mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-2

the Federal Government, which spends billions of dollars contracting with private companies every year, has an obligation to demonstrate and promote responsible behavior. We should not be in the business of working with contractors who repeatedly violate our Nation's labor laws, particularly when they harm the veterans who have served our Nation so bravely. prgtoken Repealing this rule sends the wrong message to employers, the wrong message to veterans, and the wrong message to hardworking Americans who deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace.
FUNDING LEGAL SERVICES IN PROTECTION FROM EXECUTIVE ORDERS
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-2

today I am introducing the DREAMers, Immigrants, Refugees--or DIRe--Legal Aid Act. This bill will fund legal services to protect them from the recent executive orders. prgtoken In my district last week, I held an immigration town hall. The place was packed with people who were afraid for their neighbors and afraid for our communities, and this was before the executive order was released. When I was at LAX this past Saturday evening, I saw the fear escalate. President 's executive orders directly challenge the due process rights that are guaranteed to all of us under the Constitution. prgtoken My legislation will help DREAMers, immigrants, and refugees have access to legal representation. Refugees are already vetted by the State Department, and the State Department does a very good job. If we want to do extreme vetting, let's do it right, and let's do it legally. prgtoken If we wish to remain a beacon of freedom to the world, we must stand up for immigrants and refugees who look to America as a place of hope. We can't just claim we are the greatest Nation in the world--we have to be the greatest Nation in the world.
THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-2-2

. I thank Congressman Raskin, and I thank Congresswoman Jayapal. prgtoken , the truth is that the House of Representatives has tremendously benefited by these two awesome freshmen who have come in here like gangbusters. I am sure that my classmate and friend of many years from New York, Ms. Yvette Clarke, will agree with me that we are always trying to welcome these folks who have come straight off the campaign trail, because you really know how people are feeling when they come straight off the campaign trail--fresh. I am sure the Congressman from Rhode Island, David Cicilline, agrees. prgtoken The people of this country are fundamentally fair folks. Our countrymen and -women believe that everybody ought to be treated with dignity and respect. Yes, we believe that we have to have an economy that works for everybody. Absolutely true. We also believe that people should be treated based on their behavior, based on who they are, based on what they bring, not based on their race, their sex, their gender, their religion. In fact, this idea is enshrined in the Constitution. prgtoken The first clause of the First Amendment reads: ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' Later on in the Constitution, it reads that Congress shall not impose any religious test for participating-- serving--in public office. prgtoken In America, you don't have to have one religious belief or another. In America, you can be a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindu, or of no faith whatsoever. You can be Baptist; you can be Methodist; you can be whatever you want to be. That is up to you, and it is a private matter. Americans basically understand that this is right because the Framers of the Constitution, people like Thomas Jefferson and others, looked over at some of the Colonies and even looked at some of the conflicts in Europe and said that we don't need to be mixed up--fighting--with each other over religion. prgtoken Now, the Framers got a lot of things wrong. They got women's rights wrong; they got race wrong; they got Native American rights wrong. There were many things that they needed to correct in this Nation. prgtoken As the great Thurgood Marshall said, we were defective from the start, and we needed to have civil wars and civil rights movements and other movements to make this country the country that it is today. prgtoken Yet one thing we did decently in the beginning is with regard to religious freedom--until now. is introducing a religious test for whether or not people can be a part of this American story. prgtoken claims: Oh, I don't have a Muslim ban. prgtoken Wait a minute, President . Wasn't it you who, on December 7, 2015, said that you were calling for a ban on all Muslims who enter into the United States? Wasn't it you who said it multiple times throughout your campaign? Didn't you say you wanted to have a Muslim database f
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MATTATUCK DRUM BAND
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-2-2

. I would like to congratulate the Mattatuck Drum Band, the oldest continually operating marching band in the Nation, on its 250th anniversary. The Mattatuck Drum Band's performances have captivated audiences in Connecticut since before the founding of our Nation and deserve recognition for continuing this important musical tradition over so many years. prgtoken During the marching band's formative years in the early 1770's, it was known as the Farmingbury Drum Band. The group performed at Farmingbury church events, where churchgoers were called into services by drumbeat--a common practice for churches without a bell. During the American Revolution, many members of the band served as wartime fifers and drummers, providing military field music for soldiers fighting for American independence. Shortly after returning home from the war, the band grew in popularity and changed their name to the Wolcott Drum Band. prgtoken In the 19th century, many band members continued their service to the military during the War of 1812 and in the Civil War, participating in rallies and recruiting events to ``drum up'' support for the militia. Following the Civil War, however, many band members relocated, and interest in the group waned. The group was revived in 1881, when the remaining active members of the band moved the group to Waterbury and renamed it the Mattatuck Drum Band. The uniform first donned by this group in 1884 is still worn by the Mattatuck Drum Band today. prgtoken As the band continued into the 20th century, their main purpose shifted from rallying support for the militia to bolstering the morale and feelings of patriotism amongst the public. Although many Mattatuck Drum Band members enlisted to serve their country during World War I and World War prgtoken II, the musicians still found ways to practice and keep the group active. In 1961, the Mattatuck Drum Band travelled to Washington to participate in the inaugural parade of President-Elect John F. Kennedy. They received a standing ovation and applause for their performance. prgtoken Today the Mattatuck Drum Band performs at many parades and celebrations, using their powerful drum beats to continue the patriotic tunes and traditions that have inspired so many Americans over generations. I would like to congratulate the Mattatuck Drum Band on their incredible history of service and inspiration. It is my hope that the band continues this incredible musical tradition for many more years to come.
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-2-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to this resolution which would disapprove of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule that was finalized in August of 2016. prgtoken The Federal Acquisition Regulation requires Federal contractors to be ``responsible,'' to have a satisfactory record of integrity, and business ethics. prgtoken The Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule would require Federal contractors to self-report on violations of 14 fundamental Federal labor and nondiscrimination laws. prgtoken This includes laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; and the Civil Rights Act. prgtoken These Federal laws apply to all businesses in the United States, and a vast majority of Federal contractors comply with them as well. Unfortunately, studies by the GAO, the Center for American Progress, and others show that there are a few bad apples that consistently violate these fundamental Federal labor laws, yet continue to be awarded Federal contracts. prgtoken That is just plain wrong. Americans' tax dollars should not go to contractors who persistently and willfully violate such laws. prgtoken It also puts contractors who do obey the law at an unfair disadvantage because they willingly bear the cost of compliance to provide safe and fair workplaces. prgtoken The Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces rule would also improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Federal acquisition process by promoting healthy and productive workplaces. prgtoken As the final rule notes, ``Contractors that consistently adhere to labor laws are more likely to have workplace practices that enhance productivity and increase the likelihood of timely, predictable, and satisfactory delivery of goods and services.'' prgtoken This rule should be a win-win. It helps the Federal Government ensure compliance with fundamental labor and nondiscrimination laws and, at the same time, improve the efficiency of the Federal contracting process. prgtoken I urge our Members to vote ``no'' on this ill-conceived disapproval resolution. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bobby Scott), the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, be allowed to control the time on this side.
HORRORS OF THE IMMIGRATION BAN
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-2

. I will just finish this up very quickly. I think we need to look to where this problem emanates. It emanates from the President's adviser, Mr. Bannon. He has been at this for some time talking about the nature of America being a White nationalist nation. So if we look beyond the horror that this ban places, we need to look to where it emanates, Mr. Bannon, clearly this comes from him, and we need to focus our attention on what he has done to this Nation's values. prgtoken from Maryland.
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-2-2

I am deeply concerned about efforts underway to use the Congressional Review Act to eliminate protections that have saved lives and cleaned up our environment. I certainly respect the views of my friend and colleague from North Dakota, but there are other perspectives to consider. And while today it is a stream buffer rule, tomorrow it will be some other rule intended to protect the health of our communities and our citizens. prgtoken The Congressional Review Act is a rarely used tool that can erase rules that have taken years and much public input to develop. Passing a CRA resolution, as we are being asked to do in this instance, also prevents us from implementing similar protections in the future. The reason is that by passing this kind of resolution, it prevents us from implementing any kind of other rule that is similar in nature. prgtoken Regardless of whether you voted for or Hillary Clinton, nobody wants to live in a dirty environment where we don't have clean water, clean rivers, clean streams, or clean air. Once again, we are being told to choose between a clean environment and creating jobs. prgtoken In Hawaii, we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and some of the most robust protections for our environment. Today's debate over the stream buffer rule and future debates under the Congressional Review Act are not about States' rights. Today's debate is not about regulation for the sake of regulation. It is not about a war on coal; it is about preventing fossil fuel companies from creating unhealthy communities by polluting the water we drink and the air we breathe. prgtoken The Department of the Interior has been working on this rule for 7 years--7 years. It replaces an outdated regulation that was written during the Reagan administration in 1983. prgtoken Science has come a long way in 34 years. In that time, we have learned a lot about the detrimental impacts of coal mining on clean water and public health. Clean water is essential, and politically expedient decisions we make now will have lasting impacts for years to come, as families in Flint, MI, know all too well. prgtoken The stream buffer rule that we are being asked to undo requires coal companies to monitor water for contaminants. Communities have a right to know what is in their drinking water. They have a right to know that their water is clean. They have a right to know what kind of contaminants are in their water. I don't think this is an unreasonable expectation. Why are we making this debate a fight between supporting jobs for coal miners and clean water? prgtoken Divide and conquer is a time-tested tactic that ends up hurting vulnerable populations and communities. Let's not fall prey to such divisive tactics. This is why I am perplexed as to why we are voting to undo the progress we have made. I will be voting against the CRA and any other CRAs that harm our environment and public healt
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-2-2

today I wish to honor the life and service of New Jerseyan John Salamone. John is a World War II veteran, a beloved member of the Lyndhurst community, and an inspiration to many. prgtoken A native of Hoboken, John Salamone began his service upon enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. After basic training, he was assigned to the medical corps and deployed to the Pacific Theater on the hospital ship the U.S.S. Haven. John's service in the Pacific took him to the Battle of Okinawa, to the liberation of POWs in the Philippines, and to the destroyed city of Nagasaki. prgtoken John's experiences during the war changed him. For several years following his return, he used his training to assist others as a volunteer emergency medical technician in his community. After seeing the devastation of the atomic bomb released over Nagasaki, John became passionate about sharing his war experiences with others in the hopes that the United States might never again deem atomic war necessary. To this day, he still prays for peace. prgtoken John is treasured by all who have been fortunate enough to meet him, and thanks to his outgoing and affable nature, almost everyone in the township of Lyndhurst knows him. John is a fixture there: he was a Little League coach, a member of the Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus, and a member of St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, where he still attends mass every Sunday, just as he has for more than 50 years. For 68 years, until her death, John was the loving husband of Mary Salamone, and he is the proud father of Robert Salamone, Maureen Hirsch, and Mary Ann Osgoodby. In his retirement, after a 40-year career in sales with Chemical Bank, John spends his time doting on his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, advocating for the veterans community, and sharing his unique story as a U.S. Navy corpsman during World War II. prgtoken John's remarkable commitment to his community and our Nation is an example for all who seek to serve. It is an honor to formally recognize him for his tremendous contributions to his fellow citizens and thank him for his faithful service.
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2017-2-2

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, in particular the Second District, and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Representatives from these agencies worked closely with D.C. residents on Belmont Road NW and the leadership of the Islamic Center of Washington to forge a remedy to a life-threatening situation that had hate-crime implications. prgtoken These individuals provided extraordinary guidance and intervention in bringing closure to a situation that had exposed D.C. residents to racial and homophobic slurs, as well as threats of bodily harm, for more than five years. prgtoken I therefore rise with pride to salute police officers Lt. Jerome M. Merrill, Sgt. Brian H. Brown, Sgt. Miguel Rodriguezgil, and Mr. James T. Towns, Community Engagement Director, with the Office of the Attorney General. In particular, I applaud the leadership efforts of Dr. Khouj, Imam, and Abassie Jarr-Koroma of the Islamic Center of Washington, and A. Mario Castillo, a resident of Belmont Road, who coordinated the teamwork on. this matter. prgtoken This civic success story brings to mind a fitting quote attributed to the great American poet and writer Maya Angelou, ``It's good to remember that in crises, natural crises, human beings forget for a while their ignorance, their biases, their prejudices. For a little while, neighbors help neighbors and strangers help strangers.'' prgtoken , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding my constituents and the law enforcement officers.
THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-2-2

I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), my friend and colleague, and I thank my other colleagues also who are here today to shine a light on the abuses that happened last week and last weekend with the executive order that was passed and signed into law by this President. prgtoken , this order is in direct contrast with the values that this country was built on: foremost, to be a refuge. That is how so many people in the history of this country have come here. Instead, our President has chosen to close the doors on people who are fleeing violence in their home countries, and it is based on their religion. prgtoken This ban is discrimination in its purest form. It does not make us safer. In fact, , I believe that doing what we did has actually put fodder into the hands of those who really do wish to do us harm by being able to say that America hates Muslims, that America hates Islam, and that America hates immigrants and refugees, none of which is true to the history and the founding of this country. prgtoken The reality, , is that the International Rescue Committee has said that it is more challenging for refugees to get into the United States than anyone else. They are the most heavily vetted group there is. As you can see here, there are 20 steps involved in the process, and those who do get approved have been through the most rigorous background checks, fingerprinting, and questioning. prgtoken Instead of making us safer, this ban is simply throwing people into chaos. Many of us over this last weekend went to our airports across the country--Dulles; New York; Seattle, Washington, my hometown. We were called to the airport because there was chaos that erupted across the country, chaos that erupted at the airports, because people who had legal documents to come to the United States were coming in and being told that the executive order meant that they no longer could actually stay here in this country. prgtoken , what happened then for me, when I went to the Sea-Tac Airport at 1 in the afternoon on Saturday, I found a Somali family who had been waiting, a U.S. citizen woman who had been waiting to be reunited with her husband. She believed that finally she was going to get to hold him in her arms. Instead, , what happened is that he was put on a plane and sent back to Heathrow, but perhaps somewhere else. We were not given any information about what was going to happen to that gentleman. prgtoken We found out that there were two additional individuals who were already put on a plane ready to be deported. We, along with the ACLU, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and our governor, were able to file for a temporary restraining order. We were able to take that restraining order on our phone to the plane and say: Stop this plane. prgtoken That literally, , is how we were able to get those two people off of the plane. We were able to then get them legal counsel after much interv
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-2-2

back on the topic of the evening: the Congressional Review Act action to overturn the SEC's rule. prgtoken I am just kind of at a loss for words. There are people back home asking how politics is going, and they have a certain set of assumptions about the way Congress works. They watch ``House of Cards.'' They watch movies about politics. They have watched other TV shows on Hulu and Netflix, whatever it may be. I submit to you that what we are doing right now is so corrupt, so grotesque, so obvious, so trite that it wouldn't even make the cut as a plot for a TV show about politics because who would believe that the Congress, as one of their first acts, would pass a law prohibiting the implementation of a rule that requires oil companies to disclose what kind of foreign payments they are making for the privilege of extracting resources. prgtoken So what does that mean? You have oil companies that in order to extract resources in places like Africa and elsewhere--mostly poor countries around the globe--they have to cut a deal with whoever is in charge of the government in order to have access to that resource. Whether it is in Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Africa, Myanmar, or elsewhere, they cut a deal with the governing despot, usually. That money very often makes it directly into the pockets of the family of the people who run the country. This is what Senator Cardin was elucidating, as was Senator Leahy and the ranking member, Senator Brown. prgtoken But this issue was new to me, and I came to the floor not as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but as a citizen. I can't believe we are doing this. This is one of the stinkiest pieces of legislation that I have seen in my now 5 years in the Senate and my 8 years in the Hawaii State Legislature, in my life in politics. I can't believe that we would have the gall to put a bill on the floor to prevent us from disclosing what kinds of foreign payments--that is a euphemism--are being made to despots and autocrats around the planet. These are American companies traded on the stock exchange, American companies making foreign payments, euphemistically, for the privilege of extracting primarily oil. Our ability as a country to be the world's lone superpower--as Madeleine Albright called us, ``the indispensable nation,''--to be the superior country when it comes to money, morals, and might is now in question. Everywhere you look, it seems like America is ceding global leadership. prgtoken China is set to outshine the United States on climate change policy-- prgtoken China. Germany's Prime Minister is explaining international conventions on refugees to the President of the United States. We have insulted some of our closest allies in the fight against ISIS with a Muslim ban. prgtoken Now we are alienating ourselves from Australia, a country that has stood with the United States in every major conflict since the beginning of the 20