mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING AUGUSTUS BENTON ``BEN'' CHAFIN, JR.
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-1-6

. Madam , I rise in honor of Virginia state Senator Augustus Benton ``Ben'' Chafin, Jr. of Lebanon, Virginia, who died on January 1, 2021 at the age of 60. Ben was a dedicated and effective state legislator and a kind and decent man. prgtoken Ben was a true son of Southwest Virginia. He was born on May 18, 1960 in Abingdon, Virginia. He earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and a law degree from the University of Richmond. Ben practiced law in Lebanon as a principal of the Chafin Law Firm. He also served as a board member of the First Bank and Trust, which his father had helped to found, and ran a beef cattle farm. prgtoken In 2013, Ben won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. A year later, he won a special election to represent the 38th District in the Virginia Senate. The 38th District includes all of the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, and Pulaski, parts of the Counties of Smyth, Wise, and Montgomery, and the Cities of Norton and Radford. He was a great representative for the citizens of these jurisdictions, focused on listening to their concerns and addressing them with compassion and integrity. He was a voice in Richmond for the region he had long called home and the people he had known as his friends and neighbors. prgtoken Ben was my friend and a good friend to all of us in Southwest Virginia. He and I knew each other well as we often campaigned together across our region. The wide respect and affection Ben earned is indicated by the statement of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam: ``With the passing of Senator Ben Chafin, Southwest Virginia has lost a strong advocate--and we have all lost a good man.'' A similar sentiment was expressed by Virginia Delegate Terry Kilgore, a close friend of Ben: ``Ben was a fighter, both in the Virginia Senate and in the courtroom as an attorney. I am honored to have been able to know and work with him. Ben is one of the most honorable and genuine individuals I have ever known, and his passing is a tremendous loss for our region.'' prgtoken Ben is survived by his wife Lora and his children Audra, Sophie, and Gus. I offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and great legislator.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-1-6

. Mr. Vice President, I want to say, before we begin, thank you for the way you have fulfilled your constitutional duties and your oath of prgtoken office today. Obviously, it hasn't been easy. prgtoken Colleagues, today has been ugly. When I came to the floor this morning, I planned to talk about the lesson of 1801 because I am kind of a history nerd, and I wanted to celebrate the glories of the peaceful transition of power across our Nation's history. It feels a little naive now to talk about ways that American civics might be something that could unite us and bring us back together. prgtoken Now, 1801 blew everybody's mind all over the world, by the way. John Adams loses to Thomas Jefferson, and Adams willingly leaves the Executive mansion and moves back to Massachusetts, and Jefferson peacefully assumes power. People all over Europe said: That must be fake news. Those must be bad reports. There is no way any Executive would ever willingly lay down power. Yet Adams, in defeat, did something glorious to give all of us a gift. prgtoken I wanted to celebrate that, and it feels a little bit harder now. This building has been desecrated. Blood has been spilled in the hallways. I was with octogenarian Members of this Chamber who needed to have troops and police stabilize them to get down the stairs at a time when a lot of our staffs were panicked and under their desks and not knowing what was going to happen to them. prgtoken It was ugly today. But you know what? It turns out that when something is ugly, talking about beauty isn't just permissible; talking about beauty is obligatory in a time like that. Why? Why would we talk about beauty after the ugliness of today? Because our kids need to know that this isn't what America is. What happened today isn't what America is. prgtoken They have been given a glorious inheritance for the 59th Presidential election. If the Vice President wasn't in the Chair and if the President pro tempore was, I would have made some joke that Chuck Grassley has voted in two-thirds of those 59 Presidential elections. He is laughing. It is not as good as ``hit deer, deer dead,'' but it still got a Grassley laugh. prgtoken I don't think we want to tell the Americans that come after us that this republic is broken, that this is just a banana republic, that our institutions can't be trusted. I don't think we want that. We don't want that in this body, and we don't want that in our hometowns. I don't think we want to tell our kids that America's best days are behind us--because it is not true. That is not who we are. America isn't Hatfields' and McCoys' blood feud forever. America is a union. prgtoken There is a lot that is broken in this country but not anything that is so big that the American people can't rebuild it, that freedom and community and entrepreneurial effort and that neighborhoods can't rebuild. Nothing that is broken is so big that we can't fix it. prgtoken Generations of our forefa
COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES--JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-1-6

. Madam , as a new Representative here, I did not envision my first speech on the House floor to be this, here tonight, but rather, a tribute to our first responders and frontline workers who have been a shining light in an otherwise tough year for us all. prgtoken After the events tonight, I am especially grateful for our men and women who put service above self, confronting lawlessness and danger while protecting this very Chamber, its Members, and our constitutional Republic. prgtoken As a Member of the people's House, and the wife of a first responder, thank you to our law enforcement here today. But, especially, after tonight's unacceptable breach of the people's House, I am furthermore resolved in the fact that we, as representatives of the people, must take a stand for every American's right to a free and fair election as guaranteed by the Constitution. prgtoken Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 of the Constitution explicitly rests the time and manner of our elections in the hands of our State legislatures. However, State law in the 2020 election was modified or circumvented without approval of the State legislature. These actions are in clear violation of the Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 1, Clause 2, which grants State legislatures the sole authority to establish how State Presidential electors are appointed. prgtoken These changes, along with other election irregularities throughout the 2020 election, require me, as a Member of this body, to object to the certification of these electoral votes, just as my colleagues across the aisle have objected to every Presidential election over the last 20 years. prgtoken Tonight, as we undertake the very serious responsibility of debating these State electoral certifications, I urge my colleagues to listen earnestly and with an open mind, remembering that just 3 days ago, we swore an oath to the United States Constitution, not a political party. prgtoken Our constituents are counting on us. Our country is counting on us. Our children are counting on us, and we cannot let them down. prgtoken Madam , in December, 25 of my freshman colleagues and I sent you a letter imploring you to investigate these election irregularities. To date, we have not received a response. That brings us to today. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle have repeatedly invoked our Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who famously said: We have a republic, if we can keep it. prgtoken I say, let's keep it. prgtoken Madam , it is with that sentiment in mind that I ask my colleagues to defend the power vested in this legislative branch by the U.S. Constitution and reject the certification of the electoral votes of the State in question. It is our responsibility to have prgtoken courage in the face of adversity and bring integrity back to this process. prgtoken Madam , I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from the great State of Texas (Mr. Arrington).
IN HONOR OF MR. DAN RIVERA OF LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS
Lori Trahan (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the leadership and legacy of a great leader and friend, Mayor Daniel ``Dan'' Rivera, who will retire as the 59th Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Mayor Dan Rivera is leaving his second four-year term in office early to become the President and CEO of MassDevelopment; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' finance and economic development agency. prgtoken Mayor Rivera was born in New York City to a single mother who emigrated from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life for her family. His mother moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts to find work as a seamstress in the area's mills, and it was in Lawrence that Mayor Rivera was raised and began his career as a public servant. prgtoken After graduating from Lawrence High School, Mayor Rivera enlisted in the United States Army and became a Military Police Officer, serving in Germany, Iraq, and Kuwait. After his multiple tours overseas, Mayor Rivera returned home to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Indeed, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college--something that he and I have in common. prgtoken Prior to being elected as the City's mayor, he worked tirelessly to improve the growth and economic development of the Merrimack Valley for its residents. As an economic development director for Congressman Marty Meehan, Mayor Rivera continued to bring critical investments to his hometown and communities across the Merrimack Valley. prgtoken Not long after, he was elected to the Lawrence City Council where he served as the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee. He provided key leadership in adjusting the City's budget in order to restore key services and personnel. Then-Councilor Rivera worked to diversify the Lawrence Police Department by making it a majority-minority department with 53% of the officers making up individuals of color and tripling the number of women on the force, more accurately representing the people of Lawrence. prgtoken In 2013, he was elected as the City's mayor. Over the last seven years, he has led Lawrence through two major crises--the 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas explosions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and again, he has demonstrated his leadership and dedication to the residents of the great City of Lawrence. prgtoken The Merrimack Valley gas explosions forced thousands of families to flee the area, damaged and destroyed dozens of homes, left many businesses with considerable financial losses, and tragically took a young man's life. Throughout that period, Mayor Rivera led with purpose and empathy in every decision he made to get the City on the path of recovery, while fighting to ensure the community received all necessary support and resources. He has been a close ally as we successfully advanced the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act. This legislation will ensure no community ever faces a disaster like this one again, becoming law in December of
RECOGNIZING PHIL LINDQUIST'S SERVICE TO THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADERS, DISTRICT COUNCIL 5
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , I rise to congratulate Phil Lindquist on his retirement from Director of Governmental Affairs at the International Union of Painters and Allied Traders (IUPAT), District Council 5. prgtoken Me and my staff had the pleasure of working with Phil for several years. Rarely have I met someone with the expertise, knowledge, and passion Phil possesses. He was an extremely effective advocate for workers' rights and genuinely cared about the work he was doing. He recognized the need to have a strong, organized union and was an important leader in IUPAT, District Council 5. prgtoken For nearly two decades Phil was an incredible Director of Governmental Affairs to the union. The impact union leaders have are often overlooked, but they are incredibly important. I know his work- ethic, drive, and dedication will be missed by all and he has left an impressive legacy that will be hard for his successor to fill. prgtoken Madam , I thank Phil Lindquist for spending his career advancing the rights of workers and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.
REMEMBERING FURMAN STEWART BALDWIN
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , along with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, I rise to recognize the life of World War II veteran, Furman Stewart Baldwin, who passed away on December 7, 2020 at his home, in Millbrae, California. prgtoken Furman was born on August 27, 1922, in Buffalo, New York. As a child he spent time on school, working in his father's professional photo studio, and doing gymnastics. It was through gymnastics that he met the love of his life, Margaret, who everybody called Peg or Peggy. prgtoken In 1943, Furman and Peggy married, and he was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer and pilot. He was active in the Pacific theater. prgtoken Furman finished his bachelor's degree after the war and started working in television, at WBEN in Buffalo. While working in live television at WBEN, eventually becoming a producer/director, he also went back to school; he earned a master's degree at the University of Buffalo. prgtoken After 15 years at WBEN, Furman became head of the Audiovisual Branch of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He received several awards at West Point, including the Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Award for excellence in television production, before retiring in 1986. prgtoken Following retirement, Furman and Peggy enjoyed traveling the world together. When she developed health problems, Furman always stayed with Peggy; they eventually moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to be closer to their children. prgtoken After Peggy passed away in 2010, Furman enjoyed time with his friends and working on his computer. He even made video shows, ``Furman's Flicks,'' to entertain follow residents at his assisted living home. prgtoken Furman demonstrated the best the ``Greatest Generation'' had to offer. He is also remembered for his commitment to his family, his love of life, his artistic stained glass work, and the famous photo he took in 1947, ``Il Baccio.'' prgtoken Meaning ``The Kiss,'' the photo shows a young boy kissing a young girl. Another young girl looks on, seemingly mad that the boy is not kissing her. The two-year-old boy in the picture was his son, Furman Stewart Baldwin, Jr. prgtoken Furman Baldwin, Jr survives Furman, along with his other children, Claire on, and Ronald, grandchildren Justine, Eric, and Alexandra, and great-grandchildren Melissa and Megan. Predeceasing him were his wife, son Frederick, and grandson Michael. prgtoken Our deepest condolences go out to Furman's friends and loved ones.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , I am proud to have worked side-by-side with President to enact historic tax reform, free and fair trade with Mexico and Canada, the repeal of the Care mandate and taxes, a ban on surprise medical bills, and the first reform of the IRS in two decades. His policy achievements have lifted working families across America. prgtoken Distrust in America's election system has been growing for two decades and is only growing worse. That is the true threat to democracy. For that reason, I gave unwavering support for President to pursue all legal avenues and investigations. On December 10, 2020, I joined 125 of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in signing the Amicus Brief to the Texas petition to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Texas suit presented election irregularities and advocated the Court hold states accountable for following their own election laws. Unfortunately, the Court refused to review the case. prgtoken Due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, I am unable to participate in today's proceedings in the U.S. House. If I were, I would remain true to the conservative Constitutional principles of states' rights, limited Congressional power over presidential elections, and the Electoral College by accepting the Electoral College votes as legally certified by each state. prgtoken Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment are clear. As angry as we may be about this election, we do even more harm if we weaken the Constitution, allow Congress to seize more power to choose future presidents, and undermine the Electoral College. prgtoken If either party in Congress can simply ignore the elected slate of a state for political reasons, aren't we replacing 150 million votes with 535 in Congress? Doesn't that change ``We the People'' to ``We the Congress''? in the past have blatantly attempted to overturn elections in Congress and seize more of this electoral power for Congress. It was a violation of the Constitution then, and remains so today. prgtoken I deeply respect my fellow s who see this issue differently. prgtoken I worry that if we help undermine the Electoral College out of frustration and anger, we lend fuel to the liberal national popular vote scheme, inevitably we will one day stand on the sidelines as voters in only the largest cities determine our President. prgtoken Our nation's founders rejected this as dangerous to our nation's governance. I do too. prgtoken The Electoral College ensures we have a President who is accountable to all the nation, and can be a , a conservative, or a grassroots outsider if America so chooses.
HONORING BRENT GROOME
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor an extraordinary South Carolinian, Brent Groome. prgtoken Mr. Groome has served Horry Telephone Cooperative and the region's telecommunications industry over the last three decades. He currently serves as Chief Executive of Corporate Communications and Government Relations but will be retiring this month. Throughout his tenure, Brent has served as a strong advocate for telephone and broadband advancements in South Carolina. prgtoken Brent has certainly achieved many accomplishments over his career. He has demonstrated consistent engagement and a commitment to excellence while serving on numerous industry boards during his career in telecommunications. Brent's commitment to the community goes beyond his career. He has been a tireless ambassador for many local non-profit and philanthropic organizations. prgtoken Madam , I join his family and the people of Horry Telephone Cooperative in recognizing Brent Groome. We thank him for his service and commitment to our community.
CONGRATULATING BALL STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-1-11

. Madam , I rise today to Congratulate the Ball State Cardinals football team on being the 2020 MAC Champions and for winning the Arizona Bowl. prgtoken This team made Ball State history by winning their first ever bowl game. Roaring out of the gates, the Cardinals scored 27 points in the first quarter alone before nabbing a decisive 34-13 victory over AP No. 19 San Jose St. prgtoken The Arizona Bowl caps a seven-game win streak and will make the 2020 football season a historic one for the Ball State Cardinals. prgtoken Congratulations to head coach Mike Neu and the entire football team for their tremendous accomplishments this year. They have made us all proud.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 21, CALLING ON VICE PRESIDENT PENCE TO CONVENE AND MOBILIZE THE CABINET TO ACTIVATE SECTION 4 OF THE 25TH AMENDMENT TO DECLARE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP...
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-1-12

today the Rules Committee met and reported a closed rule, House Resolution 38, providing for consideration of House Resolution 21, calling on Vice President Michael R. to convene and mobilize the principal officers of the executive departments of the Cabinet to activate section 4 of the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald J. incapable of executing the duties of his office and to immediately exercise powers as acting President. prgtoken The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on the Judiciary or a designee. The rule self-executes a manager's amendment by Chairman Nadler. The rule provides that the prohibition against engaging in personalities during debate, with respect to references to the President, shall not apply during consideration of House Resolution 21 or any special order of business relating to the impeachment of the President considered on January 13, 2021. prgtoken Finally, the rule authorizes and directs the Sergeant at Arms to impose a fine against a Member, Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner for the failure to wear a mask in contravention of the 's announced policy on this subject for the duration of the pandemic. prgtoken , we are here today to debate the rule for House Resolution 21, a resolution calling for Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment and declare President incapable of executing the duties of his office. We take this action solemnly and with grave concern for the safety and security of our Nation and its people, even in the final days of this President's administration. prgtoken Last Wednesday, a lawless mob breached this Chamber with the most evil and destructive intent. They were here to take the law into their own hands, to disrupt Congress as it counted the electoral college votes, and to overturn the lawful election of Joseph as our 46th President. prgtoken As violent invaders broke windows and rammed doors, they chanted that they wanted to hang the Vice President and kidnap the of the House, and they brought the tools to do it. They beat one police officer to death, tased others, and tried to shoot one with his own gun. Another officer will likely lose an eye. Scores of others prgtoken suffered head injuries when they were beaten with pipes. Blood was spilled on the marble floor just outside this room. prgtoken Members, staff, and reporters were forced to take cover under furniture and barricade themselves in rooms, clutching gas masks and fearing for their lives as the President's MAGA supporters chanted and raged nearby. Journalists were specifically targeted and beaten. Explosive devices were placed nearby to divert the police from protecting the Capitol. prgtoken This was not a peaceful protest. These were crimes against our country and the people who go to work every day on Capitol Hill. Just this afternoon, the FBI announced that it expects
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-1-12

I stand before the House floor today alarmed--alarmed that just days ago a sitting President stirred up a deadly attack on our U.S. Capitol. I join my colleagues in calling on Vice President to activate Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. prgtoken It has become abundantly clear that this President has threatened our democratic system, has interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and has endangered an equal branch of government. The President of the United States is unhinged, unfit, and unstable, or as we say in my district, ``esta loco el hombre,'' to the point where he is willing to tear our democracy down unless he prevails in his quest to overturn the election that he clearly lost. prgtoken The actions taken by this President and those who enable him show that he is unfit to uphold the duties of his office. For the sake of our Nation's security, this President must be swiftly removed.