mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the inclusion of a pilot program for a national simulation-based emergency preparedness network in the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This pilot program will support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Health Security's (OHS) mission to strengthen the Nation's health security through leadership and partnership, a safer and healthier Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce, and optimal care for patients. prgtoken I worked on this language with my fellow co-chairs of the Modeling and Simulation Caucus, Reps. Bergman, Sorensen, and Rutherford and am pleased to see it included. prgtoken The simulation-based emergency preparedness network will deliver simulation-based training that meets existing and emerging local and regional needs to licensed healthcare professionals, first responders, and volunteers. This network supports all five phases of emergency management by ensuring our vital healthcare workforce is prepared prior to an emergency, able to respond effectively, save lives, prevent further damage, and contribute to healing during recovery. The program will also serve the training needs of the greater U.S. healthcare system. prgtoken Unfortunately, the underlying appropriations bill fails to invest in other national needs. It fails to fund effective strategies to keep our communities safe, much needed programs to prgtoken assist migrants, and critical programs to combat public health threats. The bill also limits the ability of the department to counter misinformation, meet cybersecurity needs, and bans abortion services for individuals in U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. I urge my colleagues to maintain this program to further modeling and simulation-based emergency preparedness network as we work towards a mutually agreeable funding bill.
JUNETEENTH AND SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE DAY
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , and still I rise. Still I rise, proud to be a person who is blessed with the preeminent privilege of standing here and speaking in this most sacred Chamber, proud to be a person who is in service to his country, proud to acknowledge that we, in Houston, Texas, just celebrated Juneteenth, the day that General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas. prgtoken General Order No. 3 was read at Galveston, Texas, to call to the attention of the people of the State of Texas that the Emancipation Proclamation had some 2\1/2\ years earlier freed the slaves in the Confederate States. Of course, the people in Texas did not honor the Emancipation Proclamation. Hence, people were maintained in slavery for some 2\1/2\ additional years. prgtoken General Gordon Granger didn't come to Galveston, Texas, alone. General Gordon Granger came with the 25th Army Corps. The 25th Army Corps liberated Galveston, Texas. prgtoken It was the 25th Army Corps that came to Galveston and ran the confederates out of town, as it were. It is said that they were chased to the border of Mexico, which allowed General Gordon Granger to read General Order No. 3. But for the 25th Army Corps, General Gordon Granger may not have been in a position to read General Order No. 3 on June 19, because the 25th Army Corps came in about a week earlier. prgtoken The 25th Army Corps was more than 1,000 persons strong and consisted primarily of persons who were of African ancestry. It was African people who fought to liberate Galveston, Texas. Hence, we have Juneteenth. prgtoken There is much more that I could say about Juneteenth and General Order No. 3 as well as the 25th Army Corps. We have presented a resolution to honor the 25th Army Corps for their bravery and for their valor. Much more is to be said about them. prgtoken Today, I want to move forward from Juneteenth. I would like to acknowledge it as a celebration of liberation, persons being liberated after having suffered the inhumanity associated with slavery. prgtoken I mention this Juneteenth date, because we will soon commemorate August 20. August 20 is Slavery Remembrance Day. Remember, Juneteenth was the celebration of liberation. August 20 is the commemoration of the millions who were enslaved. prgtoken I mention it now, because as we move toward this date, I want persons to take note of it. It is an important date in American history. It is important because it was on August 20, 1619, that the White Lion, a ship with, it is said, 20 enslaved persons of African ancestry aboard, were introduced to the Colonies which would go on to become the United States of America, or part of the United States of America. prgtoken These 20 persons represent the genesis of slavery in the United States of America. This date should not be forgotten. This date should be commemorated. It was a seminal moment in time that has impacted every scintilla of time since that day, August 20, 1619. prgtoken
HONORING STEFANI BOOROOJIAN ON HER RETIREMENT
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to honor Stefani Booroojian, a pioneer in local journalism and one of the icons of journalism in the San Joaquin Valley. prgtoken After 42 years at KSEE24, the Fresno NBC affiliate, Stefani is sadly, for me, retiring from the news desk. prgtoken After graduating from Fresno State in 1981, and a loyal Bulldog, Stefani started in radio before landing her first job as a reporter. She worked on every newscast reporting stories on medical missions to Armenia, and women battling cancer as a part of the BuddyCheck24 project, in addition to many other stories, including the continued coverage of the COVID crisis. She never, ever shirked her responsibilities. prgtoken I have had the honor to know Stefani and her husband, Marc. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a real sense of compassion to journalism that resonates with my constituents and the people of our Valley. She, in a word, conveys trust. prgtoken Her legacy in so many different ways will continue to inspire the next generation of journalists. Stefani is a proud granddaughter of the Armenian diaspora, and she has always put the people of our Valley first. prgtoken , I thank Stefani for all her years of service to our Valley and keep up the good work.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley) for the MTR, and I look forward to voting for it. prgtoken Let me just add, the Ukrainian Supplemental Assistance Initiative has long-term spending which has been in the bill since 2016. As the gentleman pointed out, that is one of the reasons why Ukraine was ready to stand up to this unjustified, hostile invasion by Russia. prgtoken Let us work together and coordinate closely with our allies. Let us support the MTR. prgtoken Mr. Chair, . Amendment No. 171 Offered by Ms. Titus
OUR GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to applaud Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for officially calling our gun violence epidemic what it is, a public health crisis. prgtoken The numbers paint the picture: 120 Americans are killed and more than 200 are wounded by guns every day. The leading cause of death among children and teens in America is gun violence, with 4,600 precious children killed in 2022 alone, and an average of two mass shootings each day for the past 3 years. prgtoken These numbers should horrify us because they are not numbers; they are people whose lives have been stolen, and families with unimaginable pain. prgtoken Dr. Murthy's declaration treats our gun violence crisis with the urgency it demands. It opens doors for us to build upon the small progress we are making. prgtoken Two years ago this week, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, prgtoken the first gun violence safety law in 30 years. We did so together in the shadow of a horrific set of mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. prgtoken This will not be our last step. We must ban automatic rifles, strengthen universal background checks, and require safe storage. This is a public health crisis. prgtoken , I ask us to face it. Doing so will save lives.
HONORING TEAM FLAMEGUARD AS CHAMPIONS OF THE WEEK
Emilia Strong Sykes (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jackson High School students Justin Lackey, Joe Lattarulo, Zachary Ferguson, Matt Smith, and Jack Lancy, operating as Team FlameGuard, as the Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken These students won first place in the Company of the Year competition at the Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C this year. They were inspired to create a company that sells fire safety kits after witnessing a tragedy in our community that killed a family of four. prgtoken I had the opportunity to meet these amazing students just a few weeks ago prgtoken when they came to our Nation's Capital to compete, and they told me about their mission to help their fellow community members protect what matters the most by equipping individuals with the tools they need to prevent dangerous house fires and protect themselves from harm. prgtoken The FlameGuard team worked with local fire safety officials to assemble two different fire safety kits. In just 3 short months, FlameGuard arrived at the summit, having sold 355 items with net sales of over $16,000. prgtoken Students like the FlameGuard team are what makes our district the Birthplace of Champions. I congratulate FlameGuard on their entrepreneurial success and their tireless dedication to community safety.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, I read this amendment carefully, and what I saw in this amendment and the policy choices that it engages have nothing to do with what I just heard from the proponent of this amendment, so let me deal with the merits of this amendment as it stands and as it relates specifically to the Department of Defense. prgtoken This amendment in that context is just another in a long line of initiatives by my colleagues to drive out of the Department of Defense any concern for, much less mention of, anything bearing the name of or in any way implicating the dreaded phrase ``climate change.'' prgtoken Based on this amendment, this apparently includes any reference to consideration of greenhouse gas emissions or extreme weather risks in Federal procurement. All this is despite the fact that the DOD itself is eyes wide open to the realities of climate change, as we have seen repeatedly in this debate. prgtoken Let's unpack the real amendment here and ask ourselves what it actually does. Very directly, first of all, this amendment would defund any requirement by DOD that greenhouse gas emissions or climate-related risk be disclosed by companies doing business with the Department of Defense. prgtoken It is nothing new to utilize Federal procurement to address broader concerns, especially when the largest procurement office in the Federal Government is the Department of Defense. Therefore, the only real conclusion to be reached from the amendment is that greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks are not broader concerns, nor are they concerns, certainly, to the Department of Defense. In fact, for the Department of Defense in Federal Government contracting to look at this amendment, those can't be factored in at all. They can't even be known. prgtoken Let's just take a couple of examples, and let's assume everything else. Let's take out of this argument the false argument that somehow it is going to detract from quality, cost, quantity. Let's equalize that, which is all part of Federal procurement anyway. Let's just look at the amendment itself with DOD requirements in some real examples. prgtoken Let's take an example. One proposed contractor is utilizing the dirtiest, largest emitting, most unsustainable forms of energy for a product while the other--quality, quantity, productivity, everything else equal--has invested in clean energy consistent with international emission targets, not to mention our own targets. prgtoken Should we factor that in at all in Federal procurement? Should we even know that? Should we effectively penalize the company that is doing the right thing and incentivize the company that is not? I think the answer is that we should know it, and we should factor it in. prgtoken Let's take another example. One contractor has fully disclosed any risks of extreme weather conditions on its business model, its financial stability, its climate-related resilience preparedness, and the continuity and predicta
COMMENDING CHRISTOPHER LOPEZ
Delia C. Ramirez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent, Christopher Lopez, a generous and passionate community leader whose life has impacted countless people. prgtoken Born in Cuba, Chris immigrated to the U.S. in 1966, beginning a journey marked by community-building and service. After graduating from Lane Tech High School in Illinois' Third District, Chris' job allowed him to travel across Latin America. prgtoken While traveling, Chris took the opportunity to serve others, including helping at an orphanage in Mexico, where he grew his family by adopting his son, Mario. Chris now lives with his husband, Miguel, in Bensenville and serves as treasurer of Naper Pride, advancing services, programs, and opportunities for the LGBTQI+ in DuPage County. prgtoken On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Christopher Lopez for his service and involvement in our communities and his advocacy across the community to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion.
HONORING MARYLAND AND LAURA ROOK ON THEIR 75TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise to honor Maryland and Laura Rook whose love has become a beacon of enduring commitment. prgtoken As they are celebrating their remarkable 76th wedding anniversary, we are reminded of the strength of their marriage that began on May 8, 1948. prgtoken With family and community members at their side, we joyously recognized the Rooks' wedding anniversary during the town of Gaston's Juneteenth holiday celebration at the Lake Gaston Community Center. prgtoken Their marriage is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of the strength of this community and a shining example of the power of love for the American people. prgtoken As they continue on this extraordinary journey together, I extend my heartfelt prayers and continued happiness and blessings as they approach their oak anniversary.
ENSURE EMERGENCY ABORTION ACCESS
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to discuss yesterday's Supreme Court decision that temporarily allows women in Idaho to access emergency abortion services, upholding Federal law. prgtoken Make no mistake, this decision is a momentary reprieve, not a win. The Court's refusal to address the key legal questions underpinning this case leaves the door open to future attacks on emergency abortion care. prgtoken It is unfathomable that a woman in dire need of abortion care could be turned away from an emergency room or forced to flee her home State to receive desperately needed care. prgtoken Federal law has long protected women's rights to emergency care, including abortion, but this decision means emergency reproductive healthcare will remain at risk in States with restrictive abortion laws across the country. prgtoken Madam , I won't stop fighting back against these extreme attacks on women's fundamental freedoms.
CELEBRATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GAMMA PHI OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA
Timothy M. Kennedy (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Buffalo's Gamma Phi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated. prgtoken The Gamma Phi Omega chapter was charted on June 25, 1944, by a group of young women returning to Buffalo from college. As a chapter of AKA, the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American, college-educated women, Gamma Phi Omega upholds the pillars of service, scholarship, and sisterhood within our community. For 80 years, the sisters of Gamma Phi Omega have provided essential services to the people of Western New York. Then efforts focus on sisterhood, family support, economic development, local community outreach, environmental protection, and social justice. Through initiatives such as their annual MLK Day of Service, the Debutante Leadership Program for young women's professional development, and Black Dollar Days to support local black-owned businesses, the Gamma Phi Omega chapter has made a positive impact on many lives. prgtoken Carrying out their commitment to service, the Gamma Phi Omega chapter ensures that members of our community have access to the essential resources they need. Their program, Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP), supplies weekend and holiday meals to children in need. To date, this program remains AKA's most ambitious effort to combat childhood hunger. Additionally, the chapter provides academic scholarships to young students in the area, supporting their pursuit of higher education and fostering the value of scholarship. prgtoken Today, we thank the sisters of Buffalo's Gamma Phi Omega chapter of AKA for their unwavering commitment to serving our community. Please join me in congratulating the Gamma Phi Omega chapter on an exceptional 80 years of service and thanking them for all they do to make our community a better place.
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAYOU CLASSIC SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY VS. GRAMBLING UNIVERSITY
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Bayou Classic, an annual football classic that honors the heritage and accomplishments of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, specifically between Grambling State University and Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and, Grambling State University, a member of the University of Louisiana System Institution, is in Grambling, Louisiana. Southern University A&M College, a member of the Southern University System, is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. prgtoken The Bayou Classic has earned the distinction of being the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the Nation, with a storied history dating back to 1932, and has long promoted the importance of sportsmanship, musicianship, community, and traditions by representing the talents and achievements of students, staff, and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. prgtoken The Bayou Classic brings together fans and alumni of Grambling State University and Southern University and A&M College from around the globe to New Orleans, creating a vibrant celebration of football, family, traditions, and pageantry surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities. prgtoken The Bayou Classic's core audience primarily consists of students, alumni, military personnel, and leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with age demographics ranging from high school students, college students, university alumni, and football fanatics. prgtoken The Bayou Classic attracts participants from all over the world, but has a dedicated national audience, including but not limited to Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. prgtoken The Bayou Classic has consistently achieved record-breaking attendance, with projections of sustained future growth, particularly the Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show, which draws an average attendance of 30,000 with sold out crowds for the past three years, and over 60,000-65,000 attendees for Game Day. prgtoken The 44th Annual Bayou Classic in 2017 propelled the event to be recognized as the No. 1 HBCU Classic and the most attended football game in the FCS division, further solidifying its status as the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the world since 2019. prgtoken The Bayou Classic officially celebrated 50 years of HBCU football rivalry, in which Southern University defeated Grambling State 27-22, on November 25, 2023 in the City of New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome. The school's records are Southern 26 wins, Grambling 24 wins. prgtoken I am happy to recognize this event, held in Louisiana's Second Congressional District, and proclaim the Bayou Classic as an historic event that showcases the excellence, pride, and unity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I appreciate all attendees from around the country a
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, I cannot in good faith support this legislation without the inclusion of funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. prgtoken For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. prgtoken My amendment would protect funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that has been included in this Defense appropriations bill since 2016. prgtoken USAI is a major reason why the Ukrainian army is a much different, much better army than it was when the Russians took Crimea a decade ago. This program is central to the strategy to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression and, therefore, central to our own efforts to protect democracy across the globe. prgtoken Ukraine's battle for its independence has not ended. Our support for them must not end, either. Many people in prgtoken this room voted to provide $61 billion in supplemental funding for Ukraine, but it is important to remember that $13 billion went to replenish U.S. equipment, $7 billion went to strengthen our industrial base and to increase weapons production, and $7 billion went to bolster U.S. forces in Europe and the Middle East. It is still not enough. prgtoken As recently as March, Russia was firing around 10,000 shells a day compared to just 2,000 from the Ukrainian side. Putin has, indeed, doubled down, dramatically increasing his military production to the point of 29 percent of his budget. prgtoken USAI allows Ukraine to purchase weapons and equipment directly from U.S. manufacturers. An investment in this initiative is an investment in our own economy, not a handout. The program has been used to integrate the Ukraine military with Western militaries, increasing their capabilities and training their soldiers, but it is critical to understand that the Department of Defense has committed $8.2 billion of the approximately $13.8 billion in USAI funding appropriated through the Ukraine supplemental and anticipates committing the remainder of the funds by the end of calendar year 2024. prgtoken At the end of the debate, I will insert into the Record the text of this amendment, and I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. prgtoken If we fail to continue this funding, we would effectively signal to authoritarian leaders with expansionist ambition around the world that the U.S. will allow them to act with impunity. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of the amendment. Mr. Quigley moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8774 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment: Page 128, line 4, after the dollar amount insert ``(increased by $300,000,000)''. At the end of the bill, before the short title, insert following: Sec. __. For an additional amount for ``Operation and Maintenance, Defen