mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE WOMEN WHO WORKED ON THE HOME FRONT WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , today, I introduce the Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act, which would authorize the establishment of a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia commemorating the efforts of the 18 million American women who kept the home front running during World War II. I thank Senators Tammy Duckworth and Marsha Blackburn for introducing the companion bill in the Senate. The House passed this bill by voice vote last Congress. prgtoken As a teenager, Raya Kenney, the founder of the non-profit Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation and my constituent, came up with the idea of a memorial to honor the women on the home front who supported the World War II effort. She rightfully questioned why the women on the home front whose efforts were so instrumental in maintaining the stability of the country during World War II have not received as much recognition for their contributions as the men who fought bravely in World War II. prgtoken This bill would authorize the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a memorial to honor these women. The memorial is designed to be interactive and to educate visitors on the important roles women played during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945, the percentage of women in the workforce increased from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent, and by 1945 one in four married women worked outside of the home. The work done by women on the home front opened doors for women in the workplace widely and had a profound effect on the job market going forward. As a result of their efforts, millions of American women on the home front redefined ``women's work'' and paved the way for future generations. prgtoken Many women also played critical roles in support of the war effort. More than 10,000 women served behind the scenes of World War II as code breakers. Due to the classified nature of their work, they did not receive recognition for their tireless efforts until recently. Women were also trained to fly military aircraft so male pilots could leave for combat duty overseas. More than 1,100 female civilian volunteers flew nearly every type of military aircraft as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. WASP flew planes from factories to bases, transported cargo and participated in simulation strafing and target missions. These women were not given full military status until 1977, and it was not until 2010 that they were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken Women have been historically underrepresented in our memorials, particularly the memorials on federal land in the nation's capital. It is fitting to authorize a memorial that would allow millions of visitors to D.C. to understand and honor the heroic efforts of these women and their lasting impact on the fabric of our society. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Nomination of Kristen M. Clarke (Executive Session)
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-5-25

it is a real honor to be rising today to speak in advance of the vote on Kristen Clarke's nomination to serve as the Attorney General of the Department of Justice. prgtoken If she is confirmed, Kristen Clarke will be tasked with overseeing the Justice Department's work to protect the civil rights of all Americans. prgtoken I have known Kristen Clarke for years. I have worked with her. I know her, and I can tell you that there can be no one better for this job. prgtoken To say that Kristen Clarke has an impressive resume is a gross understatement. She started her career at the Justice Department in the Civil Rights Division. She worked with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. She led the Civil Rights Bureau for the State of New York Attorney General's Office and most recently served as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. prgtoken No one could blame Kristen Clarke, after this entire career of service and all that she has given, if she decided to take a step back and find a less demanding job, perhaps a far more lucrative job. But Ms. Clarke has dedicated herself to the highest principles of our Nation--indeed, to the founding ideals of our country, formed with the Bill of Rights, focusing on this idea of civil rights for all. prgtoken This is not just her job. This has been her calling. This is her consistent conviction--to serve, to sacrifice for our Nation's most sacrosanct ideals. prgtoken She has chosen to serve this country now at a time when we need her leadership more than ever. She is an asset to our country, and I believe she will serve with extraordinary distinction as a guardian of our civil rights. prgtoken We need her experience. We need her expertise. We need her heart, her commitment, her deep thoughtfulness prgtoken She is the daughter of immigrants, and after growing up in public housing, in a low-income household, Ms. Clarke made it to some of our most prestigious institutions and made it her cause to make the best out of herself. She is an incredible success story. She is a person who has overcome tremendous odds and advanced herself, not just for personal excellence but for public service. This makes her, in my book, a champion. prgtoken Yet there are still those in this confirmation process who want to say that Ms. Clarke is the wrong person for the job. They are actually using smear tactics and lies to try to misrepresent who Ms. Clarke is as a person. There is a saying, ``Let the work I have done speak for me,'' and I wish folk would listen. prgtoken She has prosecuted hate crimes. She has defended people's voting rights. She has fought against religious discrimination. She has dedicated her career to the cause of equal justice under law. prgtoken Ms. Clarke is the right person for this job. She is exactly who we need. At a time when we are confronting rising hate crimes in America, dramatically more instances of vandalism and violence ag
HONORING ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN SAN ANTONIO
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , I rise today in honor of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in San Antonio, Texas, and across the United States. Since 1977, every May, we celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of AAPI communities. Though a modest population, we have a vibrant community of AAPIs in San Antonio that contribute greatly to our city's prosperity. prgtoken Since 1860s, immigrants of Asian descent began migrating to Texas and Southwestern States and today the AAPI community account for 5 percent of the total population in Texas, and it's one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Like many immigrants, Asian Americans were often unwelcome and suffered racism and discrimination. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited individuals arriving or staying in the United States solely based on their ethnicity. prgtoken Today, AAPI communities continue to face discrimination and even violence, which is often underreported. During COVID-19, hate crimes against AAPIs have grown exponentially and the community is still living in fear. In recognition of the continued threats that AAPI communities endure, Congress passed legislation that President signed into law to ensure hate crimes against AAPIs are investigated and prosecuted. Our Nation must come together and work to address centuries of discrimination that impedes our Nation from its full promise of equality and justice for all. prgtoken Over the generations, AAPI communities have made significant contributions in the arts, government, business, medicine, and education. In San Antonio, our city is led by Ron Nirenberg, the city's first mayor of Asian descent. I'm also particularly proud of AAPI veterans, including 33 individuals who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and also AAPI men and women who serve our Nation in uniform. prgtoken Madam , I am grateful for our Nation's AAPI communities, and I am proud to recognize their accomplishments. Thank you.
CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO'S SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AND FORMER VICE CHANCELLOR, FRANCES DRAPER, ON HER RETIREMENT
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , today I wish to honor and thank a Boulder Colorado trailblazer: Frances Draper. It's hard to distill such a luminous human into a few short paragraphs. Frances is equal parts tough and kind; cooperative and indomitable; pragmatic and optimistic. ``There's a pony in here for everyone,'' is Frances's way of pointing out that by working together--by seeking to collaborate rather than divide--we can almost always get to win-win outcomes. prgtoken In her role at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Frances reimagined and transformed the way that the city and the University collaborate, and ushered in a spirit of teamwork in town-and-gown relations that serves as a model for our Nation. She has served as a beacon of opportunity and decency in our community, representing the university and the city with honor, integrity and humanity. prgtoken Prior to joining the university, Frances was Executive Director of the Boulder Economic Council, manager of the Sun Microsystems business and finance line for General Electric, and a legislative aide to on Schmidt, U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Frances has lived in Boulder for close to 40 years, during which time she served on crucial local boards such as Foothills United Way, Naturally Boulder, I Have a Dream, and Boulder Rotary. She was also instrumental in establishing CO-Labs, a consortium of Colorado-based research laboratories. prgtoken Neither the city of Boulder, nor the University of Colorado-Boulder, would be what they are today without Frances' wisdom, generosity, and tireless advocacy. Frances is the kind of person who makes the world a better place as she goes, and in doing so, inspires those around her to rise similarly to that endeavor. Boulderites and CU Buffs will forever stand on Frances' shoulders, and on the shoulders of those she inspires. On behalf of Colorado CD-2, I thank and honor Frances Draper for her countless contributions to our community.
HONORING IRIS TUN AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of our community, Iris Tun, by naming her for Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Iris is a co-founder and a family advocate at the Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center (EMBARC) of Iowa, which is Iowa's first and only refugee-led service provider that strives to address shared issues and uplift all refugee communities. prgtoken Refugees from Burma began arriving in Iowa in 2007 and 2008 as a priority class of refugees, part of the nearly 1.5 million refugees that have fled Burma since the early 1960s. EMBARC was created in 2012 to help these new refugees settle into Iowa. At first, Iris helped the team provide resources and videos translated from English to Burmese and Karen, but their operation has since expanded. prgtoken When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, EMBARC Iowa got to work creating videos and informational resources about the COVID-19 virus and aid that was available in 13 different languages to help those who had lost jobs, facing eviction and struggling with virtual schooling. Over the past year, more than 8,000 refugees and immigrants have received support from EMBARC and RISE AmeriCorps members--95 percent of whom were essential workers. prgtoken When Iris is not making videos for EMBARC Iowa, she translates voter registration forms at her church for free. In Iowa, it's illegal for the state to translate official government forms, including election forms, which makes it hard for non-fluent English speakers to collect voting information. prgtoken As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it's important to note the difficulties the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities still face here in America. This week, the House passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to highlight the increased violence Asian American and Pacific Islanders have encountered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Iris's work is vital to putting an end to these hate crimes because her work as a translator allows folks to communicate and better understand each other. That's why I would like my colleagues to rise with me and recognize this exemplary woman, Iris Tun, as our Iowan of the Week.
RECOGNIZING MAY AS SAVE YOUR TOOTH MONTH
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Save Your Tooth Month. This month celebrates Americans saving their natural teeth and recognizes the ``savers''--endodontists--who make this possible. prgtoken The more than 5,000 endodontists in the U.S. play an important role in providing oral health care throughout our country, spread awareness about practicing good oral hygiene, and emphasize the value of retaining one's natural teeth and smile. prgtoken Endodontists are dentists that specialize in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatment. Following the dental school, endodontists have completed an additional 2 to 3 years of advanced training. This gives them enhanced precision, making them highly skilled in performing complex treatments. prgtoken Teeth are a gateway to nutrition, a sign of emotion, and a signal of overall good health. We all feel better when our teeth are clean and pain-free. And although dentures can work well and have improved significantly, they are never as good as a full set of natural teeth. Our natural teeth are worth saving, and endodontists focus their careers solely on doing just that. prgtoken Nothing looks, feels, or functions like your natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with 6-month check-ups from your dentist, can help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. It is worth the extra few minutes each day to maintain good oral hygiene. prgtoken If you do experience issues with your teeth, seek out proper dental care. In particular, if you have tooth pain, you can seek treatment from an endodontist. Endodontists use the most current and advanced technology to treat dental patients. prgtoken It should be noted that it is extremely safe to visit the endodontist during the COVID-19 pandemic, with endodontists practicing the utmost caution and disinfection protocol. Even at the height of America's spring 2020 shutdown, most endodontic practices remained open to safely treat dental emergencies. prgtoken Thank you to all the endodontists for your dedicated work in helping us maintain our natural teeth. Happy Save Your Tooth Month.
ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT--Resumed
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-5-25

I want to start by thanking the senior Senator from Delaware for his longtime persistence in making sure that this Congress ultimately does the right thing and makes the District of Columbia the 51st State. prgtoken I want to thank Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for representing the people of the District of Columbia so ably. She deserves a vote in the House of Representatives just like every other Member of the House of Representatives from the 50 States. The District of Columbia deserves two Senators right here in the U.S. Congress. prgtoken I want to thank President for saying that if this Senate will just get this bill to his desk, he will sign that piece of legislation and make sure that these people in the District of Columbia are represented as every other citizen in the 50 States is currently represented. prgtoken All of us come to this floor and we hear our colleagues on both sides of the aisle talking about the importance of democracy overseas. We criticize China, rightly, when it begins to snuff out the right to vote in Hong Kong. We criticize the authoritarian rulers in Belarus when they clamp down on freedom. We look around the world, and we try our best to establish a standard for standing up for the principle of democracy. We are not always consistent. We are not always constant in that message, but we make an effort to do that. We need to look in the mirror and make that same effort right here at home. prgtoken I hear so many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle talking about the importance of democracy around the world, but when it comes to granting the people in the District of Columbia the full rights of a democracy--the right to two votes in the Senate and a vote in the House--they are not there. prgtoken The people of the District of Columbia are fed up and tired of the hypocrisy. They are even more fed up about what my friend and colleague, the Senator from Virginia, was just talking about--the fact that they contribute in every way to our country but are denied the right to have voting representation in the House and the Senate. prgtoken As the Senator from Virginia said and others have said, a founding principle of our revolution was the idea that nobody should be subject to taxation without representation. The Senator from Virginia talked about Patrick Henry, and there are others who we know established that principle. Here in the Nation's Capital, the people of the District of Columbia pay higher taxes than those in 22 other States; yet they don't have a vote in the House or two Senators to represent them. prgtoken They have also had people who served in every one of our wars, who spilled blood for this country. Yet, while they helped to protect our democracy from threats abroad, they don't have the right here, in our democracy, to cast those votes for voting representatives in the House and the Senate. prgtoken This is not a partisan issue. We know i
INTRODUCTION OF THE YOUNG AMERICANS FINANCIAL LITERACY ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , today I am pleased to re- introduce the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. Financial literacy is critical to ensuring future financial responsibility. Studies have shown that 88 percent of Americans believe finance education should be taught in schools and 92 percent of K-12 teachers believe that financial education should be taught in school, but only 12 percent of teachers actually teach the subject. Yet, according to a 2020 survey, less than half of States require high school students to take a personal finance course, and less than 17 percent of high school students were required to take a semester-long personal finance course. prgtoken I believe that Congress has an opportunity and a responsibility to address the pressing needs of individuals faced with the loss of their financial stability and the challenges of economic uncertainty. This should include financial literacy education reform and long-term solutions to prevent future personal financial disasters. Research- based financial literacy education programs are needed to reach individuals at all ages and socioeconomic levels, particularly those facing unique and challenging financial situations, such as high school graduates entering the workforce, soon-to-be and recent college graduates and young families, and to address the unique needs of military personnel and their families. High school and college students who are exposed to cumulative financial education show an increase in financial knowledge, which in turn drives increasingly responsible behavior as they become young adults. prgtoken According to the Government Accountability Office, giving Americans the information they need to make effective financial decisions can be key to their well-being and to the country's economic health. The global financial crisis, when many borrowers failed to fully understand the risks associated with certain financial products, and currently, the economic hardships presented by the sudden disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, underscore the need to improve individuals' financial literacy and empower all Americans to make informed financial decisions. This is especially true for young people as they are earning their first paychecks, securing student aid, and establishing their financial independence. Therefore, focusing economic education and financial literacy efforts and best practices for young people between the ages of 8 to 24 is of utmost importance. prgtoken I believe America should be leading the world with the best-educated students who will drive our economic innovation and success, so please join me in cosponsoring the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. This act: prgtoken Establishes a grant program in the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to develop and implement financial literacy programs for young people ages 8 to 24, prgtoken Incentivizes the development of partnerships between institutions of higher education,
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MR. RICHARD BATES
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-25

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Richard Bates, who passed away outside Washington, D.C on December 31, 2020. He was a beloved husband, father, and community member. prgtoken Mr. Bates was born in Washington, D.C on September 2, 1950 to Can and Sylvia Bates. In 1978, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Rose Bates. He served as executive director of the ic Congressional Campaign Committee before joining the Walt Disney Company, where he worked for 30 years. He opened Disney's first Washington, D.C office, and served as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations. prgtoken Richard's loved ones, friends, and colleagues remember him for his compassion, sense of humor, and kindness. He was a passionate advocate for the creative industries and was well-respected for his skill and knowledge in his field. In 2018, he was elected to the board of trustees of an advocacy organization fighting for free speech and working in communications policy issues, the Media Institute. Most importantly, he was dedicated to his friends and family, and inspired those around him to do what they love and follow their dreams. prgtoken Richard is survived by his wife, Rose; two sons, Ricky (Noelle) and Chris; brother, Robert (Judith); and other relatives. He will also be missed by his canine-granddaughter, Betty.