mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-14

. Mr. Chair, I opposed this bill when it was considered in the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I oppose this amendment today. prgtoken South Africa is a key partner of the United States and has been critical to driving innovation and investment on the Continent of Africa. prgtoken It is also true that South Africa has taken a number of policy stances I do not agree with and don't believe are helpful to advancing further peace and prosperity, including an all-too-forgiving stance on Russia. prgtoken If our goal as the United States is to achieve an open and cooperative partnership with South Africa that advances both our countries' interests, this amendment will not accomplish that. prgtoken Almost 2 years ago, the administration put out a U.S. strategy toward sub-Saharan Africa, noting it is impossible to meet today's defining challenges without African contributions in leadership. Underpinning that strategy is the concept that the United States can offer positive choices to Africans, for instance, as they determine their own future. prgtoken In other words, we have the opportunity and responsibility to present options to our African partners that they can judge to be worthwhile and in their best interest. We don't get to impose our ideas, and we should be making a compelling case for why it makes sense to partner with the United States and work together to achieve shared interests. prgtoken Any past disagreements with South Africa are reasons for us to double down through diplomacy to find productive pathways for U.S.-South Africa cooperation. prgtoken This amendment unnecessarily duplicates a review process already laid out in law under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA. As an AGOA country, South Africa already receives a yearly review that takes into consideration any activities that undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. This review is a requirement for any country to be deemed eligible to participate in AGOA. prgtoken The administration already has the power and responsibility to review whether South Africa has participated in any such activities as part of the country's AGOA eligibility review. It seems like a core purpose of this legislation is to undermine the AGOA eligibility of Africa's largest economy. Instead of doing this, my colleagues should be trying to reauthorize AGOA. prgtoken Moreover, this amendment was made in order despite the original bill having no defense nexus, which was allegedly the criteria decided by the majority. Both myself and the ranking member submitted Africa amendments that could have attracted bipartisan support, yet those amendments were not made in order. prgtoken Finally, this amendment suffers from a bad case of timing. South Africans recently made their voices heard through a democratic election, and South Africa is in the process of forming a new government as we speak. prgtoken We need to give the parties in South Africa
HONORING ANNA PIERCY
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-14

today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Anna Piercy, a devoted educator, community leader, mother, and personal friend. prgtoken Anna dedicated about 40 years of her life to serving Anaheim Union High School District. Her journey in education started in 1968 as a seventh grade teacher at Trident Junior High School, where she instilled a love for education in all of her students. prgtoken Anna went on to serve as a member of the Anaheim Union School Board, where she continued to advocate for students and educators. She also went to serve our community as a member of Cypress City Council and as Cypress mayor. prgtoken Anna leaves behind a lasting legacy, survived by her two daughters and six grandchildren. I join her family and our community in remembering her legacy. I thank her for her community involvement, and I thank her for all she has done for us. We will not forget her.
HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. THEODORE CHESTER DIXIE, SR.
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a beloved educator, veteran, and community leader, Dr. Theodore Chester Dixie, Sr who passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 82. prgtoken Dr. Dixie was born on August 31, 1941, to the late Mary B. and Howard Edward Dixie, Sr. in Uniontown, Alabama. He attended Robert C. Hatch High School, where he made a name for himself as a member of the state championship-winning basketball team. Upon graduation, he attended Tuskegee University and was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. prgtoken During this period, Dr. Dixie met and married his life partner, the former Bettye Jeams Williams. As a student at Tuskegee University, Dr. Dixie courted Bettye with meals from the cafeteria where he worked. Their union produced two sons, Theodore Chester Dixie, Jr. and Timothy Carl Dixie (deceased). prgtoken While serving in the military, Dr. Dixie earned his master's degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Following his discharge from the Army, he continued his educational journey at Pennsylvania State University, earning his Doctor of Philosophy. prgtoken Dr. Dixie began his career in higher education at his alma mater, Alabama A&M University, as a professor and the Assistant Director of the Teacher Corps where he spearheaded the University's distant and remote learning initiatives. prgtoken A passionate educator and trailblazer, Dr. Dixie poured into the students of Alabama A&M. He empowered his students to take hold of their futures through education and personal development. As an educator and retired Department Chairman, Dr. Dixie was known for his consideration of his students and his proud mentorship of countless individuals. Even after his departure from Alabama A&M and his subsequent transition to the Tennessee Valley Authority and U.S. Army Civilian Personnel Office, Dr. Dixie maintained a lifelong commitment to mentorship and improving his community. prgtoken Having accepted Christ into his life at a young age, Dr. Dixie was a faithful member of Rock Chapel African Methodist-Episcopalian Church in Uniontown. A dedicated servant of God, he always led by example and encouraged the members of his community and congregation to live up to their full potential in Christ. In this pursuit, he served as a Trustee at Rock Chapel A.M.E. Church for its rebuilding in 1968, chaired the construction committee for the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was a devoted lifelong member serving as a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the Usher Board and the Presbyterian Men. Under Dr. Dixie's leadership, the Fellowship Presbyterian Church received an ``Earthcare Ministry'' certification, making it the only congregation to hold the title in the North Alabama Presbytery. prgtoken Dr. Dixie is preceded in death by his parents, Mary B. and Howard Edward Dixie, Sr.; and his son, Timothy Carl Di
PRESIDENT TRUMP RETURNS TO WASHINGTON
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2024-6-14

this week the person who occupied the White House for 4 years before President returned to Washington for the first time since he left. prgtoken Since that time, he has been found guilty of sexual abuse with E. Jean Carroll, and he has been found in defamation of E. Jean Carroll on two different occasions for nearly $100 million. He has been found to be fraudulently projecting his income and liabilities in his businesses in New York and the State to the tune of about a $480 million civil judgment. He has also been found guilty of a felony in New York State 34 times. prgtoken What he also did before he left was he led an assault on this Capitol, on this government. I was up there in the balcony when they were beating on the doors, and we were told to get out for our lives and put on gas masks. Gunfire was in this room. Four officers were killed or died because of that insurrection against our government. prgtoken didn't come here to apologize to the Capitol Police, who put their lives on the line, which he should have. It is unfortunate.
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-6-14

. Mr. Chair, to wrap up, let's be clear: This is an attack on people's voices at the workplace. This is something that we collectively have looked at for over 40 years, and we continue to have a productive way of keeping people safe on the job and to understand that there is no way that they can use this time to do any union political activities, which has been suggested by the opposition. prgtoken Let's keep our workers safe. Let's continue to care about those who make our country the best in the world. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION FOR EID DAY ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2024-6-14

I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Eid Day Act, which would create a federal holiday for Eid. I thank Rep. Grace Meng and my other House colleagues that joined me to support this bill. Eid al-Adha is an Islamic holiday which commemorates Abraham's symbolic sacrifice of his son to God, as referenced in the Quran, Old Testament, and New Testament. Eid al-Adha also marks the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, called Hajj. Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday which commemorates the sighting of the new moon, signifying a month- long end to fasting and reflection for all Muslim followers. prgtoken Eid is a holiday of great importance to over 3.5 million American Muslims. Whether it be in the military, government, health, business or other leadership positions, Muslim Americans have always contributed to our country. Eid is a meaningful occasion for the Muslim community to reflect and celebrate on the importance of faith, sacrifice, freedom, and justice--the same values that all Americans hold dear. This year, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on June 16th. We must continually strive to create a more inclusive nation and honor the diverse tapestry that makes up this country. Muslim Americans have meaningfully contributed to the American society since the nation's early history. They cherish American values, take pride in the country's pluralism, multiculturalism, and its embodiment as the land of liberty and opportunity. prgtoken Recognizing Eid as a Federal Holiday will allow them to not only freely practice their faith, but also help them feel more at home and connect better with America's spirit as a religious minority. This bill is particularly timely given the alienation that parts of the Muslim American community feel after years of anti-Muslim sentiments as well as recent developments in the Middle-East. As Members of Congress, we need to uphold the values that our nation was founded on, including freedom of religion and equality for all. prgtoken , I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing and uplifting this important cultural and historical celebration by making Eid a federal holiday.
SALEM HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1944 CELEBRATES 80TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to recognize the Salem High prgtoken School Class of 1944 and congratulate them on a successful 80th reunion. prgtoken This incredible group of Oregonians holds a Guinness World Record for the longest running high school reunion, which usually takes place at their favorite Denny's restaurant in southeast Salem, Oregon. prgtoken Their determination and school spirit are admirable. This is a class that grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression and held its commencement just 5 days before Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day. prgtoken This is a generation--America's Greatest Generation--that has witnessed some of the highest and lowest points of our Nation's history. They have lived through times of war and peace, raised families during economic booms and downturns, and watched the tides of change sweep over our country. prgtoken Through it all, they still found time to come together to remember their roots and celebrate their bonds. That is a special kind of fellowship you don't often see today. prgtoken Again, congratulations to the Salem High School Class of 1944. Here is to many more years of great memories and even stronger friendships. They make our community proud.
VISIT TO UNION SQUARE GREENMARKET
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-6-14

I recently visited the Union Square Greenmarket in New York with Chef Evan Handczor, founder of Little Egg in Brooklyn. prgtoken Evan is a chef-ambassador for Chefs for Healthy Soil, a coalition that promotes the connection between sustainable agriculture and the foods that sustain us. prgtoken We spoke with farmers who produce nutritious, locally grown food by focusing on soil health and sustainability. They understand the deep connection between the quality of delicious food at restaurants like Little Egg and the quality of the environment in which that food was grown. prgtoken Access to food is a fundamental human right. Americans deserve a food system that secures that right for everyone while doing right by farmers, food workers, and the planet. Supporting our farmers as they protect soil health and sustain local food systems is one of the best tools we have to end hunger now. prgtoken I thank Chef Evan and everyone at Union Square Greenmarket for introducing me to this important work.
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-14

3 minutes. prgtoken This is a bipartisan amendment that I offer together with the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman). We may appear as the odd couple politically, but we share a common interest in trying to ensure that taxpayers get their money's worth, and that is true on military contracts as with every other aspect of government. When it comes to those contracts, we are concerned that that is not happening on too many of them. prgtoken We don't ask you to just take our word for it, but we have turned to a fellow named Shay Assad, sometimes referred to as the most disliked person in the Pentagon. He had four decades of experience in negotiating government contracts, served as the top director for procurement for both and . prgtoken He was central to an illuminating ``60 Minutes'' report last year about price gouging, which he described as unconscionable and widespread. He has returned to the Pentagon now as the director of procurement at the Air Force. prgtoken I know that Chairman Rogers and Mr. Smith have been concerned about this problem. Their committee has given it some attention, but I think we can supplement their efforts. Military contractors deserve to get a fair profit, but American taxpayers deserve to be treated fairly also. prgtoken We have seen a consolidation in the defense industry where 50 firms have been reduced to about 5 primary contractors. This is a very modest amendment. It requires essentially a one-time type of audit by a review panel that will conduct oversight on the reasonableness of prices on sole-sourced munitions and weapons systems, a 1-year investigation to determine whether the Department has achieved fair prgtoken prices in surveyed contracts and make recommendations made to the Armed Services Committee and the Pentagon to be sure that taxpayers are getting the best bang for their buck. prgtoken Just as one example that was cited, we have had inflation. All of us are concerned about it, but the cost of a Stinger missile of the type we have been shipping to Ukraine rose from $25,000 in 1991 to $400,000 to replace it. That is a little more than the increase in inflation and the improvements that may have occurred to the missile. prgtoken The Patriot, the PAC-3 missile, is very important in defense. Hundreds of millions of dollars were saved after a review, and it was found that the contractor was earning a 40 percent profit. prgtoken Our amendment would not change the procurement process or add new requirements of contractors. It would simply look at what has occurred in the past and determine if there is a way to improve it. It has the support of bipartisan groups across the ideological spectrum, including the R Street Institute, the Project on Government Oversight, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Public Citizen, and American Economic Liberties Project. prgtoken There have been hundreds of amendmen
HONORING REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERAN SARGEANT DAVID DEPUE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to recognize Revolutionary War Veteran Sargeant David Depue on the occasion of the laying of a plaque in his honor at Highland Cemetery located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Freedom is not free, and today we pause to remember a man who served his country with honor during the Revolutionary War. His service to our Nation at the time of its birth is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Born in Sussex, New Jersey in October of 1750, Sargeant Depue first enlisted in the Continental Army as a Private in 1776. He was soon promoted to the rank of Sargeant in 1777, the position in which he served for the remainder of the war, including the battles of Germantown and Beaver Creek. Following his military service, Sargeant Depue moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan not long after its founding in the early 1800s. He died in Ypsilanti, Michigan on July 4, 1843, at the age of 92. prgtoken Sargeant Depue is remembered for his honorable military service and dedication to our Nation. He is just one of the few native and adopted Michiganders who fought for our country during the revolution. It is important for us to honor the veterans of our community who fought for the freedom of our Nation, a value we continue to hold dear today. We are thankful for the path these soldiers laid out for past, present, and future Americans over two centuries ago. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the honorable Sargeant David Depue as he is memorialized in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We join with Americans everywhere in extending our thanks to the Huron prgtoken Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Ypsilanti Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for their work dedication to honoring Sargeant Depue in the run up to our Nation's 250th anniversary. Today and every day, we honor the brave patriots we lost in the fight for our independence. We are grateful for their military service and their willingness to fight for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.
RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF A GREAT NATIVE SON AND THE OUTSTANDING LIFE OF THE LATE D'JUAN MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, ESQ.
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2024-6-14

I rise today to celebrate the life of D'Juan Miguel Hernandez, born in Franklin, Louisiana prgtoken to parents Dr. Don J. Hernandez and Mrs. Elnora Polidore Hernandez, on October 24, 1966. He peacefully departed this world on May 29, 2024, at the tender age of 57 in New Orleans, Louisiana. A proud graduate Saint Augustine High School and Xavier University of Louisiana where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and English, two key Catholic Institutions located in my Congressional District. D'Juan ultimately pursued a career in law attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law and continuing at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He became a member of the State Bar of Louisiana and went on to establish the Hernandez Law Group and Business Advisors. prgtoken D'Juan Miguel Hernandez was a remarkable man, an influential leader, father, son, and my dear friend. He will forever be remembered from his career practicing law and mentoring small business owners, to the joy he spread throughout Algiers, Louisiana, the community I grew up in. In 1990, D'Juan was my very first campaign manager during my election as the first African American to the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 102nd District of Algiers. Growing up as a kid in Franklin Louisiana, his spiritual journey began at St. Jules Catholic Church, and his faith remained steadfast throughout his life, a guiding light that illuminated his path even in times of darkness. D'Juan remained a man of unwavering faith, boundless entrepreneurial spirit, and deep devotion to his family, D'Juan's testament to the values instilled in him from his Catholic upbringing. prgtoken D'Juan's educational journey was marked by his passion for music and academia. From his early years at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary where, as a kindergartner, he was introduced to the violin and the cello, his musical appetite broadened. While at Franklin Junior High School under Ronald Bernard, he developed an interest in the trombone. It became his major instrument at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, where he became a proud Purple Knight and member of the St. Augustine Marching 100 under the late Mr. Edward Harrell Hampton, founding band director, serving over five decades. His musical escapade led to a foray into the jazz idiom, and he became a member of the St. Augustine Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Carl Blouin, Sr founder of the jazz orchestra in the 1960s. In his senior year at St. Augustine, he earned a seat in the Louisiana All State Jazz Band and recorded with the group. prgtoken It was D'Juan's entrepreneurial spirit that surfaced as his true passion. Well into his career, he enrolled and became an MBA graduate of Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business, where he embarked on numerous ventures, including LA Waters, a bottled delivery company; and the non-profit ``Raphael Village'' of New Orle