mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF JOHN YOUNG
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the life of John Young, a remarkable community leader and activist who spent more than 30 years uplifting underserved communities in the North Bay Area. prgtoken John was born on October 25, 1952 in San Francisco, CA. He grew up in Marin City and attended Tamalpais High School and College of Marin. John went on to study public policy at San Francisco State University, where he developed a passion for social justice. prgtoken Recognizing the need to confront economic, health, and education inequities, John committed his career to championing more inclusive social policies. At the Marin City Community Development Corporation, John went to bat for the community that raised him, helping to plan and launch critical revitalization projects. The Canal Neighborhood in San Rafael benefitted from John's talents as an organizer and housing specialist for the Canal Community Alliance. John also successfully managed more than $5 million in grants for programs supporting low economic and disadvantaged populations across the Bay Area. prgtoken John was a skilled problem solver who was able to effect change by bringing people together. In founding the Marin County Grassroots Leadership Network, he assembled a coalition for underrepresented residents to unite and speak with one voice. This helped secure more equitable policy outcomes, including housing, transportation, labor, and voting rights. In addition, more than 300 rising leaders were mentored and trained through the organization. prgtoken Friends, family, and colleagues knew John for his big personality that could brighten any room. With a deep sense of compassion and a people-first attitude, John embodied all the qualities of a fierce community organizer. Although he will be sorely missed, John's legacy will live on through the lasting positive impact he had on our community and beyond. prgtoken John's hard work made a transformative difference in the lives of many. Madam , I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolence to John's family and friends and in expressing our deep appreciation for John's extraordinary career and life.
Nomination of Vanita Gupta (Executive Session)
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-4-15

I rise today in support of Vanita Gupta's nomination to be the Associate Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice. Those of us who have had the joy and the honor of getting to know her and working with her know Ms. Gupta to be engaging and smart, a skilled and balanced lawyer and practitioner, and someone who will bring great values in leadership to the U.S. Department of Justice. prgtoken Ms. Gupta has devoted her career to public service and to protecting and advancing the civil and constitutional rights we all cherish as Americans. President , Attorney General Garland, and Lisa Monaco, the President's nominee to be Deputy Attorney General, have all made clear Ms. Gupta would serve as an integral part of the leadership team at the Justice Department. She would bring to that critical role a long record of working with folks across the ideological spectrum in our country on some of our Nation's most difficult and most sensitive issues, some that are urgent and pressing like criminal justice reform and policing. prgtoken Unfortunately, a campaign launched against Ms. Gupta shortly after her nomination has painted a misleading portrait of her as a partisan and a radical. I won't repeat or rehash these unfounded critiques, but the fact is this caricature could not be further from the truth. prgtoken As letter after letter has come in from her supporters to the Judiciary Committee, in which I serve, we heard over and over that, at her core, Ms. Gupta is a person who seeks to build bridges, to understand others' points of view, and to build consensus and solve problems. prgtoken One of the elements of this campaign to mischaracterize her suggests that somehow she is anti-police or anti-law enforcement, and, in this particular instance, the distinction between those who worked with her and know her and what we have heard in this social media campaign and in our committee and here on the floor of the Senate could not be sharper. prgtoken We heard from multiple leading national law enforcement organizations that have worked with her in specific and clear and concrete terms. The National Sheriffs' Association, in their letter of support, said: Ms. Gupta has an open mind and a strong desire to understand the viewpoint of each stakeholder. She is able to find common ground with law enforcement. prgtoken They added: [Ms. Gupta] possesses immense credibility among law enforcement leaders. prgtoken And they said: [She is] exactly the type of leader who is needed in the Justice Department today. prgtoken From the Fraternal Order of Police: She always worked with us to find common ground, even when that seemed impossible. Her open and candid approach has created a working relationship grounded in mutual respect and understanding. prgtoken And the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association in their letter said: [Ms. Gupta
Nomination of Vanita Gupta (Executive Session)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-4-15

I am here to express my support for the nomination of Vanita Gupta to serve as Associate Attorney General. prgtoken It is a little strange here on the floor today because under normal circumstances I would talk about Ms. Gupta's exemplary record of service and how she will excel as the third in command of the Department of Justice and that she would be a consensus nominee. But the extraordinary effort to scuttle her nomination on a partisan basis in spite of her exemplary record asks some questions about what is going on here. prgtoken Vanita Gupta is an accomplished lawyer with a record of working well with just about everyone. When she was last at the Department, working on really difficult issues like use-of-force guidelines for police, she built solid relationships with law enforcement. So they have thrown their full-throated support behind her nomination. prgtoken Here are the law enforcement agencies and leaders that are supporting her: the Fraternal Order of Police; the Major County Sheriffs of America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the Major Cities Chiefs Association; the Police Executive Research Forum; the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association; NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; and a whole array of distinguished law enforcement leaders. prgtoken These are influential groups and respected individuals, and, for some of my colleagues, this kind of support from law enforcement is literally unbelievable. prgtoken So here is what my colleague, the junior Senator from Arkansas, asked Ms. Gupta about all these law enforcement endorsements during her confirmation hearing: ``Did you, or anyone on your behalf or anyone in or affiliated with the campaign transition or administration, pressure those organizations with threats of retaliation if they did not support your nomination?'' ``No, Senator,'' she answered. prgtoken And she wasn't kidding. Law enforcement doesn't brook threats from criminals, let alone Presidential candidates and executive nominees seeking their endorsement. prgtoken And, indeed, they stood up to dispute that insinuation. Here is what Jim Pasco, the executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, said in response: I was kind of shocked by it. If [the Senator] really suspects that, then he doesn't really know the law enforcement organizations as well as he thinks he does, and he certainly doesn't know Vanita Gupta as well as I know her. prgtoken Chuck Wexler is the head of the Police Executive Research Forum, and here is how he responded: Do you really think you can stand up to law enforcement and threaten them? Do you really think that's going to work? We never forgot that she stood with us when it mattered. prgtoken That is the reason for her support from law enforcement: She stood with them w
RELIEF FOR ADULT-DISABLED DEPENDENTS
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-4-15

last year, the CARES Act delivered relief checks to millions, but families were disappointed to learn that their dependent adult children weren't eligible to receive support, including the family in Eagan, Minnesota. prgtoken Debbie and Victor are proud parents to their wonderful son, Josh, who has complex medical needs. Expenses are constant for the family. Home-care nurses and their two grown sons provide 24- hour care for Josh. Despite that, as an adult-disabled dependent, Josh didn't qualify for relief. prgtoken It was because of stories like these that I introduced the All Dependent Children Count Act and pushed to ensure that Josh and millions of other dependent adult children could receive the relief they deserve. prgtoken I am so proud we were finally able to get this in the American Rescue Plan and give families like the es an additional $1,400, allowing them the freedom and support to enjoy some well-deserved time in Minnesota's great outdoors.
INSULAR AREA MEDICAID PARITY ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , today, I introduce the Northern Mariana Islands Wage and Economic Stability Act. This legislation delays for 18 months, in the Marianas only, any national increase in the federal minimum wage that Congress may enact. My bill, also, requires a Government Accountability Office report on the economic impact in the Marianas of such a national wage increase. prgtoken Unlike the rest of our nation, where minimum wage has been static, the minimum wage in the Marianas has more than doubled over recent years to reach the federal level of $7.25. prgtoken These substantial increases have made life better for thousands of Marianas families and encouraged more U.S. workers to enter the workforce. prgtoken But I had to carefully time those increases year-by-year with legislation and based on the help of Government Accountability Office reports to ensure--successfully--that wages went up without jeopardizing jobs. prgtoken Economic conditions in the Marianas remain separate from the national situation. Whereas Gross Domestic Product rose nationally in 2019, in the Marianas GDP plunged 11.2 percent that year. That decline came after a 19.3 percent decrease in 2018. And it is reasonable to expect the picture in the Marianas for 2020 will be no better. Our tourism- based economy will remain dormant until the pandemic has passed. Meanwhile, nationally, we expect growth on the order of 6 percent this year. prgtoken My point is simply this: If we are going to raise the wage in the Marianas--and, believe me, I do--then we must do it as we did before: with a close eye on the economic conditions in the islands. They are vastly different than conditions in the nation as a whole. prgtoken Again, I fully support raising the minimum wage in our country. It has been static too long. I am a cosponsor of the Raise the Wage Act--I want workers to earn more. prgtoken I believe the best way to accomplish that goal in the insular area I represent, however, is through my legislation, the Northern Mariana Islands Wage and Economic Stability Act. My bill will give Congress the analytical tools and the time to consider how best to schedule wage increases in the Marianas to improve the lives of workers and their families, while ensuring the businesses employing those workers can thrive.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to express my support of the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill I'm proud to have voted for in the previous Congress. prgtoken Today, women make up the majority of the college-educated workforce, yet only earn approximately 82 percent of what men earn. For women of color, the pay gap is even worse. prgtoken This legislation is critical because it makes significant progress in eliminating pay discrimination against women by providing them the necessary protections and tools to combat sex-based pay discrimination. prgtoken Simply put, ensuring that one half of the workforce is paid as much for the same job as the other half is a matter of basic rights and fairness. Women deserve better, and I look forward to voting for this bill once again.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken I would hope we would defeat the amendment. This just recreates the loopholes that we are trying to close. You have to start with the idea that there is a differential in pay. And what we are trying to do is-- if you can explain this in any kind of way that is business-related, then they get away with it. prgtoken The Fair Pay Act says it has to be bona fide and required by the job. If it is not required by the job, why do you have a differential in pay? prgtoken We can do better than this, and I hope we defeat the amendment. prgtoken Madam , .
ADELAIDE ROMO SONNEMAN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Adelaide Romo Sonneman for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken Adelaide Romo Sonneman received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Adelaide Romo Sonneman is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Adelaide Romo Sonneman for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-4-15

I include in the Record a letter from the American Bar Association supporting passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. American Bar Association, April 13, 2021. Re ABA Urges Passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Bar Association (ABA), the largest voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals in the world. I am writing to urge you to vote for passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would update the Equal Pay Act of 1963 enacted by Congress almost 60 years ago to prohibit gender-based pay inequality. This legislation, which is expected to come to the floor this week, has the support of working men and women across the country who want this nation to live up to its expressed commitment to equal pay for equal work. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibits an employer from paying unequal wages to male and female workers who perform jobs under similar work conditions that require substantially equal skill, effort, and responsibility unless there is a legitimate reason for a pay differential. The Paycheck Fairness Act does not alter the basic scheme of this statute or impose unreasonable burdens on employers; indeed, the majority of its proposed changes are borrowed from other civil rights statutes that have proved more effective in eradicating workplace discrimination. We would like to respond to some persistent misperceptions regarding this important legislation: Enactment of this bill will not compel businesses to pay their female workforce substantially more money to eliminate the existing wage gap. The purpose of this bill is to update the Equal Pay Act, which only applies in situations where women or men are receiving unequal pay for equal work. It does not create a new mandate. Employers already have a legal obligation to pay men and women equal wages for equal work unless there is a legitimate reason for the differential. Enactment of this bill will not interject the government into the pay decisions of businesses. The Paycheck Fairness Act does not tell employers what factors to use to set pay; it only requires that pay decisions are job- and business- related. Enactment of this bill will not make employers liable for any and every wage differential. An employer will still have four affirmative defenses and will not be guilty of wage discrimination if a pay differential is based on (i) seniority, (ii) merit, (iii) a system that measures quantity or quality of production, or (iv) a ``factor other than sex.'' 29 U.S.C. 206(d)(l). The only difference is that Paycheck Fairness Act will resolve uncertainty in the law over how t
RECOGNIZING NORTHWEST INDIANA HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , as an avid basketball player, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the exceptional achievements of all of the high-school basketball players in Northwest Indiana this past year, who safely showed up and put in the effort during the challenges of this health pandemic. I also want to recognize the following high-school basketball programs from Indiana's First Congressional District who represented our region during Semi-State and beyond this past season. Those teams include the Crown Point women's team, the Gary West Side men's team, and the Kouts men's team. prgtoken First, congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs of the Crown Point High School women's basketball team who won the Indiana High School Athletic Association's 4A State Championship on February 27, 2021. Special recognition also to Coach Chris Seibert who was appropriately named the 2021 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year by our leading local newspapers, the Post-Tribune and the Northwest Indiana Times, and also Jessica Carrothers who was named the Northwest Indiana Times 2021 Girls Basketball Player of the Year. I am inspired by the camaraderie of their team and the demonstration of how their hard-work has truly paid off. prgtoken Additionally, congratulations to the Gary West Side High School men's basketball team who won their Regional championship game to advance to Indiana's Class 4A Semi-State on March 20, 2021. The Cougars fought their way for every second, taking the game to overtime where they lost by a mere five points. I applaud Coach Chris Buggs, his coaching staff, and the men who gave it their all to the very end. prgtoken And I also congratulate the Kouts High School men's basketball team for winning the Semi-State Championship for the first time in the school's history. The Mustangs competed in the IHSAA Class IA State Tournament on April 3, 2021, and ended their season with an overall record of 29-3. I applaud Coach Kevin Duzan and these young men for their successful season and the legacy they have left. prgtoken These truly remarkable teams achieved great success during this very challenging year. For their skill, tremendous hard work, dedication to the game, and for representing our region, these outstanding young athletes deserve to be recognized and congratulated for their incredible seasons. prgtoken Madam , please join me again in congratulating our basketball players on their achievements and for making all of Northwest Indiana and their schools, families, and communities so very proud.
TAKING ACTION TO CLOSE PAY GAP
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-15

I rise in strong support of the Paycheck Fairness Act. prgtoken On average, women are paid just 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The gap is even larger, almost double, for women of color. Compounded over a lifetime, the pay gap becomes a wealth tax, costing women thousands and thousands of dollars in lost wages. prgtoken Longstanding workplace discrimination sets women back in pay, benefits, hiring, and promotions. Closing the pay gap will provide more financial stability for women, especially those who are hardest hit by the pandemic. prgtoken At a recent Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on Equal Pay Day, soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe testified: ``One cannot simply outperform inequality.'' prgtoken Combating pay discrimination requires deliberate action, and that is what the Paycheck Fairness bill does. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important bill.
VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-15

yesterday, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of Senators voted to move forward on Senator Hirono and Senator Duckworth's anti-Asian hate crimes bill. I was pleased the vote was so substantial, 92 to 6. Rarely do you see 92 Senators agree to move forward with any piece of legislation. But if there was ever a topic that deserves a strong showing of bipartisan support, it is standing up to bigotry and racism against a particular group of Americans. prgtoken Today, we will continue to work on a bipartisan agreement regarding amendments. I have committed to start the process with the bipartisan Moran-Blumenthal amendment. I understand my colleague from Maine has some modifications to the bill, which we welcome, and those negotiations are proceeding afoot. I expect the leader and I, in consultation with the relevant committees, will be able to figure out an appropriate number of reasonable, germane, and non-gotcha amendments for the Senate to consider. prgtoken We are working with Senators Moran, Grassley, and Collins in a very bipartisan way, and we should be able to wrap up this bill next week. By doing so, the Senate will deliver a powerful message to Asian Americans that their voices are heard, their concerns are felt, and that their government will take swift, decisive action to protect them. They are not alone. prgtoken Before I move on, I just want to say to my colleagues: This is how the Senate can work, even though it is closely divided. When there is a pressing issue, like the rising tide of anti-Asian violence, the Senate can act quickly and in a bipartisan way to address it. prgtoken We don't need to always distrust the other party. This bill was never intended to be a messaging bill or gotcha legislation. This bill is like a drive straight down the middle of the fairway--well-timed, modest, unobjectionable. prgtoken At the end of the day, we can achieve a result that has both substantive and symbolic importance: substantive because we are going to adjust the focus of the Justice Department to better respond to anti-Asian hate crimes and symbolic because both parties are standing up to deliver a message that racism and bigotry have no place--no place--in America. That is an undeniably good result