mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I join my colleague, Mr. Aguilar, and I thank him and Mr. Davis for bringing this to the floor. prgtoken Madam , I echo but I will not repeat all the words of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd), who has been a real leader in this House. I thank him for his remarks and his acknowledgment of the importance of the Latina and Latino population to our country and the contributions they have made. prgtoken Madam , I want to rise and thank Representative Serrano and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for leading this effort. prgtoken As the knows, Mr. Serrano is one of my closest friends. The dean of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been one of the most effective and hardworking Members of this House, and he will be missed next year when he retires after 30 years representing New Yorkers. He has been and will continue to be a dear, dear friend. prgtoken This is also a very meaningful day for all the members of the Hispanic Caucus, including our colleague and friend, Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, whose father, Ed Roybal, was a dear friend of mine and on whose committee I served, and who was the founder of the caucus, with others. It started with five members in 1976. Today, it has 38 members. prgtoken I am proud to join Representative Serrano and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on this bill and bring it to the floor today. prgtoken For more than 500 years, half a millennium, Latinos have been a part of our American story. Through medicine, education, innovation, public service, the military, athletics, and the arts, prgtoken Latinos and Latinas have strengthened our economy, enriched our heritage, and have made America a safer and more prosperous Nation. prgtoken The story of America is incomplete without the story of the American Latino. prgtoken That is why a national museum of the American Latino is so critical and appropriate. I know that it will be a wonderful addition to the Smithsonian Institution and our National Mall. prgtoken At a time, Madam , when many people, including in our government at the highest levels, denigrate, discriminate, and target Latinos, we need this museum to recognize the service and the extraordinary assets that the Latino community has brought to America. prgtoken I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this bill, as I believe they will. prgtoken I look forward to the day when we can walk through the doors of the Smithsonian's newest museum and experience the full richness and diversity of Latino cultures and how they have helped to make America great.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-27

I rise today in strong support of Senate 2163, a bill to address the root causes of inequality for Black men and boys in America. prgtoken , today, as the civil rights icon, John Lewis, is laying in state just a few feet in the Capitol rotunda, I am so moved to know that the banner of equality, which he waved his whole life is being picked up by the next generation. prgtoken As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I have seen Americans of all backgrounds and ethnicities united in filling the streets to demand reforms to a criminal justice system that does not value Black lives and to an economy that does not give Black boys an equal chance of success. prgtoken The people have had enough with the systemic inequalities that have persisted since our founding. But we cannot fix them unless we understand them. That is what this commission will do by looking at the obstacles and policy and culture that keep Black youth from having the same opportunities that Whites do. We must listen to the demands of a country that is saying ``no'' to racial inequality. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
ENGELBERT A. ANDL
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Maple Shade, New Jersey resident Engelbert A. Andl. prgtoken Engelbert A. Andl was born in Bakowjjako, Hungary on October 26, 1935. He immigrated to the United States of America where he has been a lifelong resident of Maple Shade, New Jersey ever since. prgtoken At the age of 26, Engelbert Andl proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1965. After his service, he became the co-owner of Edsamm Machine Shop in Maple Shade. Bert was very active in his community and served as president of the German Men's Club and was a member of The Hansa Club. In addition, he and his wife were also members of the congregation of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. In his free time, he loved to play cards and enjoyed traveling. prgtoken Engelbert A. Andl was the devoted husband to the late Mary Andl. He is survived by his two sons Joseph and Steven (MariJean) Andl, and his four grandchildren Michelle, Christyanna, Victoria, and Joshua. He was a beloved brother to Francis (Imre) Markus, Maria (the late Paul) Olshanski, John (Denise) Andl, and Stephen Andl and will be missed as the beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring the late Mr. Engelbert A. Andl, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, a dedicated veteran and celebrated member of the community.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-7-27

I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership, and I particularly rise today to thank all of my colleagues who joined in this historic moment with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. Let it be known how hard and consistently she worked and with much perseverance and determination. We give her tribute today. We thank Senator Rubio for joining and helping with the Senate, because it is a bipartisan bill. We, likewise, acknowledge the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. We acknowledge these words that she said to me this morning: It will help save lives. prgtoken That is why we stand on the floor today, because we recognize that systemic racism exists and the encounters of our young boys with people who determine that they are not human or equal wind up in the great loss of life or their encounter with each other. So I am delighted that members of the Judiciary Committee, members of the Education and Labor Committee, and other committees focus on how we can do well. prgtoken This Scripture reminds me of where we are today: `` . . . this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.'' prgtoken This is a time where we are doing what we need to do for Black boys and men. This is a time when we stand up and be counted to end systemic racism as it impacts them and this Nation. prgtoken , I ask support for this outstanding and historic legislation.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-7-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , today, we remember the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his incalculable contributions to our country. The world is truly a better place because John dedicated his life to make it so. prgtoken I rise in front of this Chamber as we vote to create the commission on the social status of Black men and boys. This commission is only possible because of the barriers broken by Black men like John Lewis. It is only possible because of the tireless efforts of Black women like Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who has led the introduction of this bill. prgtoken The world has changed for Black men and boys in this country since John Lewis was beaten and bloodied on a bridge in Selma, Alabama. We have come a long way, but it is no secret that Black men and boys continue to face unjust hurdles in America. The commission will search for ways to address these inequities, from education to unemployment, housing to healthcare, justice to civil rights. prgtoken As John once said: We have a moral obligation, a mission, and a mandate to do what we can to make our country and our world a better place and to help usher in a loving community where no one is left out or left behind. prgtoken I believe this commission will help us do just that. I believe that it will help us create a better future for our children and for our grandchildren because while we have come so far, we still have a long way to go. prgtoken I know that you can do everything right as a parent and still see your child, a young Black man, taken away from you for reasons that are far out of your control. prgtoken When I got pregnant with my son, Jordan, he was a miracle for me. I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to have children. I dreamed of who Jordan would become. I dreamed of watching him walk across the stage at his high school graduation, full of love and full of hope for the future. prgtoken But almost 8 years ago, Jordan was sitting in the back seat of a car with his friends at a gas station. A man pulled up, parked next to them, and complained about the loud music that they were playing. He pulled out a gun, and he fired 10 shots into the car, hitting Jordan three times, killing my only son. And then, he simply drove away. prgtoken I believed I had done everything right, but at the end of the day, Jordan was a young Black man. And I felt that injustice. prgtoken So while I look back at the life and legacy of John Lewis, and I remark how far we truly have come, I must also look toward a future without my son, and I see how far we still have to go. prgtoken As we vote today to create the commission on the social status of Black men and boys, I hope we can go forward in strength and in hope because there is always hope. It is what brings us together. prgtoken We can work toward a future that we all believe in, and I am proud to take the next step on that jour
TRIBUTE TO JOHN ``MIKE'' CROTEAU
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-7-27

today I would like to congratulate Mr. John ``Mike'' Croteau of Newbury, NH, on his retirement from the Newbury Fire Department after a remarkable 75 years of service. prgtoken Mike's father, George, was a long-time member and chief of the Newbury Fire Department, and in 1945, 15-year-old Mike, joined the department too. At first, Mike helped put out brush fires caused by trains that ran from Boston to Newbury Station. When Mike was 18, he fought the fire on Mount Sunapee that claimed 1,700 acres. Hundreds of firefighters worked for 7 days straight to battle the fast-moving fire during one of the worst fire seasons ever recorded in New Hampshire history. prgtoken Beyond his work at the fire department, Mike was an engineer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for 33 years, and the Town of Newbury often called upon his expertise for site work and design. While working for the State, he continued to serve the fire department, serving as the fire chief, as well as forest fire warden. prgtoken Mike has dedicated many hours of his time to the Newbury Fire Department in addition to firefighting by helping with fundraising efforts, including the annual bingo nights and auctions. His dedication to his community also went beyond his exemplary fire department service; he also volunteered for many town groups, boards, and activities and has always stepped up when something needs to be done. prgtoken In 2012, Governor John Lynch commended Mike for 67 years of service as a firefighter, and in 2015, he received the Fire Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Police, Fire, and EMS Foundation. prgtoken Mike's commitment to his community and the Newbury Fire Department is a shining example of the spirit of New Hampshire, and he serves as a role model for all Granite Staters. He has been a critical part of the department for 75 years, and he has put himself at risk day after day to protect his fellow citizens. His town, State, and country are better because of his dedicated efforts. prgtoken I hope you will join me in honoring an exemplary Granite Stater, Mike Croteau.
COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF BLACK MEN AND BOYS ACT
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-7-27

I rise today in strong support of this legislation which will create a long-overdue Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. prgtoken We have come a long way in America, but we still have a long way to go. Slavery was not a necessary evil. It was a crime against humanity anchored in kidnap, rape, torture, lynching, and the systemic oppression and prgtoken enslavement of people of African descent century after century after century. We are still living with its legacy today. prgtoken Frederick Douglass once said: ``It is easier to build strong children than it is to repair broken men.'' So it is my hope that this commission can begin the real process of repairing broken boys, broken men, broken families, and broken communities as a result of the systemic racism that has been in the soil of America for 401 years. prgtoken I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida, Frederica Wilson, for her tremendous leadership. prgtoken Vote ``yes.'' prgtoken , as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and a cosponsor of the House companion to this bill, I rise in strong support of S. 2163 ``The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act of 2019'', which establishes a bipartisan commission that will examine the social disparities that disproportionately affect black men and boys in America. prgtoken I want to thank my friend and colleague, Frederica Wilson, for introducing this crucial piece of legislation. prgtoken As we have seen time and time again, the reality of being Black in America today is characterized by facing insurmountable and unjust challenges in every aspect of day-to-day life as well as living in constant fear for your life. prgtoken From Trayvon Martin to Tamir Rice to Ahmaud Arbery to George Floyd, our Black brothers are targeted and murdered for the color of their skin. prgtoken We are all too familiar with the overwhelming hardships and significant societal disparities that face Black men every day in education, criminal justice, health, employment, and so many other areas. prgtoken The low rate of high school retention among black male students is directly related to the high rates of joblessness and incarceration in the African-American population. prgtoken It's no secret that mass incarceration has unfairly and disproportionately affected the lives of Black men in the United States. prgtoken African Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of their white counterparts. prgtoken And 1 out of every 3 Black boys born today can expect to be sentenced to prison, compared 1 out 6 Latino boys; one out of 17 white boys. prgtoken These barriers to quality employment further exacerbate the cycles of poverty that in turn lead to severe inequities in the areas of health and quality health care. prgtoken We must find ways to disrupt and end this cycle and instead empower and uplift the Black community. prgtoken With this in mind, this bill enables our nation to bett
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO ACT
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will help elevate and promote the stories of the Latino community in the United States. prgtoken The Latino community represents over one-sixth of the American population. Their contributions to the history of the United States throughout the centuries has been both significant and fundamental. Whether it be through their advancements to American innovation, to serving faithfully and heroically in every American war, the Latino and Latina population has always been steadfast in their commitment to the United States and its values. prgtoken Since my appointment to the Smithsonian Board of Regents in 2019, I have continued to voice my strong support for this legislation, and I am proud the Latino community is one step closer to finally having their legacy forever enshrined on the National Mall. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Congressman Serrano and Congressman Hurd on their tireless work advancing this legislation, and I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 2420.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OF THE LEFTIST MOB
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-7-27

my colleague from Pennsylvania responsibly and carefully sanitized the podium up here before I began my 5-minute remarks, but I will tell you that there is not enough disinfectant in all of the District of Columbia to sanitize this Chamber on account of my colleagues who fail to condemn what has been going on in what once were great American cities throughout this Nation. It is shameful, . prgtoken Leaders are elected to this great body with its history and with the full confidence of the American people that we will call evil by its name. But they sit idly by and are complicit in their silence and do not condemn the chaos, the destruction, the violence, the crimes, and the terrorism that is ravaging our Nation. prgtoken As we speak and as we sit in this quiet and peaceful Chamber, there are citizens--our fellow Americans--who feel that their lives and their private property are threatened. They can't even bear arms with their constitutional right to protect themselves and their property without being prosecuted by some rogue city attorney. prgtoken We have got to stand up to this mob. We have to say: No more will you burn our cities; no more will you terrorize our communities and intimidate and use fear to squelch any attempt by our local leaders to stop this now. prgtoken But they are intimidated, . The local leaders have completely bowed the knee to these leftist extremist groups that have hijacked peaceful protest. prgtoken There are folks with righteous indignation who have taken to the streets to speak their truth to power, and I respect that. God bless them. That is the American way. prgtoken We just celebrated one of the greatest who demonstrated peacefully and, through love for his country and his fellow man, made more difference than 1 million mobs could have. His name is John Lewis, and I am honored to have served with him. prgtoken But what is happening right now is these local leaders are either unwilling or incapable of stopping it. This weekend was 2 months of persistence in this violence and in the crimes perpetrated against Federal officers and local law enforcement who have been hamstrung to even defend themselves, let alone the property that they have been asked by their ``courageous leaders'' to defend. They are getting fireworks shot off in their face. prgtoken Where are the city leaders? prgtoken Where is Mr. ? He is safe in his basement. That is courageous leadership? That is what America needs right now? prgtoken Criticize President all you want. He is at least doing something to stand up to the mob and protect taxpayers' Federal property. prgtoken Our Federal law enforcement officers are doing their job faithfully and dutifully while our citizens' rights are being completely trampled. There is no pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness in these cities. They are burning. prgtoken Protesters in California set fire to a courthouse, damaged police stations, and assaulted
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I was not present the week of July 20-24, 2020 on account of supporting my son's continuing recovery. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 139; NAY on Roll Call No. 140; NAY on Roll Call No. 141; NAY on Roll Call No. 142; YEA on Roll Call No. 143; NAY on Roll Call No. 144; NAY on Roll Call No. 145; NAY on Roll Call No. 146; NAY on Roll Call No. 147; NAY on Roll Call No. 148; NAY on Roll Call No. 149; NAY on Roll Call No. 150; YEA on Roll Call No. 151; NAY on Roll Call No. 152; NAY on Roll Call No. 153; NAY on Roll Call No. 154; NAY on Roll Call No. 155; NAY on Roll Call No. 156; NAY on Roll Call No. 157; NAY on Roll Call No. 158; YEA on Roll Call No. 159; NAY on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; YEA on Roll Call No. 162; NAY on Roll Call No. 163; YEA on Roll Call No. 164; YEA on Roll Call No. 165; and NAY on Roll Call No. 166.
FILIBUSTER
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Former Vice President and Minority Leader Schumer have indicated a willingness to end the so-called filibuster if gain a majority in the U.S. Senate after this year's election. prgtoken Meanwhile, used the same rule to prevent even taking up Senator Scott's very thoughtful police reform legislation. The rule in question is the cloture rule, which brings debate and amendments to a close so we can get to the finality of a bill. What blocked was ending debate on proceeding to police reform and starting to consider any amendments that wanted to be offered, but it would have taken yet another cloture vote to get to final passage. prgtoken The cloture rule ensures that no police reform bill could be passed by the U.S. Senate unless at least 60 Senators were satisfied with the outcome of the amendment process. In other words, it guarantees that the concerns of the minority party--whether that be or --would have to be addressed. There was no excuse for preventing the Senate from even beginning the legislative process on this extremely important and timely issue of police reform. prgtoken There is also no excuse for who claimed to oppose the 60- vote requirement to cut off debate on principle when they were last in the majority, who then immediately began using cloture to block bills that had majority support when they lost their majority, and who still continue to use cloture to block progress on important issues today, but who now fully admit that they will change the Senate institution-- the protection for the minority--if it suits their partisan purpose in the future. prgtoken . prgtoken .