mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JONES ACT
Filemon Vela (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , this week we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Jones Act and its century of fostering our domestic maritime industry and supporting our national security. Named in honor of its author, former Senator Wesley Jones, the Jones Act has helped provide economic benefits in times of peace and has safeguarded resources to expand our military maritime capacity for times of war. prgtoken For the Department of Defense, maintaining a U.S. flagged fleet is critical to ensuring we have sufficient U.S. sealift capacity, available at a moment's notice, to defend our nation. For example, during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom from 2002 to 2010, U.S.-flag commercial vessels transported nearly 60% of all military cargoes into Afghanistan and Iraq. prgtoken Not only does the Jones Act support this vital national security requirement, it also provides an economic benefit to our nation. prgtoken Currently, there are about 40,000 vessels in the American domestic fleet. The domestic maritime industry supports nearly 650,000 jobs and has a gross economic output of $154 billion annually, generating $41.6 billion annually in income with a $16.8 billion tax impact. prgtoken In my state of Texas, the domestic maritime industry is a major economic driver. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Transportation Institute, Texas ranks No. 3 among all U.S. states for jobs related to the American domestic maritime industry. The state is home to an estimated 56,000 Jones Act-related domestic maritime industry jobs, and the domestic shipping industry contributes approximately $14 billion in annual economic impact and $4 billion in worker income to the Texas economy. prgtoken In the 34th Congressional District, which I have the honor to represent, there are 1,100 Jones Act-related jobs. This translates into over $174 million in economic impact to my Congressional district. prgtoken On March 16th, I was scheduled to participate in an event at the Port of Brownsville in my district, highlighting the importance of our domestic maritime industry and the Jones Act. As with so many activities throughout our nation and the world over the past several months, this event was postponed due to COVID-19, but I am pleased to have this opportunity today to express my support for this important industry and its workforce. prgtoken At the Port of Brownsville, Keppel AmFels is currently constructing two 'Ohana Class containerships for Pasha Hawaii, an American shipping company. These ships will be used to transport containers of goods between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland. prgtoken It was just a few years ago that Keppel AmFELS decided to invest over $30 million to start this new industry at the Port of Brownsville. We worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to secure nearly $2 million in federal funds for the vessel assembly pad to help make this happen. prgtoken I look forward to the
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 35
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-6-4

this is a bill that has already passed this body. Same bill, same language. There was no objection. Only four Members of the House of Representatives objected. Same bill, same language. prgtoken I have heard this objection. We disagree with this. The truth is, what is being proposed is not just opposed by me, but our colleagues who are sponsoring this bill, in this body, oppose these corrections as well. prgtoken In addition to that, changes to this bill now would send it back to the House of Representatives. This is a tactic that will send this bill back over to the House, where again it would have to be voted on. prgtoken This idea that somehow someone would be brought up on lynching charges for a slapping is absurd, especially as you see, with hate crime legislation, how difficult that is even to prove. prgtoken So I am deeply disappointed by the objections we have heard that were not made manifest last year, in 2019, but somehow seem to be stopping it in 2020. So I object, with this prediction: We, as a body, will correct historic ills and pass lynching legislation through this body, through the House of Representatives. One day in this Nation, this legislation will pass. prgtoken Perhaps it will have to wait until I am not here, until Senator Paul is not here, unless he decides to go back to the 2019 Senator Paul. prgtoken The question is, What side of history will we ultimately be on? I pray that it happens in this Congress. I pray that the President signs legislation against lynching. How historic that would be. But today it is not going to happen, obviously. prgtoken I am telling you right now, this celebration will come. This moment in American history will come. The frustrating thing for me is, at a time when this country hungers for common sense, racial reconciliation, an acknowledgement of our past and a looking forward to the better future, this will be one of the sad days where that possibility was halted. prgtoken As we all know, one of the great leaders that s and all hail asked that question--How long will it take?--and the simple answer is not long because the truth crushed to earth will rise again; not long because you reap what you sow; not long because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. prgtoken We will pass this legislation. I pray that the Members of this body, as we are right now, are the ones to do it. prgtoken I object.
IN MEMORY OF HERMAN ``HERK'' STREITBURGER
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Herman ``Herk'' Streitburger, a World War II hero and prisoner of war who passed away in late May, less than a month before his 101st birthday. Through both his military service and his subsequent community engagement, Herk will be remembered as a shining example of American fortitude, ingenuity, and empathy. prgtoken During World War II, Herk served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber. During his final mission with the 98th Bombardment Group, his plane was shot down over German territory. He was taken to the Stalag Luft IV prison camp, where he and fellow prisoners listened to war reports on a contraband radio they carefully concealed in a hollow table leg. Buoyed by radio reports of Allied success, they made a risky escape during a deadly winter march. After being caught by a German soldier, Herk's quick thinking and compassion secured their safety: he spoke German with the officer, offered him coffee and a smuggled American cigarette, and they shook hands, parting in peace. prgtoken After the war, Herk attended college through the GI bill and later started a family, first on Long Island before moving to Bedford in 1967. Following a career in marketing, he spent decades mentoring small business owners with SCORE and visiting with school groups to talk about his POW experience and life lessons. All those who knew Herk or ever heard him speak remarked at his positive attitude and optimism about life. prgtoken Herk was an engaged member of local and regional veterans associations, including Honor Flight New England, the American Legion NH, the NH Ex-POW Chapter #1, and the Northeast POW/MIA Network. In his community, he was admired for his ardent faith, generosity, and optimism. prgtoken On behalf of all of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I share my condolences to Herk's four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. May Herk Streitburger's memory be for a blessing.
INTRODUCTION OF THE GEORGE FLOYD LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST AND INTEGRITY ACT OF 2020
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I rise to announce to the House that I have introduced the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2020 (LETIA) to modernize law enforcement training, practices and procedures, and to address the issue of police accountability and build trust between police departments and the communities they serve. prgtoken Over the past two decades, tensions between police and communities of color have grown as allegations of bias-based policing by law enforcement agents, sometimes supported by data collection efforts and video evidence, have increased in number and frequency. prgtoken This legislation is designed to provide incentives for local police departments to voluntarily adopt performance-based standards to minimize incidents of misconduct, improve operations and enhance community accountability. prgtoken Since the tragic police-involved shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, there has been public outcry for Congressional action to address police accountability and public safety issues through the adoption of substantive law enforcement policy reforms. prgtoken Despite the fact that the majority of law enforcement officers perform their duties professionally and without bias, the relationship between the police and some of minority communities has deteriorated to such a degree that federal action is required to begin addressing the issue. prgtoken With recent Washington Post reports of more than 1000 reported police-involved shooting fatalities in the last year, the time is long past for bipartisan action. prgtoken The George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2020 provides incentives for local police organizations to voluntarily adopt performance-based standards to ensure that incidents of deadly force or misconduct will be minimized through appropriate management and training protocols and properly investigated, should they occur. prgtoken The legislation authorizes the Department of Justice to work cooperatively with independent accreditation, law enforcement and community-based organizations to further develop and refine the accreditation standards, and authorizes the Attorney General to make grants to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of obtaining accreditation from certified law enforcement accreditation organizations. prgtoken Beyond the human toll created by law enforcement accountability issues, there remains the fiscal impact created by the high cost of litigation settlements for police abuse claims. prgtoken Currently, there are no federally recognized minimum standards to follow for operating a police department. prgtoken The ad hoc nature of police management has left many officers and agencies in the dark about how to cope with changes in their communities. prgtoken While most cities fail to systematically track the cost of litigation, the cost reports for major cities can prove staggering. prgtoken In New York City alone, during Mayor Michael Bloomberg's
A FRESH START
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I rise today, to recognize the 20th anniversary of a local small business in Lakewood, Colorado--A Fresh Start. prgtoken A Fresh Start is a prime example of the American Dream--owned and operated by Tom Bogeljic, a Bosnian refugee who came to the U.S. in 1997, and shortly after settling into the Denver suburbs, opened his own small business. A Fresh Start has grown substantially in the last 20 years, and Tom has been at the forefront of its growth. prgtoken A Fresh Start opened its doors in Lakewood, Colorado on December 1, 1999 and has provided commercial and residential cleaning to places across the 7th Congressional District and Denver Metro area. It has survived quite a few challenges over the last 20 years, surviving the Great Recession as well as being designated an essential service during the current COVID-19 public health crisis. prgtoken During Small Business Month, I want to recognize Tom and his business as examples of a true entrepreneurial spirit and his contribution to our community by using eco-friendly materials and putting his employees first. prgtoken I extend my congratulations to Tom and A Fresh Start on its achievement of 20 successful years in our community. Keep up the good work.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF DR. CASSANDRA ``MELODY'' MONTGOMERY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor the hard work and service of Dr. Cassandra Montgomery on behalf of the communities of Detroit. prgtoken Over the years, Dr. Montgomery has taken on many roles, working in different capacities, but she has always remained steadfast in the pursuit of social justice. Dr. Montgomery first moved to Detroit from Alabama as a young child. She grew up in the beautiful city of Detroit in its golden age of growth. She experienced Motown's musical scene and enjoyed her youth spent in neighborhoods where goods and services could be found without even leaving the community. Dr. Montgomery also witnessed Detroit in the midst of the 1960s civil rights movement. She knew the pain of segregation through her childhood visits to Alabama, but she also bore witness to one of the most important speeches delivered by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a speech at Cobo Hall in 1963. prgtoken These memories instilled in Dr. Montgomery that social justice is a need worth fighting for, something she carried through in her work. Dr. Montgomery built the foundation of her professional life in service to others, whether in social work, advocacy, or in counseling, she was a friend to the people of the City of Detroit. Those of us who knew her in her capacity at People's Community Services in Southwest Detroit know her particularly for her tenacity in preserving the culture of the neighborhood of Delray. prgtoken I therefore ask you to join me in tribute to Dr. Cassandra Montgomery, a beautiful soul and fighter for justice.
OPPOSING THE GROW ACT'S INCLUSION IN THE HEROES ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I am very pleased the House took important action to support the pensions of millions of Americans in the HEROES Act. Action to secure the retirement benefits of workers and retirees in troubled multiemployer plans and the long-term solvency of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) remains a top priority of mine. Despite this positive effort, I am troubled by inclusion of provisions that impact healthy multiemployer pension plans. The inclusion of the GROW Act, which possesses significant conflicting support and opposition on important, must pass legislation is deeply troubling. The GROW Act will hurt workers, retirees, employers and the PBGC, and should not become law. prgtoken Composite plan legislation would create two plans--an existing plan and a new ``composite'' plan--out of a single, finite pool of assets. This places added burden on the ability to fund each adequately, increasing the odds of failure. Existing plans could refinance their obligations over 25 years--more than 10 years longer than current law allows. This reduces available funds for benefits under existing plans, making them vulnerable to funding shortfalls--and thus at risk for draconian benefit cuts in times of market volatility. For example, if Congress had already passed the GROW Act and it was law during the market volatility COVID inflicted on the stock market, the benefits composite plan participants expected to earn would be cut 70 percent, and the vested benefits they already earned would be cut 25 percent. At the same time, the vested benefits of participants in the existing plan would be cut 21 percent. prgtoken In addition to using accounting gimmicks to weaken existing multiemployer pension plans and place Americans' retirement security at risk, composite plans would also make it easier for employers to withdraw from existing multiemployer pension plans altogether, without paying their fair share of obligations to participants. Under current law, employers withdrawing from a pension plan must pay a ``withdrawal liability'' based on their contribution to the plan. Provisions of the GROW act would eliminate withdrawal liability for composite plans, and it would dramatically reduce the cost of withdrawing from an existing plan. prgtoken Moreover, composite plans would not be insured by the PBGC and would be exempt from paying PBGC premiums. This erodes the PBGC premium base significantly. When combined with plan failures that composite plans would accelerate, the PBGC will face new liabilities that will drive it to a new solvency crisis. Because of the grievous harm the GROW Act imposes on workers, retirees, the PBGC, and the entire multiemployer plan system, I strongly oppose its inclusion in the HEROES Act.
REMEMBERING DR. MARSHALL MITZMAN
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-4

. Madam , I rise to recognize the life of Dr. Marshall Mitzman, on the occasion of his passing on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. prgtoken Born on May 23, 1946, to Moe Mitzman and Nellie Mitzman-Schwartz, Marshall and his four siblings grew up in Angola, Indiana. His family remembers, even as a boy, Marshall valued his education and worked hard to ensure an opportunity to continue his education after high school. prgtoken Marshall made his way to California in 1964 and landed in the Bay Area. Using his education at Foothill College and De Anza College as a launching pad, he obtained a bachelor's degree at San Jose State University; but, he did not stop there. Marshall went on to obtain a master's degree from Judge College, Cambridge University, at which he later became Dr. Mitzman upon the completion of his doctoral program. prgtoken Marshall would then return to California where he started several small businesses. He quickly became an integral part of the fabric of our community by lending his expertise to several networks. He served as an adjunct professor at several of our community colleges and held a lifetime California Community College teaching credential. He also taught at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. The boards on which Marshall served are almost too numerous to name, but notable among them are the Alameda County School Board Association, the Hayward Education Foundation, and the Friends of Chabot College Foundation. prgtoken In 2008, Marshall became a board member of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD), with which he worked to increase access to education in the parts of our community where opportunity has not been distributed as equally as the capability of our students. Marshall served on the CLPCCD Board of Directors until his passing. His commitment to students will be among his greatest legacies. We're all grateful to Marshall, for always putting the needs and education of our students first. prgtoken Marshall was recovering from a brain tumor in one of our community's skilled nursing facilities when the cruelty of COVID-19 stole him from us. He is survived by his wife Felie, two children, and seven grandchildren.
CARES Act (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-6-4

before Senator Cardin leaves the floor, I want to tell my colleague and friend on the Finance Committee that it has been a pleasure to team up with him to try to deal with these challenges in terms of getting the help out to small business people. We know that it has been needlessly challenging, looking back at the experience. I am just glad my colleague is going to prosecute the case until there is justice for these small businesses
REMEMBERING ITALIA MARIE KELLY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-6-4

on Sunday, a young Iowan from Davenport set out to exercise her constitutional rights by peacefully protesting the disturbing death of George Floyd. But when agitators turned things violent, Italia Marie Kelly decided it was time to go. As she was trying to leave, she was struck and killed by a bullet. She was only 22. prgtoken Italia was protesting against violence, but she couldn't escape it. prgtoken We must stand up against violence, racism and abuses by law enforcement. We must also stand up against those who hijack peaceful protests. More death and destruction is no way to honor the legacies of those lost.
BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-6-4

I rise to submit to the Senate the budget scorekeeping report for June 2020. This is my first scorekeeping report since I filed the deemed budget resolution for fiscal year 2021 on May 4, 2020, as required by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019, BBA19. The report compares current-law levels of spending and revenues with the amounts agreed to in BBA19. In the Senate, this information is used to determine whether budgetary points of order lie against pending legislation. The staff of the Budget Committee and the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, prepared this report pursuant to section 308(b) of the Congressional Budget Act (CBA). The information included in this report is current through June 1, 2020. prgtoken In general, my filing of May 4 established the following enforceable budgetary levels: (1) allocations for fiscal year 2021 for the Committee on Appropriations; (2) allocations for fiscal years 2021, 2021 through 2025, and 2021 through 2030 for committees other than the Committee on Appropriations; (3) aggregate spending levels for fiscal year 2021; (4) aggregate revenue levels for fiscal year 2021, 2021 through 2025, and 2021 through 2030; and (5) aggregate levels of outlays and revenue for fiscal years 2021, 2021 through 2025, and 2021 through 2030 for Social Security. Allocations and aggregates for fiscal year 2020 were not overridden by this filing and continue to be enforced under the fiscal year 2020 deemed budget that was filed on September 9, 2019. prgtoken The figures underpinning the new enforceable levels are based on the discretionary spending limits set forth in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 and CBO's March 2020 baseline, adjusted to reflect legislation enacted between the publication of the baseline and my May 4 filing. Enforceable figures in this filing exclude the direct budgetary effects of provisions in legislation enacted after the release of the baseline that were designated as an emergency pursuant to section 4112 of the fiscal year 2018 congressional budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 71, 115th Congress. prgtoken Budget Committee staff prepared Tables A-G. prgtoken Table A gives the amount by which each Senate authorizing committee exceeds or falls below its allocations for budget authority and outlays under the fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021 deemed budget resolutions. This information is used for enforcing committee allocations pursuant to section 302 of the CBA. To date, eight committees are out of compliance with their allocations for fiscal year 2020, however no committees have breached their newly released allocations this cycle. prgtoken Tables B and C provide the amount by which the Senate Committee on Appropriations is below or exceeds the statutory spending limits. This information is used to determine points of order related to the spending caps found in sections 312 and 314 of the CBA. The tables show that the Appropriations Co
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 35
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-6-4

before my colleagues exit the Chamber, I want to acknowledge their words. I want to say thank you. The passion, the emotion, the true rawness in your words are words that I think all of us, as Members of the Senate, should hear, reflect, and respect. I just want you to know I am thankful I was on the floor to personally hear. Because we can read words, but it is when we have the ability to hear and to feel those words that their true meaning comes out, so I appreciate and I thank you for that