mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRATIC VISION
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-13

. Madam , once again, the do-nothing Congress has outdone itself. prgtoken Here in America, we have a wage stagnation problem, an underemployment problem, an infrastructure problem, a retirement insecurity problem, and a corruption problem right here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken What is the House s' response to these challenges facing the American people? They want to get out of town before sundown. prgtoken Why don't we remain here in Washington, doing the people's business week after week, month after month until we get something done on these issues, improve the lives of working families, middle-class folks, senior citizens, the poor, the sick, and the afflicted? prgtoken They want to get out of town before sundown. prgtoken There are two very different visions for the American people. s control the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. What has that brought to the American people? Chaos, crisis, confusion, the culture of corruption. prgtoken Part two, the sequel, and the signature piece of legislation is the tax scam, where 83 percent of the benefits went to the wealthiest 1 percent in this country simply to subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. That is their signature accomplishment? prgtoken The ic vision is very different. here in the House are fighting for the people. We are fighting to lower healthcare costs, fighting to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, fighting to protect people with preexisting conditions, fighting to dramatically lower the high cost of prescription drugs, fighting to increase pay for everyday Americans so that folks can provide a comfortable living for themselves and for their families, fighting for a real infrastructure plan that invests $1 trillion in fixing our Nation's crumbling bridges, roads, and tunnels and will create 16 million good-paying jobs. prgtoken here in the House of Representatives are fighting to clean up corruption in Washington to make government work for everyday Americans. We are fighting to end, once and for all, the era of Citizens United. prgtoken That is the House ic vision: lower healthcare costs, increased pay, prgtoken and cleaning up corruption here in Washington. are fighting for the people.
17TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 2001 AUMF
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-13

tomorrow marks the 17th year since Congress passed the 2001 AUMF, which has become a blank check for endless war. I would like to read part of the speech I delivered on September 14, 2001, because these words remain true and relevant today. prgtoken I said: `` , I rise really with a very heavy heart, one that is filled with sorrow for the families and the loved ones who were killed and injured this week. ``September 11 changed the world. Our deepest fears now haunt us. Yet I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of international terrorism against the United States. ``This resolution will pass, although we all know that the President can wage a war, even without it. However difficult this vote may be, some of us must urge the use of restraint. Some of us must say, let us step back for a moment. Let us just pause for a minute and think through the implications of our actions today, so that this does not spiral out of control. ``I have agonized over this vote, but I came to grips with it today. I came to grips with opposing this resolution during the very painful, yet very beautiful memorial service. As a member of the clergy so eloquently said, as we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore.'' prgtoken Now, 17 years later, I am asking my colleagues to join me in repealing this overly-broad resolution by cosponsoring H.R. 1229.
55TH ANNIVERSARY OF 16TH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH BOMBING
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to remember the 55th observance of the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and to commemorate the lives and legacy of four precious little girls--Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Morris Wesley--who were murdered during that devastating attack 55 years ago. prgtoken On September 15, 1963, at 10:22 a.m the four little girls were getting dressed in the bathroom downstairs in the church, preparing to sing in the church choir. The morning of the bombing, some 200 church members were in the building getting ready for the 11 o'clock service. prgtoken When the bomb detonated on the church's east side, it caused the interior walls of the church to cave in and sent mortar and bricks flying from across the front of the church. Most of the parishioners were able to evacuate the building as it filled with smoke, but the bodies of four little girls were found beneath the rubble in the basement restroom. prgtoken The bombing was a racially motivated act of terrorism, Madam , orchestrated by four suspected members of the Ku Klux Klan. As part of the attack, the men planted 19 sticks of dynamite outside the basement of the church. prgtoken Along with the murder of the four little girls, a dozen other people were injured, including Sarah Collins Rudolph, the younger sister of Addie Mae Collins. Sarah had been in the basement with her sister and the other girls getting ready for church--yes, getting ready for church service. prgtoken The attack would later be described by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetrated against humanity. prgtoken As the day continued, thousands of African Americans protested, gathering in scenes across the State. Governor Wallace, at the time, soon called in the police to break up the protests. Dozens of people were arrested, and two young Black boys were also killed that day: Johnnie Robinson, 16, and Virgil Ware, 13. Robinson was shot by a police officer, and Ware was killed by two White youths within hours of the bomb detonating. prgtoken Following the attack, several people were suspected, but no one was immediately brought to justice. It wasn't until 14 years later, in 1977, when then-Alabama Attorney General Bob Baxley reopened the case and the investigation began to make headway. Eventually, Klan leader Robert Chambliss was finally brought to trial and convicted of the murders. prgtoken It would take another 20 years before the other Klansmen accomplices were brought to justice. It was then-U.S. Attorney Doug Jones who brought justice, leading to the convictions of Thomas Blanton and Bobby Cherry. prgtoken The events that took place in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 15, 1963, became a major catalyst for the civil rights movement. The loss of four young girls was not in vain for, you see, we got the passage of very important historic civil rights legislation because
DIANA E. MURPHY UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
Joseph P. Kennedy III (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-9-13

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the bill before us, S. 3021; and specifically, , the Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act written into title III, culminating more than 4 years of work on this issue. prgtoken In 2014, due to an unintended loophole in the Federal Power Act, my constituents were locked out of challenging a nearly $2 billion rate increase, because at the time the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was deadlocked 2 to 2 on whether to approve or deny the change. prgtoken With this bill before us today, we can close that loophole and ensure that no ratepayer suffers the same consequence that continues to threaten the bank accounts and pocketbooks of my constituents. It is especially important today given that the commission currently has only four sitting commissioners. prgtoken While this is not the bill that I first introduced more than 3 years ago and it is not the one that the House unanimously passed each of the last two Congresses, it is a compromise with our Senate colleagues and is an important step in the right direction. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the bill before us, H.R. S. 2031. prgtoken Specifically I rise in support of the Fair Ratepayer Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency Standards Act, written into Title III, culminating more than four years of work on this issue. prgtoken As my colleagues have heard time and time again, my constituents in New England pay among the highest retail electric rates across the country. And in 2014, due to an unintended loophole in the Federal Power Act, my constituents were locked out of challenging a nearly $2 billion rate increase because at the time, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was deadlocked two-to-two on whether to approve or deny the change. prgtoken As written, the Federal Power Act allows for rate changes to take effect by operation of law if FERC fails to act within the statutory 60-day time period. Due to a deadlock in 2014, no action was taken. And as we have since learned, the Federal Power Act only allows for appeals of official FERC Actions, not rates that take effect by operation of law, including deadlocks like the one that left my constituents voiceless. prgtoken With this bill before us today, we can ensure no ratepayer suffers the same consequence. It is especially important now given the current status of the Commission with only 4 sitting commissioners. prgtoken This bill represents a compromise with my Senate colleagues. The bill states that any rates that take effect by operation of law, due to a deadlock or a Commission that lacks sufficient members for a quorum, are appealable both at FERC and in the courts. It is intended to ensure that FERC and the courts consider the merits of a rate change and whether such a change is just and reasonable as required by the Fe
CELEBRATING HONOWAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S RECOGNITION AS A GREEN RIBBON SCHOOL
Colleen Hanabusa (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-9-13

I rise today to celebrate Honowai Elementary School in Waipahu, Hawaii, and all its achievements in being designated a Green Ribbon School by the Department of Education. As many of my colleagues know, Green Ribbon Schools are awarded for mitigating their environmental impacts, improving health and wellness within their communities, and pursuing effective environmental and sustainability education. The purpose of the award is to inspire schools, districts, and post-secondary institutions to pursue sustainable practices and education for the twenty-first century. State education officials nominate their top schools to be considered for this award. It is important to note that close to half of all Green Ribbon Schools honorees educate majority disadvantaged student populations. Honowai Elementary has pursued the standards and values of the Green Ribbon Schools award through an interactive, community-oriented process. Not only has Honowai installed solar photovoltaic modules that reduce the school's carbon footprint, but the data collected on this array is used in classrooms to teach students about renewable energy. Students are taught and encouraged to spread green practices that conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprints. Through professional development and new curricula for faculty, the physical improvements to the school, which include aquaponics and hydroponics systems, extend learning beyond the classroom and to the campus and broader community. At the same time, Honowai Elementary situates traditional and Native Hawaiian practices and concepts of sustainability within our contemporary economy and society. The lo`i patch on campus provides a sustainable source of taro for food while teaching students the unique practices and values of Hawaii's indigenous heritage. Students understand diverse cultures and histories through a curriculum focused on oral history, which in turn helps them forge stronger personal values and identities and connect with their communities. These accomplishments cannot be understated for a community consisting of single family and low-income housing and in which sixty- six percent of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Through its efforts, not only has Honowai Elementary given much to the local community and all its members, but the school has also represented Hawaii well on the national stage. I am proud of what the students, parents, faculty, and staff have come together to accomplish, and I look forward to their continued success as a school and community I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Honowai Elementary School, its students, faculty, and staff for their achievements, as well as all Green Ribbon Schools for what they contribute to our communities.
RECOGNIZING LEGENDARY CIVIL WAR HISTORIAN EDWIN ``ED'' BEARSS
Robert A. Brady (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-9-13

I rise to recognize legendary Civil War historian Edwin ``Ed'' Bearss. Mr. Bearss will be honored next month by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia for his contributions to Civil War history. prgtoken Ed's interest in the Civil War began at an early age. As a young man in Billings, Montana, Ed grew up listening to the stories of Civil War veterans in his home town. Following in their footsteps, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 . He would participate in the Guadalcanal and Russell Islands campaigns before suffering a near-fatal wound in the Battle of Cape Gloucester. After a two year long recovery process, Ed left Montana to pursue higher education. He received his bachelor's from Georgetown University before earning a master's degree in history from Indiana University. prgtoken After several years working for the United States Hydrographic Office, a visit to the Shiloh Battlefield inspired Ed to make a career change. Beginning in 1955 as a park historian at the Vicksburg National Military Park, he quickly gained a reputation as an engaging and theatrical battlefield guide. His research led to the 1956 discovery of the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad gunboat sunk during the Yazoo Pass Expedition. Ed would later be elevated to Chief Historian of the National Park Service, a position he would hold from 1981 to 1995. Following his retirement, Ed received the title of Chief Historian Emeritus. prgtoken The General Meade Society of Philadelphia is only the latest organization to recognize Ed for his work. His honors include the Harry S. Truman Award for Meritorious Service in the field of Civil War History, the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Award, and the American Battlefield Trust's Lifetime Achievement Award. Most impressively, despite turning 95 in June, Ed continues to lead battlefield tours to this day. prgtoken , I ask that all of my colleagues join me in honoring Ed Bearss on receiving this important honor.
RECOGNIZING HARVEY T. LEWIS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-9-13

I rise to recognize and honor a great American, Mr. Harvey T. Lewis, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Mr. Lewis has led a life of service to his country, to his community, and to others. prgtoken Harvey T. Lewis was born on September 15, 1918 in Richmond, Virginia to Alberta Graves Lewis and John Edward Lewis. He is one of sixteen children raised by his parents. Mr. Lewis also had a twin sister, the late Evelyn Alberta Lewis. Mr. Lewis attended Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia. After his father' s passing, Mr. Lewis left school to work and help support the family. prgtoken A true man of service, Mr. Lewis served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a sergeant. He went on to hold various positions in the federal government. After 28 years of government service, Mr. Lewis retired as Special Assistant to the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce where he was a trusted aide. prgtoken Mr. Lewis is known for his work ethic and entrepreneurial successes. He worked as a Pullman porter and was a member of the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters. He has owned and operated several businesses throughout his lifetime, including a neighborhood delicatessen in Prince George's County, Maryland and a cleaning service in Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Lewis was a cab driver in Washington, D.C. for many years and later became a licensed limousine driver. This led to the establishment of his limousine business, Limelighter Limousine Service. For 35 years, Mr. Lewis and his team provided limousine services to clients ranging from company executives to business owners to performing artists. prgtoken In addition to his work, Mr. Lewis is a longtime civic leader. In the 1960s, he was a civil rights advocate and used his familiarity as a professional driver in Washington, D.C. to provide scores of free rides to those attending the 1963 March on Washington. Rosa Parks requested Mr. Lewis as her driver to the United States Capitol for her Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. Mr. Lewis truly believed in the value of being involved in our democracy. He was an active volunteer on numerous local, state, and presidential campaigns spanning from John F. Kennedy to . In 2008, at 89 years old, Mr. Lewis was one of the oldest active campaigners for . Upon meeting President in 2012, just days after his 94th birthday, he was still an active campaigner. prgtoken The most important thing to Mr. Lewis has always been his family. He is married to his wife of ten years, the former Linda Ivey. He has one daughter Dr. Freda C. Lewis-Hall son-in-law Dr. Emerson R. Hall, Jr. three grandchildren Erin, Justin, and Austin and two great- grandchildren Michael, II and Emerson. prgtoken Mr. Lewis has been recognized for his outstanding service throughout his lifetime however, those who know him simply refer to him as ``a good man.'' To some, Mr. Lewis is a dedicated member of
INVESTMENTS IN OUR NATION'S WATER SYSTEMS
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-13

. Madam , I rise today to urge my colleagues to support much needed investments in our Nation's water systems. prgtoken Earlier this year, EPA estimated some $472 billion is needed to maintain the Nation's drinking water infrastructure over the next 20 years. prgtoken We have woefully underinvested in drinking water for far too long, and now crumbling pipes and failing systems pose a serious threat to public health and public safety. prgtoken Later today, the House is expected to vote on S. 3021, America's Water Infrastructure Act, the latest iteration of WRDA. prgtoken It is a good bill, the result of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations. prgtoken I am incredibly proud of the work done by both majority and minority members of the Energy and Commerce Committee on H.R. 3387, the Drinking Water System Improvement Act, which was reported out of committee unanimously in July of 2017. Nearly all of that bill has been incorporated into S. 3021. prgtoken I would like to highlight a number of the provisions that I am pleased were included in the final package. prgtoken Since 2014, I have introduced legislation to reauthorize the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the primary source of Federal funding for our water systems. Since its creation, the program has never been reauthorized, and funding has been flat, despite the growing needs in our communities. prgtoken S. 3021 would increase the authorization from $1 billion annually until it reaches a $1.95 billion level in fiscal year 2021. prgtoken In addition to providing significantly increased funding through the SRF, I want to mention a number of other provisions. prgtoken First, WRDA makes numerous important changes to the SRF program, including extending the length of loans from 20 to 30 years, and up to 40 years for disadvantaged communities, while increasing the set-aside for these communities by raising the maximum and, importantly, instituting a minimum amount of assistance. prgtoken It provides $125 million annually to support State water offices through the Public Water Systems Supervision grant program. prgtoken It seeks to improve the availability of compliance data submitted by water systems and States. prgtoken It promotes better asset management practices, improves consumer confidence reports, and reauthorizes the Source Water Petition Program. prgtoken It includes funding for EPA to review methods and technologies to prevent and detect leakage, contamination, and other problems. prgtoken It requires Buy America standards for SRF projects through fiscal year 2023 and prevailing wage standards to ensure that American workers are benefiting from these investments. prgtoken It provides funding for systems to conduct risk assessments of their resilience to extreme weather. prgtoken It establishes a grant program to help schools and daycare centers replace water fountains containing lead components. prgtoken Also related to lead, it requires future EPA needs assessments to
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5895, ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-13

I rise in support of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. In an era of partisanship, bipartisan legislation like this bill is sorely needed. prgtoken A little over a year ago, Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Recovering from a storm of that magnitude doesn't happen in a single year. The Houston ship channel is still in need of dredging just to return to the authorized depth that we were at before the storm hit. That is why bills like this one are so important. prgtoken In this legislation, the Army Corps of Engineers will receive just under $7 billion, $171.5 million above the 2018 enacted level. The Army Corps works hand in hand with local organizations like the Port of Houston and County Flood Control in our district to repair damage from previous storms and mitigate future risk. prgtoken It is essential that we fund the corps at an adequate level that ensures that we are constructing projects that limit future damage, not just repair the damage already there. prgtoken I am pleased to see that funding levels have increased in this year's bill, but more needs to be done. This issue is not a partisan one and affects districts far and wide. prgtoken I am also pleased to see that the harbor maintenance trust fund will receive $1.55 billion, $149 million over the 2018 allocation and $584 million above the request. Ports are the economic drivers are our country. At the Port of Houston, we had drafting restrictions that affected safety and commerce for months because of Hurricane Harvey. prgtoken While I am pleased that we are increasing the allocated money this year, there is still an injustice that needs to be corrected with the harbor maintenance trust fund. Around $1.8 billion in harbor maintenance tax is collected every year through port user fees. When Congress enacted this fund, it intended to use the revenue to ensure that no port would be in need of dredging and that the people who use the port have a hand in funding the maintenance. It is essential that, in future years, Congress rectifies this issue and ensures that all money collected from usage of our ports goes directly to funding their maintenance, generating further economic activity. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. In an era partisanship, bipartisan legislation like this bill is sorely needed. prgtoken A little over a year ago, Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Recovery from a storm of that magnitude doesn't happen in a single year. The Houston ship channel is still in need of dredging just to return to the authorized depth that we were at before the storm hit. prgtoken That is why bills like this one are so important. In this legislation, the Army Corps of Engineers will receive just under $7 billion, $171.5 million above