mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 1147 (Executive Calendar)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-12-14

first of all, my friend and colleague, esteemed member of our Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee is making me hungry. I am thinking about growing up with cookies and milk. prgtoken I grew up with dairy farmers in my family. So I am certainly a supporter of milk and the dairy industry, certainly in Michigan as well. And this is a really important conversation today to have and to continue to have. prgtoken I fully support healthy options for students. Dairy is a very important part of a balanced meal. But one thing is clear, and that is that school meal standards, currently based on dietary science, should continue to be based on dietary science, not based on which individual food products we support or are in our States. prgtoken USDA is in the process, right now, of updating school meal standards. It is important that the administration rely on the latest dietary science to make decisions about what is best for our children to eat and to drink. Intervening in that process creates, I think, a very unfortunate precedent and will lead to other ideas and options that may be coming forward about individual products. prgtoken So I encourage groups to be reaching out to the USDA and to engage in the process of updating meal standards. But, at this point in time, I do not believe it is in the best interest to be able to move forward on this bill. So I object to this UC request.
EXPRESSING MY GRATITUDE
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-12-14

I thank the former majority leader for the outstanding presentation. I think it is an appropriate way to bring this to closure today. May God continue to bless him and keep him. prgtoken , as I shake Mr. Hoyer's hand as he passes me by, I am blessed to know that sometimes fortuitous circumstances can benefit you. prgtoken , I would be remiss not to mention the newest staff member on my team, Eric Goodwine. prgtoken Eric does an outstanding job for us in Houston. He not only assists me in the office, but he also is the principal person that gets me from point A to point B. Eric does an outstanding job of ensuring that things are arranged when I arrive at various venues, and I am proud to have him on the team. prgtoken Eric, thank you again. Please forgive me for not mentioning you initially. All of this was from memory so charge it to being 25 three times and now working on my fourth 25th birthday, but there is a God that rules above and a fortuitous circumstance has made a difference. prgtoken , may God bless this House, and may God bless the United States of America. prgtoken , .
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF AMOS E. PIERCE, JR.
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2023-12-14

I rise today to celebrate the life of Amos E. Pierce, Jr a World War prgtoken II hero and father of my dear friend and acclaimed actor, Wendell Pierce. His life, spanning 98 years, was a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice. prgtoken Amos served as an Army corporal with the 24th Infantry Regiment during the battle of Saipan in 1944. Though he faced racial discrimination, his commitment to country and values remained unwavering. Despite losing his home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Amos and his family triumphed over diversity. prgtoken Wendell Pierce's dedication and courage to rebuilding Pontchartrain Park and founding Pontchartrain Park Community Development Corporation was a testament to the leadership he learned at an early age from his father and reflects the family commitment to legacy and community. prgtoken Amos' enduring spirit, active involvement in church, and unwavering support for his son's artistic pursuit, define a life rich in love and a profound sense of purpose. prgtoken As a World War II veteran, father, and community pillar, Amos leaves behind an enduring legacy. prgtoken To my friends, Wendell and Ron, your father was an inspiration to me and so many others. prgtoken Our prayers are with you and your entire family. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.
Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 6503 (Executive Session)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-12-14

reserving the right to object, it is good to be here on the floor with my colleagues. I actually was going to talk about the FAA, but I came out here, and I got accused by the Senator from Texas of being irresponsible. And my friend Phil Washington, who is up for the FAA, was attacked for not knowing anything about airports. prgtoken So I just want to address those two things before I go into my remarks. One, to the gentleman from North Carolina, Phil Washington knows a considerable amount about transportation and aviation in this country. That was ignored by the Senator from Texas. It is being ignored this afternoon by the Senator from North Carolina. prgtoken He runs Denver International Airport. That is one of the largest airports in the United States of America. It is an airport that has been built more recently than any other airport in the United States of America. It has the third largest traffic in the world. It now has the United hub there. I was just talking to the President of United yesterday, CEO. They have more traffic coming through there than they do in Chicago. prgtoken So, for the record, let me just say, Phil Washington knows a lot about this, and I am sorry that his nomination didn't go forward. That is not why we are here today. prgtoken Let me also say, since he called me irresponsible, that it is nice to hear the Senator from Texas come out here and plead for some regular order, in terms of how our government should work, to worry about the fact that people could be furloughed or laid off; that they are uncertain of the future because the bill is not permanent. prgtoken These were all concerns he did not have the last time we were on the floor together when he had shut the government down while Colorado was literally underwater because of floods, when we were out here having that crocodile tears speech the last time, and I am glad that he has reconsidered all of that and that he wants the FAA to run in a proper fashion. prgtoken But I don't think it is irresponsible for me to be here today to object, and I will object to this request because I think it is critically important for us to use this moment to fulfill our obligations in the world, to the United States' national security, and to our commitment to democracy both here and throughout the Western world. prgtoken The Ukrainian people were invaded 2 years ago by Vladimir Putin. They didn't ask for that. By a tyrant. They did not ask for that. prgtoken The intelligence agencies told us that Kyiv would be taken in 72 hours. That is what they said it would take. My colleague from the Intelligence Committee is here on the floor, and he knows that. They were told that Putin would be able to install a puppet government in Ukraine and be able to dictate the future of the Ukrainian people, be able to keep Ukraine from being part of the West. prgtoken Well, as sometimes happens in human history, they were completely wrong. They we
HONORING CC AND REGINA YIN
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-12-14

I rise today along with my colleague, Rep. John Garamendi, to honor CC and Regina Yin's 30 years of service to our community through the Yin Ranch in Vacaville. The couple's continued support to civic engagement is further demonstrated through their founding of the Asian Pacific Islander Public Affairs Association (APAPA) 22 years ago and co-founding of the Chinese American Association of Solano County (CAASC). prgtoken Both CC and Regina Yin are immigrants from China and Taiwan to the United States. CC Yin graduated from the University of Washington with a master's degree in civil engineering, whereas Regina also graduated from the University of Washington with a master's degree in social work. prgtoken CC and Regina Yin are the proud franchise owners of 30 McDonald's branches in Northern California, including 16 in our beloved Solano County. We are very grateful for the thousands of jobs the Yin family have created for the people in our community. Additionally, in May of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, CC and Regina Yin donated millions of pieces of personal protective equipment including surgical masks, gowns, and hand sanitizers to frontline workers in Vallejo, the surrounding Bay Area, and nationwide communities. prgtoken Over the past 30 years, the 40-acre Yin Ranch in Vacaville, California has been filled with cherished memories and wonderful moments in partnership with the community. Comprised of many scenic areas, including the lake, Olive Garden Courtyard, Vista Pointe Event Center, Main House with Cottages, and a new Asian Heritage Center (Cultural Pavilion), the Yin Ranch is a beautiful and unique property, which hosts weddings and community events for public benefit. prgtoken The Asian Heritage Center was rebuilt after the devastating 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires which destroyed the original structure. CC, Regina, and their family then quickly rebuilt the structure into a new 18,000 square foot indoor location with an event hall, wine cellar, and outdoor deck space to allow the community to quickly regain access to the important resource. prgtoken For decades, the Yin family has been dedicated to giving back to our communities in Solano County and throughout the state of California. They have supported hundreds of nonprofit organizations, including the one they founded, APAPA. CC and Regina Yin responded to an alarming lack of Asian Pacific Islander (API) representation at all levels of government. With grassroots support, APAPA set out to engage voters, partner with the community, and develop API leaders of tomorrow. prgtoken Today, APAPA has over 50 volunteer-driven chapters and hundreds of student-interns each year hosted by public officials. The Yin family is committed to furthering APAPA's mission to advance the Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPI) communities. Through leadership and civic engagement, CC and Regina Yin collaborate with diverse organizations
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-12-15

I rise today regarding votes I missed during the week of December 11, 2023. prgtoken I was unable to be in Washington this week as I was home for the funeral and associated mourning period for my sister-in-law, Debra Dann Kay, who lost her four-year battle with lung cancer on December 9, 2023. May her memory be a blessing. prgtoken For legislation passed under suspension of the rules, Roll Call Votes 707, 709, 712, 713, 714, 715, 724, I would have voted YEA on these important bipartisan bills. For the procedural motions, Roll Call Votes 710, 711, 719, 722, I would have joined with my ic colleagues in voting NO. prgtoken On passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, I would have voted NO during Roll Call Vote 708 because this is comprehensive legislation that deserved thorough consideration and debate, and should not have been considered under suspension of House rules, precluding the ability to offer amendments. prgtoken On the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, I would have voted YEA on the ic Motion to Recommit during Roll Call Vote 716 and would have voted NO on final passage during Roll Call Vote 717. This legislation would needlessly hinder important governmental rulemaking and, if it becomes law, would infuse ambiguity into these administrative processes. prgtoken I would have voted YEA on Roll Call Vote 718 to support final passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to expand milk options for schools serving federal school meal programs. prgtoken I would have voted NO on Roll Call 720, reflecting my opposition to the absurd impeachment farce. Despite months of focus, s have provided no evidence supporting their claims about President , and in fact have yet to explain specifically what or why they are investigating. prgtoken I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 721 for passage of House Resolution 927 condemning antisemitism on university campuses and believe we must do more to urgently address the troubling national trend of growing antisemitism on campus and across the country. prgtoken I would have voted YEA on Roll Call Vote 723 on passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken Finally, I would have voted YES on Roll Call Vote 724 in support of my colleagues Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko's important work to bring more research into combating Parkinson's Disease, a brutal diagnosis and disease impacting their families and millions around the country. I lost my uncle, Stephen N. Berkowitz, this past September to Parkinson's following a heroic 35-year battle with the disease. I am proud to join with and commend Reps. Tonko and Bilirakis for their leadership on this issue and pray for the families of Reps. Bilirakis, Jennifer Wexton and others around the country who have been impacted by Parkinson's.
HONORING JUDGE LATRICE A. WESTBROOKS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2023-12-15

I rise today to honor a tenacious and selfless leader, Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference. prgtoken Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks of Lexington was recently honored by Austin Peay State University as one of its Outstanding Alumna. She was honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Lunch on Oct. 28 on the Clarksville, Tennessee campus. prgtoken Judge Westbrooks, who was born in Memphis, earned a bachelor of science degree from Austin Peay State University in 1994. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. In October 1997, shortly after graduating from law school, Judge Westbrooks became the first African-American woman Assistant District Attorney in the Second Circuit Court District on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She joined the Jackson law firm of Byrd and Associates in 2000, then opened her own law practice in 2001, representing clients in both criminal and civil matters. prgtoken Judge Westbrooks then served as prosecutor for the city of Durant and as city attorney for the town of Isola. For almost 10 years, she served as a public defender in Holmes County. She hosted a radio program ``Ask Latrice The Lawyer'' on WMPR 90.1 from 2010 through 2012. She created and produced the show to inform the public about the criminal justice system and encourage civic engagement. In 2013, she became interim communications director for Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, then joined the Jackson City Attorney's Office as legal counsel for the Jackson Police Department. prgtoken Judge Westbrooks returned to private law practice in 2014. She was then appointed Municipal Judge for the city of Lexington in 2015 and served until she was elected to the Court of Appeals in November 2016. In January of 2017, Judge Westbrooks took office on the Court of Appeals. She was named as Outstanding Woman Lawyer of 2017 by the Mississippi Women Lawyers' Association. Judge Westbrooks was also inducted as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation in 2022. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks for upholding justice and fighting for the constituents in the State of Mississippi.
HONORING THE ST. LOUIS COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS' 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2023-12-15

St. Louis and I rise to congratulate the St. Louis Metro Area Chapter Coalition of Black Trade Unionists on their 50th anniversary. prgtoken For 50 years, CBTU has been the voice of Black workers within the trade union movement in St. Louis. By pushing organized labor to create more equitable conditions and meet the needs and aspirations of Black and low-income workers, CBTU has truly been a voice for the people. prgtoken The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists played an integral role in defeating right-to-work in Missouri, and they never stopped fighting and coordinating workers across our region and state to vote and remain civically engaged. Through education and outreach, CBTU has been on the frontlines fighting for our workers, teachers, and most marginalized communities, and ensuring that our democracy is protected. prgtoken St. Louis and I are forever grateful for CBTU's unwavering solidarity. CBTU is continuously leading with compassion for our entire St. Louis community in the struggle for racial equity, justice, and freedom. Congratulations on 50 years of service.
HONORING THE WORK AND SERVICE OF RICH FITZGERALD, ALLEGHENY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-12-15

I rise today to honor the hard work and legacy of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. prgtoken County Executive Fitzgerald is finishing up his third and final term in the county's top elected position--one he has held since 2012. prgtoken Born and raised in the City of Pittsburgh, Rich Fitzgerald graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Cathy, have eight children. ``Fitz,'' as he is fondly called, is well-known for his work ethic and his ability to bring people and organizations together to tackle the biggest issues facing our region. prgtoken He first was elected to the County Council in 1999 and served on the Council--including as Council President from 2004 through 2011--until his successful election as County Executive. prgtoken Under his leadership, Allegheny County has seen strong and solid job growth, a diverse and growing economy, and an excellent quality of life. The 2020 Census is a testament to County Executive Fitzgerald's leadership: for the first time in sixty years, the county's population grew over a decade. He also led the region through the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic with consistency and reassurance, striving to protect public health and keep the economy strong. prgtoken While we only crossed paths in elected office a short period of time, I greatly appreciated his guidance, experience, and collaboration. prgtoken Fitz is a public servant through and through. Though he closes this chapter as Allegheny County Executive, the impact of his work for the Common Good will remain. prgtoken On behalf of the good people of Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, I thank Fitz for his years of service.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH BRIAN HANNIGAN
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-12-15

I rise today to celebrate the life of Joseph Brian Hannigan, an active community leader and highly admired public servant who passed away on May 21, 2022, at the age of 76. prgtoken Born in New York City in 1945, Brian Hannigan was raised in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Brian attended South Kingston High School and then went on to Saint Thomas More School in New Hampshire where he developed his gift for writing. He later went to Saint Louis University (SLU), becoming the President of SLU's Young and ultimately became Chair of the College of Missouri. prgtoken In college, Brian served as chair of the Robert F. Kennedy for President club, which launched his career in ic political campaigns. His passion for politics led him to a job as the Scheduling and Advancing Director for the Governor of Illinois. Throughout his life, no higher complement could be paid than referring to him as a `great advance man.' prgtoken While in Illinois, he met his wife, Judy, on a double date in Chicago. They threw dance parties, traveled the world, and enjoyed foreign films together. Eventually, they left Illinois for Washington D.C and Brian became the Deputy National Finance Director for the ic National Convention. His skills as an advance man with an encyclopedic memory and attention to details served him well in his roles on the advance teams for President Carter's visit to Israel in 1979 and President Clinton's visit to Northern Ireland in 1995. His career went on to include numerous communications and government relations positions, including his time as Communications Director for the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority and his time in Governor Mark Warner's administration. prgtoken Brian brought the same level of dedication and passion for national politics to his roles in the community. He served as President of the Dominion Hills Civic Association for over 20 years. Brian was also a staunch believer in the positive impact of youth sports, as he became the Chairman of the Arlington County Sports Commission, President of the Better Sports Club, and would often drive around Arlington to ensure that his children's teammates could make it to practices and games. prgtoken Those who had the pleasure of spending time with Brian know that he lived life to the fullest, whether that was `dancing like no one was watching,' looking for any excuse to go on a road trip, or refusing to pass up any opportunity to bodysurf a wave. He is loved dearly, and his passion and dedication has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Joseph Brian Hannigan. His leadership and commitment to public service was inspirational, and he will be missed by all who knew him. I also extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 44 years, Judy, and his children, Connor and Megan, and their families.
DIRECTING CERTAIN COMMITTEES TO CONTINUE ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF JOSEPH BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-12-15

I rise in opposition to H. Res. 918, s' baseless attempt to distract from the ongoing criminal proceedings against former President . prgtoken After a year of frivolous investigations produced no evidence of wrongdoing by President , s brought to the floor a resolution directing committees to pursue a sham impeachment inquiry. This resolution is clearly an attempt to minimize and distract from former President 's high crimes and misdemeanors, during the same week that his criminal trial proceedings reach the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken While House s have spent the year wasting time and taxpayer dollars, have delivered the votes to prevent a government shutdown--not once, but twice. This body has a duty to keep the government functioning and open for the American people, yet s time and time again have shown no interest in meeting that obligation. prgtoken As we approach the halfway point of the 118th Congress, it is clear the majority would rather spend their time distracting the American people with their extreme MAGA messaging instead of doing the serious work of legislating. It is past time for House s to start addressing the serious and urgent needs of all our constituents.