mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Artists (Executive Session)
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-12

. I rise not expecting to give a speech today, but I want to, first and foremost, recognize the Chair, who is my ``mother'' Senator, and I want to thank her for her incredible service to this institution. prgtoken I want to thank, which I rarely do, the staff who works here and runs the Senate every day, but I rise today to talk for a moment about groups that we don't talk about enough on this floor. We usually talk about everybody from law enforcement to our military, but we don't talk about artists. prgtoken We are a nation that even from our founding during Revolutionary times, there were extraordinary artists who expanded the moral imagination of this country and helped us to see a nation that could be free from British rule and domination. prgtoken In every point of American history, from protest movements to battles for suffrage, we have had artists who have painted these pictures of an America, a vision for what could be, but even more than that, they have healed us during difficult times. They have pulled us together with their inspiration. They have called out injustices. They have brought light to the dark places of our country. prgtoken You know, Picasso talked about art being something that helps to shake the dust off the soul of humanity, but I think it does more than that. As an African American, I have seen art in the tradition of healing, of providing hope, of even calling out with specificity the instructions on how to be free. prgtoken We remember the song that Harriet Tubman pointed to: Wade in the water, wade in the water, God is going to trouble the water. prgtoken That is the tradition that sourced my family. From enduring the pain of a nation that was unequal and divided, often in church with gospel songs, there was healing; there was hope. And even the poetry in the Harlem Renaissance spoke to an America that could possibly be if we just never stop believing. prgtoken As the great poet Langston Hughes said: America never was America to me, [But] I swear this oath-- America will be! Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain, Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain, Must [make] our . . . dream [live] again. O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath-- America will be! prgtoken I lean on poetry and song today just to get myself up in the morning. I have seen how artists have come to visit us here in the Capitol and Senators from prgtoken all backgrounds thanking them for providing for them the soundtrack of their lives. And God, humor, the comedians of old, I remember sneaking into balconies--in my house--and watching over the balcony my dad, quietly not thinking his children were listening, put on records by Richard Pryor, whose humor helped to heal his troubled heart, make him laugh at the absurdities of a nation that still had not fully fulfilled itself.
BUILDING A BETTER AMERICA
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-5-12

last week we marked Teacher Appreciation Week. This week, and every week, we say thank you to educators who help our students learn and grow. prgtoken We also honor their sacrifices and tireless efforts to carry our students forward during the last two difficult years. prgtoken From engineering and business to public service and journalism, all professions depend on the profession of teaching. I will always remember the teachers who made a difference in my life. I am so grateful for the teachers who put their heart and soul into inspiring students in my district each and every day. prgtoken I thank our teachers' unions, including those in my district, the Cleveland Teachers Union and the Akron Education Association, for their efforts to advocate for educators and to fulfill the promise of high- quality public education for every student. prgtoken Again, I thank all the teachers in Ohio's 11th Congressional District and across America.
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I thank Chairwoman Maloney for her tremendous leadership on so many issues, including reproductive rights, and for holding a hearing earlier in her committee on abortion and inviting several of us to testify. prgtoken I am very proud to be here as the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This is our Special Order hour, and I couldn't be prouder to be dedicating this Special Order hour to this critical issue of women's freedom, because that is what we are talking about is women's freedom. prgtoken The leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court represents an unprecedented, unlawful, and unjust attack on our constitutional reproductive rights. Reproductive rights groups and Black and Brown folks on the front line of this fight have been sounding the alarm for years that this day would come. The leaked draft opinion is a culmination of decades of insidious work from the extreme right, who have rigged the system in their favor. prgtoken I speak to you, Madam , today as one of the one in four women in America who have had an abortion. For people to understand how I ultimately decided to have an abortion, I have to start with the birth of my first child, Janak. Janak was born at 26\1/2\ weeks while I was on a 2-year fellowship in India. She weighed only 1 pound 14 ounces, and upon birth she went down to a weight of just 21 ounces. Janak was so small, she fit into the palm of my hand. She was no bigger than a medium-sized squash. For 3 months, we did not know if Janak would live or die. She needed multiple blood transfusions, she had to be fed drop by drop, and she constantly had her heart stop and restart. prgtoken We returned to the United States after 3 months, and in those early, intensely difficult years, Janak had hydrocephalus, water in her brain. She had seizures and she returned repeatedly to the emergency room because of life-threatening pneumonia. The fact that Janak is today a 26-year-old beautiful human being is a true miracle, and the greatest gift in my life. prgtoken At the same time that Janak was born, I was also fighting to keep my legal permanent resident status, married to a U.S. citizen and with a U.S. citizen child, and yet without the ability to return with the same status that I had. In the end, I was able to return to the United States with Janak, provided that I started from scratch to qualify for citizenship. prgtoken As a new mom taking care of a very sick baby and recovering from major surgery myself, I was struggling. I experienced severe postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that was only diagnosed after I contemplated suicide and realized that I needed to seek help. My marriage did not survive. We split custody of Janak, and I was a part-time single parent. prgtoken Shortly after, I met a wonderful man who is my husband today. I knew I was not ready to have another child, so I religiously took my daily contraceptive pill. Despite that, I became
HONORING HANDS OF PEACE
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise to recognize Hands of Peace on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary. Headquartered in my Congressional District in Glenview, Illinois, Hands of Peace empowers American, Israeli and Palestinian youth to become agents of change. prgtoken Hands of Peace's flagship Summer Program brings American, Israeli, and Palestinian youth together in Chicago and San Diego for a three- week dialogue-based experience where they explore peaceful solutions to foster equality, freedom and justice. prgtoken Founded in 2002, Hands of Peace is celebrating 20 years of impact with more than 700 alumni creating positive peace around the world. Through the hosting of Middle Eastern participants in American homes, Hands of Peace has built international ties between Israeli and Palestinian families, and families here in my district. prgtoken Through dialogue, education and action, teens learn to listen deeply, share powerful stories and work together to improve their communities. Hands of Peace also partners with local community organizations to educate people about the power of dialogue to break down stereotypes, encourage civil discourse, and shape an understanding of our common humanity. prgtoken Hands of Peace continues to work with youth leaders to develop their skills and networks so they can build positive peace in their communities as they grow into adulthood. prgtoken Congratulations to Hands of Peace for empowering youth as agents of change and building youth leaders.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-5-12

Senator Capito and I are introducing legislation today to reauthorize appropriations for the National Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer and partnerships program. I want to share with our colleagues some information about the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act and ask for their support. prgtoken The Keep America's Refuges Operational Act reauthorizes the volunteer and partnerships program, with no increase, at $2 million per year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the modest Federal funding it receives for this program to leverage volunteer contributions by providing uniforms, training, equipment, and necessary travel. prgtoken Our National Wildlife Refuge System is an exceptional network of more than 850 acres of public lands and waters dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation. Tens of millions of people visit our refuges each year to explore, fish, hunt, and view and study wildlife. This ecotourism strongly supports local economies. During the pandemic in particular, our national lands, including refuges, were safe outdoor spaces for recreation. prgtoken Volunteers are critical to refuge operations. They assist with fish and wildlife surveys, restoring habitat, and supporting refuge office functions. Without volunteers and partner groups, refuges would likely have to cut back on public programs and reduce hours of operation. prgtoken In my home State of Delaware, we have two beautiful refuges--the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Both refuges are highly dependent upon volunteers. prgtoken Each year, people come to our refuges to observe the federally threatened red knot shorebird, which stops along the Delaware Bay to refuel on horseshoe crab eggs along its migration journey. Volunteers make sure these visitors have memorable experiences. prgtoken When people can see these pristine habitats and the many species that call them home, they are inspired to be good stewards of our planet for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. prgtoken I want to ensure that these opportunities opportunities abound in Delaware and around the country. A small annual investment in the refuge system volunteer and partnerships program goes a long way. Every $1 appropriated to coordinate these volunteers translates to approximately $10 worth of volunteer services. prgtoken These appropriations also help cut government costs. In fiscal year 2021, more than 11,000 volunteers donated 68,879 hours, with donated time equaling that of 318 full-time employees. The value of this time contribution is about $18.5 million. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Capito for cosponsoring this commonsense legislation. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues in the House to pass the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act and enact it into law.
Introductory Statement on S. 4209
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-5-12

I rise today to introduce the Expanding America's Pacific Diplomatic Presence Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that seeks to deepen our diplomatic relations with Pacific Island countries and territories. I am thankful to Senator Cotton, Senator Markey, and Senator Hagerty for joining me in introducing this legislation. prgtoken The United States enjoys strong historical ties, economic relationships, and cultural links with many Pacific Island nations. During World War II, these islands became the frontlines of some of our hardest fought battles of the Pacific campaign. Now, Pacific Island nations and territories are at the frontlines of climate change. Our friendships with Pacific Island nations are deepened by generations of Pacific Islanders whose presence in the United States and contributions have enriched communities throughout our country. We also recognize the strategic importance of Pacific Island nations, as demonstrated by the Compacts of Free Association we have with the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. Unfortunately, while our diplomatic presence in the region has waned in the last decade, the diplomatic and economic presence of the People's Republic of China, PRC, has increased as it seeks to forge closer ties with Pacific Island nations. What happens in the Pacific Islands matters to the United States and we must take steps to demonstrate the strength of our commitment to the region. prgtoken Diplomatic engagement in the region is critical for understanding how we can better support our Pacific Island partners. President has worked to elevate the U.S.'s diplomatic engagement by being the first U.S. President to participate in a gathering of the Pacific Island Forum leaders. The President also signaled his commitment to the Freely Associated States by appointing Special Presidential Envoy Ambassador Joseph Yun to lead negotiations over the Compacts of Free Association. Several high-ranking administration officials, including the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have visited the region to pledge U.S. support for efforts related to COVID-19 response, climate change adaptation, maritime security, infrastructure development, trade, and economic investment. I applaud this level of meaningful diplomatic engagement in the region and would like to see this sustained in the future. prgtoken Establishing new U.S. diplomatic posts would support our efforts to build lasting relationships with Pacific Island nations and territories. The United States currently has eight Embassies among Pacific Island nations, with plans to reopen an Embassy in the Solomon Islands. These Embassies play an important role in forging relations with host nations and serve as important symbols of the U.S.'s long term commitment to the region. Opening new embassies, consulate generals, or other diplomatic posts would allow U.S. diplomats to have more regul
RIGHTS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WORKFORCE ACT OF 2021
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-12

I thank the chairman. I won't need 5 minutes because this is essentially commonsense legislation. I rise in strong support of this measure. prgtoken Title 5, unions. What is wrong with unions? Our Border Patrol officers are unionized. Our local police officers are unionized. Our local sheriffs are unionized, and countless other public safety officers are unionized. prgtoken TSA employees, 9/11. It has been more than 20 years, but people like me, I still remember 9/11. I still remember those pictures of firefighters and police officers, unionized, running into these burning buildings in New York City. Those officers and firefighters knew they were going to perish that day, but they ran in to save American lives. prgtoken We don't want another 9/11 to happen again. Heaven forbid. But this is what the TSA officers are all about, preventing another 9/11. prgtoken Every time I get on a plane, every time my family gets on a plane, you hope to God that those TSO officers, TSA officers do their jobs, make sure that nothing terrible gets on a flight, make sure that there is order, and you want that officer on that line, on that front line, to do their job correctly. prgtoken You want an experienced officer, you want an experienced officer who has been there for years. You don't want an officer who has been there a few months waiting for another job because that job doesn't pay him enough. You don't want that officer to look for another job because he is not trained correctly. You want a trained, professional workforce. prgtoken That is really what this measure is about, preventing another 9/11. How? Making sure that those frontline TSA workers, employees are prepared, trained, and know what they are doing. Commonsense legislation. I ask my colleagues to please support safety in the skies, safety for our families.
MORNING BUSINESS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-5-12

1 month ago, Russian authorities arrested Vladimir Kara-Murza, a tireless advocate for a democratic Russia and longtime Putin critic, on the street near his apartment in Moscow. While he was in detention for a fabricated administrative violation, they charged him further with ``spreading deliberately false information'' about the armed forces of Russia, which was criminalized under a Russian law passed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He is currently in pretrial detention and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. prgtoken Vladimir is a friend and frequent visitor to the offices of many Members of Congress, myself included. His wife and children live in Virginia, and he splits his time between the United States and Russia, where he was born and raised. Vladimir has a special relationship with the Helsinki Commission and a keen interest in using parliamentary diplomacy to rally other nations against the Putin regime's undemocratic and violent policies, particularly the war in Ukraine. prgtoken Vladimir was instrumental in the development and passage of the Magnitsky Act. In fact, a number of colleagues and I recently sent a letter to President urging that the administration impose Magnitsky Act sanctions on every Russian official and associate involved in Vladimir's false arrest and unjust detention. prgtoken That Vladimir continues to return to Russia after multiple poisonings, arrests, and other tribulations is a testament to his profound courage and dedication to his fellow citizens. He feels that he cannot, in good conscience, call on Russians to risk their freedom and lives to resist the evils and complacency of Putin's Russia if he is comfortably out of harm's way himself. prgtoken Two weeks before his arrest, Vladimir testified at a Helsinki Commission hearing on propaganda and censorship in Russia, where he warned that speaking out against the war in Ukraine is now grounds for prosecution in Russia, yet he refused to be silent. prgtoken Though now deprived of his physical freedom and in grave danger, Vladimir's spirit is unbroken; he is unafraid; and he continues to believe that Russia will one day become a democratic, European state. He sees the Ukraine war as the last desperate gasp of Putinism, the beginning of the end. prgtoken In our many meetings over the years, Vladimir has always reminded us of the need to remember prisoners of conscience and speak their names. As Vladimir now ranks among these hundreds in Russia, and even more throughout the rest of the world, we will remember him. I call upon my colleagues to do the same; there is hope and power in not being forgotten. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the letter to President that I referred to a moment ago be printed in the Record.
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act, improves and expands access to the only federal program with the overarching goal of reducing poverty, regardless of cause or condition. Since Congress established the predecessor of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's ``War on Poverty,'' the program has helped people achieve economic stability, secure meaningful employment and education, gain and improve job-related skills, and obtain housing. Such support is particularly crucial for communities in the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa-- where poverty rates are significantly higher than in the rest of America. In the Marianas, 52.3 percent of the population is considered low-income, according to census data. prgtoken The Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act helps alleviate such poverty by increasing overall funding for the program, updating eligibility guidelines, and eliminating the arbitrary grant allocations to the insular areas. H.R. 5129 provides an increased annual funding level of $1 billion for the first five years. The bill also permanently raises income eligibility to 200 percent of the poverty line, as temporarily provided in the CARES Act, so more people can get the help they need. prgtoken To better align funding allocations to the insular areas to meet its anti-poverty mission, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act mandates a data-based formula and transparency in how that formula is calculated. Under current law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services possesses total discretion to allocate CSBG funding based on what he or she ``believes'' the need is in each insular area. This changes under H.R. 5129. Language I included in the bill during the Education and Labor Committee's markup requires the Secretary to base its grant allocations on the most recent census poverty data available. That allocation formula must be published publicly and updated no less frequently than any time new applicable census data are available. Using a regularly updated, poverty-based formula will help ensure communities receive the support necessary to serve individuals and families in need. prgtoken At a time when communities nationwide continue to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the improvements to the CSBG program under H.R. 5129 will increase help for the most vulnerable in our communities.