mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CHILDREN SHOULD GROW UP WITHOUT FEAR OF GUN VIOLENCE
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor survivors during National Gun Violence Survivors Week. prgtoken Tragically, this week, sisters Deja and Abbaney Matts of Garland were killed, and Abbaney's toddler was injured at a shooting at Texas A&M- Commerce University. The shooter was believed to be her ex-boyfriend, who was recently charged with aggravated assault for attacking Abbaney. prgtoken I send my deepest condolences to the Matts family. prgtoken To honor the Matts and to underscore the need for action, I want to share a letter 6-year-old Cal Bingham of Rowlett sent me after the mass shootings in El Paso at Midland. He wrote: ``When kids get shot, that's less friends to play with. When I grow up, I don't want to hear about anymore on the news about people being killed with guns. What are you going to do to help make us safer?'' prgtoken I want my son, Jordan, and kids like Cal to grow up without fear of gun violence. I call on the Senate to act and pass the bipartisan bills that we have passed in this House, including background checks and the Violence Against Women Act. Our children are watching.
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I would like to hear the s today stand up on the floor and say: We object to the administration being in the court to eviscerate, remove, undo, and get rid of the entirety of the Affordable Care Act, and I don't think this can stand. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support it. I think a vote against this resolution is a vote to throw millions of Americans with preexisting conditions overboard.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to join my colleagues from the Education and Labor Committee in speaking in support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act--the PRO Act. prgtoken The PRO Act is necessary for America's workers because the economy is simply NOT working for millions of Americans who are struggling to get by while corporate profits are soaring. prgtoken We know now, thanks to a study from Princeton University, that unions have consistently provided workers with a 10- to 20-percent wage boost over their non-union counterparts. And the benefits pervade race and gender lines. prgtoken People of color in unions make five times more than people of color who are NOT in unions. Women union members see the gender pay gap nearly eliminated. prgtoken Unions across our country are fighting to secure better working conditions and better wages for their members. prgtoken In my hometown of Las Vegas, the Culinary Union represents 60,000-- those are 60,000 people who already benefit immensely from fair wages, job security, and good health benefits. prgtoken But we can expand these benefits to ALL Americans. prgtoken We must protect the mission and legacy of organizations like the Culinary Union by passing the PRO Act, and strengthen workers' power to stand together and negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Kurt Schrader (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-2-7

last night during Roll Call No. 51, I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``no'' on H. Res. 826, Expressing Disapproval of the Administration's Actions Towards Medicaid, when it was my intention to vote ``yes.'' I respectfully request this be officially reflected in the Record, and ask my full written statement be entered in the Record as well. prgtoken Madam , last night during a long series of votes, I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``no'' when it was my intention to vote ``yes'' on rollcall No. 51. H. Res. 826, a resolution ``Expressing disapproval of the Administration's harmful actions towards Medicaid.'' I rise today to correct the record and make it clear to my constituents and colleagues that I unequivocally oppose the Administration's proposal to block grant Medicaid and gutting a critically important piece of the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken The Administration's proposal which will cap federal funding and cut coverage and benefits, is exactly the opposite of what I've championed during my time in congress. The proposal will harm low- income parents and children, people with disabilities, and many older Americans. It would make it more difficult for states to finance their Medicaid programs which would ultimately and inevitably lead to reductions in benefits for our most vulnerable citizens. prgtoken The administration's proposal also turns its back on the commitment Congress and the federal government made to states to cover 90 percent of the cost of Medicaid if those states agreed to expanding the program. As a steadfast supporter and defender of the Affordable Care Act, it is undeniable that the expansion of Medicaid under that law has provided us the greatest opportunity to provide prgtoken tens of millions of uninsured Americans health coverage. This expansion has resulted in the lowest uninsured rate in our country's history leading to better coverage, access, and quality of care and I would never do anything to undermine this important law. prgtoken Thank you, Madam , for the opportunity to address the House and make clear my opposition to the Administration's attacks on our critically important Medicaid programs.
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY EACH YEAR AS ``RARE DISEASE DAY''
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I am pleased to reintroduce this resolution with my colleague Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. Our resolution supports the designation of Rare Disease Day on the last day of February. I am pleased that this resolution has been endorsed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and am thankful for its leadership on these critical issues over many years. prgtoken Nearly one in ten Americans live with one or more of the roughly 7,000 known rare diseases. More than half of those struggling with rare diseases--defined as affecting less than 200,000 people--are children. Sadly, many rare diseases and conditions are serious, life-threatening, and lack effective treatments. These are not just statistics: I am sure most of us know at least one family member or friend who has been affected by or struggled with the unique challenges of rare diseases. prgtoken Moreover, as we observe Black History Month, it's important to know that African Americans and other minorities are especially vulnerable to rare diseases, including Sickle Cell Anemia and Sarcoidosis. These diseases and conditions--including Thalassemia and Hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis--disproportionately affect African Americans. Despite these unique obstacles, African Americans have an inspiring tradition of both combatting rare diseases and improving medical science. prgtoken One great example is Dr. Charles Drew, an African American scientist who helped found the modern ``blood bank,'' which helped dramatically expand blood transfusions. A faculty member at Howard University, Dr. Drew's pioneering work in blood transfusions took place against the backdrop of segregation and discrimination. During his time overseeing the Red Cross's blood plasma donation program, Dr. Drew was prohibited from donating his own blood because of the color of his skin. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Drew's work improved the practice of blood transfusions, which is now a lifeline for many individuals struggling today with rare diseases. The examples of Dr. Drew and countless other researchers, physicians, nurses, activists, and patients underscore the importance of bringing additional awareness to rare diseases. prgtoken Despite the many challenges, some progress has been made. More than 840 drugs and biologics have been approached by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of rare diseases. However, Congress must do more to combat rare diseases. That's why in September of 2019, Rep. Hudson and I introduced the Rare disease Advancement, surveillance Research, and Education (RARE) Act of 2019 (H.R. 4228). Our legislation, cosponsored by 57 bipartisan Members of Congress, expands the ability of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) to study rare diseases by improving prgtoken treatment, research, and diagnostics of rare diseases through new and existing programs. prgtoken More work
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, I am greatly honored to support this piece of legislation, especially honored that Chairwoman Lowey has put language in there that will streamline the process that Mr. Hoyer helped to develop. prgtoken I would just like to add this. I know what it is like to live in harm's way. In Houston, Texas, we have billion-dollar floods that take lives, and these are supposed to be 100-year floods. Unfortunately, they are happening all too often, and sometimes on a yearly basis. prgtoken So I stand here today to say thank you to all involved, especially to Mrs. Lowey for what she has done to streamline this process. It will be helpful to persons in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, but, also, in the long run, it will be helpful to the people of Houston, Texas.
CELEBRATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , I rise today with what little voice I have to honor the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper in recognition of their 60th anniversary. prgtoken San Diego's Voice & Viewpoint is the largest African American newspaper in San Diego and is a core piece of our community. This newspaper's success was the result of a dedicated couple's hard work. prgtoken Though the newspaper began in the 1960s, John Warren and his wife, Gerri Warren, took over the publication in 1987. The couple was deeply involved in the African American community and showed their leadership skills in publishing. Their efforts have resulted in a nationally award-winning publication. prgtoken The newspaper has highlighted the perspectives of the San Diego African American community and provided a great service to the city. In fact, the publication is in all the zip codes of San Diego and has a readership of over 60,000. prgtoken I would like to honor the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint for its dedication and lifelong commitment to the African American community and the San Diego community.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-2-7

I thank the minority whip for yielding. prgtoken , I will say that the House will meet at 12 p.m. for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. on Monday next. prgtoken On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning- hour debate and 12 p.m. for legislative business. prgtoken , on Thursday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes of the week expected no later than 3 p.m. We will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. The complete list of suspensions will be announced by the close of business today. prgtoken , the House will consider H.R. 2546, Protecting America's Wilderness Act. This bill is a package of lands bill out of the Committee on Natural Resources and would designate 1.3 million acres as wilderness or potential wilderness areas, preserving these public lands for the benefit of current and future generations. prgtoken In addition, , the House will consider H.J. Res. 79, Removing the Deadline for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. This bill would remove the deadline to ratify the ERA, paving the way for it to be added to the Constitution and taking a historic step forward for women's equality. prgtoken , I would add this is not an adoption of an assumption, that, in fact, the 38 States who have ratified to date have not ratified within the framework of the Constitution, and, therefore, that amendment should in fact be judged to have been adopted.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-2-7

for yielding. prgtoken I am happy to rise in support of this amendment. This amendment highlights the importance of prioritizing funding for renewable energy projects that will enhance the long-term resilience of Puerto Rico's infrastructure. prgtoken A reliable and resilient power grid is critical to Puerto Rico's ability to withstand and quickly recover from future disasters. prgtoken Madam Chairwoman, if I might, I want to take just a moment also to highlight section 304 of the bill. Section 304 requires HUD and other Federal partners to finish the consultation on the $2 billion provided in the Bipartisan Budget Act for electrical grid improvements in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands within 30 days and for HUD to issue a notice in 60 days.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, I want to reiterate the importance of this amendment. As a person who was born and raised in this country and who didn't speak English when I started school, and who is now a Member of this Chamber, I can tell my colleagues personally how critical this is to our democracy and to protecting all of us. prgtoken s again for their tremendous support, and .
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment. This amendment would increase the Department of Energy technical assistance for electrical grid recovery in the U.S. territories by $3 million. prgtoken High energy costs have bedeviled the U.S. insular territories for many years, harming consumers, limiting development, and draining capital from our islands' economies. The average price of electricity paid by U.S. Virgin Islands residents in mid-2019 was about three times higher than the average power price in the mainland United States. prgtoken These islands have suffered at least one tropical cyclone, typhoon, or hurricane in the last 3 years, storms made stronger by warming oceans. prgtoken As a result of unprecedented recent disasters and the impact of enormous physical damage, the Virgin Islands are currently going through an energy crisis. Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged approximately 80 to 90 percent of the electrical transmission and distribution systems in the territory. Rolling blackouts persist to this day. prgtoken Successfully incorporating resiliency measures into the electrical system recovery effort, including by building microgrid systems, and adding renewable generation capacity to the system does require significant technical assistance from the Department of Energy. prgtoken I am pleased that the House, through this bill, will be taking action to make appropriations for technical assistance with rebuilding electric systems in the insular areas. However, given the current state of the islands, including Puerto Rico, which has had the unique challenge of natural disasters reoccurring over the past several months, I am concerned that the amount of $15 million may not be enough to adequately address the urgent needs for assistance to improve grid resiliency and to lower the cost of electricity. prgtoken That is why I requested this modest uptick of $3 million. It is to see that utilities in the smaller territories like my district can get the technical assistance they need to solve energy problems that are unlike any other in the United States. prgtoken Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who is the majority leader.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, I thank the chairwoman for the generous introduction and time on this bill. prgtoken Madam Chair, the fact of the matter is that innocent children, families, and the elderly in Puerto Rico are dying. They are breathing poisoned air, and they are now enduring the psychological trauma of ongoing earthquakes. prgtoken My own grandmother is oxygen dependent, and every day when the Earth shakes below her, we don't know if she will have the power to continue her equipment that is medically necessary. prgtoken While everyone here is arguing over money and over the administration of a colonial state, we have to take a look at the actual reality on the ground. Ninety-five percent of schools in Puerto Rico are not up to code. They are leaving thousands of Puerto Rican children vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters. Many have lost all their belongings, and many more live with psychological trauma. prgtoken But this administration is not releasing any of these funds that are supposed to be duly allocated for recovery. For that, we have to make sure that we support this bill, and I strongly support H.R. 5687.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Within my subcommittee's Energy and Water accounts, the bill provides over $21 million for the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance help restore and rebuild the electric grid in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. These funds will allow the Department and our National Labs to provide the expertise necessary to begin the repair. prgtoken Equally important is the significant financial support to meet the educational needs of island children for disaster nutrition assistance and repair all of the infrastructure. prgtoken This Nation must help destroyed communities of our fellow citizens to help them recover from these historic disasters. We never know when it will hit our own backyard. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important emergency supplemental.
GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WEEK
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-2-7

I rise today to commemorate Gun Violence Survivors Week. prgtoken Every Nevadan was affected by the October 1 shooting that claimed 59 lives, injured more than 800, and shattered the lives of countless more. Gun violence has touched too many of our lives, both on that day, 2 years ago, and daily. In Nevada, someone is killed by gun violence every 19 hours. prgtoken I personally lost my father to gun violence when I was 19 years of age. And these deaths are preventable. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 4836, the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, is an important step forward to get ahead of the senseless violence. prgtoken I am also proud that nearly a year ago, the House passed H.R. 8 for meaningful gun background checks. prgtoken I know the cruelty of suffering a loss at the hands of a gun; knowing your loved one won't come home because someone was armed with a weapon they should not have had access to. prgtoken I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote on H.R. 8, and for this body to take up H.R. 4836.
INTRODUCTION OF THE WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam , the Committee on Oversight and Reform is preparing to hold the first markup of the District of Columbia statehood bill in either chamber of Congress since 1993, when I got the first-ever floor vote on the bill. I rise today to introduce a revised version of the bill, the purpose of which is to make technical and conforming changes and to address transition issues. prgtoken On January 3, 2019, the first day of this Congress, I introduced H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which has 224 cosponsors, a record for the D.C. statehood bill and far more cosponsors than most bills passed by the House. The bill I introduce today includes the text of H.R. 51, but makes technical and conforming changes to the text, provides transition assistance to the new state and establishes a transition commission to assist with the orderly transition to statehood and to a reduced federal district. The D.C. statehood bill is well within the authority of Congress, and is in compliance with the Admissions and District clauses of the Constitution, as well as the 23rd Amendment. prgtoken While the Constitution does not establish prerequisites for admission of states into the Union, Congress has generally considered three factors: commitment to democracy, support for statehood and requisite population and resources for the state to support itself. The District meets each prerequisite. The District has a larger population than two states, pays more in federal taxes than 22 states and pays more in federal taxes per capita than any other state. D.C. has a higher per capita personal income and gross domestic product than any state. In November 2016, over 86 percent of District residents voted in favor of an advisory referendum requesting that the D.C. Council petition Congress for statehood. prgtoken Congress has two choices. It can continue to exercise undemocratic, autocratic authority over the 705,000 American citizens who reside in our nation's capital, treating them, in the words of Frederick Douglass, as ``aliens, not citizens, but subjects.'' Or it can live up to this nation's promise and ideals, end taxation without representation and pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. prgtoken Since the founding of the nation, District residents have always carried all the obligations of citizenship, including serving in all of the nation's wars and payment of federal taxes, all without voting representation on the floor in either house of Congress or freedom from congressional interference in purely local matters. The bill I introduce seeks to end this unequal treatment and give the residents of the nation's capital their full rights as American citizens. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-7

. Madam Chair, I thank Chairwoman Lowey and all the members of the Appropriations Committee for working diligently to bring this bill to the floor and for recognizing our moral and legal obligation of this Congress. prgtoken Puerto Rico, an island invaded by the United States Armed Forces, a colony--it is our responsibility to take care of our fellow American citizens. prgtoken Don't come here and say that we have been there for Puerto Rico. prgtoken Yes, we passed a disaster relief package. And this administration has done everything within their power to withhold the money flowing to Puerto Rico. prgtoken Don't come here and say that you have been there for Puerto Rico. Don't tell that to the parents of a 13-year-old girl who died in Vieques because they lack a functional hospital while FEMA has been withholding their money. prgtoken Just this past Tuesday, Puerto Rico got hit by another 5.0 aftershock. This is one out of more than 3,000 that have stricken the island since December 2019. In fact, the USGS has estimated that aftershocks from the 6.4 January earthquake will persist in Puerto Rico for years, if not decades. prgtoken Imagine, decades of feeling the ground under you shaking, never knowing when or just how bad it will be on any given day. prgtoken More than 1,150 houses are destroyed, while another 3,000 homes have suffered some structural damage. Such devastation has left over 4,000 people living in tent shelters, with many more families at risk of losing their homes.