mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE WOSB INTEGRITY ACT OF 2024
Celeste Maloy (Republican, UT) \u2014 2024-2-28

I thank Chairman Williams for yielding me time. I also thank Ranking Member Velazquez for her support on this legislation. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, The WOSB Integrity Act of 2024. prgtoken The purpose of this bill is to make sure that the businesses that are taking advantage of the WOSB program are, in fact, small businesses. They are certifying that they are women-owned, but they are self- certifying that they are small. prgtoken The SBA inspector general found that there is room for fraud in this program, so this is simply a commonsense solution to close a loophole to make sure this program is serving the purpose it was intended to serve, which is giving women-owned small businesses the opportunity to compete in Federal contracting. It encourages fair competition, levels the playing field in government contracting, and ensures the opportunities are awarded justly and contribute to a competitive small business sector. prgtoken We have a goal of awarding 5 percent of government contracts to women-owned small businesses. We have no way of knowing how well we are doing in meeting that goal if we don't have any way of certifying that these WOSBs are, in fact, small businesses. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
ATOMIC ENERGY ADVANCEMENT ACT
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-2-28

. Madam , Ranking Member Pallone and his staff have been very good to work with the majority staff on this bill, and I thank them for that. prgtoken Last year, when I was given the opportunity to chair the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee, Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and I had a lot of talk about nuclear energy. This is a culmination of a lot of that initial discussion. prgtoken Madam , I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Texas Independence Day (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-28

. On Saturday, March 2, the great State of Texas will celebrate 188 years since we declared our independence from Mexico and fought for liberty. In the fight for our independence, many brave Texans laid down their lives at the Alamo, including William Barret Travis, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett. They risked everything to make liberty a reality for generations of Texans to come. prgtoken It is a tradition on Texas Independence Day to read the words of Colonel Travis, leader of the besieged forces at the Alamo. His call for reinforcements resounded across Texas, across America, and across the world, and it reminds us of the bravery of those who fought there and died for liberty. prgtoken I have had the blessing to read this letter aloud many, many times, and every time, it stirs the spirit and speaks to the heart. Commandancy of The Alamo, Bejar, Feby 24th. 1836. To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-- Fellow Citizens & compatriots-- I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country--Victory or Death. [Signed] William Barret Travis. [Lieutenant colonel commandant]. P.S. The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn--We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. Travis. prgtoken At the battle of Santa Jacinto on April 21, 1836, the Texans finally secured a decisive victory. We won our independence and formed the Republic of Texas, a new nation. Texas was an independent nation for 9 years before we officially became part of the United States of America in February of 1846. prgtoken Sam Houston, the founding father, the George Washington of the Lone Star State, was also born 231 years ago on March 2, on Texas Independence Day. Sam Houston was an extraordinary American. He was born in Virginia. He spent man
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARK SMAIL
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-2-28

I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Mark Smail, who sadly passed away at the age of 62 on February 17, 2024. prgtoken A graduate of Hempfield Area High School and the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Mark joined the family business at Smail Auto Group and spent the next 40 years establishing the company as an institutional pillar of the Westmoreland County business community. Mark replaced his father as General Manager in 2018 and became the third generation of the Smail family to lead the business. prgtoken Mark distinguished himself through his leadership, business acumen, and dedication to the community. The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce named Smail Auto Group the 2021 Business of the Year, largely due to the company's ability to keep all 500 employees on staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark's continuous participation in industry and community associations also earned widespread praise. In recognition of his commitment to civic engagement, the Pennsylvania Automotive Association awarded Mark the 2021 Bud Smail Political Advocacy Award. The award pays homage to Mark's late father, who inspired him to work hard and give back to his community. prgtoken Mark shared his father's determination to give back to the community and strived to make southwestern Pennsylvania a better place to live. As a philanthropist, Mark raised millions of dollars for local nonprofits. He contributed to and volunteered with many organizations, including the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, the Magee-Women's Research Institute and Foundation, the Troops First Foundation, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, and the Westmoreland Food Bank. prgtoken As a devoted husband and father, Mark cherished his friends and family. Mark will be remembered by his wife of 35 years, Kelly, and their children, Taylor and Marcus. His memory will undoubtedly serve as an example of love, devotion to one's family, and selfless service. prgtoken , Mark Smail dedicated his life to the people of Westmoreland County and southwestern Pennsylvania. His legacy is the epitome of a life well-lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish his family healing during this difficult time.
D.C. ROBERT F. KENNEDY MEMORIAL STADIUM CAMPUS REVITALIZATION ACT
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-2-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 4984, a bill that will provide economic opportunities to an area of our Nation's Capital in dire need of revitalization. prgtoken The bill transfers administrative jurisdiction over the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus from our National Park Service to the District of Columbia. prgtoken Under H.R. 4984, the Federal Government will retain ownership of the land while the District of Columbia manages the development, costs, and the use of the land. prgtoken Transferring administrative jurisdiction over property is a unique tool for the Congress, which allows the Federal Government to retain title to lands while the district assumes the responsibilities of administration and maintenance. prgtoken This tool has already been used multiple times to great effect in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken Under the current law granting D.C. a 99-year lease of land, the District cannot engage in any commercial or residential development of the land. With the lease set to expire in 2038, there are few options for future use of the property without congressional action. prgtoken This status quo is untenable. prgtoken H.R. 4984 fixes this problem by allowing stadium purposes, recreational purposes, and residential and commercial development. This allows the District of Columbia to revitalize this site, turning what was once a blight on our Nation's Capital into a thriving area of commerce and community. prgtoken Importantly, the bill also imposes any remediation or environmental costs onto the District of Columbia, saving taxpayer dollars that would otherwise be spent by the National Park Service. prgtoken As Congress continues to carry out its oversight duties over our Nation's Capital, this bipartisan bill will help create jobs and improve our great Capital City. prgtoken , .
ATOMIC ENERGY ADVANCEMENT ACT
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-2-28

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I rise in support today of H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. prgtoken I represent western Kentucky coal communities, including Muhlenberg, McLean, and Ohio Counties. Unfortunately, Washington ' war on coal has resulted in the loss of good-paying jobs and key energy production for our Commonwealth and our Nation. prgtoken I introduced the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, which is included in this package, to ensure that we continue to use Kentucky's experienced energy workers to bring back American energy independence and ensure our leadership as an energy producer. We have an opportunity to repurpose sites, like retired coal facilities, to reinstate American energy dominance. prgtoken I am committed to making sure we have affordable, reliable energy from a diverse energy portfolio, while empowering communities who powered our Nation for generations to help us continue to keep the lights on for years to come. prgtoken Madam , I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
END HUNGER NOW
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-2-29

as we work on fiscal year 2024 appropriation bills, I rise to highlight Federal investments that are improving food security in my home State of Massachusetts. prgtoken This month, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources distributed over $7 million in Federal funding to local anti-hunger programs like Growing Places in Leominster, the Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers, and Grow Food Northampton. prgtoken As a part of this distribution, MDAR is awarding additional State- funded grants to organizations like Together We Eat in my hometown of Worcester to teach kids how to grow food using repurposed shipping containers, and to Just Roots, an incredible nonprofit community farm in Greenfield. prgtoken I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Agriculture Commissioner Randle, and Deputy Commissioner Pitcoff for prioritizing food security in the Bay State. prgtoken I am proud to advocate for robust funding for these grant programs, which are an example of how leveraging Federal and State dollars can support innovative work to improve food security. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me so that we can continue fighting to end hunger now.
Reproductive Rights (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-2-29

when my three children were born, it was unlike anything else I have ever, ever experienced before. Those 3 days were the best in my life, and it is hard to put into words how beautiful and how daunting it is to have a child. prgtoken Every American who wants to be a parent should have that opportunity, and when they are faced with medical challenges while starting a family, they should have the right to pursue every resource to help them navigate that process. IVF is one of those tools, and it has helped countless Americans. For those who have experienced frequent miscarriages, suffered from genetic disorders, or are otherwise affected by infertility, IVF is an essential procedure. It is safe. It is necessary. And it has given millions of people the chance to have a family. prgtoken Last week, a ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court put the future of IVF in jeopardy. So my ic colleagues and I went to work. We proposed a bill that would protect the right to seek IVF treatment for all Americans. I am grateful to Senators Duckworth and Murray for leading the charge on this legislation, and I was proud to be one of the cosponsors. prgtoken But, yesterday, s blocked the Senate from passing it. They decided to put politics before protecting a critical medical procedure. They have put this resource at risk, one that has allowed millions of women and LGBTQ Americans to have children. They think that they know better than doctors. They think they know better than parents. They think they know more than four decades of proven science. The bill they opposed is literally pro-life and pro-family. Yet s refused to put it on the floor. prgtoken Let's not forget how this all started. Senate s stood with former President when he stacked the Supreme Court with extreme judges. And when the Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it ripped the right to make choices about reproductive healthcare away from millions of women. prgtoken And now conservatives across the country feel empowered to take it even further. The ruling in Alabama is just the latest instance in the war against reproductive freedom. It could keep millions of Americans from starting families, and Senate s are just fine with that. prgtoken We don't know how far this will go. We don't know what other proven procedures s will try to take away from families in the future. We don't know what effect these rulings will have on new innovations in fertility science. We don't know if they are going to come after birth control next. But one thing is very, very clear: This is just the beginning of their efforts to deny reproductive freedom. prgtoken IVF should be available to every American citizen who needs it. And when someone is choosing to have children, politicians should never get in the way. prgtoken I call on my colleagues to support the Access to Family Building Act, to stop playing pol
CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS JASPER
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2024-2-29

today, I stand to honor Former State Representative Thomas Jasper, a gentleman near and dear to the citizens of New Orleans and Louisiana's Second Congressional District, as he celebrates his 95th Birthday. prgtoken Native New Orleanian Thomas Jasper was born on February 23, 1929, An ambitious and promising young man that attended Booker T. Washington Sr. High School in the 2nd Congressional District. After high school, he served in the United States Armed Forces and later graduated from Southern University at New Orleans. He is a notable accountant and professional, serving in several key administrative positions in city and state governments. He proudly and successfully served the Lower Nine Housing Development Corporation, Minority Business Development, and Louisiana State Office of Minority Affairs under the leadership of former Louisiana Governors Edwards and David Treen and former City of New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. prgtoken In 1976, he was elected to serve as Louisiana State Representative to House District 102 in the Lower Ninth Ward. He was a co-founding member of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. He completed his tenure in 1980. He consistently demonstrated servant leadership acumen by being elected to the New Orleans State Central ic Committee and ic National Convention as a delegate. prgtoken From 2016 through 2021, it was an honor to have his support and insight as my trusted Advisor during my term as Louisiana State Senator. Mr. Jasper also was my trusted Advisor during my tenures at Councilman of District C in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1994 to 2002. prgtoken Avid community leader Mr. Jasper can always be found helping others in the community, advising on business development, and providing referrals to resources. prgtoken A pillar of Mr. Jasper's family upbringing is the biblical teachings regarding service to all God's children. As a young man and throughout most of his adult years, Mr. Jasper was a member of the Historic Second Baptist Church, serving as a Sanctuary choir member under Rev. Thomas Nelson Washington. A man dedicated to the will of God, he was regularly found in Sunday school, singing in the Choir and being a guest soloist on church programs across the city, and he continues to do so today. Currently, he worships at the First Agape Baptist Church, where he serves as a senior deacon and treasurer under the ministry of the Rev. Eddie M. Payne. Mr. Jasper loves to minister in song. He favors the older spirituaIs like ``I'll Tell it Wherever I Go'' and ``King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away'' but is most inspired by ``What a Blessing in Jesus I've Found.'' prgtoken His favorite scripture is Romans 8:38-39 is his message to his children and grandchildren--``Be prayerful, have faith and trust in God, and let nothing separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.'' prgtoken Mr. Jasper is the son of Samuel and Louise Jasper, devoted husba
Introductory Statement on S. 4
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-2-29

on voting rights, later today, I will join several of my ic colleagues at a press conference to mark the reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. prgtoken John Lewis once said: Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community. prgtoken That is what John Lewis said. prgtoken With this legislation, we are not only honoring John Lewis and his lifetime fight for voting rights, we are also committed to doing our part to expand access to the ballot box and end voter discrimination, which has plagued this Republic since its founding. prgtoken I will have more to say later, but recent history makes it absolutely clear that we need these protections on the books. MAGA s across the country are continuing their dangerous crusade--self- serving--to restrict access to the ballot box, particularly when it comes to people of color ahead of the November election. prgtoken So will continue to heed the words of our late colleague, John Lewis, and we will work tirelessly to safeguard the right to vote and our democracy, advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. prgtoken We can--and must--build a more responsive democracy, a more perfect Union.
HONORING THREE AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS FROM OHIO'S NINTH DISTRICT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-2-29

. Madam , I rise today in observance of Black History Month to recognize three African-American trailblazers who called Ohio's Ninth District their home. prgtoken These Ohioans overcame systemic barriers, inspiring others to strive for equality and justice for all, and helped our region develop new horizons for the Nation. Their unwavering dedication to uplift their communities serves as a beacon of hope. prgtoken They remind us of the importance of celebrating ``e pluribus unum,'' ``out of many, one'' that defines the valued variants of a common humanity, the United States of America. There is no other Nation in the world like us. prgtoken By honoring the legacies of those who paved the way for progress, we remember these individuals for their historic firsts that broke down barriers for future generations; not just of Ohioans but for all of America. prgtoken Art Tatum's story is a testament to the power of music and the arts to lift the human spirit. Despite being visually impaired, he possessed an extraordinary gift for music that would propel him to legendary status in the world of jazz. prgtoken Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1909, Tatum's journey began with a passion for the piano. Entirely self-taught by the age of 19, he was already making waves in the jazz world, captivating audiences with his unparalleled virtuosity. prgtoken His performance in venues across northwest Ohio attracted the attention of fellow musicians, and Tatum's playing style was characterized by its astonishing speed, precision, and complexity. His mastery of the piano pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in technique and expression. The smallest perceptible time unit in music, which is called the tatum, is named after him to commemorate his achievement. prgtoken His influence extended far beyond the confines of jazz, shaping the very language of music itself in the character of our country. His name has become synonymous with excellence in jazz piano, and his impact on the genre continues to inspire future generations of musicians. prgtoken Linda Jefferson, her journey as a trailblazer in women's sports is not only remarkable, but also deeply intertwined with the history of northwest Ohio. Her early involvement in sports showcased her natural talent and dedication as well as her passion for competition. prgtoken However, it was her decision to join the Toledo Troopers, a professional women's football team, that propelled her into the spotlight. Responding to an advertisement in her hometown newspaper, the Toledo Blade, Linda seized the opportunity to become a part of something groundbreaking: professional women's football. prgtoken The Toledo Troopers, with Linda among their ranks, became dominant throughout the 1970s. Their unparalleled success not only brought glory to Toledo, but also shattered stereotypes about women in sports. prgtoken In 1975, Jefferson's exceptional achievements were honored when she graced the cover of wome