mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING GEORGE FLOYD
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-6-1

I rise today at a time of great sorrow, anger, and fear for our Nation. We face the confluence of a health crisis, an economic depression, and a killing that laid bare the racial injustice that still taints our country. prgtoken The horrific death of George Floyd in Minnesota was reprehensible. It was beyond a tragedy. It was a crime. prgtoken As Americans, we all need to frankly acknowledge and work to resolve our longstanding, ongoing struggles with racial inequality. The President should help to heal the racial divisions in this country. It is at times like this that a President needs to speak to the Nation to pledge to right wrongs and to calm inflamed passions. prgtoken The right to gather in protest of injustice is enshrined in our Constitution. The desire for reconciliation is in our national character. We must join together to ensure that the legacy of George Floyd is of progress, not deepening division and hatred. prgtoken Let me be clear. The vast majority of our law enforcement officers are brave men and women devoted to protecting our families, our belongings, and our communities. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude as they willingly risk their lives for ours when danger strikes. prgtoken In Maine, we are fortunate to have so many terrific professional law enforcement officers devoted to their duty and devoted to doing what is right. prgtoken It is, however, imperative that we examine and act on the racial disparities in law enforcement where they occur. prgtoken I cannot believe that George Floyd would have had his neck stepped on and the life squeezed out of him had he been White. Sadly, there are many other examples as well. prgtoken I remember our own Senator Tim Scott describing his being stopped by a police officer while driving many times during one year, even though he was abiding by all the traffic laws. That is harassment and simply wrong. prgtoken In confronting these problems, we would do well to heed the words of Congressman Lewis in response to the violence that overwhelmed peaceful protests in his city of Atlanta last weekend. Of course, we all know that the Congressman is a civil rights icon as well as an extraordinary Member of Congress. He said this: Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote. Be constructive, not destructive. History has proven time and again that non-violent, peaceful protest is the way to achieve the justice and equality that we all deserve. prgtoken Those are powerful words from Congressman Lewis. Those are words that should motivate and guide all of us. prgtoken Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once said: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. prgtoken By continuing to listen to one another and being guided by the words of Congressman Lewis,
Nomination of John Leonard Badalamenti (Executive Session)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-6-1

I rise today to proudly support the confirmation of Judge John Badalamenti to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Judge Badalamenti has a distinguished record of public service, during which he has demonstrated a deep and abiding respect for the rule of law and a commitment to upholding the U.S. Constitution. prgtoken He served as an Assistant Federal Defender in the Middle District of Florida for nearly a decade, and, as Governor of Florida, I had the privilege to appoint him to the Second District Court of Appeal in 2015. During his time on the State appellate bench, he has consistently demonstrated his keen legal acumen and devotion to upholding the proper function of the judiciary in our democratic system. prgtoken I am proud of the work he has done, and I am proud to support his confirmation to the Federal bench today, where he will continue to serve our State and Nation well.
RECOGNIZING JENNIFER CATECHIS
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , I rise to recognize Jennifer Catechis for her years of service to my office and the people of New Mexico's Third Congressional District. prgtoken Jennifer and I have known each other for decades. We first met in high school. Later, she would work with me at New Mexico's Public Relations Commission. For the last twelve years, she has overseen the district offices of New Mexico's Third Congressional District. prgtoken But the titles and years don't speak to who Jennifer Catechis is--she is family. And she treated her team and the fellow New Mexicans she was honored to serve like family. prgtoken Under her leadership, she guided my local operations, helping countless constituents navigate the federal system--ensuring veterans received the medals and benefits they earned, helping communities get support in times of strife, and always responding to need no matter the hour. If you called her for assistance, you didn't just get a seasoned, industrious professional staffer--you got a voice of compassion. prgtoken To our team and those she worked with, she responded with similar care. Birthdays were never forgotten, milestones recognized, and every year Jennifer's carefully chosen holiday gifts meant the season had truly arrived. Coworkers, neighbors, visitors--just about any New Mexican within driving distance--would be invited to her home for her Greek Easter celebration. prgtoken During difficult times, battling cancer, Jennifer maintained her unsinkable spirit--both while caring for her own health and continuing to fight for the people of New Mexico. After her recovery, she lent her voice to the fight against cancer--proving that even when a cause was personal, it was still about how she could be of service to others in need. prgtoken As she transitions onto future endeavors, I want to thank and recognize Jennifer--a public servant, a team leader and mentor, a fierce cancer survivor, an incredible mom, and a member of our proud New Mexico family.
GEORGE FLOYD
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , America in 2020 is aflame, fighting a two-front war. prgtoken On one front, we fight a new virus. On the other, we fight an enemy as old as the republic itself. prgtoken More than a million Americans have suffered from COVID-19. Millions more suffer from a different sickness, racism. prgtoken The evidence is overwhelming that George Floyd is a victim of the latter. His essential right to breathe was taken by the hands of another. And he is not the first. prgtoken Unique among nations, America was born not out of one race or religion. Rather, in its very founding document was a radical commitment to the full equality of all people. It is foundational to the American Experiment. prgtoken Racism is not just an assault on the individual of a different race. It is a grievous blow against the very idea of America. prgtoken We will soon discover a vaccine for virus COVID-19. But we must also, at long last, once and for all, eradicate all forms of racial prejudice and discrimination. prgtoken Only then can America fully breathe.
PROTESTS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-6-1

his name was George Floyd, and 7 days ago he was killed on the streets of Minneapolis. He was not the first African American to be the victim of racism and criminal misconduct by the police. This has happened in our history many times, but this was different. This was a killing which we watched in realtime. prgtoken In fewer than 9 minutes, a Minneapolis police officer, with his knee on the neck of George Floyd, took his life away. Despite Mr. Floyd's begging over and over again, his pleas that he couldn't breathe, even invoking the name of his mother, it didn't stop what happened. That photo is still emblazoned in my mind, as I am sure it is for all of those who have seen it. prgtoken The look in that policeman's eyes, in the videotape that was being taken of that incident, was cold, hard, distant and unmoved by George Floyd's plea and the plea of those around him. What a tragic moment for our country. What a tragic moment for that family. What does it say about who we are in the United States of America that in the year 2020 this sort of thing can happen with such frequency? prgtoken The heartbreaking killing of George Floyd follows years of similar tragedies and needless loss. In 2012, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by a vigilante as he walked home with a bag of Skittles that he just bought from the local 7-Eleven. His crime? Black in America. prgtoken In 2014, the words ``I can't breathe'' were seared into our minds when we saw the video of Eric Garner struggling for his life and dying as a police officer held him in a choke hold. His crime? Black in America. prgtoken Weeks later, Michael Brown was shot and killed by a police officer in Ferguson, MO, despite being unarmed. A couple of months later, on the streets of Chicago, IL, Laquan McDonald was shot and killed by a police officer. The next month, after he was killed, Tamir Rice was shot and killed by a police officer while playing with a toy gun in a Cleveland park. prgtoken The tragic list of Black individuals whom we have mourned and marched for continues to grow: Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, and many more, including Sandra Bland, another resident of Illinois whose life was taken when she drove down to Texas to interview for a new job. I attended her funeral ceremony. The loss of such a wonderful young woman is still unexplained. prgtoken Now we come together to mourn the lives of two Black men and a Black woman--lives that were cut far too short in incidents of inexplicable and inexcusable violence: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Once again, those gut-wrenching words--``I can't breathe''--have us to tears. prgtoken As activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham has pointed out, justice for George, Breonna, and Ahmaud would mean that they would each still be alive and breathing today. prgtoken What we must now seek is accountability. The arrest of former Minne
HONORING RAY ``GUMBI'' SALAZAR
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ray ``Gumbi'' Salazar, a true giant of Arizona, who passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the age of 71. We will remember him as a civil rights pioneer who dedicated his entire life to the advancement of a more just and equitable Arizona. His unwavering positivity, artistic spirit, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to our community and our state. prgtoken Salazar was a changemaker who fought for opportunity and a brighter prgtoken future for all. He was born in the Golden Gate Settlement in South Phoenix, which the government later razed through eminent domain for the expansion of the airport. His commitment to education was shaped by his early days at Phoenix Union High School, where students walked out over discrimination and educational inequities. For decades, Salazar served on the board of Chicanos Por La Causa, both as chairman and as a member of the Board Veteranos, where he never lost sight of the importance of education for the Latino and underserved communities. Today, education remains one of the organization's five mission pillars of impact. prgtoken His dedication to justice was also evident through his work with youth and the formerly incarcerated. For 28 years, Salazar served at the Arizona Department of Corrections, where his steadfast belief that everyone deserves a second chance led him to working with persons who were returning to society. A longtime member of the Latino Peace Officers Association, Salazar actively participated in community education to combat the influence of gangs and drugs and encourage young people to choose lives of service. prgtoken Salazar's creative spirit inspired generations of artists. At the young age of five, he developed a passion and vision for the arts. Salazar became an immediate sensation, moving audiences with his choreography, vocals, and live performances. He graduated from Arizona State University with a major in music and became a Latino trailblazer in music, both as a percussionist and vocalist. For more than six decades, his beloved music celebrated Mexican culture and brought enjoyment to countless Arizonans, forging the path forward for the young artists he shaped and inspired. prgtoken Salazar gave all his time, heart, and soul to the betterment of the Latino community and all Arizonans. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his service to our state; Arizona is a better place because of him. His legacy will continue to live on for years to come. Godspeed, Gumbi.
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , today I introduce the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act,'' at the request of the California Association of Special Districts. I want to thank my original cosponsors for their support of this much-needed legislation. prgtoken Special districts are independent units of local government that provide public services cities and counties do not provide for residents. Those services include first responders, policing, firefighting, public health, transit, and more, making special districts critical to the communities they serve. prgtoken However, special districts are currently ineligible for direct federal financial assistance under the ``Coronavirus Relief Fund'' established by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). My legislation would ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional assistance provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in the fight against COVID-19. There are 237 special districts alone in, California's third Congressional district, which I am honored to represent. prgtoken The ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' would also allow special districts access to the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and cities federally guaranteed bridge financing to offset unexpected short-term revenue shortfalls. Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently granted direct access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by the current pandemic prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members to cosponsor the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' to ensure that all local governments have the support needed to deliver crucial quality-of-life services for our communities during this global pandemic.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. HEDWIG MURPHY FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN MEDICINE WITH THE ANN ARBOR VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Dr. Hedwig Murphy after 22 years of outstanding service at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Dr. Murphy's medical expertise as a pathologist has improved the lives of veterans across the state and is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Dr. Murphy received her undergraduate degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart in 1970 and earned her M.A. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1972. After earning her Ph.D. in the Department of Anatomy at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1979, Dr. Murphy was awarded her M.D. from Wayne State in 1990. Upon graduation, she entered a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Pathology and completed residency in Anatomic Pathology in 1994. prgtoken Before joining the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System as a pathologist, Dr. Murphy was an instructor at several Michigan institutions. She served as an Instructor in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy at Wayne State University, and later served as an Instructor and Assistant Professor in the Division of Ophthalmology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. In 1994, Dr. Murphy joined the faculty of the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan as a Research Investigator and later was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor. prgtoken At the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Dr. Murphy's leadership has been paramount in the development of the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. Under her guidance, the laboratory has become recognized as a national center of excellence. Beyond her work in a professional capacity, Dr. Murphy is regarded among her friends, colleagues, and peers and a humble leader who strives to make a difference. She has fully committed herself to serving our nation's veterans, and encourages others to live a life of compassion, service, and excellence. Her years of dedicated work have made a difference in the lives of veterans across the state, and her work in anatomic pathology will leave a lasting impact on the healthcare of veterans in the years to come. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Hedwig Murphy for her accomplished career. Dr. Murphy's work has transformed veterans' healthcare, enabling them to live healthy and dignified lives. We are grateful for her dedication to patients, medicine, and our entire Michigan community, and we wish her luck in all future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING BRENDA CONNOLLY ON HER RETIREMENT
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , it is with great respect and appreciation that I rise today to honor Brenda Connolly, who is retiring after serving 35 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Ms. Connolly has been a member of my team since I was first elected to the House of Representatives. She is a trusted advisor and a centering force throughout the unpredictability of Washington. If you have met Brenda, then you know her retirement means more than just losing a staff member--it is the loss of an incredibly funny, talented and caring person who left a profound impact on everyone she has come across. prgtoken I was recently asked if there was anything I would change about Brenda's time in our office, and without hesitation I simply responded `nothing.' prgtoken Before coming to Washington, D.C Brenda grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan. She then graduated from the University of Michigan--Go Blue-- where she met her husband Doug with whom she has two children, Nicholas and Caitlin. Brenda has been such a keystone of my team despite our superficial differences, because we understand one another. We both attended the University of Michigan, we value time with our families above all else, our children always come first, and we have the same sense of humor. prgtoken Our team shared many of Brenda's firsts while she worked with me: her first manicure, her first Kahlua, and her first viewing of The Office. Brenda was also there for one of my most significant firsts: my first day in Congress. Brenda taught me more about Capitol Hill than she probably realizes. She put my job in perspective, made sure I was on time for the important things, and helped me understand how to let the small things slide. Brenda was always proactive about what we needed, always raising potential concerns before I thought of them. Brenda has an incredible talent for making meaningful people-to-people connections; and in her 35 years on Capitol Hill, I can only imagine the countless connections she has made through the years. prgtoken I know we will dearly miss Brenda's nature paintings, holiday sweaters, and unrepeatable metaphors. From her first day on February 7, 1985, Brenda understood that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I wish her a wonderful and fulfilling retirement with many years of happiness. prgtoken On behalf of all the people she has made laugh, served, and worked with, I thank Brenda for her many years of service to New York and the United States of America. Brenda will be deeply missed.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING EQUITABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AND MOBILITY CORRIDORS ACT
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-6-1

. Madam , I rise to introduce the Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act along with my colleague Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. prgtoken Pent-up demand for walkable communities has accelerated land prices and rents which has displaced both small businesses and affordable housing faster than state and local governments can respond. Additionally, suburban and rural communities lack the resources needed to upgrade their local infrastructure, housing and economic strategies to remain economically viable. prgtoken The Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act will combat housing affordability issues and displacement of businesses by reversing the incentive to build luxury dwellings near transit. Instead, the bill will promote affordable housing development near transit and in priority investment areas. prgtoken This legislation establishes an Office of Equitable Transit Oriented Development in the DOT, creates incentives to combat gentrification, promotes affordable housing near transit, and reduces vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions. It will also allow rural, suburban, and urban governments to develop more equitable planning practices through Technical Assistance grants. prgtoken I am glad that the Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act is endorsed by Elevated Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust, Smart Growth America, LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors and Transportation for America. prgtoken The Promoting Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Mobility Corridors Act will ensure all Americans have equal access to healthy, walkable and prosperous communities. prgtoken I urge this body to swiftly pass this legislation.