mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GOOD SAMARITAN MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS ACT AND PERIOD POVERTY AWARENESS RESOLUTION
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to introduce two pieces of legislation in recognition of this week being National Period Poverty Awareness Week, and today being Menstrual Hygiene Day. prgtoken Madam , more than half of the U.S. population will likely menstruate every month for decades of their lives. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 1 in 4 women and girls report that they struggle to afford menstrual products. This lack of menstrual products is often called ``period poverty,'' and it can adversely affect a person's health and well-being. It is further heartbreaking that 1 in 5 women and girls report missing work or school due to a lack of access to menstrual products. Period poverty, in fact, is linked with self- perception and mental health. It also exacerbates the cycle of poverty by further marginalizing those who menstruate, causing them to withdraw from daily life, forego pay, or miss educational opportunities. It also impacts one's physical health, as the risk of infections increase with use of substitutes, such as paper towels or toilet paper, or because of an inability to change products as frequently as recommended. prgtoken This is unthinkable and simply wrong. Menstrual equity--one's equitable access to menstrual products--is not a luxury; it is a health right, and a human right. prgtoken Of course, this period poverty existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic; but today, with over 40 million Americans now out of work due to the pandemic, the socioeconomic and health challenges of individuals facing period poverty is further enhanced and heightened. prgtoken Madam , periods do not wait for pandemics. Ultimately, menstrual products are essential to the health and economic well-being of individuals in both overcoming and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken My resolution raises awareness regarding period poverty. It also urges local, State, and Federal agencies to ensure free access to menstrual products for individuals in need during the COVID-19 response, including for essential frontline workers; students; low- income families; individuals experiencing homelessness; and incarcerated and detained individuals. prgtoken Additionally, to encourage greater donation and distribution of menstrual products to individuals who need such products, I introduced the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act. In times of tragedy and need, Americans have always come together in the spirit of generosity. But alas, due to certain menstrual products like tampons being considered ``Class 2'' medical products, such designations deter the donation of such products--out of fear of liability issues. As such, liability concerns, even for products donated in good faith, limit both the supply and availability of menstrual products, as well as individuals' choices in how their menstruation needs are met. prgtoken As such, my bill--the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act--would provide the liability protection for donated
THE NEED FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-5-28

we have lost over 100,000 lives to this pandemic--that we know of--and people on the front lines are still waiting for the PPE they need to protect themselves and our communities. prgtoken Every single day, healthcare providers, States, and first responders tell us that they are being forced to compete for high-priced supplies, if they can find any at all. They are told to keep a 90-day supply for the fall surge, when it is a miracle if they have enough supplies for 2 weeks. prgtoken Our frontline workers are feeling abandoned by their government. How can we blame them? prgtoken The President is claiming victory in a crisis we are still fighting, visiting State after State and saying it is safe to reopen completely when it is not. He has the authority to use the Defense Production Act to increase production of PPE to save lives and chooses not to, while the safety of our frontline workers hangs in the balance. prgtoken We have sent countless letters, introduced bills, and passed legislation. We need the President to act. The American people need straight talk, not magical thinking. We need leaders who listen to civil servants when they raise alarms, not fire the messenger. prgtoken We can defeat this pandemic if we hear the facts and act on them.
THE NEED FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , our work now is to negotiate a new relief bill. So far we have spent trillions of dollars bandaging our economic wounds, yet less than one-half of 1 percent has gone to beat the disease through research on therapeutics and prophylaxes. prgtoken All hands should be on deck. Every reasonable idea should be tested. But our professional medical researchers are today sitting at home because their non-COVID research has been suspended and our COVID research funding has been modest. prgtoken The HEROES Act provides $5.5 billion to do this medical research. That is the most important one-quarter of 1 percent of that bill, and we need to fight to expand it in negotiations. prgtoken Medical research is the best investment we can make for America. It is also the only way we are likely to provide major help for the billions of people who live in poor countries, and it is the best investment that we can make in America's standing in the world. prgtoken Thomas Edison looked at 3,000 different filaments to invent one practical light bulb. It took him 2 years. We need to test 3,000 different combinations of compounds, and we don't have 2 years.
CONGRATULATING ST. ANDREW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 2068
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , it is with great pride that I congratulate the St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council 2068 on reaching its 100th anniversary. The council was founded on May 23, 1920 under the leadership of Grand Knight FJ Foley and chaplain William J. O'Callahan. For a century, the St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council has served its religious community and the Waynesboro region at large. prgtoken The council's community service includes participating in annual golf tournaments that benefit Waynesboro Human Services, sponsoring monthly ``Bring Your Mug to Church'' Sundays to foster fellowship among parishioners and support parish activities, as well as providing college scholarships to children of council members. Additionally, the council has participated in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Adopt-a-Highway program for more than 30 years. prgtoken The St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council 2068 has made an indelible mark on the Waynesboro community. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I thank this organization for its steadfast commitment to our region and congratulate the council on reaching its 100th anniversary.
VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS TO REDUCE COVID-19 DEATHS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , as America opens up and we go over 100,000 deaths attributed to the COVID, it is important that we look at all our options to reduce the number of deaths related to this disease. prgtoken I feel the government is leaving too much to the pharmaceutical industry to develop a vaccine. Well, the answer may be a more natural one and one that is a lot cheaper for the American public. prgtoken Madam , I strongly believe that we should be looking more at the benefits of vitamin D. Vitamin D is from the Sun. It is free. I encourage people to ignore the politicians who say you have to spend all day indoors, but get out and grab the Sun. prgtoken We have been told since we were children that you get vitamin D from the Sun, and that is the way you stay healthy. If you can't grab the rays, grab some vitamin D pills. That is another way to get your vitamin D. prgtoken It is not just me saying it. I encourage folks back home to Google ``Northwestern University vitamin D,'' or ``Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, vitamin D,'' and you will see there are a lot of experts outside of the CDC who are already pushing it. prgtoken Madam , I encourage people to use that method to keep the number of deaths from COVID down.
QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR VETERANS
Steve Watkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-5-28

today I rise in support of S. 3084, the Competitive Pay for Leaders in Veterans Healthcare Act. This legislation was introduced by my good friend and fellow Kansan, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Jerry Moran. prgtoken Our Nation's veterans deserve the best care possible. We must ensure that the VA can recruit and retain high-quality talented leaders. The Competitive Pay for Leaders in Veterans Healthcare Act is less about the leaders, actually, it is more about the veterans as the quality of their care is the direct result of the quality of the VA leadership. prgtoken , that is why I support the Competitive Pay for Leaders in Veterans Healthcare Act and encourage my colleagues to do the same. No one fights harder for our veterans than President . He has always made us a top priority, and I am glad that he and the VA Secretary will support this measure, and I look forward to its passage.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , on Thursday, May 28, I was unavoidably detained on Roll Call Votes No. 113 and No. 114. Had I been present to vote, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 113 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 114. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 965, 116th Congress Barragan (Gallego) Bass (Cicilline) Bera (Aguilar) Blumenauer (Beyer) Bonamici (Raskin) Brownley (CA) (Kuster (NH)) Cardenas (Sanchez) Chu, Judy (Takano) Cisneros (Houlahan) Cohen (Beyer) Crist (Murphy (FL)) Davis (CA) (Wild) DeSaulnier (Matsui) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Doggett (Raskin) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Eshoo (Thompson (CA)) Foster (Beyer) Frankel (Kuster (NH)) Garamendi (Sherman) Gonzalez (TX) (Cuellar) Grijalva (Clay) Harder (CA) (Haaland) Hastings (Wasserman Schultz) Heck (Kilmer) Horsford (Kildee) Huffman (Kildee) Jayapal (Raskin) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Khanna (Sherman) Kirkpatrick (Gallego) Krishnamoorthi (Brown (MD)) Lawrence (Kildee) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Levin (CA) (Kildee) Levin (MI) (Raskin) Lewis (Kildee) Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Lipinski (Cooper) Lofgren (Boyle, Brendan F.) Lowenthal (Beyer) Lowey (Meng) Maloney, Carolyn B. (Rose (NY)) McEachin (Wexton) McNerney (Raskin) Moore (Beyer) Mucarsel-Powell (Wasserman Schultz) Napolitano (Correa) Payne (Wasserman Schultz) Peters (Rice (NY)) Pingree (Kuster (NH)) Pocan (Raskin) Porter (Wexton) Price (NC) (Butterfield) Roybal-Allard (Sanchez) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Schneider (Houlahan) Schrader (O'Halleran) Schrier (Kilmer) Serrano (Meng) Speier (Scanlon) Suozzi (Panetta) Tlaib (Dingell) Tonko (Meng) Vargas (Keating) Veasey (Beyer) Vela (Gallego) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Welch (McGovern) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I want to thank the as well for leading that tribute, and I am sure at some time in the future we will spend an appropriate amount of time here on the floor where colleagues can share prgtoken those stories about someone that everybody ought to know. We know we have some giants like John Lewis and Sam Johnson who we got to serve with. Sam left and now is no longer with us. John still is and, obviously, he is going through his own battle, and we pray for John as well. prgtoken But as we have our battles of the day politically, it is good to remember the special people that get to make up this body and become part of this great institution in which we have the honor to serve. So I appreciate the and the leader allowing us to have that moment.
VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2020
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-5-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 6168, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020. The bill was introduced by Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chair Elaine Luria and Ranking Member Mike Bost. I appreciate their leadership on this important issue. prgtoken The Department of Veterans Affairs provides compensation benefits to help fulfill our obligation to take care of the brave men and women who have been injured during their service to this great Nation. prgtoken H.R. 6168 would authorize a cost-of-living increase for veterans and their families next year, if Social Security recipients receive an increase. The annual COLA is necessary to help veterans and families afford their living expenses when prices go up. prgtoken Currently, many of our Nation's veterans may have been affected by this pandemic and are worried about how they are going to pay their bills. The last thing that should be on their minds is whether the value of their VA benefits will keep pace with inflation. prgtoken , I encourage all Members to support H.R. 6168. prgtoken , .
AMERICA'S LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY IN CRISIS
Jim Hagedorn (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-5-28

I rise today because America's livestock industry is in crisis. In southern Minnesota and across the country, this has particularly hit our hog farmers. They are in big trouble. Packing plant disruptions have led to excess hogs and the actual destruction of animals and not even using the meat for the food supply. prgtoken The situation is so bad that, this week, I introduced legislation to mitigate losses in this area. I introduced the Livestock Producer Assistance for COVID-19 Damages Act. This bill will expand the USDA's Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Catfish Program to cover income losses for farmers and producers who have been unable to market livestock due to packing plant closures. prgtoken In Minnesota, our hog operators make a significant contribution to our State's economy. According to a study from the University of Minnesota, current disruptions in the pork supply chain, coupled with the current 15 percent unemployment rate, could result in an estimated loss of $660 million of economic activity in our State. The researchers also concluded that a 15 percent drop in hog production would lead to an estimated loss of 2,100 Minnesota jobs. prgtoken While these statistics are rightfully alarming, this problem is not unique to Minnesota. States like South Dakota, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, and Iowa have similar issues. Pork and livestock producers are suffering huge losses, financial and otherwise, and all through no fault of their own. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this bill. We must stand with our family farmers and defend the interests of rural communities, the American economy, and our food supply.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-5-28

I thank the gentleman from Ohio very much. prgtoken , the Paycheck Protection Program, as we have been hearing, has provided critical support to small businesses across the country during this crisis. prgtoken The intent of the PPP was to prevent layoffs, maintain certainty for workers, and help businesses weather the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to President 's Treasury Department and other leaders in this body, whom I commend, the program's results were in line with the program's intent. prgtoken Thanks, as well, to the SBA and many community banks. Over 4.5 million small businesses have been approved for loans through the PPP, and over $600 billion in loans have been processed. prgtoken The PPP has administered over 155,000 loans, totaling $25 billion in Pennsylvania alone. Nationwide, nearly 65 percent of these loans have been under $50,000--remarkable to see results of a bill in line with its intent. prgtoken However, we all do know--and we have been hearing from our constituents--that many businesses have not been able to reopen or access the loans amidst many various State government-mandated shutdowns, so additional time and flexibility to use the PPP funds will help them meet payroll and remain in operation as we safely and responsibly reopen our economy. prgtoken Today's Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act will enact effective reforms which were created with input from small businesses. Again, I strongly commend the bill's sponsors for engaging in this way. prgtoken , families are the heart of our communities. Small businesses are the backbones of our economy. Our families and our small businesses, with our support, will make it through this crisis and drive the next great American comeback. prgtoken , I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on this very important bill.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , had I been present on May 27, 2020, I would have voted Yea on S. 3744, the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020. Communist China's oppression of millions of its minority Uyghurs population is a gross violation of human rights. In passing this bill, Congress is showing that the United States will not turn a blind eye to the suffering of those oppressed by the Communist Chinese regime.
RECOGNIZING REV. DR. DALE A. MEYER
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer upon the occasion of his retirement as President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. prgtoken In May 2005, Dr. Meyer became the 10th President of Concordia Seminary. Over fifteen years later, on June 30, 2020, Dr. Meyer will start a new season in life, retiring and turning over the reins of this beloved institution to new leadership. prgtoken His contribution to the Seminary was immense. During his tenure, Concordia's long-term debt was eliminated, its endowment quadrupled, and it earned top marks from its most recent accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools. prgtoken From the start of his tenure to the end, Dr. Meyer worked alongside his wife Diane, the faculty and key staff to cultivate a culture that was service oriented and external facing. This meant instituting activities designed to instill a spirit of community volunteerism into first year students. This meant adding park benches on campus and expanding holiday displays each year so visitors knew they are welcome at this place. It meant working with his wife, Diane, and Gayle Zollmann-Kiel, Coordinator of Campus Grounds, to create community gardens for people to enjoy all summer and fall, thereby feeding the community both spiritually and figuratively. And it meant, during the current pandemic, having the bell tower on campus play music to lift the spirits of all those around. prgtoken No wonder the Seminary received several civic awards--including being named among the 100 Top Workplaces St. Louis in 2015. prgtoken Dr. Meyer's retirement marks a season of change for the Seminary. However, it also marks the closing of a chapter of a long career of service for him personally. While Dr. Meyer's first job was helping his parents, Arthur and Norma Meyer, deliver milk for the Dixie Dairy on the south side of Chicago, he was called to serve on a full and winding professional path. This path was so full of wonder that he would often marvel at the ``milk man moments'' that unfolded--remarking, ``What I am doing here--God has blessed me so.'' prgtoken Dr. Meyer completed his bachelor's degree in 1969 at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After earning a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in 1973, he earned a Master's degree a year later, and a doctorate in 1986 in classical languages from Washington University in St. Louis. He also is the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1993 from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. prgtoken Dr. Meyer first joined the faculty at Concordia Seminary as a guest instructor in prgtoken 1979, going on to serve as head pastor of St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy, Illinois, St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Memphis, Illinois, and at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois. These church communities are so beloved by the Meyers that they
WITCH HUNT IN ISRAEL
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , just mere days after being sworn into office for a fifth term as Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu stood in an Israeli court to stand trial in what amounts to nothing more than a political witch hunt. Formally charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, Prime Minister has denied all wrongdoing from the very outset and has called for an open, televised trial so that the entire world can stand witness to the circus the Israeli left has put together with the sole intention of humiliating Israel's longest serving premier in the hopes that he will step down. prgtoken One of the charges in the criminal case against Prime Minister Netanyahu, known as ``case 4000,'' alleges unsubstantiated charges. The distinguished lawyer and Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz perhaps described it best when he said, ``Netanyahu's trial poses great danger to democracy and the rule of law. This is the first time in the history of any modern country that a man is being prosecuted for trying to gain positive media coverage.'' prgtoken As we watch this farce play out, we should also remember that a criminal trial of a sitting head of state is a situation that could only take place in the Middle East's sole democracy. At the same time, the partisan nature of the charges and the trial cheapen the value of Israel's democratic and legalistic spirt. Knesset Yariv Levin commented that ``the day of the opening of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial will be remembered as one of the low points of the Israeli legal system.'' Levin went on to say, ``The charges against the prime minister are unprecedented in Western democracies. Their realm, if at all, should have been the ethical and noncriminal sphere, and it's no wonder why the world's top jurists have been harshly criticizing it.'' prgtoken Indeed, the sham trial against Netanyahu comes at especially ironic times as the Prime Minister won the highest number of votes of any party since the establishment of the Israel state. This mandate from the Israeli electorate was a personal expression of confidence in the Prime Minister as well as a clear sign that the Israeli public has lost all trust in a judicial system rigged along party lines to force the hand of a popular leader and push him out of the political system. prgtoken Knesset Levin concluded his comments on the matter by saying, ``I, like millions of Israeli citizens, stand with the prime minister today. With the truth. With justice.'' May the truth come to light and may justice prevail. prgtoken The similarity with America is obvious that political enemies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are abusing the legal system just as the false efforts to impeach President were a witch hunt. Forces who lose on issues at the ballot box seek to subvert the votes of citizens.