mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING DR. BARBARA CAREY-SHULER
Frederica S. Wilson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler, a courageous community leader, dedicated public servant, sagacious mentor, inspiring educator, and loving mother, in honor of Women's History Month. prgtoken Dr. Carey-Shuler has been a powerful force for positive change in South Florida for decades. She is a trailblazer who has paved the way for many successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Her efforts have improved the quality of life for thousands of South Floridians. prgtoken Dr. Carey-Shuler's life is founded on a spirit of generosity. Her unselfish character is only overshadowed by her loving spirit and acceptance of others. She considers her ability to empower and inspire others as her greatest accomplishment. Regarding her passion for helping young people she says, ``l want to exude my passion so that they will have the same passion to give back and help other young people.'' prgtoken Dr. Carey-Shuler was first appointed to the Miami Dade County Board of Commissioners in 1979. She made a major impact through her progressive policies and legislative decisions. She initiated the groundbreaking legislation to create Affirmative Action and set-aside programs in Miami Dade County which are credited with creating more jobs and opportunities for minorities and women than any other legislation in the county's history. She also created the 15 miles per hour school zone in Dade County and was later adopted by the rest of the State of Florida. She made history in 2002 when she was selected as the first African American woman to serve as chairperson of the Miami Dade County Commission. prgtoken Dr. Carey-Shuler has never shied away from an opportunity to help others or promote equality without regard to the popularity of her decisions. In 1990, she attended an event where the late South African President Nelson Mandela delivered a speech upon his release after being unjustly imprisoned for 27 years. The event was locally controversial but Dr. Carey-Shuler was among a small group of elected officials who attended because she understood President Mandela's importance to the international campaign for human rights. Her courage and vision earned the respect and admiration of her constituents and was a large part of the reason she was re-elected several times. prgtoken Above all, Dr. Carey-Shuler values education as the key to a happy and healthy life. She was well-regarded as an administrator with Miami Dade County Public Schools. She was also credited with inspiring and advancing the careers of dozens of educators as an assistant superintendent. She has an impressive educational resume of her own: Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Florida A&M University, Master of Science in Communications from Ohio State University, Specialist Degree in Guidance from the University of Miami, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Florida. prgtoken Since retiring from elected office in 2
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 447, NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. CON. RES. 11, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021; AND FOR OTHER...
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I will admit that there are few people I respect more than my distinguished colleague and friend from the Rules Committee, the ranking member, Mr. Cole. prgtoken But I think as it relates to the budget, as I understand it, the Budget Committee chair, Mr. Yarmuth, has continued to extend an invitation to our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work together. prgtoken And we do want to work together. We want to forge a bipartisan agreement. This today begins a process, however, that can move us toward reconciliation because we understand that the American people are in crisis. America is in crisis. prgtoken So while we need to move ahead, and we would like to move ahead with a bipartisan agreement, we cannot sit idly by in the instance that progress is not made. prgtoken I think it was President Kennedy in his inauguration, nearly 60 years ago, who said, ``Sincerity is always subject to proof.'' So prove to us your sincerity. Let's work together. And in the interim, we are going to move ahead with this resolution with the support of the Members, and I certainly hope that they will do that. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MAJOR JACOB D. McELWEE
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Major Jacob D. McElwee for his service in the Kansas Army prgtoken National Guard and his recent role in sending out troops to Topeka and Washington, D.C. this month to provide additional security support for the inauguration. prgtoken A resident of the Third District in Shawnee, Major McElwee became a commissioned Judge Advocate General Corps Officer in the Kansas Army National Guard in September 2010. During his service as a Judge Advocate General Corps Officer, Major McElwee deployed to Kosovo in 2014 through 2015 and then again to Kuwait and Iraq in 2018 through 2019. prgtoken Major McElwee is currently the legal advisor to the Adjutant General Major General David Weishaar. As a fulltime Kansas Army National Guard Judge Advocate General, Major McElwee handles a non-stop flow of requests and questions, while ensuring the highest quality work product possible. He dropped everything to travel to Salina with another officer and two paralegals to help with the rolling out of troops to protect our state and national capitols. prgtoken One of the most rewarding parts of representing the Third District is hearing about the exemplary service and accomplishments of my constituents. Major McElwee is certainly no exception and I commend him for his dedication to our state and country.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-2-2

I am reintroducing the Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act with Senators Blumenthal, Whitehouse, Merkley, Baldwin, Warren, Van Hellene, and Brown. This legislation fully closes a loophole that has allowed publicly traded corporations to deduct the cost of multimillion-dollar bonuses from their corporate tax bills. U.S. taxpayers shouldn't continue to have to subsidize these massive bonuses. prgtoken Under section 162(m) of the tax code as amended by the 2017 tax law (TCJA), when a publicly traded corporation calculates its taxable income, it is generally permitted to deduct compensation costs from its revenues, with limits up to $1 million for some of the firm's most senior executives. prgtoken In the 115th Congress, the TCJA got rid of some of the prior 162(m) loopholes by taking provisions from my Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act, including removing the exemption for performance-based compensation, which previously permitted compensation deductions above $1 million when executives met performance benchmarks, prgtoken While these steps were a start, even more should have been done, such as applying section 162(m) to all employees of publicly traded corporations so that all compensation is subject to a deductibility cap of $1 million. This was the only provision from my Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act from the l15th Congress that was not incorporated into the tax law. prgtoken Partially closing these 162(m) loopholes saved taxpayers $9.2 billion according to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), but last Congress, the JCT estimated that fully closing the loophole along the lines of the legislation I am reintroducing today would save taxpayers an additional $27 billion dollars. prgtoken Under this legislation, publicly traded corporations would still be permitted to pay their executives as much as they desire, but compensation above and beyond $1 million would no longer be subsidized through our tax code. This is simply a matter of fairness, ensuring that corporations--and not hardworking taxpayers who face their own challenges in this economy--are paying for the multi-million dollar bonuses corporations have decided to dole out to their senior executives. Instead of showering corporations with additional benefits they certainly don't need, we should be doing everything within our power to help more families, who are barely surviving, make it to the other side of this public health emergency. prgtoken I thank Public Citizen, the Institute for Policy Studies--Global Economy Project, Americans for Financial Reform, the AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and MIT Professor Simon Johnson for their support. I urge our colleagues to join us in cosponsoring this legislation and pressing for its passage.
Nomination of Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (Executive Session)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-2-2

I come to the floor today to support the nomination of Pete Buttigieg to be Secretary of Transportation. prgtoken We all know the nominee as Mayor Pete--a man who basically came on to the national stage as a Midwest mayor who had lots of enthusiasm for making investments in America's future. So today we are considering his nomination to be Secretary of Transportation at a time when we need a lot of work done on transportation. In my opinion, he is a young, energetic mayor who is going to help us usher in a new era of transportation. That means there is going to be a lot of bipartisan dialogue about how we get there. But this job should not be underestimated in terms of the importance of the transportation sector and the investments for the future that we need. prgtoken Our transportation system serves as a backbone of our economy, and when it is not doing well, the consequential impact of that affects our economy. It affects how our businesses compete in a global economy. It affects how people get to and from work, and it affects their home life as well. So it is a big job that we have, and I know that this mayor and future Secretary of Transportation understands how big this challenge is. prgtoken We have underinvested in our infrastructure for decades. In the past 10 years alone, we have underfunded our infrastructure needs by $1.5 trillion. The American Society of Engineers estimates that we need to invest $5.6 trillion in our infrastructure over the next two decades, or the United States stands to lose about $10.3 trillion in GDP. I know this because my State knows this. I think the Presiding Officer knows this as well. If the transportation infrastructure doesn't work, goods and services don't get through your ports, they don't get to their destination, and businesses choose other vehicles or other avenues for the products to be delivered. America needs to be competitive. prgtoken The American public also knows that poor infrastructure and the problems they see in their communities have to be addressed, whether that is concrete crumbling off of bridges, delayed trains, buses, congestion, railroads, or any of many issues. Just this week, a highway in California slid into the ocean, disrupting traffic along the famous Highway 1, and this could be a delay for months. I know, again, the Presiding Officer understands this as well as the State of Washington. Mother Nature doesn't always comply with our transportation needs. prgtoken So while these investments and numbers may seem huge to people, it is what this investment will enable that we need to keep focused on. We need to focus on the fact that the United States makes and grows things, and we need to get them to their destinations. We need people be able to get to their places of employment. So we need someone at the Department of Transportation who is enthusiastic about taking on these challenges and helping President administer a n
Introductory Statement on S. 181
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2021-2-2

I rise today to introduce legislation to posthumously award Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu with the Congressional Gold Medal. Fred challenged the illegal internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and devoted his life to expanding civil rights and liberties for all people. Awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress' highest civilian honor, would be a fitting tribute to his lifelong pursuit of justice and equality. prgtoken Fred was born in Oakland, California on January 30, 1919, to Japanese immigrant parents. Although he was an American citizen, Fred was discriminated against due to his Japanese ancestry. As the United States entered World War II, Fred tried unsuccessfully to enlist in the U.S. military, and was fired from his job at the Oakland shipyard. In 1942, Fred was arrested and convicted of defying military orders issued under Executive Order 9066, a discriminatory presidential order that authorized the mass removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. prgtoken Fred challenged the constitutionality of the government's order but was convicted in federal court of violating prgtoken military orders issued under Executive Order 9066. After a federal appeals court upheld his conviction, he appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. On December 18, 1944, the Court ruled against him in a 6-3 decision, finding the government's discriminatory policy to incarcerate Japanese Americans was justified due to military necessity. prgtoken Decades later, legal historians discovered key information that the federal government did not share with the Supreme Court, including a report that concluded very few Japanese Americans represented a national security risk. After this evidence of government misconduct emerged and was presented to the court, Fred's conviction was overturned by a Federal court in San Francisco nearly forty years later, on November 10, 1983. Fred believed that the Supreme Court's decision was wrong, and stated, ``I would like to see the Government admit that they were wrong and do something about it so this will never happen again to any American citizen of any race, creed or color.'' Although the Supreme Court's infamous ruling in Korematsu v. United States has been widely rejected by historians and legal experts, it has never been formally repudiated, and stands as one of the Supreme Court's worst precedents. prgtoken The internment of Japanese Americans was a shameful act, and it was not until 1988 that the Civil Liberties Act was passed and our Government formally apologized to Americans of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II. Fred Korematsu fought for this redress legislation and continued working to expand civil rights throughout his life. He spoke out against prejudice directed at minorities and immigrants, and after September 11, 2001, filed amicus briefs with the Supreme Court, warning our natio
TRIBUTE TO ELLIOT PERRY
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-2-2

I am proud to recognize Elliot Perry of Bedford as January 2021's Granite Stater of the Month. Elliot, a fourth grader at Bedford Memorial Elementary School and an ambassador for the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock--CHaD--has started a fundraising campaign to build two accessible playgrounds at CHaD locations in Lebanon and Manchester to help improve the experience of children who visit these facilities. prgtoken Elliot was born nearly 4 months early and given only an 18-percent chance to live. The medical professionals at CHaD worked hard to ensure that Elliot received the best care that they could provide and 121 days later, Elliot went home with his mom and dad. prgtoken Since then, Elliot has been one of CHaD's best ambassadors and has helped raise more than $100,000 for the organization that he and his parents credit with saving his life. prgtoken Last year, Elliot launched a new effort to support the patients at CHaD. The 121 Club that Elliot founded aims to raise $121,000 to build two sensory-neutral playgrounds that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act's Standards for Accessible Design at CHaD locations in Lebanon and Manchester. With the help of his friends and neighbors, Elliot has already raised a little more than $80,000 for his cause. prgtoken Elliot hopes that these new playgrounds will provide an outlet for any family who wishes to take a break during longer visits, as well as provide a safe space for children of all abilities to play and develop their motor skills. prgtoken Elliot embodies the best of New Hampshire. His drive to help others, along with his empathy and inclusivity, has made an enormous difference, especially for children facing particularly difficult challenges and their families. I wish Elliot the best as he continues fundraising to reach his goal, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.
TRIBUTE TO GLADYS EDWARDS WALLACE: CHRISTIAN WOMAN OF PASSION, VIRTUE, COMMITMENT AND SUCCESS
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I first met and got to know Gladys and Vernon or Vernon and Gladys in the late 1960's and have interacted with them since that time. Of course, Vernon has preceded Gladys in transition. Gladys was born in Alberta, Alabama, came to Chicago with her Christian parents who were seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Gladys did what many children of solid families do, went to school, joined church, went to college, got involved in activities, met Vernon, fell in love, got married and the rest became history. Forty-eight years of marriage, successful careers, a productive business, charitable giving, helping others, giving advice, mentoring, providing work opportunities for others and being an integral part of life in a community. The question now is what can we do? We can thank God for the life and legacy of our blessed friend and sister who gave so much to all of us, her charitable giving, being a mentor, providing jobs, wise counsel, for being a rock for family and friends, for leaving a thriving business, a committed life, for leaving proof of her commitment. Gladys held every office and did everything at church that one could do except be the Pastor and I suspect that she was some of that. She was a member of every committee and headed up every auxiliary. She retired from the postal service after working there for thirty years. She was always a partner in the family business, active in the Mortuary Science Industry and of course ran the business after her husband passed. She was a true professional and left a legacy of service, a legacy of giving and a legacy of love. prgtoken God bless Gladys Edwards Wallace, and may she rest in peace
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-3

I rise today in strong support of this Budget Resolution. prgtoken The pandemic has left millions of Americans hungry, homeless, or unable to make rent and mortgage payments. This resolution would provide critical support that is, quite literally, life or death. prgtoken It's a time to make life better for Americans who are hurting, using every tool available to us. prgtoken From extending eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, to supporting public transit like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority so my constituents can still get to work and healthcare appointments, we must act holistically. prgtoken Upon passage, the Oversight Committee will immediately get to work on one of the most important aspects of this package--providing desperately needed funding for states, local governments, tribes, and territories. prgtoken This money will allow these governments to help distribute vaccines, expand testing, keep frontline workers employed, and maintain vital services. It will also keep our economy afloat by allowing states, local governments, tribes, and territories to avoid laying off their employees en masse. prgtoken The Committee will include expanded emergency paid leave for federal employees, available for those who need to quarantine, isolate, or need to provide care due to the coronavirus. prgtoken We also will include funding for oversight and transparency efforts to ensure every taxpayer dollar included in this package is spent on its intended purpose. prgtoken The President's American Rescue plan would deal a decisive blow to this devastating pandemic, providing the resources that our families, communities, and economy need to survive. prgtoken We must do everything we can, as fast as we can, to get vaccines in arms, to get resources to struggling communities, and to get Americans back to work.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-2-3

it is an honor to speak after Senator Leahy, who has served his country and his State for over four decades. prgtoken This debate is really about one simple question: Are we going to do whatever it takes--whatever it takes--to get our country through a once-in-a-generation crisis? prgtoken We did that in March, a year ago. We haven't done it since. Now is our opportunity. prgtoken I joined some of my colleagues today at the White House to talk with President about the urgency--the urgency--to get this done, to go big, and his plan that will finally start to make real progress against the pandemic and make a real difference in people's lives. prgtoken The American people made it clear in this election: They want a government that is on their side. It is our chance to deliver for them. prgtoken We know we can. As I said, we did it last spring. We came together across the aisle. We passed the CARES Act. We expanded employment insurance, and we provided direct stimulus checks. We kept--and this is remarkable in the midst of a pandemic--13 million people in this country out of poverty. It gave tens of millions more peace of mind with a bit of a cushion to weather this crisis. prgtoken Think about that. Congress came together. Government did the right thing, and 13 million people were prevented from falling into poverty. prgtoken But then, as you know, what happened is, because we didn't act in May and June, in July and August, that help started to fall away, and thousands of people every single day in Milwaukee and in Cleveland and around this country, in Racine and in Dayton--thousands of people a day fell into poverty. prgtoken So my colleagues now say we have done enough. Well, tell that to the 92 percent of Americans who haven't gotten a vaccine yet. Tell that to the parents who wonder when it will finally be safe for their kids to go back to school. Tell that to the laid-off restaurant worker in Madison, wondering if she will be able to pay rent and pay the electric bill. Tell that to the busdriver in Columbus, wondering if she is going to lose her job. prgtoken We are the wealthiest country on Earth. Doing the bare minimum simply isn't good enough. prgtoken Slowly vaccinating people--when we know we are facing a new, more contagious virus variant--isn't good enough. prgtoken Letting our economic recovery limp along instead of roaring back isn't good enough. prgtoken Luckily, we have real leaders who aren't willing to settle for less. President is already doing everything possible to ramp up vaccine production, to get new COVID tests on the market. He promised 1 million vaccines a day for the first hundred days of his Presidency. We are exceeding that number. It will help keep people in their homes. It will help keep workers from losing their jobs. prgtoken We need to give the President and our leaders in States all over the country every tool we can. Our plan puts money directly into people's