mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-4-9

reserving the right to object. prgtoken This is an unfortunate moment for the U.S. Senate. We came together on a bipartisan basis just a very short time ago to pass the CARES Act. It passed here 96 to nothing. That followed two other bipartisan efforts that came out of the House, passed the Senate, and were signed by the President, again, with overwhelming support. prgtoken Yet, today, we see from the majority leader a complete political stunt here on the floor of the U.S. Senate--something that does not have bipartisan support, something that is go it alone, take it or leave it, and totally violates the spirit all of us have been working on during this crisis where we were able to come together in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives with the White House to, on three prior occasions, pass legislation in a way that addressed the issues that are important to this country. prgtoken Yet, today, we have this situation where the majority leader knew full well there was not agreement and consensus on moving forward with this proposal. That is why we are here today. This was, in fact, designed to fail, designed as a political stunt. It is actually not the first time we have seen this. You may recall that, just before we came together and passed the CARES Act 96-0, the majority leader came to the floor of the Senate back then and tried to ram through an unfinished product while negotiations were going on between Secretary Mnuchin and in the House and the Senate to try to finalize the bill, and that actually caused unnecessary delay. But the majority leader came to the floor then and tried to ram it through. It didn't work then, and it is not going to work today. prgtoken I would ask the majority leader--and I think all of us would--to go back to trying to address these issues the way we addressed them in a successful manner before. I am going to shortly propose an amendment that addresses some of those concerns--an amendment to the majority leader's proposal. prgtoken I would like to address some of the issues first, and my colleague, Senator Cardin, has addressed many with respect to small businesses. First of all, he pointed out that the one program to help small businesses that has actually really run out of money is the emergency loan and grant program. prgtoken Let's talk about the PPP program. This is a really important program to incentivize small businesses and nonprofits to keep employees on the payroll and allow them to help keep the lights on, pay fixed costs, pay the mortgage, pay the rent, whatever it may be, so that they can emerge on the other side of this storm without having had to fold. Many of us anticipated long before the CARES Act passed that this program would need more money. I was part of a group that proposed $600 billion for a program like this, recognizing the demand would be huge, as it is on other programs. It is not just in need of more money. It need
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-4-9

our Nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. More than 400,000 Americans have tested positive. Nearly 15,000 have lost their lives. Nurses, doctors, and EMTs are fighting this disease literally day and night, and important public health measures are creating an economic catastrophe. prgtoken This morning, we learned that 6.6 million more Americans filed for unemployment in just the last week. That means more than 16 million Americans have lost their jobs in only the last 3 weeks, a tragedy that is hard to even comprehend. As one journalist put it, we are facing a healthcare crisis with an economic crisis strapped to its back. That is why, 2 weeks ago, the Senate passed the largest rescue package in American history. The bipartisan CARES Act funneled more than $2 trillion into bold programs to help households, fund hospitals and healthcare providers, and keep paychecks coming. prgtoken Before we adjourned, I said the Senate would stay nimble and prepare to react quickly as the legislation came online, so that why we are here today. Much of the CARES Act is still being implemented, but one key program--one key program--is already up and running. It is the Paycheck Protection Program from Chairman Rubio, Chairman Collins, Senator Cardin, and Senator Shaheen. It gives small businesses emergency capital so that workers can keep getting paychecks instead of pink slips. Just a few days after the program opened for business, $100 billion in loans have already been committed. That is 30 percent of the total funding spoken for in just the first few days. I say that is very good news. It means this job-saving program is attractive to small business. Employers can access it. But it also means we need more funding, and we need it fast. prgtoken Soon, I will ask unanimous consent to increase the funding for the Paycheck Protection Program to a new total of $600 billion. I am not talking about changing any policy language that both sides have already negotiated together several weeks ago. I am literally talking about deleting the number 350 and writing 600 in its place. Let me say that again: We are not talking about making any policy changes; we are literally changing the number 350 to 600. That is all we are suggesting here today. That, by definition, is a clean bill. prgtoken I want to add more money to the only part of our bipartisan bill that is currently at risk of running out of money, so I was surprised to see this simple proposal met uneasily by the ic leadership. The distinguished ic leader and the of the House sought to use this crucial program to open broader negotiations on other topics, including parts of the CARES Act where literally--listen to this, --literally no money has gone out the door yet--no money has gone out the door yet. The ic leadership has suggested they may hold Americans' paychecks hostage unless we passed another sweeping b
JACOB GAVALDON
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Jacob Gavaldon for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Jacob Gavaldon is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Jacob Gavaldon is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Jacob Gavaldon for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
HONORING DOLORES HUERTA
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-4-10

. Madam , today April 10, 2020 marks the 90th birthday of civil rights activist and labor leader Dolores Huerta. A Central Valley hero and a national labor icon, she has dedicated her entire life to advocating for social, economic, and political justice for farmworkers and disadvantaged communities throughout the United States. Her leadership in the fight against discrimination and staunch advocacy for civil rights make her an example for all that seek economic and social justice. prgtoken Co-founding the National Farmworkers Association with Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta fiercely negotiated with agricultural enterprises and spearheaded the movement towards better rights and protections for farmworkers. Often the only woman at the table, her strength and resiliency stood strong through decades of protests, advocacy, and positive change. prgtoken In 1965, the United Farm Workers (UFW) union organized and implemented the historic Delano grape strike. With Dolores serving as the lead negotiator, the UFW secured workplace rights for thousands of farmworkers. She was instrumental in the enactment of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975 which was the first law of its kind in U.S. history, granting farmworkers in California the right to collectively organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions. prgtoken In 2002, Huerta established the Dolores Huerta Foundation, ensuring a legacy of community activism and civic engagement for generations to come. The work of this organization directly benefits the communities of the Central Valley, providing organizing training and resources to rural, low-income communities and mobilizing volunteers to make a difference. prgtoken In recognition of her tireless work and advocacy, in 2012 President awarded Dolores Huerta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor. prgtoken Madam , we wish Dolores Huerta a happy 90th Birthday and thank her for her tireless work and countless contributions to the United States. ``Si Se Puede'' will always echo in my ears as we work together in Congress and in our communities to protect and promote the rights of farmworkers and workers everywhere.
REMEMBERING AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SAMUEL LEWIS LIEBERMAN
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-4-10

. Madam , I rise to remember and celebrate the life of a dear friend, Sam Lieberman. prgtoken First, let me say how honored I am today to speak in memory of a fine man, Sam Lieberman, and in celebration of his remarkable life. I want to thank Clifton Whitehurst, who I know was like a brother to Sam and such an amazing caregiver, Rabbi Mintz who inspires us all with her grace and wisdom, and Sam's mother Sara from whom he inherited so many admirable qualities. prgtoken I first met Sam at UNLV in the mid-eighties when he took a political science class from me. He soon became more than just a student passing through. He loved to tell how I threw an eraser at him one time when he fell asleep in class and how I told him he'd have made an A if he hadn't napped through half my lectures--but that is just urban myth. Sam was really a good student, though in no hurry to graduate, a political junkie, and, I soon learned, a die-hard . prgtoken Along with several other students, Sam is pictured in a political brochure from my first election to the State Senate. And he spent many a Saturday in my garage handing out walking packets and directing volunteers. prgtoken Sam's diligence and hard work for lots of candidates were rewarded when the ic Party elected him Chair from 2008 to 2011. From that position he led the party through some rough patches and some incredible victories. And what fun we had in Tonopah at central committee meetings and especially at the ic Convention. Sam was always there: tending to business, helping others, and moving us all in the right direction. He did it with humor, with steadfastness, and with compassion. prgtoken He brought those same traits to his position as Regent--and I think he got a chuckle out of now being my boss. He believed so strongly in the value of education and fought to extend its reach to disadvantaged communities. He never let his own disability get in the way--he was everywhere--ball games, regent meetings, public addresses. Everybody knew and loved Sam. prgtoken I also saw Sam in Washington when he came to the Hill to advocate for organizations, like NVPEP (People Encouraging People) and Easterseals, that serve those living with disabilities and their families. He was a powerful voice because he spoke from experience; he never bemoaned the fact that he wasn't more mobile; and he proved how someone with conviction could accomplish anything. prgtoken Sam was such a good friend--he even once gave me his famous lemon bar recipe but made me promise not to tell anyone the secret ingredients. His passing came as a shock and it is hard to imagine that I won't be seeing him--everywhere I turn--asking his advice, introducing him at some award ceremony (he received many), or sharing a funny story that happened out on the trail. Tom and my mother Betty and I will miss him so very much. His passing is a great loss to Nevada, to the ic Party, and to his many
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-4-10

I rise today to offer my support for the CARES Act. It is the legislation that we need today to fight the extraordinary challenges we are facing. prgtoken At few points in our nation's history have we been faced with a situation as dire as the one before us today. This threat is unusual and unfamiliar--a virus and the illness it causes--but it is as real as every other great crisis we've faced. prgtoken This pandemic is upending the lives of each and every American. Some have died or lost loved ones. More have become ill and hospitalized. Many have lost their jobs or shuttered their businesses. All of us are agonizing over the uncertainty of a threat we do not fully understand and cannot yet defeat. prgtoken The public health crisis has put Americans on edge and strained our medical facilities to the breaking point. It has also led to unexpected economic crises for tens of millions of Americans, as businesses are forced to close, paychecks are disappearing, and economic activity is reduced. prgtoken The size and scope of this aid package is staggering, but it reflects the devastating costs in lives, jobs, businesses, and economic paralysis that this crisis has brought. It is essential that we continue to act quickly and forcefully, at all levels of government, to prevent the harm and disruption of this crisis from overwhelming our capacity to help one another. The CARES Act provides the foundation for that action. The CARES Act will help Americans meet these intertwined emergencies by providing funds to hospitals and frontline medical providers, expanding and accelerating assistance for Americans that have lost their jobs, and providing a lifeline to businesses trying to stay afloat and pay their employees while their customers are asked to remain at home. prgtoken While we see the clear and overwhelming costs that this health crisis is imposing in places like Seattle, New York, and New Orleans, it is imposing heavy costs other parts of America, as well. Particularly in rural communities, where the challenges to providing health care are magnified by a lack of resources, technology, and specialists, and compounded by extended distances and an older population. prgtoken Similarly, the economic crisis created by this pandemic is hitting farm country particularly hard, which was already suffering long before this virus emerged. Agricultural producers are particularly sensitive to disruptions in trade, supply chains, transportation, and reliable sources labor, each of which this pandemic is placing under increasing strain. prgtoken This legislation includes essential resources which will provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the tools he needs to help our nation's farmers and ranchers survive, and to support our rural communities, hospitals, and businesses who are struggling just like their urban counterparts. I am grateful that we were able to include them, and that we did not ignore the unique challenges
HONORING THE LIFE OF MAYOR RONNIE DIXON
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of one of Georgia's best, Vidalia Mayor Ronnie Dixon. prgtoken Following in his father's footsteps, Ronnie took office in January 1994 and has dedicated his life to serving the city. Prior to his tenure as Mayor, he served as a member of the City prgtoken Council for 16 years. His commitment to serving the community should inspire us all. prgtoken Vidalia is a special place, known for growing the sweetest onions in the world--a distinction which Ronnie was immensely proud. His support of our farmers will be remembered for generations, as agriculture is Georgia's top industry. prgtoken Ronnie's passion for service has left a lasting impact on the Vidalia community, and it has been felt throughout the entire state of Georgia. It is my privilege to honor his life and legacy before the United States House of Representatives.
REMEMBERING COMMANDER GREGORY CARNICLE
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-4-10

. Madam , I rise today with great sadness over the passing of Commander Gregory Carnicle from Peoria, Arizona. prgtoken He was beloved by many. He was a loving husband to Ann, father to Rachel, Cecilia, John and Veronica and grandfather to four with two more on the way. prgtoken He began his career as a patrol officer in June 1989 and was a 31- year veteran with the Phoenix Police Department. He is the first Phoenix Police Commander to lose his life in the line of duty. He was a well-respected leader and hero to many. We are eternally grateful for his service to our community and state. prgtoken On this day, we as a community honor him and ask those who knew him to pray for his family during this time of mourning.
NAVADIA BOWLES
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Navadia Bowles for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Navadia Bowles is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Navadia Bowles is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Navadia Bowles for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
CONGRATULATING PASTOR ROBERT AND DEBBIE MORRIS FOR TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE AT GATEWAY CHURCH
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Pastor Robert Morris and his wife, Debbie, for twenty years of leadership, service and worship at Gateway Church in my District. Their tireless efforts to spread the word of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ have reached countless believers over the past two decades. prgtoken Since they founded Gateway Church in the year 2000, Pastor Robert and Debbie Morris have endeavored to create a spiritual impact on the Dallas/Fort Worth area and beyond. Twenty years ago, they began that journey by meeting with a small group of thirty individuals in their living room to pray for their upcoming ministry that would soon be headquartered in Southlake, Texas. What grew into a congregation of 180 people during their first Easter service now encompasses more than 71,000 attendees across multiple campuses in North Texas. prgtoken As head pastor, Robert Morris has proven to be an exceptional leader to the Gateway community, guided by a mission to truly care for others and trust God. That resonating message has resulted in the production of a television program that airs in over 190 countries and a radio show broadcast to more than 1,800 stations across America. Gateway's widespread following is a working testament of its vision to see people ``saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving.'' prgtoken Together, Pastor Robert and Debbie Morris have ensured the enduring growth and prosperity of Gateway's congregation. With the support of their family and the spirit of service at heart, they have created lasting change that will continue to affect thousands in North Texas and around the world. prgtoken Madam , on this twentieth anniversary of Gateway's first Easter service, I am proud to recognize their tremendous impact on our community. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating their success.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2020, THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-4-16

. So, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn to then convene for pro forma sessions only with no business being conducted on the following dates and times; and that following each pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next pro forma session: Monday, April 20, 2 p.m.; Thursday, April 23, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, April 27, 8 a.m.; and Thursday, April 30, 1 p.m. prgtoken I further ask unanimous consent that when the Senate adjourns on Thursday, April 30, it next reconvene at 3 p.m. Monday, May 4; and that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, upon the closing of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the Feitel nomination, under the previous order; finally, I ask to renew the appointments authority of the order of March 26.
HONORING PATRICIA RANSOM
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Patricia Ransom, who is a lifelong resident of Jackson. prgtoken Ms. Patricia Ransom grew up in the Georgetown area and graduated from Lanier High School. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Hinds Community College. Her first position after graduating was in Human Resources at Jackson Public Schools, where she was responsible for assigning substitute teachers. Eight years later, she moved to the Property Accounting Department, where she has served as a data clerk for the last 20 years. Ms. Ransom has three children that attended JPS schools. She believes you cannot educate a child's mind without also educating the heart and that everybody in the District plays a role in this, from the cafeteria worker to the custodian, to the bus driver, to the teachers and administrators. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Patricia Ransom.
REMEMBERING JOHN PRINE
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to a great singer- songwriter and friend, John Prine, who passed away last week in Nashville from complications of the coronavirus. John was an exceptional lyricist, described by his friend and producer Jerry Phillips as ``thinking like nobody else thought'' and writing lines that were ``brilliant in the strangest way.'' John produced three of his 18 albums in Memphis, including his debut, the eponymous ``John Prine,'' in 1971. The album was cut at Chips Moman's American Sound Studio, and included his classics ``Angel from Montgomery'' and ``Paradise.'' His fourth album, ``Common Sense,'' was made in 1975 at Ardent Studios in Memphis and was produced by the legendary Steve Cropper. His sixth album, ``Pink Cadillac,'' was made at the Sam Phillips Recording Service in 1979 by Sam's sons, Knox and Jerry. John's last album, ``The Tree of Forgiveness,'' was recorded in Nashville and produced by his friend Matt Ross-Spang of Memphis. Songs from that album--You Got Gold,'' ``When I Get to Heaven'' and ``No Ordinary Blue''--were part of his last performance in Memphis, at The Orpheum, on September 25, 2018. John's songwriting career took off when, working as a postal worker in Chicago, he was discovered by singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson. Bob Dylan said of his work: ``Prine's stuff is pure Proustian existentialism. Midwestern mind trips to the Nth degree. And he writes beautiful songs.'' Always gracious and friendly, he seemed to his friends to be delighted with life. As Ross- Spang told The Commercial Appeal: ``If you can imagine a kid eating an ice cream cone for the first time, that's how John looked at life. He had a love of Archie comics, hot dogs, meatloaf, fried chicken and Cadillacs. He always had a twinkle in his eye.'' And as his friend Memphis singer-songwriter Keith Sykes said in tribute: ``I don't think there's many songwriters who can make you laugh and cry in a single line--and make it rhyme.'' John Prine's was a life well-lived and he's been taken too soon. He leaves the treasure of song for future generations to enjoy and learn about life. He will be missed.