cheaptrix/billsum-US_congress_and_house huggingface dataset:
Congratulating the Minority Business Development Agency on its 45th anniversary and commending its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority businesses in the United States.

Whereas the success of minority businesses is a critical component of a robust economy in the United States; Whereas minority businesses employ 5,800,000 people and generate $1 trillion to the economy of the United States; Whereas minority businesses are supporting the global competitiveness of the United States by utilizing the most effective export capabilities of any segment of the United States economy; Whereas minority businesses are more likely to generate revenue through exports compared to non-minority businesses due to language capabilities, cultural competence, ancestral ties, and business agility; Whereas, in 1969, there were 322,000 minority businesses with $11,000,000,000 in gross receipts and the number of minority businesses has continued to increase to nearly 6,000,000 as estimated by the United States Census Bureau; Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency was established by Executive Order 11458 on March 5, 1969; Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency has operated for 45 years as the only Federal agency created specifically to serve and foster the growth of minority entrepreneurs; Whereas the Minority Business Development Agency operates a nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers to assist with the expansion and competitiveness of the rapidly growing minority business community; Whereas, in fiscal year 2013, the Minority Business Development Agency helped minority businesses gain access to over $4,800,000,000 in contracts and capital, which contributed in excess of 25,000 American jobs created or retained; Whereas, since 1969, the Minority Business Development Agency has served nearly 660,000 minority businesses and assisted in securing more than $25,000,000,000 in contracts and capital for these minority businesses; and Whereas the long-term strategic direction of the Minority Business Development Agency is to achieve entrepreneurial parity so that the number of businesses that are minority businesses is proportional to the minority population: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency on its 45th anniversary; (2) commends the Minority Business Development Agency for its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority businesses; and (3) encourages the Minority Business Development Agency to continue its efforts to assist minority businesses as minority businesses continue to strengthen communities, create jobs, and contribute to the health of the economy of the United States.

Summary: Congratulates the Minority Business Development Agency on its 45th anniversary. Commends the Agency for its achievements in fostering the establishment and growth of minority businesses. Encourages the Agency to continue its efforts to assist such businesses as they continue to strengthen communities, create jobs, and contribute to the health of the U.S. economy.
Expressing support for the designation of March 4, 2020, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day".

National Assistive Technology Awareness Day Whereas assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities and older adults; Whereas the term assistive technology service Whereas, in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 4 individuals in the United States, or almost 61,000,000 individuals, has a disability; Whereas, in 2017, the Department of Education reported that there were more than 7,000,000 children with disabilities; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, among adults 65 years of age and older, 2 in 5 have a disability; Whereas assistive technology allows individuals with disabilities and older adults to be included in their communities and in inclusive classrooms and workplaces; Whereas assistive technology devices and services are necessities, not luxury items, for millions of individuals with disabilities and older adults, without which they would be unable to live in their communities, access education, or obtain, retain, and advance gainful, competitive, integrated employment; Whereas the availability of assistive technology in the workplace promotes economic self-sufficiency, enhances work participation, and is critical to the employment of individuals with disabilities and older adults; and Whereas State assistive technology programs support a continuum of services that include— (1) the exchange, repair, recycling, and other reutilization of assistive technology devices; (2) device loan programs that provide short-term loans of assistive technology devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, and others; (3) the demonstration of devices to inform decisionmaking; and (4) State financing to help individuals purchase or obtain assistive technology through a variety of initiatives, such as financial loan programs, leasing programs, and other financing alternatives, that give individuals affordable, flexible options to purchase or obtain assistive technology: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the designation of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day (2) commends— (A) assistive technology specialists and program coordinators for their hard work and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities who are in need of finding the proper assistive technology to meet their individual needs; and (B) professional organizations and researchers dedicated to facilitating the access and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and older adults in need of assistive technology devices.

Summary: This resolution supports the designation of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day. It also commends assistive technology specialists, program coordinators, organizations, and researchers for their assistance in helping people with disabilities to access such technology.
Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

Whereas for millions of Indian-Americans, Diwali (or Deepavali) is a time for thanksgiving and prayer for health, knowledge, and peace; Whereas Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian-Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others throughout the United States; Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace; Whereas celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance; Whereas Diwali falls on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the New Year for many Hindus; Whereas for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the belief that light triumphs over darkness, and good triumphs over evil; Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day on which the sixth founding Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir; Whereas for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras (founders of the Jain philosophy); and Whereas Diwali is a celebration of great importance in Indian-American communities throughout the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes the historical and religious significance of Diwali; (2) in observance of Diwali, the festival of lights, expresses its deepest respect for Indian-Americans and the Indian diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion; (3) recognizes and appreciates the religious diversity in both India and the United States and throughout the world; and (4) acknowledges and supports the relationship of collaboration and respect between the United States and India.

Summary: This resolution recognizes the religious and historical significance of Diwali.
Recognizing National Emancipation Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the end of slavery in areas of rebellion, and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the struggle for the equal rights and freedoms afforded to all United States citizens.

Whereas in 1619, a ship flying the Dutch flag stopped at Old Point Comfort in the Virginia Colony with 20 Africans onboard; Whereas the arrival of these 20 Africans to the Virginia Peninsula marked the beginning of more than 200 years of captivity for Africans in the United States; Whereas President Abraham Lincoln, during the American Civil War and in accordance with the war powers vested to him issued a proclamation on September 22, 1862, declaring that on the first day of January, 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free Whereas the Emancipation Proclamation, as an Executive order, legally emancipated millions of slaves in the States of South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, and North Carolina; Whereas for two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official, Texas slaves were held in bondage and only after June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, were African-American slaves in that State set free; Whereas, on December 6, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction Whereas the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was a significant precursor to the adoption of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, also known as the Reconstruction Amendments, adopted between 1865 and 1870, as well as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 among others; and Whereas slaves and their descendants in the United States have contributed significantly to the foundation, growth, diversity, and leadership of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives recognizes National Emancipation Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the end of slavery in areas of rebellion, and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the struggle for the equal rights and freedoms afforded to all United States citizens.

Summary: Recognizes National Emancipation Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the end of slavery in areas of rebellion, and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation in the struggle for the equal rights and freedoms afforded to all U.S. citizens.
Urging the people of the United States to observe October of each year as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month.

Whereas Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month is an appropriate time to recognize the enormous contributions the Italian and Italian-American people have made to this country and the world throughout our history, including generals, admirals, philosophers, statesmen, musicians, athletes, and Nobel Prize-winning scientists; Whereas Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month is held to salute the Italian and Italian-American community and to exhibit appreciation for their culture and their heritage that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the people of this Nation and the world; Whereas the strength and success of the United States, the vitality of our communities, and the effectiveness of our American society depend, in great measure, upon the distinctive and sterling qualities demonstrated by our various ethnic groups, exemplified by members of the Italian and Italian-American community, who share with us their rich and unique heritage; and Whereas it is fitting and proper that October of each year be observed as Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month throughout the United States: Now, therefore, be it That in order to recognize the enormous contributions Italian and Italian-American people have made to this country and the world throughout our history, the House of Representatives urges the people of the United States to acknowledge an Italian and Italian-American Heritage Month and to observe the month with appropriate events and activities.

Summary: Urges the people of the United States to acknowledge an Italian and Italian American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions Italians and Italian Americans have made to this country and the world.
Expressing support for designation of July as National Sarcoma Awareness Month.

Whereas sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues, such as nerves, muscles, joints, fat, bones, and blood vessels, and it can arise anywhere in the body; Whereas 15,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with sarcoma last year, more than 6,000 died, and 50,000 are struggling with the disease at any one time; Whereas 1 percent of cancers diagnosed in adults and 20 percent of cancers diagnosed in children each year are sarcoma; Whereas more than 50 subtypes of sarcoma have been identified; Whereas the National Cancer Institute recognizes that sarcoma is often misdiagnosed and underreported; and Whereas July would be an appropriate month to designate as National Sarcoma Awareness Month to raise awareness of the disease and encourage more individuals to get properly diagnosed and treated: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives supports the designation of National Sarcoma Awareness Month.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Sarcoma Awareness Month.
Recognizing the self-determination of Gibraltar to determine its status as a British Overseas Territory.

Whereas the Department of State recognizes Gibraltar as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom based on the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; Whereas the citizens of Gibraltar have freely and democratically expressed their view to remain a British Overseas Territory in 1967 and 2002, when 99.6 and 98.48 percent of the Gibraltarians, respectively, voted in a popular referenda their wish to remain a British Overseas Territory; Whereas the United States has relied on Gibraltar’s military facilities numerous times, including America’s first overseas military intervention in 1801 against the Barbary States, World War II, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization intervention in 2011 in Libya; Whereas, during World War II, General Dwight Eisenhower used Gibraltar as his headquarters to plan the liberation of North Africa stating, Without it the vital air cover would not have been quickly established on the North African fields. Whereas the security situation in North Africa and the Middle East continues to underscore the need for the United States to maintain secure access to Gibraltar’s military facilities; Whereas Gibraltar has the right, under the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to determine its own future; and Whereas the United Kingdom is a loyal ally that has stood by the United States: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that— (1) the United States honors the contribution that Gibraltar has made to advancing United States security interests in the Mediterranean region since 1801 and extends its deepest appreciation and thanks to the Government of Gibraltar and its citizens; and (2) the views and rights of Gibraltarians should always be imperative in any discussion of Gibraltar’s status as a British Overseas Territory.

Summary: This resolution honors Gibraltar's contribution to advancing U.S. security interests in the Mediterranean region and expresses support for the people of Gibraltar.
Expressing support for the designation of May 9 as "Home Front Heroes Day".

Home Front Heroes Day Whereas there is not a day for acknowledging everyone on the home front, men and women, young and old, for their support, work, and sacrifices at home during the service of their family members, loved ones, and fellow countrymen and countrywomen in the military; Whereas Home Front Heroes Day is organized and spearheaded by John Hampton Lucky Whereas Home Front Heroes Day will recognize and celebrate those individuals who serve selflessly at home to ensure the United States military can focus on preserving democracy and freedom at home and around the world in a time of war and peace; Whereas Home Front Heroes Day is a valuable complement to the existing holidays and special days that honor our veterans and military members; and Whereas it is hoped that Home Front Heroes Day will inspire a sense of unity around a common cause: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the designation of Home Front Heroes Day (2) recognizes the efforts and sacrifice made by civilians in contribution to wartime efforts.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for the designation of Home Front Heroes Day, recognizing the efforts and sacrifice made by civilians contributing to wartime efforts.
Terminating a Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

That the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce established pursuant to House Resolution 461, agreed to October 7, 2015, is hereby terminated.

Summary: Terminates the Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Flotilla 11-1, 8th District-Western Rivers Region, Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Whereas the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary was created by Congress on June 23, 1939, and redesignated the Coast Guard Auxiliary on February 19, 1941; Whereas the Coast Guard Auxiliary was created to support the Coast Guard in all functions except military operations and law enforcement; Whereas the Coast Guard Auxiliary is supported by 32,000 volunteers in 1,000 local units across the United States that provide over 2 million hours per year helping to keep waterways safe; Whereas Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11–1 was established in 1941 in Afton, Minnesota, is the oldest flotilla in the Coast Guard 8th District-Western Rivers Region, and is one of the longest existing flotilla units in the entire Coast Guard Auxiliary; Whereas Flotilla 11–1 is led by Flotilla Commander Jon D. Knutson and Vice Flotilla Commander Erich John Hodurski and currently operates out of St. Paul, Minnesota; Whereas Flotilla 11–1 provides support and operates on the Minnesota River, the Mississippi River, and the St. Croix River; Whereas the volunteers of Flotilla 11–1 spend thousands of hours each year conducting boater safety classes and no-cost boat safety checks, verifying that all aids to navigation are in place and functioning, and conducting environmental protection projects, safety patrols, and on-the-water response as necessary; Whereas in August of 2007 volunteers of Flotilla 11–1 responded to the collapse of the Interstate 35W Mississippi River Bridge and provided critical ferry service to the scene of the collapse for local officials; and Whereas Flotilla 11–1 monitors the marine emergency channel and responds to any boaters in need of assistance, including for disabled boats and medical emergencies: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives recognizes Flotilla 11–1, 8th District-Western Rivers Region, Coast Guard Auxiliary for celebrating its 75th anniversary and for the contributions it makes in supporting the local boating community in Minnesota.

Summary: Recognizes: (1) the 75th anniversary of the Afton, Minnesota, Flotilla Division 11-1, 8th Western Rivers Region Coast Guard Auxiliary District; and (2) the contributions it makes in supporting the local boating community in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012.

Whereas, on January 5, 2015, the United States Postal Service has implemented lower “service standards” to virtually eliminate overnight delivery of first class mail and periodicals, and further delay most other mail; Whereas delayed mail negatively impacts businesses, hurts residents, rural communities and the economy, and drives customers away, resulting in lower revenue and worsens the Postal Service’s financial situation; and Whereas robust service standards implemented by the United States Postal Service are essential to providing prompt and timely delivery of all mail: Online purchases, local newspapers, newsletters, bill payments, letters, invitations, packages, and medicines: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012.

Summary: This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. Postal Service should restore mail delivery service standards to those of July 1, 2012.