mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the FAIR Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by my friend and fellow Georgian, Congressman Johnson. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor this bill which will help small businesses by ending the use of forced arbitration. These tiny clauses hidden in the fine print are used to trick rising entrepreneurs in their dealings with sophisticated conglomerates. prgtoken Small businesses need to sign contracts for phone plans, credit cards, and rental cars, but too often, lurking in the fine print, a few words can cost them their constitutional right to their day in court. With this bill, our entrepreneurs can focus on growing their businesses and investing in our communities. prgtoken Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam Chair, if you believe in consumer rights, then you should support the FAIR Act; and if you believe in justice and the rule of law, then you should vote to pass the FAIR Act. prgtoken Madam Chair, I want to thank my colleagues who have worked so hard to support this bill--Congressman Cartwright, Congressman Cicilline, Congressman Raskin, Congresswoman Jayapal, and, last but not least, Chairman Nadler--for their work in getting this bill to the brink of passage today.
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPORTS FOUNDATION, INC.
José E. Serrano (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , it is my pleasure to honor Sports Foundation, Inc. on their 50th Anniversary of tireless advocacy to improve the lives of Bronx residents. This organization is a great example of extraordinary contributions that community based groups and outstanding individuals have made in my district in the Bronx. prgtoken Mr. Robert Williams and Mr. Claude ``Buddy'' Young founded Sports Foundation, Inc. in 1969. Mr. Williams was born and raised in the Bronx, attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and was captain of NYU's basketball team while earning a bachelors in education from there. Mr. Williams was also the first African-American assistant basketball coach at NYU. Throughout his career, basketball and scholarship were two of his biggest priorities. Mr. ``Buddy'' Young was one of the first black men to play pro football. He started playing at the University of Illinois, and then was drafted into the Armed Services, and played with one of the service teams. At the end of his military service, Mr. Young played for ten years in the All-America Football Conference and National Football League. prgtoken The dedication of Sports Foundation, Inc. to promote social responsibility to disadvantaged and at-risk youth has facilitated their ability to foster, develop and encourage positive youth development using sports as a method of change. Their work has created a lasting impact in my community and participants have been all the better for it. The variety of programs such as prevention counseling, sports and fitness activities, music/entertainment, and educational and community service, has helped to develop healthy bodies and strong minds in the youth from this community. Their location in the South Bronx placed this organization on the front lines in the war against poverty, obesity, hunger, drugs, and violence. Sports Foundation, Inc. is now focused on transforming the foundation into the premier prgtoken youth services provider capable of reaching an ever-expanding and greatly underserved youth population. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sports Foundation, Inc. for their steadfast dedication and years of service to our Bronx residents, and for their long-standing commitment to improving our community.
HONORING MOUNT ZION SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ON THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Mount Zion Seventh Day Adventist Church, its staff, and congregation as they commemorate their 100th Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone for this community treasure and certainly cause for great celebration. prgtoken Through its many ministries, the members of Mount Zion nourish their souls as well as those they serve. From educating young people and organizing exciting activities for them to providing information on healthier food options and recipes for families, the congregation is enriching the lives of others throughout the community. prgtoken Our churches play a vital role in our communities--providing people with a place to turn to for comfort when they are most in need. The members of Mount Zion have also given much to the Town of Hamden. Throughout the years, as their membership grew so did its commitment to the community. By strengthening our bonds of faith, Mount Zion gives its members a place to find their spiritual center and to solidify and support their values. prgtoken In its 100-year history, the Mount Zion Seventh Day Adventist Church has built a strong foundation and its success is due to the dedication and commitment of each and every member of its congregation. Through their ministry and outreach efforts, they have left an indelible mark on our community and continue to enrich the lives of others. That is why I am so pleased to stand today to offer my sincere congratulations as they mark this very special centennial anniversary. The families, parishioners, and staff have much to be proud of as they celebrate this 100th anniversary year.
FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam Chair, I would point out the family law cases that my friend just referenced, of course, are voluntary arbitration proceedings post dispute. This bill has nothing to do with that. This is pre-dispute forced arbitration. prgtoken Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), a champion for women, and a Member of Congress who has fought to be sure that women have their rights vindicated against powerful corporations for a very long time.
FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-9-20

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1423, the FAIR Act. prgtoken Forced arbitration clauses were originally intended to mediate business disputes among businesses, not between businesses and individuals, but now they are found in every aspect of prgtoken our lives. From employment contracts to student loans, to cellphone plans, to credit cards and numerous other goods and services, every American has agreed to forced arbitration, whether they want to or not. prgtoken This bill ensures that individuals have the right to choose how they seek justice: the choice to go to court, the choice to join a class action lawsuit, and, yes, even the choice to go to arbitration. prgtoken But these choices should not be made for them by somebody else. Passage of the FAIR Act will restore that choice, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
RECOGNIZING THE IEEE WOMEN IN ENGINEERING AI LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Women in Engineering AI Leadership Summit. This summit is a valuable forum for women students, teachers, researchers, and engineers to share their experiences and knowledge in the AI field. prgtoken As chair of the House Financial Services Committee Artificial Intelligence Task Force, I know that developments in this field are at the forefront of American technological innovation. AI has the potential to fundamentally change how we interact with the world, and the work of groups like IEEE Women in Engineering is shaping the future of entrepreneurship, financial decisionmaking, and technological development. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the IEEE Women in Engineering AI Leadership Summit and the many great contributions that women engineers and scientists have made to this country and its communities.
HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THAI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Thai Community Development Center upon its 25th Anniversary. The Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC) was founded in 1994 with the goal of supporting and improving the lives of Thai immigrants and other ethnic communities in the greater Los Angeles area. Thai CDC achieves its mission through a comprehensive community development strategy and initiatives that focus on a variety of issues including access to healthcare and social services, affordable housing, human rights advocacy, neighborhood empowerment, and small business incubation. Thai CDC played an essential role in an eight-year community organizing campaign that raised awareness and led to the creation of Los Angeles' Thai Town in 1999, the first Thai Town in the United States. Through this designation, Thai CDC has been able to engage in transit-oriented development and beautification efforts such as the installation of the Kinarra Lamposts. This strategy to revitalize an otherwise depressed portion of East Hollywood through cultural-based tourism has allowed the Thai American community to prosper and flourish. In 2008, Thai Town was designated a Preserve America neighborhood, a federal designation celebrating cultural heritage and encouraging historic preservation. Throughout the years, Thai CDC has been instrumental in creating events and spaces to foster economic opportunity and bring Angelenos and tourists alike to Thai Town. prgtoken Thai CDC spearheaded the effort to build and develop the Thai Town Market Place and establish a twice weekly East Hollywood Farmers Market to help incubate small businesses and provide healthy and affordable food options to the neighborhood. In 2004, Thai CDC helped found the Thai New Year's Day Songkran Festival which has since become an annual event attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. Since its founding, Thai CDC has also been committed to improving the lives of Thai immigrants through culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate social services and programs such as legal aid, financial literacy and counseling, and mediation and dispute resolution. In addition to assisting clients with securing affordable housing, Thai CDC has also built the Halifax Apartments, a multi-family affordable housing development in Hollywood, and the Palm Village Senior Housing in Sun Valley. Thai CDC has also raised awareness of modern-day slavery and human trafficking in the United States through the creation of the Slavery Eradication and Rights Initiative, SERI. I am proud to recognize the Thai Community Development Center for twenty-five years of providing extraordinary service to the Thai American community in the greater Los Angeles area, and I ask all members to join me in congratulating the center for its outstanding achievements.
HONORING RICHARD SWANN
Stephanie N. Murphy (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Richard Swann, a constituent of mine who recently passed away. prgtoken Richard's life was overflowing with action and accomplishment, trial and triumph, and above all, family and friendship. Richard lost his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife, Doris, too young, but he poured his energy into his work, into his 4 children and 12 grandchildren, and into his large and loyal network of friends. prgtoken Richard was a wise lawyer, a farsighted businessman, a real estate developer, and an influential player at the highest levels of American and Florida politics. Richard was a proud Orlando native and foresaw the city's potential before nearly anybody else. Richard did as much as any man to transform Orlando into the wonderful place it is today. prgtoken Richard was best known as a champion of the political causes and candidates he cared about. He was committed to the concept of responsible and engaged citizenship. prgtoken At the service celebrating Richard's life, his granddaughter Caroline read an excerpt from Teddy Roosevelt's speech, ``The Man in the Arena.'' Richard never sat on the sidelines. He was always in the arena, striving valiantly and daring greatly. prgtoken Richard was a pillar of our central Florida community. He will be deeply missed by all of us who had the honor to call him a friend.
HONOR FLIGHT OF OREGON
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise to recognize the World War II veterans, Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans from Oregon who are visiting their memorials on the National Mall on Friday, September 20, 2019, through Honor Flight of Oregon. Every time I have the chance to meet one of these heroes, I am reminded of the poignant words of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a message to Allied troops just before D-Day, he said, ``The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.'' He was right then, of course, Madam . But over seventy years later, liberty-loving people everywhere continue to owe these heroes for their extraordinary service and their incredible stories of sacrifice and bravery on behalf of our country. That's why it is my privilege to include in the Record their names. The veterans on this Honor Flight from Oregon are as follows: Robert Berns, Navy; John Bromstead, Navy; Dale Coonse, Navy; William prgtoken Dickson, Navy; Dean Ewell, Army; Carl Giles, Army; Roy Gilmore, Navy; Stanley Grout, Navy; Troy Stone, Army; Dean Hastings, Navy; Howard Hoffer, Navy; Floyd McHargue, Marine Corps; Norman Morgan, Navy; Jacob Notenboom, Army; Rex Orcutt, Navy; Jack Peed, Navy; Jesse Ponce, Navy; Francis Rossi, Navy; William Russell, Air Force; William Shrader, Coast Guard; Muriel Sollendar, Marine Corps; Marlyn Sperry, Army; Galen Tarter, Navy; Cliff Peery, Army; and David Ullom, Army. These heroes join over 200,000 veterans who have been honored through the Honor Flight Network of volunteers nationwide since 2005. I would also like to recognize the guardians traveling on this trip who have also served our country: Mark Libante, Army; Richard McReynolds, Army; Paul Grout, Air Force; Kenneth Dale, Navy; Ronald Kohl, Air Force and Army; Daniel Johnson, Navy; Kenneth Young, Navy; Rachael Watters, Army; Terry Haines, Navy; and Peter Pringle, Navy. Madam , at the height of the Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln wrote, ``Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.'' Each of us in this chamber and in this nation should be humbled by the courage of these brave veterans who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today. My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country.
CONGRATULATING CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to thank and congratulate Cincinnati State Technical and Community College for 50 years of service to the greater Cincinnati community. prgtoken I have been privileged to visit Cincinnati State many times, most recently the Evendale campus to see firsthand the opportunities they provide to so many students. With four campuses, small class sizes, and over 100 associate degree programs, Cincinnati State is truly an excellent college. prgtoken Perhaps most notably, Cincinnati State plays a critical role in developing our region's workforce. Through extensive co-op programs and relationships with the University of Cincinnati and 600 industry partners, Cincinnati State paves many career paths, especially for nontraditional students. prgtoken Finally, I thank Dr. Monica Posey for her dedication to making Cincinnati State an even greater asset to our community. prgtoken Congratulations to Cincinnati State on its 50th anniversary. We look forward to many more.
FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam Chair, this bill purports to assert a very important constitutional right: the right to trial by jury in civil actions. But it does this by denying another very important constitutional right: the freedom of unimpaired contract, the right of two parties to agree to exchange goods and services according to their own best judgment. prgtoken Now, because of the excesses and expenses and uncertainties that have plagued our civil courts, many consumers and producers and many employees and employers find it mutually advantageous to waive their right to civil jury trials in any disputes between them in favor of simpler, cheaper, and faster arbitration. prgtoken Now, the proponents tell us that it is an uneven playing field and this requirement is often imposed in nonnegotiable, take-it-or-leave-it propositions. First of all, this isn't exactly true. Every employee and every consumer, no matter how weak and vulnerable, has an absolute defense against a bad agreement: It is the word, ``no.'' No, the pay isn't good enough; no, the price is too high; no, I don't like the terms, and I am taking my business elsewhere. prgtoken Even when there aren't good alternatives, the fact is that every provision in a contract is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition if one side or the other insists on it. The question for each side is whether the totality of the contract is beneficial to them or not. It is my right to make that decision for myself without somebody in government making it for me. prgtoken Now, remember, an arbitration provision binds both sides. For example, I am not a lawyer. I can't afford to hire one to take a big company to court. For me, binding arbitration helps level the playing field by providing an inexpensive alternative that the company must abide by. This bill takes that protection away from me. prgtoken According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, through arbitration, employees prevail three times more often, recover twice as much money, and resolve their claims more quickly than if they went through the civil courts in litigation; and, in most cases, the employer pays the entire cost of arbitration. prgtoken According to one study, in claims between $10,000 and $75,000, the consumer claimant was charged an average of $219. Now, you compare that to the cost of hiring an attorney and taking on an entire corporate legal department. prgtoken The net result of this bill will be higher prices for products and lower wages for workers as companies factor the higher cost of litigation into their business models, and, meanwhile, it denies consumers and employees the freedom to choose a much simpler and less expensive way to resolve their disputes.
HONORING THE BICENTENNIAL OF PERRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the bicentennial of Perry County, Tennessee, which was established in November 1819. Named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero in the War of 1812, Perry County has a long and proud history in the heart of Tennessee. Perry County is known for the scenic beauty of the Buffalo and Tennessee rivers, and it is home to several historic sites, including the Cedar Grove Iron Furnace, the Perry County Courthouse, and the Commodore Hotel. Home to some of Tennessee's finest public servants, it is my distinct honor to represent Perry County in the United States Congress. The citizens of Perry County exemplify the values that form the cornerstone of Tennessee and our nation, and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them as they celebrate this momentous occasion.
ENSURE FREE AND FAIR TRADE
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , every day that Pelosi delays a vote on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, American workers and their families are hurt. Right now, farmers, ranchers, and businesses in Georgia and across the country face unnecessary uncertainty. prgtoken This trade deal is vital to our economy, and passing USMCA would be a huge win for the American people. Canada and Mexico both serve as top markets for a number of our U.S. agricultural products. prgtoken In Georgia, 22,558 jobs depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico. prgtoken Passing this trade agreement would also strengthen our already vibrant economy. The USMCA can add another 176,000 new jobs and add $68.2 billion to GDP growth. prgtoken Let's ensure free and fair trade while granting our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers the protections they deserve. prgtoken I urge my ic colleagues to end these partisan politics and pass USMCA or, at the very least, put the bill on the House floor for a vote.
ALLOW AMERICANS TO PURCHASE VEHICLES THAT FIT THEIR NEEDS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to applaud the efforts of U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao with regard to the unreasonable automobile fuel mileage standards put upon consumers by a 2015 -era rule. prgtoken In only 5 model years from now, all U.S. cars would have to average 55 miles per gallon under this current standard. Most people drive cars these days that are somewhere around 25 to 33 miles per gallon. They would be forced into very small cars that don't fit their family's needs. prgtoken What the administration is seeking to do is freeze this timeline at 37 miles per gallon until technology can catch up, et cetera, so people can choose to buy cars that fit their lives. Under the old rule and what the California Air Resources Board is trying to foist upon all 50 States in meeting the rule, they will not have that choice anymore. prgtoken Unfortunately, a few scared automakers have sat down with CARB to try to cut a deal to fix the one they agreed to a few years ago with no real idea of how they would meet 55 miles per gallon with current technology and physics at the time. At this point, there are very few 55-mile-per-gallon vehicles to even choose from. Most people don't want to buy those cars because it doesn't fit their family, their life, what they want, and what they desire. prgtoken CARB is trying to foist that on all 50 States, and auto manufacturers will be herded toward it by desiring to make the same car type for all 50 States, not just California. This needs to be stopped, and we must draw the line here.