mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-17

I rise to add my support for the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. prgtoken This landmark bipartisan bill directs significant funding to public lands nationwide, which will benefit communities across the country. This investment will continue to pay dividends for future generations. prgtoken The purpose of this legislation is twofold. First, it provides $900 million per year in permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports the protection of Federal public lands and waters, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas, and voluntary conservation on private land. prgtoken Importantly, this dedicated new funding would come from a portion of royalties on offshore oil and gas development, not the American taxpayer. prgtoken Secondly, the bill establishes the National Park and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund. Similar to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, this is also funded through onshore and offshore energy revenues over 5 years, up to $1.9 billion annually for a total of $9.5 billion. prgtoken Its sole purpose is to address the deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education. prgtoken Currently, the National Park Service alone has a backlog of approximately $12 billion. This legislation will go a long way in helping to complete priority maintenance projects across America's public lands. prgtoken As we face a severe economic crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I particularly want to highlight the fact that this legislation before us today is more than just a public lands bill; it is also a jobs bill that will help fulfill Congress's commitment to make public lands accessible to all Americans. prgtoken The National Park System welcomed a record 327 million visitors last year, adding nearly $42 billion to our national economy and supporting more than 340,000 existing jobs. prgtoken According to Pew Charitable Trusts, this bill would also create 110,000 additional jobs repairing infrastructure in our national parks. prgtoken The Great American Outdoors Act also upholds Congress's long-standing commitment to ensuring access for all Americans to public lands. prgtoken My hope is the investments made by this legislation will continue to fulfill the purposes laid out in the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965, articulated as ``. . . preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to all citizens of the United States of America of present and future generations . . . and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States.'' prgtoken As our population continues to grow, it is even more vital to help all communities, regardless of race or income levels, enjoy access to America's beautiful open spaces, historical sites, and natural wonders. prgtoken California is home to nine national parks
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-6-17

I come to join my colleagues to talk about the final passage of the Great American Outdoors Act and to discuss what it really means to all of us. prgtoken Obviously, the great outdoors means a lot to the State of Washington. Nobody probably needs that explained to them. I recently read a quote from George Vancouver when he was discovering the Pacific Northwest. Even in his remarks, he was so astounded that this was such a beautiful place. It tells you it lasts for generations, and that is what this bill is about. This bill is making it last for generations beyond us. prgtoken I want to thank the bipartisan effort of five and five s who joined together to originally put the parks' backlog and maintenance together by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund. prgtoken People should realize that the Land and Water Conservation Fund, over its history--and I followed it closely because Scoop Jackson, a long- time Senator from the State of Washington and the original sponsor of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, understood that America was urbanizing, and we needed to make an investment in open space. That open space gives us park and recreational area. prgtoken It has literally provided 5 million acres of protected land since its inception. There are 5 million acres of land throughout the United States of America that we can identify in every State of the United States to give Americans access to open space. prgtoken I mentioned Gas Works Park in the State of Washington and Seattle because it is so iconic. I don't think people would think that Lake Union would be the same without Gas Works Park. prgtoken It was a great idea by the leaders of our Congress at the time to pass the Land and Water Conservation Act. We had a fight, literally, in the last 10 or 15 years between people who didn't want to fully fund or even support the Land and Water Conservation Act. We let it expire 2 years ago, and people were in an argument about how to reauthorize it. People then wanted to say that we don't really want to do new land; we want to take care of the backlog. That debate went on for a time. prgtoken I think we really tried to emphasize the great economy related to the outdoors because taking this revenue from oil and gas offshoring and putting it into land conservation has been a big win for the American people. Not only do they get open space and be able to recreate, but it puts money back into our economy as well because the outdoor economy is a big juggernaut at $877 billion. prgtoken We are ending this debate today. We are ending this paradigm that has existed between some Members who have said: Yes, I care about the parks that are already there, and maybe we should take care of the backlog, but I don't want any new money going to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. prgtoken The Land and Water Conservation Fund has dedicated across the United States 5 million acres as open spac
UPON THE RETIREMENT OF DEBRAH MARRIOTT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , it is with mixed emotions that I congratulate Deb Marriott, the founding and long-time Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, on her well- deserved retirement. For twenty-five years, Deb has very capably led the Estuary Partnership to educate youth, restore Columbia River ecosystems, and advocate for culturally appropriate, science-based management. She has proven to be a committed and collaborative partner for Tribes, schools, shippers, and fishing communities, as well as municipalities along the Columbia. And she has left the River, and its communities, all the better through her work. prgtoken Deb was instrumental in designing--and ultimately helping to pass into law in 2016--the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act, legislation that I and fellow Oregon colleagues created to reduce toxics in the Columbia. She worked to bring people together around a common theme-- cleaning up the river--and kept true to the science. This is just one example of her work; throughout the years she has developed a reputation for honesty, hard work, and exceptional quality, and that standing has been passed on to the Estuary Partnership. The resiliency of so many on-the ground projects, the result of many long hours and much collaboration with partners, and of the National Estuary Program itself, show Deb's meaningful mark on the River and its communities for generations to come. prgtoken Issues of salmon recovery and watershed protection are not always the easiest in the Pacific Northwest, yet I have known Deb to be not just a tireless advocate, but also a skilled listener. Whether it has been through work with Tribes, politicians and agency officials, volunteers, students, or any number of other stakeholders, Deb has always kept her eyes on the bigger picture. prgtoken Her work has played a tremendous role in connecting people to this special part of our amazing planet. I thank Deb from the bottom of my heart, for her decades of service. I wish her the best in a well- deserved retirement.
Equality Act (Executive Session)
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-6-18

if I could just respond--I know how busy my colleague is. He has a well-earned reputation on both sides of this body for his sincerity, for his decency, and for his honor. I take to heart his words that this is often not a good forum in which to try to push a piece of legislation that might have controversy on both sides. I understand his sincere concerns with that. prgtoken I guess he also understands the sincerity with which I bring this up: the hurt and the pain that these statues represent in a place where millions of Americans come to the Capitol and see this as their body. prgtoken I say to the Senator, because there are complications in this and there are issues we would have to work through as a Senate, I guess the one last appeal to your more senior status and maybe your friendship is this: Will you join me, at least, on a letter to the appropriate committee, asking them to at least have a hearing on this issue so that we could have a full vetting of all of the complexities and have a real discussion on something that is a pressing concern? I note that you know it is a pressing concern because some States are already taking action. prgtoken You see this action being taken across various parts of our country. You see this issue being pushed into the national consciousness. You see s and , from Nikki Haley to my dear friend, the former mayor of New Orleans, Mayor Landrieu--I think it would be just and right that, perhaps, you and I, in a show of bipartisan concern and sincere awareness of the complexity of this issue, could just join--the two of us--in a letter asking the committee to take up this issue in due time so that we can have an appropriate discussion from all perspectives on this issue.
Equality Act (Executive Session)
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2020-6-18

I rise today to recognize an enormous step forward for our country, which happened earlier this week, on Monday. Once again, on a morning during Pride Month, our Nation came closer to realizing the promise of equality for lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender, and the queer community. prgtoken The Supreme Court has made it clear that workplace discrimination against LGBTQ people is wrong, and our Nation's civil rights laws prohibit it. While this is a joyous day and a joyous week, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the untold number who have suffered in this country for years without recourse. I want to recognize those brave LGBTQ people who received pink slips, were passed over for promotions, suffered harassment and bullying in break rooms, or never got that initial interview--all simply because of who they are or whom they loved. prgtoken I particularly want to thank the plaintiffs who brought these cases: Gerald Bostock, Aimee Stephens, and Donald Zarda, as well as the families and friends and lawyers who supported them. Sadly, Aimee and Donald did not live to see this transformative moment for our country and our community, but we will remember them and honor the efforts that they and so many others have made to get us here. We will commit ourselves to continuing to push forward for full equality for them. prgtoken On Monday, the Supreme Court affirmed what many Federal courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and so many of us have recognized for years--that title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is properly understood to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. prgtoken As Justice Gorsuch wrote for the majority: Today, we must decide whether an employer can fire someone simply for being homosexual or transgender. The answer is clear. An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions that it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids. prgtoken This decision is far from radical, but it is transformative. It means that at long last in every corner of this Nation, in big cities and small towns, LGBTQ people are waking up in a fairer country. They now know that they have recourse if an employer discriminates against them simply because of who they are or whom they love. Employers know unambiguously that they have an obligation in every State to judge all of their employees on merit, not sexual orientation or gender identity. prgtoken While we have taken another big step forward--and it is a big step-- in the march toward full equality for LGBTQ Americans, we are not there yet. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people face discrimination in many more aspects of their lives than the workplace. Our country needs to send the messa
HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF MARTIN POHL
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and exceptional service of Mr. Martin Pohl. Martin dedicated his career to our Central Valley almond industry and his efforts have positively benefitted communities and farmers throughout California. prgtoken Martin was known for many roles within the almond industry and will be remembered for his strong leadership and passion for the industry and the people he served. Martin remained active with the Almond Board of California throughout his career as shown though his service on the Board's Technical and Regulatory Affairs committee, where he served as chairman. Additionally, his contributions to the industry's world- renowned food safety programs are unparalleled. His guidance and care for the almond industry and those who worked in it can be seen though his role as a mentor for the Almond Board's Leadership program since its inception. In addition to his work with the Almond Board, Martin and his original founding partners, Ham Cunningham and Cleo Barth, developed Hughson Nut Inc. in 1985. His skills in engineering and design were considered critical to the company's success and reputation as a leader in the industry. prgtoken His exemplary work was recognized in 2013 when he received the prestigious Almond Board of California's Almond Achievement Award and again in 2017 when he was recognized as the Almond Alliance's Member of the Year. Martin was a tremendous individual and had the love and respect of his peers in the community. His good nature and sincerity were infectious and many in the industry will tell you that Martin was the person they felt comfortable going to for guidance. His warmth and willingness to help everyone is an example of how Martin was a silent leader and strived to make the world a better place. prgtoken I am honored to recognize the life and exceptional service of Mr. Martin Pohl. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Martin for his countless contributions to the almond industry and the State of California throughout his career.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. GEORGE FLOYD AND CALLING FOR SYSTEMIC LAW ENFORCEMENT REFORM AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. George Floyd and to call for systemic law enforcement reform and accountability in our nation. prgtoken On May 25, 2020, Mr. George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis Police officer while three other officers stood by. This was a horrific crime that demands that the perpetrators be held fully accountable by our justice system and our society. The shocking video of Mr. Floyd's murder makes us all a witness to the brutally cruel and excessive treatment that caused Mr. Floyd's death. Now that the four officers involved in this outrageous act have been taken into custody and charged, the family of Mr. Floyd and our communities deserve to see justice done. prgtoken But the tragic death of Mr. Floyd was not an isolated incident of the cruel and excessive use of force against Black Americans or other people of color in police custody. It is only the latest example of a systemic problem that has plagued every state in this nation for generations. It is the duty of police and peace officers to keep our communities safe, but protecting public safety fundamentally demands a respect for the civil rights and human rights of all residents. All too often, people of color do not get that respect from the police. prgtoken Mr. Floyd should be alive today. He was a loving father and a proud older brother who looked out for his siblings. His family describes him as a kind soul and a gentle giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of grief. prgtoken Mr. Floyd's death was a senseless tragedy that should never have happened. What we can do now to honor his memory is to finally bring accountability to our law enforcement practices and ensure that everyone in this nation regardless of the color of their skin is treated with dignity and respect. In Congress, that means passing the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Madam , I am proud that the House of Representatives is advancing this critical reform legislation to a vote on the floor so that every Member of Congress has the opportunity to say loud and clear--no more.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD REPAIR ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Farm-to- Market Road Repair Act, legislation that will expand eligibility for the Surface Transportation Block Grant program to include rural roads that serve to transport agriculture products from farms or ranches to the marketplace. prgtoken American agricultural communities play a pivotal role in the economy within my district and across America. These farms and ranches provide the communities they serve with fresh products daily, ensuring consumers have an adequate and healthy food supply. Unfortunately, many of the roads are deteriorating. prgtoken Over 70 percent of our nation's total road mileage is in rural areas, yet, between 2009 and 2015, these roads have only seen about 37 percent of federal highway fund. As Congress debates how to move forward with a bold plan to address infrastructure, we need to ensure road-repair projects like these do not fall by the wayside as we seek to address other larger infrastructure projects. Just because a road is in a rural area does not mean the road is small or otherwise unimportant. To the contrary, I am aware of several rural road projects in my district and the surrounding region that are major connectors that would benefit from this type of funding opportunity. prgtoken My bill expands the current surface block grant program to include these roads--roads that serve as a lifeline to the people that depend on them. We must invest in our rural infrastructure now, before it is in complete disrepair. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
Equality Act (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-6-18

I join my colleagues today, in the middle of Pride Month, to celebrate the Supreme Court's landmark decision this week in Bostock v. Clayton County, protecting LGBTQ rights and protecting people from discrimination in the workplace, and to urge all of our colleagues to secure and extend those protections by passing the Equality Act. prgtoken Something else big happened in the Supreme Court, and that was today, with the Supreme Court's decision on DACA, on Dreamers--allowing them to stay in this country and asking the administration to open up the application process for citizenship. That is relevant because it is about civil rights, but it is also relevant because the Supreme Court-- this conservative Court--has had to step in because this body has not been doing what it should have been: passing the Equality Act and passing comprehensive immigration reform. So let us remember that as we celebrate the decision in the Bostock case and as we move toward equality. prgtoken I thank Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker for their leadership on this important bill and for bringing us together today. prgtoken Over the last few decades, we have made progress in the fight for equality. We have stood up for what is right, and we have worked hard to make this a country in which people can safely, proudly, and legally love whom they love. It was not long ago when a person could be prosecuted for being gay and when don't ask, don't tell was the law of the land--when I came to the U.S. Senate--and when States were permitted to deny LGBTQ couples the right to get married under the Defense of Marriage Act. prgtoken This week, our country took an important step forward with the Supreme Court's decision that recognizes that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from firing employees because of sex, protects LGBTQ people in the workplace. prgtoken We can celebrate today that justice was delivered for Aimee Stephens, who was fired when she informed her employer that she was transgender, and for Donald Zarda and Gerald Bostock, who were fired when their employers learned they were gay. prgtoken But, of course, this is more than about three people. As Mr. Bostock said, ``This fight became about so much more than me.'' Their courage to stand up in the face of injustice will forever change this country for millions of LGBTQ people and their families, and it makes our country a more just nation. prgtoken Although the Court's decision is a landmark victory, we still have miles to go because it is not right when the Commander in Chief tells brave transgender Americans who want to serve and protect our country in our military that they are not welcome; it is not right when this administration is trying to take away the hard-won rights of LGBTQ people in healthcare and education; and it is not right that you can drive across the United States on a cross-country trip and find that the laws and protections co