mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise in opposition to this measure as currently drafted. I do so with true regret because hidden inside all of the rhetoric and surplusage of this measure as drafted is, in fact, the foundation of a solid and responsible bill to fund our national defense as our chair and ranking member have both highlighted. prgtoken This is very regrettable overall since our national defense funding measure has largely escaped these diversions and focused on national defense. However, instead, we have before us today, in reality, a proposal that is crippled by avoidance of inconvenient realities, sacrifice of long-term goals for short-term expediency, pandering to extreme viewpoints, and to my friend and colleague, the chair's comments in opening statements, too narrow, I believe, a definition of warfighting and military readiness. prgtoken Especially telling in all of this is that in virtually all of these categories, our military disagrees with the deletions, with the cuts, and with the initiatives. prgtoken Our military has a broader view. Our military, I believe, does have the proper perspective on the panoply of efforts that are required for true warfighting and military readiness. prgtoken There are many, many examples. We are going to hear about them. We already have. We are debating them in amendments, but I want to highlight two that are perhaps small in the big picture but that I think illustrate exactly what the issue is that we face with this particular measure. prgtoken First of all, I would highlight environmental remediation. Our military is, obviously, out there in our country and in our world, and their activities have consequences to our environment. They are charged with avoiding those consequences and with remediating where there are consequences. Yet, this particular bill would slash the environmental remediation and restoration activities budget, which is a small part in the big picture of the Defense Department's budget, by somewhere around 10 percent. This is of great concern to all of us because this is part of warfighting and military readiness. prgtoken I would just cite a small example of this to make the point. In my home State of Hawaii, a major center of our military activities on the island of Maui, on the top of Mount Haleakala, the largest mountain, there is an effort by the U.S. Space Force to build seven small telescopes that are critical to the national defense, as anybody who knows this knows. In the vicinity is an Air Force facility at which there was a fuel spill. That fuel spill is being remediated by the Air Force right now. It is critical. The Air Force is committed to remediating it. It obviously needs the funding to do so. prgtoken Whether the military, through the Air Force, does, in fact, remediate fully, fairly, and completely is a major issue to the community in whether they will support critically important Space Force telescopes. There is, obviously, a direc
RECOGNIZING DAVID HAGLUND, PhD
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to recognize Pleasanton Unified School District Superintendent David Haglund on his retirement after seven years of service with the Pleasanton Unified School District on Thursday, August 1, 2024. prgtoken A native of Southern California, David received his Bachelors degree from Hope International University in 1985. He immediately took his talents to the classroom and began teaching for ten years. He then returned to school to receive his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University and a Doctorate in urban school leadership from the University of Southern California. prgtoken David began his career in school administration by serving the Riverside Unified School District in various leadership roles for 15 years. prgtoken When he began his tenure with Pleasanton Unified School District, David immediately addressed some of the district's most pressing issues. He stewarded a $270 million bond measure for school facility upgrades and fiercely advocated for several other policies and measures that improved student performance and experience. prgtoken David states that his favorite moments of each school year are the fist day of school and graduation, because they provide him the opportunity to tell every student how proud he is of them. prgtoken From his experience in the classroom to leading an entire school district, David has firsthand experience in every aspect of the educational process. He has demonstrated a level of connection with students, staff, and community members that every educator should strive for. His commitment to improving the learning environment of every student and staff member will be evident long after his retirement. prgtoken I thank David for his exceptional educational leadership at the Pleasanton Unified School District for seven years. His cheerful presence and creative thinking will be deeply missed. I wish him well- deserved rest and relaxation as he returns to Southern California to spend time with his family, including his three grandchildren.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Melanie A. Stansbury (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Lee for her exceptional years of leadership on international affairs. She is a beacon of hope for our country and to so many around the world. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose H.R. 8771, which is the GOP's State-Foreign Operations bill that is supposed to fund our international programs but, in this case, is defunding critical programs across the U.S. Government. prgtoken This bill will not only make the United States less safe, it will make the world less safe. It defunds critical programs for international security and stability and includes poison pills that would undermine American leadership on climate action. prgtoken It guts climate programs, undermines international commitments to our climate accords, and seeks to undermine U.S. leadership in tackling the climate crisis abroad and right here at home. prgtoken We have to ask ourselves why is the GOP proposing to do this? For years donors have funded candidates and organizations that have propagated lies about the climate and climate denialism. They have propped up international oil and gas companies and their profits while the American people have paid for it at the pump and with billions of dollars in damages caused by extreme weather and climate inaction. prgtoken Make no mistake: Climate change is real. It is here and we are seeing its impacts everywhere, every day across the country and across the planet with extreme heat waves here on the East Coast and across the Midwest, flooding and tornadoes, catastrophic fires, including two fires in New Mexico that burned through 25,000 acres just this last week, displacing nearly 9,000 residents of my district, burning hundreds of homes, and claiming the lives of two people. prgtoken This is the cost of inaction. These are the costs that we have been fighting to address through climate action. That is why I introduced amendments to this bill to restore climate programs that the GOP is proposing to cut, to tackle climate change at home and abroad, to rebuild and enhance international climate programs, to catalyze clean energy and sustainability, to revitalize climate and environmental justice programs, to protect our public health, and to support implementation of the most consequential climate bill ever passed in American history in the Inflation Reduction Act, which we passed on this floor just 2 years ago under the leadership of and because we must take climate action now. prgtoken We cannot wait, but unfortunately, none of the amendments that I offered to this bill were found in order by the GOP because not only do they seek to gut the fundamental international programs that underpin U.S. leadership on so many issues, they continue to do the bidding of their corporate donors here on the House floor. prgtoken That is why, Mr. Chair, I have to vote ``no'' on this bill, and that is why we must restore our international commitments to climate actio
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 8771. prgtoken Today, in a few hours, I will be launching my new Global Migration Caucus. While I will stand with colleagues to affirm there are those of us in Congress who want to be an effective ally to global efforts to create a safer and more equitable world where people can build the life they want and deserve at home, today my colleagues, however, seek to withdraw our participation in coordinating global efforts, eliminate critical support for migration management, and fuel the crisis of displacement they claim they so desperately want to address. prgtoken We must not let their reckless and dangerous efforts go unchallenged. prgtoken My amendment would strike the harmful and hateful language of the underlying bill that prohibits the support of safe and humane migration management efforts around the world. prgtoken As vice ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, I hear my colleagues talk about what is happening at the border, especially at the southern border. However, they ignore questions about why we are seeing a humanitarian crisis at our border. They don't want to talk about the root causes of migration. prgtoken Violence, democratic backsliding, economic exclusion, and climate change are some of the crises that are driving families from their homes in search of safety and stability, much like what happened to our ancestors in the early 1900s or the 1950s. prgtoken Everything I have witnessed throughout my official trips and conversations with families, governments, and civil society points to this truth: Our country's safety is fundamentally connected to the stability, security, and sustainability people experience or do not experience across the globe. prgtoken I have heard a mother talk with desperation about the sexual violence and trauma that her 12-year-old endured while crossing the Darien. I heard stories of threats of violence and cartel intimidation that drove a mother to send her sons on a harrowing journey through dangerous migration routes. prgtoken For so many people around the world, the choice is flee or die. prgtoken Again, it is no surprise to me that the party of reactionary, isolationist, fear-based, and xenophobic politics doesn't understand the ideal of cooperation and prevention. Both cooperation and prevention require forethought, working across differences, embracing possibilities, and a commitment to inclusion, none of which are reflected in H.R. 8771. prgtoken An example is that the bill specifically bans funding for the Safe Mobility Offices, which are a cost-effective part of the U.S. Government's strategy to reduce irregular migration within the Western Hemisphere. prgtoken To my colleagues: Which one is it? prgtoken Do you want less irregular migration, or do you want to slash funding to address the conditions that drive displacement around the world and ban funding for programs to increase a
CONGRATULATIONS TO A TRIBE FOR JAZZ
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to extend my congratulations and honor A Tribe for Jazz for receiving the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant for their innovative Jazz Lab Mobile Pilot Initiative in partnership with COSI, the PAST Foundation, and Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks. prgtoken Since its establishment in 2021, A Tribe for Jazz has not only been a beacon of cultural enrichment and social impact, but also a catalyst for change in our community. Through a multifaceted mission that includes visual storytelling, live and virtual performances, education, and community engagement, the organization has consistently championed the preservation and evolution of Jazz, leaving an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. prgtoken The Jazz Lab is a mobile pop-up session uniting jazz music and science through immersive experiences that nurture curiosity, inclusivity, collaboration, and wonder. The pilot program for middle and elementary school students explores systems thinking in jazz through technology, engineering, and math, highlighting the intersection of jazz and STEM. With support from the Battelle Central Ohio STEM Grant, students in Central Ohio gain enriched access to jazz and STEM education. prgtoken The Jazz Lab Mobile Pilot Initiative is valuable for everyone in Central Ohio. It illustrates the possibilities for STEAM in all fields and everyday life. Congratulations to A Tribe for Jazz for bringing this extraordinary educational experience to our children.
EMPOWERING TENANTS
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise as vice chair of the Renters Caucus to introduce the Tenant Empowerment Act, alongside Ranking Member Maxine Waters and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. prgtoken For decades, tenants across the country, including in my district, the MA-7, have organized and mobilized to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing conditions. prgtoken No hot water or heat during the winter, life-threatening black mold creeping up the walls, leaky roofs that let in rain and snow--these are the conditions that tenants are forced to endure with little to no recourse. How devastating and demoralizing. prgtoken Our bill, the Tenant Empowerment Act, would change that. It would enable tenants to withhold paying rent if their home fails to meet quality housing standards, allow tenants to be present during building inspections, and extend tenants' rights to organize in federally assisted housing. prgtoken This bill will empower renters with the tools they need to ensure that safe, stable, and affordable housing is not only a right but a reality for every person in America. prgtoken As the daughter of a tenants' rights organizer, I am proud to put forward this necessary policy. Everyone deserves to turn the key and to have a place that feels safe, a place of belonging and refuge. prgtoken On behalf of more than 44 million families living in rental units, Congress must take action.
CORRIGAN WILLIS NAMED CAL-HI SPORTS STATE COACH OF THE YEAR
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise to address the House with immense pride to congratulate Mr. Corrigan Willis on his well-deserved recognition as Cal-Hi Sports Coach of the Year. prgtoken Coach Willis led the Granada High School baseball team to an outstanding 32-1 record, winning the NorCal D-1 title. The journey with the Matadors spans 16 seasons, where, under his guidance, they qualified for the NCS playoffs for nine consecutive seasons. prgtoken He is a proud alum of Granada High School, including where he pitched one season with an 8-2 pitching record and a .418 batting average. prgtoken Beyond the diamond, Mr. Willis is a cherished Granada community teacher and mentor. His commitment to education is inspired by his late father, Jim Willis. prgtoken We not only celebrate Coach Willis' professional achievements but also his dedication to his family, residing in Livermore with his wife, Deanna, and their two sons, Bryce and Ryan. prgtoken I congratulate Coach Corrigan Willis for his outstanding achievements as Cal-Hi Sports 2024 State Coach of the Year.
COMMEMORATING PRIDE MONTH AND HONORING MARQUIS JENKINS
Daniel S. Goldman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr , I rise today to commemorate Pride Month and honor an LGBQTIA+ community leader in New York's Tenth District, Marquis Jenkins. prgtoken Marquis is a community activist with deep roots on the Lower East Side, a lifelong organizer dedicated to building solidarity around issues affecting underprivileged Americans. He has worked at the NAACP to combat issues around criminal justice, he has directed organizing at WE ACT to advance issues of environmental justice, and he is currently director of organizing at Common Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing solutions to violence and addressing issues in our criminal justice system. Marquis has never forgotten the NYCHA public housing complexes where he grew up, and first entered activism at the age of 17 when he ran for resident association president at Bricetti Plaza. prgtoken Marquis's dedication to the Lower East Side is evident to everyone who knows him, and our district is lucky to get to call him ours. I thank Marquis.
CELEBRATING HALE PERFORMANCE COATINGS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise to celebrate a local small business that has served our northwest Ohio community for 95 years. I congratulate Rick and Mike Deye, father and son owners-operators of Hale Performance Coatings, who are celebrating 95 years of business in Toledo. prgtoken Phil Hale started Hale Chrome Services on Albion Street in 1929, during the height of the Great Depression. prgtoken Gordon Deye, an employee of Mr. Hale, eventually bought the business and continued to build on the Hale legacy. Mr. Deye famously loved to say, ``If you give the customer quality and service, the rest will follow,'' a motto that Hale still lives by to this day. prgtoken Today, Hale is owned and operated by Mike Deye, who represents the third generation of Deye family ownership. Over the years, Hale grew from its humble beginnings, expanding its original location, creating a second building on campus, and purchasing another building on Albion Street in the heart of Toledo. prgtoken Hale remains committed to family ownership and reinvesting in our Toledo community as the largest and oldest local business along the vast Monroe Street corridor. prgtoken I look forward to 2029, when Hale celebrates 100 years. Onward, Hale.
CONGRATULATING CELESTE CLINE ON HER RETIREMENT
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Celeste Cline, who recently retired after 52 years of teaching. prgtoken Ms. Celeste taught at my alma mater, St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. She has impacted thousands of families and mentored dozens of new teachers throughout her many years in the classroom. In recent years, she began teaching children of some of her former students. prgtoken Over the course of five decades, she has taught every grade, from kindergarten through eighth grade. As the husband of an elementary school teacher myself, I know that is no small feat. prgtoken Ms. Cline is an exceptional teacher and a shining example of the importance of teachers to our Nation. Her legacy will live on at St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School. prgtoken I congratulate Ms. Cline and her wonderful family. I wish them all the best in this next chapter of their lives.
PROTECTING OUR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today on behalf of all the women who don't have the opportunity to stand here today. prgtoken Since the Dobbs decision, s have imposed draconian bans to endanger women for the sake of power. Their obsession is power: power over their wives, sisters, daughters, every woman in our country. prgtoken , my Governor Greg Abbott, and their cronies seem to take joy in the harm they cause women, despite their oath to protect them. prgtoken Calls to the National Domestic Violence hotline about rape or sabotaged birth control have nearly doubled. Doubled. prgtoken The laws enacted by extreme MAGA lawmakers have increased domestic abuse, and they carry this stain on their hands. prgtoken However, when Greg Abbott looks at these facts, it is like the porch light is on but nobody is home. prgtoken Back home in Texas, we say: Don't mess with Texas. prgtoken , I am here to tell Greg Abbott and : Don't mess with Texas women. This is why we will always put women over politics and healthcare over bans.
HELPING HOOVER DAM
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , this week marked the 95th anniversary of President Hoover signing the law that created the historic Hoover Dam in southern Nevada, marking nearly a century of generating clean hydroelectric power for millions of Americans. prgtoken Sadly, not even a structural achievement as grand as the Hoover Dam is immune from aging, and its maintenance needs are mounting. prgtoken That is why I have introduced the bipartisan Help Hoover Dam Act, a simple solution that would unlock over $45 million in existing and much-needed resources for this American icon, all at no additional cost to taxpayers. prgtoken Much of the work that I do here in Congress focuses on cutting red tape to make government work better for Americans. This is a dictionary definition of that. prgtoken I look forward to advancing this bill so we can make sure that the Hoover Dam continues to stand as tall and proud in the 21st century as it did in the 20th.
RECOGNIZING ELIZABETH BARRIE FOR HER SERVICE TO CALIFORNIA'S 46TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to honor the contributions of Elizabeth Barrie to California's 46th Congressional District. Elizabeth started her career on the Hill as an intern in my office during my first year in Congress and, like many congressional staffers before her, takes great pride in being a part of this Chamber and this institution. Members are able to better serve out constituents because of the tireless and invisible work and support that our staffers provide us. For Team Correa, it has been an honor to know and work alongside Elizabeth. prgtoken Elizabeth has dedicated herself to her role through countless late nights, through sprints in the Rayburn basement, and through many difficult conversations while advising me. prgtoken I've seen staffers come and go on to greener pastures, and I am always so fortunate to cross paths with an individual who still has so much potential. She's an incredibly bright staffer with an even brighter future ahead. prgtoken Though we are all sad to lose her, we know that she will bring the same work ethic to her new role as Federal Affairs and National Engagement Manager for the City of Los Angeles, where she'll be able to wear her Dodgers shirt without fear of shame. prgtoken I've had the honor of watching Elizabeth grow into her role, and I will still never let her forget that Orange County is the best county in California. I am so proud that Elizabeth will return to her roots and serve the constituents of LA. Elizabeth truly believes in the ideals of public service, and Los Angeles is lucky to have her service.
NATION'S GREATEST FOURTH OF JULY RODEO
Andrea Salinas (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the St. Paul Rodeo. prgtoken For nearly 88 years, St. Paul, Oregon, has been home to the beloved, longstanding tradition of the Nation's greatest Fourth of July rodeo. prgtoken They sure do live up to their moniker. Just last year, the St. Paul Rodeo was inducted into the esteemed ProRodeo Hall of Fame as one of the Nation's greatest rodeos. This honor will bring more folks into St. Paul, which is a huge boon to the local economy. prgtoken The momentum of achievements keeps on coming because for the first time ever, the rodeo will now feature the women's breakaway roping event, an event that requires careful precision and dedication. prgtoken I know from personal experience how hard they work. When I was a kid, I competed in barrel racing for a hot minute. prgtoken Though I have since changed my career, I am so proud of these decorated and talented cowgirls who stand as a beacon of excellence, not just in Oregon but across the Nation. prgtoken Not to mention, celebrating America's birthday among the traditions of our Western heritage feels like an appropriate way to honor our country's freedom and liberty. prgtoken Here is to another successful rodeo, St. Paul.