auxiliary continue on in their quest to help as many veterans as possible--and for that, we are deeply thankful. prgtoken The one hundredth anniversary held by the Corning American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 746 will include remarks from several local and national officials. The Corning unit has been in operation since May 13, 1929 and will soon be celebrating ninety-one years of helping veterans. prgtoken Currently, the national American Legion Auxiliary has more than six hundred thousand members across the country who volunteer countless hours of their time and effort to perform various services. The Auxiliary has also stood with the American Legion to advocate for various issues such as veterans' rights, enhancing United States Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and ending homelessness among veterans. prgtoken This organization has always and will continue to serve our nation's veterans. I thank them for their service, unwavering commitment, and dedication to their mission. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body join me to recognize the one hundredth Anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary.
CONGRATULATING MIRANDA HARWOOD, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , today I rise to congratulate Mrs. Miranda Harwood on becoming Hillsborough County's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Harwood is a fourth-grade math teacher at Brooker Elementary School in Brandon, Florida. prgtoken Mrs. Harwood embodies everything that educators should be--a kind heart, dedication to her profession, and a commitment to her pupils. On Monday she hosts a math club for her excelling students, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays she stays late for those needing additional help and encouragement. prgtoken Not only does she create a learning environment conducive to academic achievement, but she also strives to promote safety and security for those with difficult home lives. She really, truly cares. A former student described the impact that she left on him and his classmates as ``making every student feel like they are her own child.'' Wow. Praise like this is both commendable and rare. prgtoken As Mrs. Harwood moves forward to the State competition for Teacher of the Year, I wish her the best of luck. More importantly, I am honored to have her passion and dedication in my district and to have her instill these characteristics into our next generation.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA WEEK
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate National FFA week. FFA is a national leader in agricultural education, inspiring our Nation's young people to pursue careers that help support a robust rural economy. prgtoken Agriculture is the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy. It is rooted in American heritage, and our Nation's producers provide us the food, the fiber, the building materials, and the energy that we all depend upon. prgtoken By committing to FFA, young men and women are helping shape the science, technology, and business of agriculture. Every time I see a distinctive blue FFA jacket, I am reminded of the strong character and impressive leadership abilities that come along with it. prgtoken FFA leaders have gone on to become Ivy League graduates, Federal court prgtoken judges, innovative farmers, famous performance artists, and even U.S. Presidents. prgtoken This week, we celebrate the important success of FFA and look forward to what FFA leaders have in store for the future of rural America.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank Chairman Rush for his leadership, his heart for this bill, and I thank the chairman and the ranking member for giving me a chance to speak and for their comments. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 35, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act. I am pleased to see the House take steps in finally addressing this issue. Like many, despite our Nation's ugly history of lynchings, I was shocked to learn that there was no law making lynching a Federal crime. prgtoken My hometown area of Omaha is not unlike many other towns across the country with a gruesome past of lynching. George Smith was murdered in October 1891, and this past fall marked the 100th anniversary of the murder of Will Brown on the steps of the Douglas County Courthouse during the Red Summer. The hands of lawless and angry mobs in Omaha beat and lynched these men in what only can be characterized as racial terrorism. prgtoken We cannot simply wash away the past, but in order for our Nation to heal from past racial injustice, Congress must specify criminal penalties for the crime of lynching or any attempt or conspiracy to commit lynching. prgtoken With at least 5,000 lynchings in our Nation's history, this bill is important to the acknowledgment that evil did occur, that millions felt fear in their houses, their homes, and their communities, that many feared for the lives of their dads, their husbands, and sons, and that this formal acknowledgment will help facilitate reconciliation. prgtoken Last year, I was approached by local African American community leaders from Omaha to look into the antilynching legislation, and I felt that the language from Senator ' bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate was the right way to proceed. It is because of these reasons I was honored to introduce the Senate-passed language in the House 8 months ago. prgtoken The bill we are voting on today contains the language of my bill that I introduced 8 months ago verbatim, but I do not complain because in the end I want results. We want results. We are closer than we have ever been to making lynching a Federal crime. This is an historical event. prgtoken This action is long overdue, going back 200 attempts since 1918, and today we are going to get it done. We are going to make history. prgtoken It has been my privilege to be an advocate on this issue. I applaud Senator and Congressman Bobby Rush, who have been championing this for years. We will finally get this to the President's desk to be signed into law in order to close one of the ugliest chapters in our history once and for all.
OBSERVING THE 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KHOJALY MASSACRE
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise to remember the victims of the Khojaly Massacre, and mark the 28th Anniversary of this attack. Azerbaijanis remember this tragedy as the darkest chapter in the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. prgtoken In the fall of 1991, Armenian and Soviet forces surrounded the town of Khojaly in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. After bombarding the city, these forces attacked on the night of February 25 and on the 26, killing 600 innocent Azerbaijanis, including women, children, and elderly people. Hundreds more were left severely disabled from the attacks. In a 1992 report, Human Rights Watch stated that the attacks on fleeing civilians ``deliberately disregarded . . . customary law restraint''. prgtoken The victims of Khojaly remind us of the value of peace. Unfortunately, the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh is still ongoing, despite the efforts of the United States and international community to foster a negotiated settlement. I call on all parties involved to productively engage with the Minsk Process to find a peaceful resolution to this decades old conflict. prgtoken The horrific events in Khojaly almost three decades ago lead us to mourn the innocent civilians who lost their lives that day. I encourage my colleagues to join with me and the Azerbaijani people as they remember this tragedy.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COLONEL WALTER P. BETLEY
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's 15th Congressional District to recognize the life and legacy of Colonel Walter P. Betley, a true American hero. prgtoken Colonel Betley made a mark in our community in many ways, most notably, by committing twenty-eight years of service with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Through tours of duty in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Colonel Betley earned not one, but two, of our nation's highest honors: Bronze Stars, for his achievements. prgtoken Following his time in the Armed Forces, Colonel Betley continued his career of service, empowering the next generation by teaching vocational skills at the Eastland Career Center in Groveport, Ohio, where he worked for over two decades. prgtoken A man of many talents, Colonel Betley went on to found the Woodworkers of Central Ohio and the Central Ohio Woodturners, and self- published his autobiography, From Cold Water Flat to Colonel. prgtoken But most importantly, Colonel Betley is known to many for going above and beyond his call of duty. His granddaughter remembers Colonel Betley as ``truly one ofthe good guys.'' Let there be no doubt about his unwavering devotion to our nation and the positive impact he had on all whose lives he touched. Like a pebble dropped in a pond, the ripples created by Colonel Betley's life are far-reaching, but his legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him and loved him. prgtoken Central Ohio is undeniably a better place because of Colonel Walter Betley and the tremendous life of service he lived, and I am honored to celebrate his legacy.
GOLD STAR MOTHERS FAMILIES NATIONAL MONUMENT EXTENSION ACT
John Ratcliffe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I thank Chairman Neguse and Ranking Member McClintock for their leadership on this committee. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 2819, the Gold Star Families National Monument Extension Act. prgtoken I was very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce this bipartisan bill, along with my ic colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey, Congressman Kim, on behalf of our Nation's Gold Star Families. prgtoken The term ``Gold Star Family'' dates back to World War I, when flags were displayed bearing a blue star to represent a family member serving abroad and gold stars used to designate family members who had been lost in combat. prgtoken As the Representative of a congressional district in northeast Texas with more than 50,000 veterans, and thousands and thousands of active duty servicemembers, this bill very much hits home. prgtoken My home State of Texas is home to 1 of every 10 U.S. servicemembers, and nearly 25,000 Texas families have joined the National Gold Star Family Registry since World War II. prgtoken The families of all the individuals who serve our country know the great sacrifices that are made when a loved one answers the call of duty because, unfortunately, all of our heroes don't always make it back home; and it is their families who will forever bear the burden of that ultimate sacrifice when they don't return home. prgtoken As a grateful Nation, it must be our constant priority to honor our fallen heroes and their families. After all, we owe our freedom to their great sacrifice. prgtoken I am confident that the Gold Star Families National Monument will help ensure that we honor our fallen heroes and their families on a national scale by extending the authorization for the establishment of a national monument located right in here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken The Gold Star Family Monument will be constructed at no cost to taxpayers, as all of the funds that are being raised are being raised by the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation. prgtoken I am grateful for the opportunity that the Gold Star Family Monument will provide to all of our citizens to pause and honor the ultimate sacrifices made by our fallen servicemen and servicewomen on our behalf as they visit our Nation's capital. prgtoken Despite the often polarized political climate in Washington, this is an issue that people across the political spectrum should all be able to stand behind. prgtoken Again, I thank my ic colleague, Congressman Kim, for his leadership on this important effort, and I urge the rest of our colleagues for their strong support on the floor today.
REFLECTING ON THE LIFE OF JO ALLISON SMITH
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to reflect on the life of Jo Allison Smith, a dear friend to many and lifelong North Carolinian who passed away Saturday, February 15. prgtoken Jo was the devoted wife to Eddie Smith, Jr for over 57 years, as well as a loving mother to their son, Chris. prgtoken Beyond family, Jo was passionate about her faith and served as an active member of St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville, North Carolina. She will no doubt be remembered for her extraordinary voice, which graced the music program for years. prgtoken She was also a strong supporter of women in need. She helped found and lead Women for Women's Power of the Purse and served on the board of many other local charities. prgtoken Jo was a passionate supporter of the UNC Tar Heels, where she served on the Board of Visitors for the UNC Comprehensive Cancer Center and graced UNC football fans with a wonderful rendition of our national anthem. prgtoken Our State was blessed by Jo's presence, and our family was blessed to call her friend. Please join me in giving thanks for Jo's life and praying for the entire Smith family during this time.
RECOGNIZING THE 28TH ANNIVERSARY OF KHOJALY TRAGEDY
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , today I rise to bring our attention to the 28th Anniversary of what is known as the Khojaly Tragedy. Years ago, as the Soviet Union fell under the weight of socialism, and the despair and malaise created by socialism finally became too much to bear, many of the former Soviet satellite regions went through regrowth and re- birth. Azerbaijan was one such country. prgtoken Azerbaijan, located in the Caucus region, is an area of unlimited potential. The Azerbaijanis have carved out a remarkable society, a rich culture, and today have a stable government that has led the Azeri people into prgtoken relative prosperity. Its petroleum resources are world renown, as is its hard-working citizens. prgtoken The re-birth of this nation was not without its struggle. As the existing Soviet political regime broke down in 1991, ethnic and historical rivalries surfaced. Problems with neighboring Armenia resulted in conflict and death, and the Nagomo-Karabakh conflict erupted. prgtoken Out of that conflict, one notable tragic incident occurred 26 years ago, where the Azeris were subjected to reported indiscriminate shelling and targeting of the people of Khojaly at the hands of Karabakh Armenian and Armenian forces. It has been reported that up to 613 civilians died on February 26, 1992 as a result of the attack. prgtoken We cannot change what happened, but we can remember the victims and remind the world that the targeting of civilians is never acceptable. prgtoken The United States is proud to serve as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and we will continue to push for a peaceful resolution to this conflict, one that will honor the memory of the Khojaly people so that their families and countrymen may never suffer the same fate, nor anyone else in the world. prgtoken We in the United States cherish our strong bilateral relationship with Azerbaijan. I am very optimistic about what our countries can achieve not just for the Azeris and my fellow countrymen, but for the development of the Caucuses as a whole, allowing the world to understand its potential alongside its rich culture and history. prgtoken I am honored to recognize the Khojaly victims, and we will continue to keep them in our hearts and minds as we foster a strong working relationship between our two countries and promote a peaceful and fair resolution to this conflict. For Azerbaijan, and for Armenia, peaceful and neighborly relations will result in better prosperity for all of us.
EMMETT TILL ANTILYNCHING ACT
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , this is a bill that is long past due. It should have been done many years ago, and it was not. It is now time to get this done. prgtoken As was said by the majority leader and others, this was a heinous act done by a mob for one purpose besides the killing: It is also to intimidate and to put fear into others. prgtoken In my State of Georgia, it not only happened because of the color of someone's skin, but by the creed of Catholic and Jews it had taken place as well. prgtoken This should never happen again. This is a good step forward. I think it is something that is long overdue. I urge all my colleagues to support the bill, and .
IN HONOR OF JOHN McCAULEY UPON BEING AWARDED THE 2020 REALTOR CUP
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor and congratulate John McCauley for receiving the prestigious 2020 Realtor Cup award from the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. A native of Fayetteville, John founded Highland Paving Co. in 2002 and has since transformed it into a regional firm with over 200 employees. He is also the Founding Director of what is now Select Bank and Trust, which serves twelve cities and holds assets of over $1 billion. John is known throughout our community for his natural talent and innovation. An efficacious leader, he has stimulated unprecedented civic growth for both Fayetteville and surrounding communities. John served four years on the Southeastern Economic Development Commission, is a member of the North Carolina State Bar Ethics Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. A former Assistant District Attorney, John founded and serves as President of Vision 2026 to promote economic development throughout our community. Dedicated not only to processional excellence, he twice served as Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and raised over $2 million through stewardship campaigns. Fayetteville is a better place today because of John and today I join our community in offering my most heartfelt appreciation. He is deserving of this honor and I wish him continued success as he continues to serve Cumberland County and beyond. Madam , please join me today in congratulating John McCauley for being awarded the 2020 Realtor Cup.