mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Thanksgiving (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-11-18

from North Carolina for joining us to talk about our veterans and about how important they are. prgtoken North Carolina, of course, is home to many of our Active-Duty installations, which house many of our brave, young men and women from across the United States. Many Iowans will travel to the great Fort Bragg or other installations and call North Carolina home at least for a short while. So thanks to my colleague for joining us today. prgtoken Thanksgiving dinner has become the single most celebrated meal of the year, with tens of millions of Americans gathering with family and friends to give thanks for their blessings and, of course, for one another. And, folks, I know that this year, it is a lot different. prgtoken While we still have so much to be thankful for, the COVID-19 pandemic means folks will be traveling less and might not be celebrating in larger groups. As a result, many will be separated from their loved ones on this very special day. prgtoken But, folks, this is a very familiar feeling for anyone who has ever served in our Nation's Armed Forces. There is no vacation from protecting our Nation. At any given moment, thousands of men and women, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, are stationed around the world, standing vigilant in the defense of freedom. prgtoken Those wearing the uniform aren't the only ones making a sacrifice, either. Back home, there is an empty seat at the family table. There are kids missing their mom or dad, as my daughter missed me while I was deployed. Parents are missing a child, and husbands and wives are missing a spouse. prgtoken Due to COVID, many who are stationed in the United States can't even travel home to be with their families. My own daughter will not be able to travel over Thanksgiving. Restrictions have been put in place prohibiting nonessential travel to or from many military installations, including Camp Dodge in my home State of Iowa. But every day, not just Thanksgiving, can be a sacrifice when serving in the Armed Forces. Those who enlist are well aware of this. Yet it is no deterrent. prgtoken As a combat veteran with over 23 years of service between the Army Reserves and the Iowa Army National Guard, I understand what many families are going through, and I have a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make for the good of their neighbors. prgtoken Just last year, I visited our Iowa troops for Thanksgiving in Afghanistan. It was good to see them, and I know how much they were missing their families. They also want to make sure that the people back home remember them--remember that they are far from home, remember that they are working hard to protect our freedoms. prgtoken Our courageous servicemembers know the real cost of freedom. They have seen and felt it firsthand. Many of them live with that price the rest of their lives. Far too many who survive combat continue fighting an int
Thanksgiving (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-11-18

first, let me thank Senator Ernst for organizing this opportunity to talk about our veterans, to talk about those who serve and the obligations we have to them, to talk about their challenges. Last week, certainly Veterans Day was very much on our minds, but also we ought to be sure that our veterans are on our minds all the time. prgtoken We have appropriations bills we need to pass that will make a big difference in how veterans' issues are dealt with. Obviously we need to pass the appropriations bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and every veteran would want us to pass the appropriations bill for the Department of Defense. But there are also provisions in other bills that help veterans get back into society more effectively when they leave the military. prgtoken The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill that I talked about on the floor last week increases assistance for veterans' employment programs and veterans' training programs. It supports veterans when they move from the military workforce to the civilian workforce. It works to give homeless veterans a chance to have a home, have a job, have an opportunity--break through whatever barrier is a barrier for them. Opioid dependence--we all know those numbers are back up. Those opioid death numbers are back up. Veteran suicide--not one is acceptable. Funding the veterans hotline, funding behavioral health programs, being sure that telehealth can be available to veterans who may not be able to drive all the way to a provider but would be able to quickly contact the person who helps them. prgtoken We need to understand the challenges for homeless veterans particularly and post-traumatic stress in other veterans who sometimes don't develop post-traumatic stress until decades after they serve. Often our veterans, not just in leaving the military but in retirement from whatever they did next, don't realize until that moment how much their service has impacted the way they see things and do things and think about things and are concerned about things. prgtoken We need to be sure that veterans who have experiences and skills that they take out of the military are able to quickly connect with employers as they transition to civilian life. prgtoken Every employer--in fact, at least I have never talked to an employer who doesn't say: We really hire vets. It is a priority where we are to hire vets. prgtoken But we passed some legislation a few years ago, the HIRE Vets Act, which gave the Department of Labor the authority to recognize employers that actually do that--that hire vets, that promote vets, that retain vets. Secretary Alex Acosta was Secretary of Labor at the time, and they took a program that--everybody who advised him on this said it would take about 3 years to set this up. They set it up in about 6 months, and we began to recognize employers around the country who truly do meet the standard that all employers say
PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DURING PANDEMIC
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-11-18

during this lame duck session, this House needs bipartisan leadership to achieve critical, needed COVID relief for central Arkansans. prgtoken The majority of these issues are easy and have significant bipartisan support. prgtoken We need to extend and expand the Paycheck Protection Program and ease paycheck protection forgiveness. prgtoken Pandemic unemployment payments need to be addressed in a way to help families but also encourage work. prgtoken Finally, States need flexibility on spending money from the CARES Act, prgtoken and they need to change the deadline from the end of this year, 12/31, to a time in 2021. prgtoken We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. prgtoken We call on Pelosi to call targeted, focused relief to the House floor today.
Thanksgiving (Executive Session)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-11-18

next Thursday is Thanksgiving, and we are here today because, even during a tough year like this one, we have so many things to be thankful for. prgtoken In that spirit, I would like to tell a short story about a Nebraskan whose contribution to the history of our country is pretty extraordinary. prgtoken In 1886, Andrew Jackson Higgins was born in the small town of Columbus, NE. He spent most of his childhood in Omaha, and he served in the Nebraska Army National Guard after the turn of the 20th century before moving to Alabama at the age of 20 to work in the lumber industry. prgtoken He worked a wide variety of jobs, hoping to learn enough to eventually start his own business. He succeeded in his dream in 1922 when he founded Higgins Lumber and Export Company, which quickly grew to become one of the largest lumber companies in North America. prgtoken Four years later, his company designed the Eureka boat, a 36-foot- long boat that was able to sail in just a few feet of water. At the time, lumber could only be loaded onto ships at port, but a craft that could operate in such shallow water could run on and off of riverbanks, enabling Higgins Lumber and Export Company to load and unload its lumber just about anywhere. prgtoken In short, Andrew Higgins built the Eureka boat simply to make his employees' lives easier, and that was an honorable goal. But throughout the next decade, as it became clear that Hitler decided to plunge the world back into war, the U.S. military began to search for a way to land soldiers directly onto beaches. They turned to the Eureka boat, which beat the Navy's design in a head-to-head test in 1939. prgtoken There was just one problem: The only way to get on or off the boat was by jumping over the sides, and this would leave soldiers exposed to enemy fire in combat. To get around this, the Navy asked Higgins to add a ramp door to the boat's bow. He returned with the final design just a month later, and the Higgins boat was born. prgtoken Andrew Higgins' company went on to produce over 23,000 of these boats, and his design worked so well that the Allies trusted them to carry our soldiers across the English Channel on D-Day. Without the Higgins boat, we may not have turned the tide of World War II at Normandy. We may never have liberated Europe from Hitler's grasp. prgtoken In fact, President Dwight Eisenhower, who was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe on D-Day, went as far as to say that Andrew Higgins was ``the man who won the war for us.'' prgtoken It was an honor to attend the 75th anniversary of D-Day last year at Omaha Beach, to see firsthand the beach where the ``greatest generation'' jumped out of those boats that Andrew Higgins built to save the world from Naziism. prgtoken I am thankful for them, and I am thankful for the sacrifices that all of our veterans and Active-Duty servicemembers make each and every day. prgtoken We all know that Thanksgiving is going to be a l
HONORING THE LIFE OF SAMUEL FIGUEROA
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Samuel Figueroa of Indianapolis, Indiana. prgtoken Samuel Figueroa was an outstanding employee who worked at the Creekside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. Having worked at the center since its opening in September 2017, Mr. Figueroa was a dishwasher. We are only aware of his role as dishwasher and are unaware of work in road and building construction. Those who had the opportunity to witness Mr. Figueroa work witnessed a man who took great pride in his job. While on the clock, Mr. Figueroa routinely made others smile and laugh. He was also careful to ensure that the facility was as clean as possible. On many occasions, fellow employees witnessed Samuel scanning the parking lot for trash to dispose of. prgtoken By all accounts, Mr. Figueroa was the model employee. Always on time with a smile on his face and willing to go the extra mile, he desired to serve those in need. Mr. Figueroa will be remembered for the wonderful impression he made on his peers, residents and all those who interreacted with him on the campus. prgtoken The story of Mr. Figueroa is one that is uniquely American. This record is a testament to those ideals he embodied of service and sacrifice, which are inherent to the American spirit. Though Samuel is no longer with us, his spirit of good will and generosity in the halls of Creekside and in the hearts of those whose lives he touched endures.
CONGRATULATING CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL TEAM
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Cincinnati St. Xavier High School's football team on becoming the Division I Ohio State champions. prgtoken Led by inspirational Head Coach Steve Specht, the St. X Bombers clinched the title by winning the State championship by a score of 44- 3, setting a record for the largest margin of victory ever in a Division I final. prgtoken This impressive showing followed dramatic come-from-behind fourth- quarter victories in both the quarterfinals and the semifinals. prgtoken I am always proud to be a St. Xavier alumnus, and I feel especially proud of the 2020 Bomber team as the school earned their fourth State championship. prgtoken I am especially proud because it is an understatement to say that the last several months have been difficult for our communities in Ohio and across the country. Yet, last Friday night, families, friends, students, and spectators, alike, were able to return to a little bit of normalcy--exactly why sports and teamwork are so important to the Nation. prgtoken Congratulations, again, to the St. Xavier players, to Coach Steve Specht and his staff, and to the St. Xavier faithful. prgtoken Go Bombers.
SECURING AMERICA FROM EPIDEMICS ACT
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-11-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Securing America from Epidemics Act. prgtoken I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Dr. Bera, for introducing this bill--and I co-introduced it--for his work to address this important issue. prgtoken COVID-19 has shown that pandemics know no borders and that the United States must be prepared to respond to disease outbreaks around the world. This bill authorizes the United States to participate in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an alliance of countries and private partners that are financing and coordinating the development of new vaccines for infectious diseases. These are the emerging diseases that they are studying so that we are prepared for them. prgtoken In addition to COVID-19, CEPI has developed a list of priority diseases with epidemic potential, including viruses that cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS. By leveraging contributions from member states with expertise and funding by private partners, CEPI seeks to develop vaccines before the disease outbreak occurs. prgtoken CEPI estimates that COVID-19 could cost the global economy $4.1 trillion, or close to 5 percent of global GDP. prgtoken Of course, the impact of viruses like COVID-19 is not just measured in the disruption of economic stability in nations around the world, but also, unfortunately, in the lives lost. prgtoken Developing vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases is not just an issue of individual health but of national security. Our committee has worked together on many pieces of legislation in response to COVID-19. The SAFE Act is another example of this bipartisan effort. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues who believe we must do all we can to prevent another pandemic like COVID-19 from emerging in the future to support this legislation, as it is a critical component to that effort. prgtoken , .
Introductory Statement on S. 4914
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-11-18

I today I am introducing legislation that aims to reduce traffic-related pedestrian fatalities in Native American communities while also improving public health and quality of life. prgtoken First, let's be clear. Everyone in this country deserves reliable options to travel safely from one place to another. Everyone deserves roads that connect us to each other and expand our horizons. But the sad truth is that not everyone in this country has safe, reliable roads that foster connections and expand horizons. That is especially true in Native American communities. prgtoken The adverse statistics surrounding the safety and health of Indigenous peoples are staggering. Vehicle-related unintentional injury is the No. 1 cause of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 1 through 44. It is also the third overall cause of death for all American Indians and Alaska Natives, of any age or gender. prgtoken While unsafe roadways put lives at risk, inadequate or unreliable transportation options create obstacles for everyday life, making it more difficult to simply access healthy groceries, schools, quality health care, emergency services and economic opportunities. Immobility for individuals within Indian Country reinforces barriers to education, quality healthcare, and economic opportunity. prgtoken Meanwhile, Native American communities face disproportionately higher prevalence of diabetes and other heart disease. In fact, American Indian and Alaska Natives are more than twice more likely than non- Hispanic White Americans to die from diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortalities for Native Americans under the age of 65. While exercise can help to lower the risks associated with chronic heart disease, throughout Indian Country, there are few safe options for walking, running and bicycling. prgtoken The sad truth is that decades of Federal underinvestment in transportation infrastructure has contributed to disproportionately higher rates of road traffic fatalities and poor public health outcomes in Indian Country. Unsafe, unreliable and inadequate transportation infrastructure is exacerbating a public safety crisis, worsening public health, and degrading quality of life. prgtoken Investments in infrastructure that improve safety and expand opportunity for nonmotorized forms of transportation--such as sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian and bicycle signals-- can help to prevent more road traffic fatalities and also combat the prevalence of chronic health disparities that exist throughout Native American communities. To that end, the Promoting Access to Tribal Health, Wellbeing and Youth Safety Act would create a new grant program at the U.S. Department of Transportation to dedicate new resources for pedestrian-related infrastructure and improve pedestrian infrastructure throughout Indian Country. The legislation will also authorize $25 million annually for these
LIBYA STABILIZATION ACT
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-11-18

I will speak to this bill in just a couple of seconds, but I want to pause, if I may, just to reflect on the Committee on Foreign Affairs bills that are on the floor today and what they say about the chairman of our committee, Mr. Engel. prgtoken Mr. Engel, for more than three decades in the United States House of Representatives, has led with American values representing human rights, standing with our allies, and standing up against autocrats all around the world. And since I don't know, because of the pandemic, how much floor time we will have in the coming days and weeks, I wanted to take this moment to express on behalf of not only myself but I know so so many of his colleagues and friends around the country our deep appreciation for his leadership for all these years. prgtoken , I am pleased today that we are considering the Libya Stabilization Act, a bipartisan bill that I introduced with my colleague, Middle East Subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Wilson. prgtoken As Mr. Yoho said, since we advanced this legislation out of committee in July, Libya experienced a cease-fire and a burst of diplomacy that I hope will bring increased security and, eventually, peace to all Libyans. prgtoken The most recent round of U.N.-led talks yielded an agreement to hold ``free and fair, inclusive and credible'' Presidential and parliamentary elections next year. prgtoken These are important accomplishments, and credit should be given to the Libyan representatives to the negotiations, as well as the U.N the U.S. Embassy in Libya, and both the Tunisian and Egyptian Governments for hosting recent political and military discussions. prgtoken However, hard work and difficult compromises lie ahead. Recent talks failed to yield a transitional governmental administration. Public services like electricity continue to be limited or nonexistent. prgtoken Moreover, progress on securing withdrawal of weapons, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya remains elusive. And we should not forget that previous diplomatic efforts in Libya repeatedly failed. prgtoken That is why it is so important that we pass this bill today. It calls for a more active U.S. role in diplomacy, provides humanitarian assistance, and supports future elections, measures that will reinforce negotiations. prgtoken It also sanctions those who deploy mercenaries, support militias, violate the U.N. arms embargo, and commit human rights violations in Libya. The bill's punitive measures take effect if the cease-fire collapses, which will incentivize the warring parties to remain at the negotiating table rather than return to the battlefield.
CONDEMNING POISONING OF RUSSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER ALEXEI NAVALNY
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-11-18

I want to thank the gentleman from New York for his leadership and for yielding to me. I also want to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for all of his commitment, not only on issues of human rights regarding Russia, but human rights in general. prgtoken , I rise in support of H. Res. 1145, condemning the poisoning of Russian anti-corruption and opposition leader Alexei Navalny. prgtoken Since Vladimir Putin took power in 1999, human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition politicians have suffered relentless persecution. Some have been killed, like Anna Politkovskaya, in 2006, and Boris Nemtsov in 2015. Others, like Alexei Navalny, have been targeted but survived. Navalny was attacked twice with a chemical substance in 2017, likely poisoned in 2019 while in prison, and seriously poisoned in August 2020. prgtoken I am thankful that Navalny is recovering from the latest attack, but I regret that the administration's response has been so feeble. Secretary Pompeo issued one statement, days late, and after German experts confirmed the poisoning, in which he merely called for an investigation. prgtoken Today, with this resolution, Congress is stepping forward to make clear that the United States is appalled by the attack on Alexei Navalny and supports a robust response. prgtoken This resolution: prgtoken Condemns the poisoning; prgtoken Thanks Germany for facilitating Navalny's transfer to ensure high quality medical care; prgtoken Welcomes his recovery; prgtoken Calls on the OSCE and human rights bodies to treat his case as a human rights violation; prgtoken Calls on the U.S. Government to raise Navalny's poisoning with Russian authorities and to support independent, impartial, and thorough investigations by competent authorities; prgtoken Calls for the imposition of Magnitsky sanctions on those responsible for the attack; prgtoken And supports a review of whether the poisoning constitutes use of a chemical weapon, with sanctions to follow as appropriate. prgtoken This resolution does not punish Germany by calling for the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Germany is an ally. It is the Russian Government that is at fault here. prgtoken So I want to thank all the cosponsors in the Foreign Affairs Committee for supporting this initiative. prgtoken I hope and I pray that the incoming administration will make human rights the centerpiece of U.S. foreign policy going forward. Brave individuals like Alexei Navalny deserve far more than a passing reference from our government's leaders. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.