mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-7-9

I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 336, on Monday, July 8, 2024. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Floridians of the 2nd Congressional District of Florida. The Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act is long overdue and must be passed into law. This bill will support our coastal waters by designating the ancient cypress forest in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Alabama as the ``Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary,'' and, prohibits the following activities within the sanctuary: cutting, removing, or any kind of subsurface salvage of the cypress trees; lowering certain devices (e.g. dredging) below the surface of the water; detonating explosives below the surface of the water; drilling or coring the seabed; and lowering, laying, positioning, or raising any type of seabed cable or cable-laying device. prgtoken I am wholeheartedly supportive of H.R. 897, the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act--as a Representative of a coastal district myself, protecting the forest (between 50,000 to 70,000 years old) is important to preserving the remains of this ancient riverbed. I appreciate the bipartisan effort to protect the forest under the 1972 Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act which would not only federally protect the forest, but also provide more resources for research and ways to sustainably increase eco-tourism opportunities. I also support that the bill provides specific exemptions to allow certain activities, including for: fishing, diving, mooring, or similar recreational or commercial activities; necessary operations of public vessels; construction or placement of artificial reef structures for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources, fishing opportunities, or recreational diving opportunities; and exploration, development, or production of oil or gas projects authorized before this bill's enactment. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 897 (Roll Call No. 336).
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2053 (Executive Calendar)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2024-7-9

reserving the right to object, my pro-life colleagues and I most certainly do not oppose any individual's freedom to travel across this great country, but we do take issue with this effort to give bad actors cover from prosecution. prgtoken While this bill poses as protecting pregnant women from prosecution, it would actually put vulnerable women and girls in harm's way if it became law. This would allow traffickers and abusive partners, parents, or relatives to take vulnerable women and girls across State lines to obtain abortions in an attempt to cover up their abuse. prgtoken These same abusers would also be given the freedom to travel across State lines to stockpile dangerous chemical abortion drugs to bring back to a life-affirming State. The chemical abortion regimen can pose dramatic complications that a woman or girl should never have to deal with, especially without medical care at her home. prgtoken According to the FDA's own label, these abortion drugs send roughly 1 in 25 women to the emergency room. prgtoken With this legislative effort before us, we see pro-abortion advocates promoting the scariest possible scenario by allowing a teenage girl to start the chemical abortion process across State lines with mifepristone, only to be sent back to her home State to deal with the physically and emotionally painful process alone. prgtoken We can and must do far better to protect women and girls from this heartbreaking and dangerous situation, and we certainly should not be shielding bad actors from prosecution. prgtoken It is for these reasons that I must object.
RECOGNIZING COLONEL KENNY CUSHING
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-7-9

I rise today in recognition of Colonel Kenny Cushing's honorable service to this Nation. prgtoken Colonel Kenny Cushing retired from our United States Air Force on June 1, 2024, after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1996 and serving over 20 years on active duty, the Reserves, and in the Air National Guard. During his career, Colonel Cushing achieved many accolades and impacted our Nation in many ways. Kenny was a distinguished graduate from many of his Air Force programs to include being the Top Graduate from his intelligence officer school class and a distinguished graduate from the USAF Weapons School, the Air Force's ``Top Gun''. prgtoken Colonel Cushing served in increasing assignments of responsibility, to include multiple prgtoken deployments, throughout his career. He concluded his career as the senior military officer assigned to the new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security. Handpicked by the Department of Defense during the initial creation of CISA by President , Colonel Cushing led critical interagency coordination of national cybersecurity plans. During COVID, he led collaboration efforts between agencies, ensuring smooth flow of information, and informed vaccine distribution decisions. Colonel Cushing was the Commander of the Cyber Coordination Element for the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security for historic President of the United States elections in 2020, laying the groundwork for successful elections protection. His talent and impact moved us years ahead in mission assurance, intelligence exchange, and cyber teaming. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in recognizing Colonel Cushing's outstanding service. May God bless Kenny in all his future endeavors.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 8281, SAFEGUARD AMERICAN VOTER ELIGIBILITY ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION H.J. RES. 165, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-7-9

. Madam , such time as I may consume. I respond to the gentleman from Texas by saying: When speak of freedom, we are talking about freedom for people, not for dishwashers. prgtoken The gentleman raised the issue of Project 2025 as somehow it is the product of some distant think tank. prgtoken Madam , I would include in the Record a list of all the former administration officials who are architects of this atrocious document. prgtoken I also point out for the record that the key witness in the House Administration Committee on this horrific voter suppression bill is one of the coarchitects of Project 2025. prgtoken The gentleman tried to take a swipe at the Center for American Progress. I think they actually have good ideas, but the Center for American Progress doesn't want to install as a dictator, unlike what Project 2025 wants to do with regard to . prgtoken Madam , we know that there is a lot that we can do when you have competent leadership in control. Look at the last Congress when the were in charge. We invested to rebuild our neglected infrastructure of airports, roads, bridges, and ports in our communities. prgtoken Many of my friends voted against it, but my colleagues on the other side of the aisle take bows and issue press releases when the majority gets the money and a project is happening in their district. prgtoken We brought manufacturing back to the United States, passing the Chips and Science Act to drive innovation and create good-paying jobs. We made the largest investment in climate, protecting our water and our air. We strengthened our supply chains and set up new programs to support minority businesses. We ensured that our veterans got healthcare that they earned during their service. prgtoken I would say to my friends: It is possible for us to deliver for the American people, though I haven't seen much of it yet this year. All we have done is vote on bills that destroy and dismantle progress, that further polarize this country. Now the far-right fringe are forcing us in a way that we are plummeting toward a costly government shutdown in an effort to get their extreme agenda through. prgtoken Madam , I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record an article from The Hill titled: `` deliver as s dither.''
HONORING ANDRE JONES
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-9

I rise today to honor Nat Vikitsreth in recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. prgtoken Nat is the founder of Come Back to Care based in the Illinois-03 and a self-described dot connector, norm agitator, and a lover of liberation. She brings wit, authenticity, honesty, and audacity to the work of collaborating with parents to address intergenerational family trauma and healing from internalized oppression. prgtoken Nat unapologetically pursues social justice and liberation in her practice while rooting her work in our sacred shared humanity. prgtoken While she has a long, impressive list of awards, publications, and traditional credentials to be proud of, Nat believes that her work with parents, caregivers, and children is the highest honor. prgtoken On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Nat Vikitsreth for her contributions to mental health, especially for Black and Brown communities, and her unwavering commitment to the sacred work of healing and justice. prgtoken I thank and congratulate Nat. Honoring Jack Ross
STOP UNAFFORDABLE DISHWASHER STANDARDS ACT
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-7-9

we often talk about kitchen table issues, and what better time to elevate those issues than this week, which you all have declared in honor of refrigerator freedom. prgtoken Specifically, as I was walking around July Fourth, I heard a lot of issues from my constituents about refrigerators. prgtoken Some of them asked: Who put the meat in the crisper drawer? prgtoken That was a big fight. prgtoken Why aren't you using the egg holder for your eggs? prgtoken If you use the last of the mustard, don't just put it back in the fridge; go to the store and get some more mustard. prgtoken That is a fight. prgtoken There is the always controversial: Should we or should we not replace a perfectly good refrigerator just because it doesn't match our cabinets? prgtoken These are the real issues that are bothering Americans around their kitchen table when they talk about refrigerators. If those sound silly, I will only point out that those issues are vastly more important, more substantive, and are legitimate points of debate. You can argue both sides of any of those issues more than anything in this bill because this bill doesn't address those issues. All it does is gut efficiency standards that if left in place will save American consumers more than $3 billion on their utility bills over the next three decades. prgtoken I am going to say this very slowly so everybody across the aisle can understand: If you save energy, then you don't have to pay for energy. prgtoken I think you all know this, , because some of you have probably at some point said to your kids: Shut the window. I have got the AC on. I don't want to waste energy. I don't want to waste money when I cool my house. prgtoken That is the same thing here in these standards. prgtoken Also, I think, as anybody who has ever sat around a kitchen table knows, Americans kind of like to save money on their energy bills. Here we find ourselves with efficiency standards in place that lower Americans' utility bills, and s are proposing legislation to block Americans from access to cheaper energy in the name of refrigerator freedom. God bless refrigerators. prgtoken I oppose this bill because it is bad for consumers, it is bad for the environment, and, quite honestly, it is bad for this institution because it is a waste of our time. prgtoken Furthermore, at the appropriate time, , I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If House rules permitted, I would have offered this motion with an important amendment to this bill, and my amendment would require that the act not take effect until the Secretary of Energy submits to Congress a certification that this act, including amendments made by this act, will not result in higher energy costs for American consumers. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 2024 (Executive Calendar)
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2024-7-9

I rise to urge my ic and colleagues to stand with the majority of Americans who believe a woman should have the right to choose what is best for her and her family, health, and future. prgtoken The bills we are advancing today are commonsense, straightforward measures that will ensure more women can access the safe reproductive care that they need and deserve. Our legislation will also ensure that doctors can do their jobs, get the training they need to keep their patients safe. prgtoken For 2 years, millions of women across this country have lived without full reproductive rights, while many more live in fear that their rights and freedoms could be on the chopping block. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has jeopardized Americans' lives, health, and future fertility. The Dobbs decision also forced women and their doctors to navigate a complicated and ever-changing patchwork of laws that dictate Americans' rights based on their ZIP codes. prgtoken For example, in my home State of Wisconsin, women were sent back to live under an 1849 criminal abortion ban. Judges and politicians were invited into the exam room, while lawyers told doctors how to do their jobs. And these dire impacts reached further than exam rooms; they reached into medical schools that are training our next generation of doctors. prgtoken For our top-ranked medical schools, a post-Roe reality sowed chaos as students and their instructors wondered how future doctors in our State would have access to the full slate of training necessary to safely practice obstetrics and gynecology. prgtoken The overturning of Roe put those medical schools' accreditations on the line. It opened the prospect that OB/GYNs might not be trained to provide sometimes lifesaving abortion care. No matter who you are, the idea that doctors could graduate without the proper training to do their jobs and save lives should scare all of us. prgtoken We also saw prospective students who might otherwise be attracted to our top-tier research institutions reconsider starting their careers in Wisconsin. We saw a downtick of OB/GYN residents interested in coming to our State. And while it is disheartening to say, can you blame them? Why would you want to start a career in a State that restricts you from doing your job and prevents your patients from exercising their right to control their own bodies? prgtoken That is why last year I introduced my Reproductive Health Care Training Act, commonsense legislation to support training for healthcare providers in abortion care, including for providers forced to travel out of State due to abortion restrictions. prgtoken My bill with Senator Murray would help ease the burden of travel costs for eligible medical programs to expand and support education for students, residents, and advanced practice clinicians in States that allow comprehensive training in abortion care. prgtoken Our legislation would also help ensure
STOP UNAFFORDABLE DISHWASHER STANDARDS ACT
Kathy Castor (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2024-7-9

. I was about to answer the question on everyone's mind: Why would anyone oppose putting money back into the pockets of hardworking American families? prgtoken It is because the GOP is so aligned with oil and gas companies that they want you to use as much energy as possible. The utility companies want you to use as much energy as possible, , because that benefits their bottom line and not yours. prgtoken Rather than do the dirty work for polluters and electric utilities, I would say: Let's stand up for the families we represent and put money back into their pockets. Whether it is a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an AC, or whatever it is, they need a little bit of relief. We are here to serve them and not the special interest groups. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.
HONORING LINDA KEYS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2024-7-9

. Mr, , I rise today to honor a remarkable individual, Ms. Linda Keys. prgtoken Linda Keys was born in July 1955 to the late Willie and Mary Phipps Keys. She grew up in a rural farming community where hard work and familial support were fundamental values. Being the youngest of seven children, Linda witnessed her parents' dedication firsthand. Her father worked tirelessly as a farmer to provide the necessities of life, while her mother juggled he roles of homemaker and wage earner, demonstrating an unparalleled work ethic. prgtoken Raised in Mississippi Linda's upbringing instilled in her a drive for academic excellence and a belief in the transformative power of education. She graduated from Quitman County High School (QCHS) in Marks, Mississippi, in 1973 and then pursued higher education at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1978. Although Linda initially aspired to become an educator, her path took an unexpected turn when she was offered a full-time position at Ford Motor Company after completing internships. Embracing the opportunity Linda embarked on a career that required her to balance the demands of work. education. and motherhood with unwavering determination. prgtoken After the passing of her husband in 2012, Linda transitioned into a retired lifestyle until her mother's declining health prompted her to move back to Mississippi in 2015. It was during this period that Linda's compassion for the less fortunate was reignited, as she witnessed children enduring the bitter cold without adequate clothing. prgtoken Motivated to make a difference, Linda founded Mississippi Coats4Kidz in January 2016, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing coats, blankets, and other essentials to children living in poverty across Mississippi. Through her steadfast leadership and the support of various stakeholders, including grants, sponsors, and donors, Linda's organization has distributed over 100,000 coats to date offering warmth and hope to countless children in need. prgtoken Linda's philanthropic efforts have garnered recognition and accolades, including certificates of recognition from the Mississippi State Senate awards from organizations such as Men United and WMC Action News 5, and the prestigious Governor's Initiative for Volunteers of Excellence award in 2022. prgtoken In addition to her charitable endeavors, Linda is an active member of various professional and nonprofit associations, including National Association of Professional Women and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits. She is a devout believer in the power of faith and community and attends Pleasant Grove M.B. Church in Crenshaw, Mississippi, where she finds spiritual guidance under the leadership of Pastor Prez Jackson. prgtoken As Linda continues her mission to serve the vulnerable members of her community, her unwavering commitment to making a difference, one coat at a time,
CELEBRATING STELLA JIMENEZ
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-9

I rise today to recognize and commend the dedication and hard work of an outstanding employee, Stella Jimenez, as I bid her farewell as she moves on to the next step of her career. prgtoken Stella Jimenez brought a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to community service. prgtoken Stella's journey was characterized by her unwavering dedication to enact positive change. prgtoken In her capacity as District Director, Stella assumed a pivotal role in leading diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of residents in Imperial and Riverside Counties. prgtoken Stella demonstrated a profound understanding of the community's needs and challenges. Her leadership, characterized by a unique combination of grace and effectiveness, garnered admiration and respect from colleagues and constituents alike. prgtoken Stella's dedication to community engagement was unparalleled. Whether it was championing the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument or ensuring full stakeholder engagement in Imperial County, she approached each initiative with unwavering determination and a genuine desire to make a difference. prgtoken Stella's influence extended to coordinating high-profile events, such as the Department of Homeland Security's visit to present the Outstanding Citizen by Choice Initiative Award by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. prgtoken Under her guidance, these events not only achieved success but also carried a deeply personal touch, reflecting Stella's commitment to meaningful engagement and connection. prgtoken Collaborating closely with the staff of White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu, Stella facilitated impactful visits to various sites. prgtoken Through her efforts, she fostered community dialogue and left a lasting impact, further solidifying her reputation as a dedicated and effective advocate for change. prgtoken Stella's colleagues referred to her as someone who was always reachable, willing to advocate for them, and someone who went above and beyond to go across the aisle and work with local and state partners to help a constituent in need. prgtoken She empowered others to navigate challenges with newfound assurance and strength. prgtoken The impact of Stella's mentorship on many is immeasurable. Her guidance not only shaped others' professional trajectories but left an indelible mark on their personal development as well. prgtoken I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of working with Stella Jimenez. prgtoken Through her tireless efforts and unwavering passion, Stella Jimenez stood as a beacon of inspiration, leaving an enduring and profound impact on the communities she served. Her legacy continues to inspire others to strive for positive change and to make a difference in the world around them. prgtoken I look forward to seeing what Stella Jimenez does next and know that she will continue to inspire those around her.