mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO JAI RAJAGOPAL
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , I rise today for Jai Rajagopal, a beloved son, brother, friend, and organizer who is lost to us far soon. On behalf of so many who loved Jai, I stand here to mourn. prgtoken Jai was not your ordinary young person, nor community member: he was outstanding in everything he did. When he was only-just old enough to vote, Jai dedicated himself to civic engagement, beginning with that time honored tradition of progress in our nation: voter registration. When he was 19, he worked on my campaign for Congress, where he was adored by and inspiring to every member of that team, myself included. I am a member of Congress today, because of Jai. prgtoken Ever since, Jai worked ceaselessly for candidates, for causes, for the Colorado state legislature, even running for office himself. He was seemingly never short of energy for the things he believed in. His impacts on our community will be felt for years to come. prgtoken And, let me tell you, to see Jai's passion for our nation's progress, in engaging other young folks in the democracy his generation is inheriting, it was literally awe-inspiring. He was brilliant, full- hearted, and courageous, and it was an honor to know him. prgtoken Through endless willpower and dedication, Jai moved mountains, motivated through the assured belief that people were always, always worth fighting for. prgtoken I count myself incredibly lucky to have known Jai. I share my deepest condolences with Jai's mother and brother, to whom he always credited his intelligence and motivation: my thoughts and prayers are with you. prgtoken To all that are mourning Jai, let his memory be your motivation in the continued fight for justice. prgtoken Rest peacefully, my brother.
CONDEMNING QANON AND REJECTING THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES IT PROMOTES
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-10-2

I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1154 and call on all of my colleagues to denounce the dangerous QAnon conspiracy theories. prgtoken , QAnon is a new front in an old war and relies on anti- Semitic tropes in order to spread the message. QAnon followers actually believe that the world is controlled by a secret cabal of child abusers, who will drink the blood of their victims. The FBI has linked the group to domestic terror and considers it a continuing terrorist threat. prgtoken , I thank Tom Malinowski for leading this. The kind of messages that he is getting--very, very frightening. And I also thank Denver Riggleman and all of the bipartisan sponsors of this legislation. prgtoken Just last week, my subcommittee held a hearing on how social media mainstreams extremism. When we heard from our witnesses, it was really terrifying. prgtoken QAnon and other extremist groups have thrived for years on the internet, recruiting members, promoting racism, dividing our communities, and plotting actions of violence. prgtoken As people have suffered, Big Tech has prospered and profited. Algorithms that amplify profits for platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter also amplify extremism. prgtoken This week, Facebook announced a ban on ads that support QAnon. Good, but it is far too little and far too late. Facebook users who are in QAnon-associated groups will still be able to see extremist content, just further down in their news feeds. prgtoken Moreover, Facebook groups promoting anti-Semitism have grown by 27 percent in the past week. prgtoken Congress needs to denounce right now this kind of hate rhetoric, and Big Tech must be held accountable for profiting on this hate. prgtoken Before I close, I would like to also state my support for H. Res. 1153 and thank Pramila Jayapal for leading the effort and Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their help on this resolution as well.
CONDEMNING UNWANTED, UNNECESSARY MEDICAL PROCEDURES ON INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT THEIR FULL, INFORMED CONSENT
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-10-2

I thank the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) for yielding me the time. prgtoken This weekend, several of my colleagues and I visited the Irwin County ICE Detention Center, and what we saw and heard was outrageous and heartbreaking. prgtoken We heard stories directly from women who were subjected to unnecessary and unwanted medical procedures without their consent. And yet yesterday, some of our friends across the aisle suggested that some of this may be made up, that this is not real. prgtoken Well, here I have some statements I received directly from the detainees this past weekend, and I am going to read from these, written in their own hands, for the Record. They are in Spanish, but they will be translated into English. prgtoken This letter was signed by 24 detainees. The women said: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) prgtoken They do not understand what is happening to their body, nor what they did to their body. ``No entienden que esta pasando con su cuerpo, ni que hicieron con su cuerpo''. prgtoken , imagine if you were put under in surgery and were not told what was being done to your body, and you went through the surgery. This is what is happening to some of these women. prgtoken They went on to say: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``They `told' them they were going to perform a study and they deceived them. Because a surgery room should not be a school.'' ``Le vamos a hacer un estudio les `dijeron' y las habeis enganado. Porque una sala de cirugias no debe ser una escuela''. prgtoken Now, that is alarming if it is true. They were performing a study, and they deceived them. Because the surgery room should not be a school. prgtoken , imagine if you were told they were doing a study on your body and not being told what for or what any side effects may be. Nothing, nada, is what these women were told. prgtoken They also said: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``Why are we being punished? You send us to a `crazy' person that mutilates bodies. And they deport us so that we don't say anything.'' ``rPor que nos castigan mas? Nos mandan con un `loco', despiadado que mutila cuerpos. Y nos deportan para que nadie diga nada. . .'', imagine if you were told they were doing a study on your body and not being told what for or what any side effects may be. Nothing, nada, is what these women were told. prgtoken Well, , again, imagine having your body mutilated and then being deported to have you silenced. This is what is happening to some of these women. prgtoken When I asked three of the detainees I spoke to if they ever got an explanation of any of this in their own language, if they had the procedure and their options explained to them, and if they understood the chilling effect of these surgeries, all three of them laughed almost in unison at me, and they responded: (English translation
GET WELL SOON PRESIDENT TRUMP
Tom O’Halleran (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green) for hosting this important Special Order hour. prgtoken I did used to be a . I am no longer. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. prgtoken As a former law enforcement officer, some of the very first calls I responded to involved domestic violence. I have seen firsthand the damage this uniquely hideous kind of violence can do to families and survivors. prgtoken When you come to a situation like this and you look around the room, you can see it in the children's eyes, the fear that they have; you can see a family in turmoil; you can clearly identify the tension that is in the room; and too many times, sadly, you can also identify the damage that has been done through violence in that same room. prgtoken As a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I am proud to cosponsor and recognize the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. prgtoken Together, as one body, we must commit to working to secure justice for survivors both in and out of the courtroom. The courtroom is an important aspect, but it is not the only aspect of this. It is important and we have to get there. prgtoken If we can resolve these issues before that by having appropriate help for that family, appropriate services for that family, the process of identifying the underlying causes that occurred in that family, then hopefully courtrooms will not have to be used. prgtoken This Congress, I reintroduced my Help End Abusive Living Situations, or HEALS, Act legislation to assist the survivors of domestic violence to rapidly secure safe housing situations. prgtoken No person experiencing domestic violence should be forced to stay in a dangerous situation because they do not have housing elsewhere. prgtoken It is great to have family, but many of our victims don't have family nearby. We need to make sure that our victims are able to seek safety. prgtoken In Arizona, when I was in the legislature, there was a shortage of domestic violence facilities to be able to house families. We overcame some of that, but it is still true today, and it is true in Arizona and many other States across this land. We must be able to stop that. prgtoken Mr. Green clearly identified the amount of terrible and tragic deaths that occur every day. It also tears apart families. We need to help mend those families back to where they need to be in order to make sure that those children may have the potential to have a normal life. But if not that, we have to provide the necessary help. prgtoken As the Representative of Arizona's First Congressional District, I am humbled to represent 12 sovereign Tribal nations. Federal data indicates that 55 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced physical violence by their intimate partners. prgtoken I know for a fact that on many Tribal nations, help may not arrive for hours. On t
CONGRATULATING MAYOR JOHN KONIAR
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-10-2

I rise today to congratulate Mayor John Koniar of Foley on his upcoming retirement after a remarkable career in public service. prgtoken Mayor Koniar began his official service to the people of Foley upon his election to the city council in 1980. He began serving as mayor pro tem in 1996 until his appointment to mayor in 2006. The people of Foley have shown their continued trust to Mayor Koniar by reelecting him in 2008, 2012, and 2016. prgtoken Mayor Koniar has been absolutely indispensable in the promotion of Foley and its remarkable growth over the past several decades. Despite that growth, Foley has maintained its small-town Alabama charm, so exemplified by Mayor Koniar himself. prgtoken He leaves big shoes to fill, but in no small part due to his leadership, Foley is positioned better than ever. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to work with Mayor Koniar during my time in Congress, and I wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new stage in their lives together.
HONORING RALPH ELLIOT BOWEN, THE LAST SURVIVING WORLD WAR II VETERAN FROM THE SENECA NATION'S ALLEGANY TERRITORY, FOR BEING INDUCTED INTO THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE'S VETERANS' HALL OF FAME
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , today I rise to honor Sergeant Ralph Elliot Bowen, the last surviving World War II veteran from the Seneca Nation's Allegany Territory, for being inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame. Ralph, who recently turned ninety-eight years old in August, should be celebrated and honored for his bravery and sacrifice. prgtoken Ralph fought in the European Campaign as a B-24 Liberator heavy bomber aerial gunner from 1941 to 1945. He helped in the efforts to liberate France and Europe during that time. He was also a member of the 15th Air Force's 450th Bombardment Group, in the 723rd Bombardment Squadron. The unit was involved in missions over France, Austria, Germany, the Balkans and Greece. prgtoken Ralph is currently the oldest living member of the Seneca Nation. He is a member of the Snipe Clan, and served five terms as Tribal Councilor, as well as tenures as Peacemaker and Seneca Nation Surrogate Judge. He also served as Seneca Nation Marshal and pastor for the Red House Baptist Church. prgtoken In 2019, Ralph was presented with the French Legion of Honor for his military service during World War II. He is the first Seneca and second Native American to receive the appointment of Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor. prgtoken Ralph's service to our nation during a time of great need is something that should be revered and remembered. We cannot forget the great personal risk and dedication he showed during his service. Today, we stand and honor his service and sacrifice. Today, we recognize Ralph, for his courage, resolve and bravery--and I thank him for all that he has done. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor Sergeant Ralph Elliot Bowen, the fast surviving World War II veteran from the Seneca Nation's Allegany Territory.
FINDING A PATH FORWARD TO BAN ASBESTOS
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-10-2

since last Friday, I have been working in good faith to find a path forward on a bill to ban asbestos. ended that effort yesterday evening. prgtoken The bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee with bipartisan support last November, but the majority added new language just last Friday. prgtoken One minute is not enough to detail my concerns with that language or to describe every offer our side made to try to reach agreement. The committee record will have to speak for itself. prgtoken The record shows the bill passed 47-1. Every on the committee voted for it. It shows the bill does not affect talc litigation. And it shows exactly which special interest objected, trial lawyers who didn't get exactly what they wanted. prgtoken I want to offer my apologies to Linda Reinstein, who has been a tireless advocate for more than a decade and has fought the good fight in honor of her late husband, Alan, for whom this bill is named. prgtoken We know the 47-1 bill I have right here could pass.
RECOGNIZING GERMAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-10-2

as co-chair of the German- American Caucus, I rise today to recognize October as German-American Heritage Month and to commemorate 30 years of German unity. prgtoken Last year, I introduced H. Res. 446, a bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany and to highlight our shared commitment to democracy. prgtoken The resolution reaffirms our support of the Wunderbar Together initiative, which, in 2019, worked with 500 partners to host more than 2,800 events to celebrate German-American culture, art, science, and more. prgtoken On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunited, just short of 1 year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when thousands rushed to Brandenburg Gate to celebrate. prgtoken This year, the German Ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber, is hosting a virtual event to celebrate East and West Germany becoming one, walking attendees through the milestones that led to this historic moment. Anyone can tune in by visiting the Embassy's Facebook page tomorrow at 1 p.m. prgtoken , I would like to say danke, or thank you, to our German friends, and prost, or cheers, as we celebrate this milestone together.
RECOGNIZING THE EARLY DEER PARK SETTLERS TEXAS HISTORICAL MONUMENT DEDICATION
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the dedication of the Deer Park Early Settlers Texas State Historical Marker in Deer Park, County, Texas. The text of marker reads as follows: In 1928, Shell Oil Company purchased land in Deer Park, Texas for a new petrochemical refinery. Surveyors discovered a marble headstone broken into four pieces. Shell reassembled the headstone and maintained the area as an actual gravesite. In 1976, Shell was given permission from the Texas Historical Commission, as well as the County attorney and County judge to relocate the marker and disinter any remains. In March of 1977, the marble headstone and a small cement casket, from the original site, were moved to Dow Park in the City of Deer Park. The inscription on the headstone gave the name of two siblings, Mary W. Jackson and William Wilson. These early settlers died in 1834. William Wilson purchased land in the early 1830's and built a cabin on the bank of the Buffalo Bayou with his wife and children. This was adjacent to what became the site of the Battle of San Jacinto that secured Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836. William Wilson also owned land near the settlement of Crosby. Humphrey Jackson, one of the ``Old 300'' settlers, owned land near the Wilson property in Crosby. It was presumed that Mary W. Jackson was somehow associated with Humphrey, based on a judgement recorded in County records in 1852. This could explain why Mary Wilson became Mary W. Jackson. The 186-year-old headstone is one of the oldest marked headstones in County and Deer Park's oldest artifact. The historical marker reflects the history of Deer Park, as well as the history of Texas. The historical marker presents a glimpse of ordinary people in Texas in the 1830's and commemorates these early Deer Park settlers. prgtoken As a former member of the Texas Historical Commission, I know that this is a great honor for the community. I wish all of my friends in Deer Park well as they celebrate the dedication on October 20th.
HONORING MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential men of the modern world. As we celebrate the close of the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth, it is important to remember that his legacy is born out every day in the lives of billions of people who live the way they do because of his selfless work. prgtoken His teachings of non-violence have impacted the entire world; and his promotion of racial, social, and political equality will continue to touch the global community as we work towards a brighter, freer future. prgtoken It is vital that we continue to embody Gandhi's perseverance and non- violent ways as we work to make the world a better place. Today, we honor his legacy and the power that an individual man had to change the world. 151 years ago, Gandhi was born an ordinary man. Today, he is a worldwide symbol of peace and civil disobedience. May he continue to rest in peace, and may his legacy prevail eternally.
IT IS TIME TO BAN ASBESTOS
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2020-10-2

it does not give me pleasure to be here today to say what I am about to say. I am really frustrated. prgtoken The Energy and Commerce Committee, which I am the ranking member and former chairman of, we worked most of this year on legislation to ban the manufacture, processing, and distribution of asbestos. prgtoken We found common ground. We worked together. We voted it out of committee by a 47-1 vote. We fully anticipated the work product of the s and in that committee to be brought to the floor under suspension, as approved by the committee. prgtoken Sadly, on Friday night listed the bill, but they had rewritten parts of it without ever consulting with s and tried to cram it through the process. prgtoken Now, after many days of trying to work this out between us, and we have offered many alternatives to try and accommodate our majority colleagues, they are trying to blame s for this bill not coming to the floor. prgtoken Well, I will tell you what, bring the bill we passed out of committee to the floor and we will vote for it, and it will pass overwhelmingly. prgtoken You are the majority party. You just brought a $2.2 trillion bill to the floor; you can bring this one under a rule. Do that. Keep your word. prgtoken Let's work together and ban asbestos.
HONORING ROD LINDSAY
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , I rise today to memorialize and remember a friend that I first got to know when I got into the elective office realm. His name is Rod Lindsay, a gentleman from Shasta County. prgtoken Early on, when I was a brand-new legislator and I didn't know a lot of people in other parts of our vast district that we have in rural northern California, it could be a little intimidating to get out and learn these new places and meet new people. And so for that brand-new legislator, this man here was one that embraced me fairly early on and wanted me to be successful in that interaction that we had. prgtoken Mr. Rod Lindsay was many things, but during our overlap of time, he was mayor of Shasta Lake and I was a board member of Shasta Lake for several terms. More than that, he was a community leader that everybody knew and gravitated towards. prgtoken Rod's heritage goes back as a member of the Miwok Nation Tribe in more central California. Northern California is very rich and steeped in Native American culture and history. prgtoken Rod was one to always help make sure that that culture was part of the proceedings, part of what was going on in our communities for different community events. Rod would lead prayer. Rod would lead dance. Rod would lead in many ways that helped make sure the culture of northern California had diversity. prgtoken We lost Rod recently, on August 27, after many years of service and many years of leading. I always thought of Rod as kind of everybody's elder, as kind of a Tribal elder for everybody in that Shasta Lake area. prgtoken Rod did so much to help his community as an elected official, but also as an advocate for education, advocating for children for over 40 years, including as an executive director of a group known as LIFE, which is Local Indians For Education. He served on that until he passed away. prgtoken Rod was a friend to many, a friend to me, a leader who just cared so much about his community, his friends, his neighbors, his family, and making things right for Tribes in northern California, as well. prgtoken You don't get many people like this in your lifetime in your path that you cross, but I was proud to have walked that path and common ground with Rod Lindsay. prgtoken I appreciate the time to be able to commemorate him here and acknowledge him. Indeed, a beautiful ceremony was had for him in his community just a few days ago, with a great outpouring of love and of shared stories and participation by local Tribes in northern California to have that heritage celebrated, as well. prgtoken Madam , I appreciate the time that I was able to share with you about him here today. Honoring Bruce Sessions