mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 550TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF GURU NANAK
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise to recognize the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev and the contributions of Sikh Americans to the United States. November 12, 2019, marked the 550th birth anniversary of the Founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, and is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak's Gurpurab. prgtoken Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with around 30 million followers, one million of whom are in the United States. Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, including service in the U.S. Armed Forces, agriculture, real estate, transportation, technology, small business, and medicine. In their efforts, Sikh Americans have made rich contributions to the economic, cultural, and social landscape of the United States and have strengthened our communities by fostering respect among all people through faith and service. prgtoken As a member of Congress, I remain committed to educating citizens about the value of religious diversity, tolerance grounded in the principles of the First Amendment, and a culture of mutual understanding and respect. We are a stronger nation and community when we embrace our diversity and afford all citizens the opportunity to better understand our many faiths and cultures. prgtoken Accordingly, this month let us recognize and appreciate the rich history and culture of Sikhs as they celebrate Gurpurab.
TRIBUTE TO ELLIS McKENNIE
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-11-21

I rise today to recognize an inspiring young man, Ellis McKennie. I had the good fortune of getting to know Ellis when he was an intern in my office, first in the summer of 2018 in my State office and then again this past summer in Washington. He was a diligent worker, always searching for ways to help. He was keen to take advantage of every opportunity to learn. One thing that became obvious right away is that Ellis is an empathetic young man; in one instance, as a youngster, he asked his mother to make lunches for less fortunate fellow students. I am very grateful to Ellis for his service to the people of Maryland during his internships and for his service to the University of Maryland as the epitome of a student athlete. Ellis has been an offensive lineman on the Terrapins' football team for the last 4 years. Perhaps more important than his leadership on the field, though, has been his leadership off the field, where he has advocated fiercely for meaningful athletic reform in the wake of his boyhood friend and teammate Jordan McNair's tragic death from heatstroke last year. Ellis has worked hard to mobilize his teammates and the entire campus to become more engaged politically. In recognition of his ability to bring people together for positive change, the student body elected Ellis to the university senate this year. prgtoken Somehow, among Ellis's football career, activism, and student governance, he has also found time to set an exemplary academic record, twice earning All-Big Ten academic honors and completing his undergraduate degree in just 3 years. Now, while he plays his final season for the Terrapins, he is busy earning a graduate degree in public policy. Next, Ellis plans to attend law school and hopes to serve as an elected official 1 day, perhaps here in the Senate. prgtoken I have been so impressed by everything that Ellis has been able to accomplish at such a young age and by everything that he aspires to achieve in the future. Most of all, I am proud of his enduring commitment to building community, helping those in need, and fighting for what's right. Young people like Ellis should reassure all of us that the future of our country is in capable hands. prgtoken On November 20, the Baltimore Sun ran an article by Don Markus entitled ``Maryland's Ellis McKennie found his voice when Jordan McNair died. Now he looks to finish his career strong.'' The article captures the qualities that make Ellis such a special young man. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROFESSOR KASTURI RANGAN
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , today I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Professor Kasturi Rangan of the Harvard Business School on Thursday, November 21, 2019. prgtoken Professor Rangan began his education by receiving a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 1971, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad in 1973. He then held a number of marketing positions for large corporations in India before receiving a Ph.D. in marketing from Northwestern in 1983. prgtoken After receiving his Ph.D. Professor Rangan joined the faculty of the Harvard Business School in 1983 as a marketing professor. He served as the chair of the Marketing Department from 1998-2002 and is currently the chairman of the Harvard Social Enterprise Initiative. He has taught first-year core classes, second-year electives, and in the upper level Advanced Management Program for senior managers. Professor Rangan has also received multiple academic awards over the course of his career, including the 2002 Editors' Prize for the Best Scholarly Paper and the 2014 Case Centre Award in Economics, Politics and Business Environment. prgtoken Along with his extensive teaching credentials, Professor Rangan has co-authored ten books and dozens of scholarly articles published in academic journals. One of his recent case studies titled ``Performance Marketing in the Digital Age'' looks at Gupta Media, a group started by Gogi Gupta who is a close friend of Professor Rangan and from Western New York. His active interest in the continual improvement of marketing and management strategies makes Professor Rangan an invaluable asset to the business community, and an individual whose impact is felt in many communities including my own. prgtoken Professor Rangan has actively researched the role of marketing in nonprofit organizations, and often focuses on how this marketing impacts adoption of social products and ideas. His goal is to develop models of successful businesses that bring value to the lowest income earners in our modern economy. Specifically, he is attempting to address the needs and wants of the 4.2 billion individuals worldwide who live on less than $5 a day. This research should be commended for its value in uplifting the most vulnerable members of our society. prgtoken Madam , I take this time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Professor Kasturi Rangan. We extend our best wishes as he continues to lead the business community in marketing research and developing solutions for economically disadvantaged individuals.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam Chair, the gentlewoman from North Carolina and I are very dear friends, and I have great respect for her. In fact, I have a deep, abiding affinity for her humanity. prgtoken But, today, I am reminded of the words of Ruth Smeltzer. Ruth Smeltzer reminds us that: Some measure their lives by days and years, Others by heartthrobs, passions, and tears; But the surest measure under the Sun, Is what in your lifetime for others you have done. prgtoken Madam Chair, this day provides us an opportunity to do something for others who are in harm's way, who are caregivers, and who are doing what they can to provide the kind of healthcare services that we need. They do it at great risk. We are the people who can minimize that risk. It is our responsibility to do for others what we would have others do for us. If I were a healthcare worker, I would want Congress to take this kind of appropriate action to protect me. prgtoken I also would remind my colleagues that if we do nothing, at some point, we will find people reluctant to go into this area of endeavor. Who wants to go to work with the fear of being harmed? prgtoken I love my dear lady from North Carolina, but we respectfully disagree. The buck stops here. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
HONORING CONTRA COSTA TELEVISION'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the contributions of Contra Costa Television (CCTV) on its 25th anniversary. prgtoken CCTV was established by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 1994 as a governmental and educational access cable television channel. In addition to airing programming twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on six channels, CCTV also live streams on its website and social media to reach over 350,000 homes in Contra Costa County. CCTV connects, informs, and entertains the community by airing Board of Supervisor and District meetings, in addition to other community meetings, events, public safety information, local sports, and local programming. prgtoken CCTV's award-winning programming includes Veterans' Voices, which won the Western Alliance Video Excellence award in 2016 and 2018 and the California State Association of Counties 2015 Merit Award. Additionally, CCTV has partnered with the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department and local chapters of the League of Women Voters to provide the Elections Preview programs. This is the only locally produced voter education programing for broadcast and online streaming. prgtoken CCTV's slogan, ``Making Television Part of the Solution,'' highlights its dedication to serving the community by providing public broadcasting and communicating County services for the last 25 years. In an era where local journalism is disappearing at an alarming rate, CCTV is a welcome presence in the Bay Area that shares information and brings the community together. prgtoken Please join me in honoring Contra Costa Television's 25th anniversary.
HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY: MEN'S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , I rise today with Congressman DeSaulnier to honor the incredible performance and achievements of the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bear Men's Swimming and Diving team in the 2019 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships. prgtoken On March 30, 2019, the Cal Bears captured the 2019 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, swimming and diving national championship following four impressive days of competition at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. prgtoken The Cal Bears have won the NCAA Men's Swimming and Diving National Championship six times in program history. The championship was won in 1979, 1980, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2019. prgtoken The Cal Bears also set a school record with 560 points accumulated at the NCAA championships and bested runner-up Texas by an 85-point margin of victory. prgtoken I am proud of my alma mater for having extended their run of placing in the top two at the NCAA championships to 10 consecutive years. It also brings me great pride to recognize the Cal Bears' Head Coach, David prgtoken Durden, whom will also lead the United States' Men's Swimming Olympic Team in competition in Tokyo, Japan, during the 2020 Summer Games. prgtoken Congressman DeSaulnier and I would like to also recognize the impressive student athletes of the victorious program beginning with Senior Andrew Seliskar, the first Cal Bears swimmer in 22 years to win three individual NCAA titles in one NCAA swim meet. He won the 200-yard breaststroke, the 200-yard individual medley and the 200-yard freestyle. Seliskar was named the 2019 College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America National Swimmer of the Year. prgtoken In addition, Congressman DeSaulnier and I would like to recognize Sophomore Ryan Hoffer for his victory of the 50-yard freestyle NCAA title. Senior Andrew Seliskar, Junior Michael Jensen, Junior Pawel Sendyk, and Sophomore Ryan Hoffer won the 200-yard freestyle relay NCAA title. prgtoken Today, on behalf of California's 13th and 11th Congressional Districts, I join Congressman DeSaulnier to commend the hard work, dedication, determination, and commitment to excellence of the student- athletes, coaches, families, and all others involved with the Cal Bears. Congratulations on a successful season and placing a finalist in every swimming event at the NCAA Championships.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Coming from the Texas Medical Center in my community and many other hospitals and seeing the proliferation of health clinics, federally qualified health clinics, and social service agencies all attempting to do the right thing--and the patients who are there deserve to have the best care possible, but they are, in many instances, ill; they are, in many instances, broken. In order to have the staff continue to serve them, let's protect those workers. Let's stand alongside those workers. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to enthusiastically support this legislation and let us begin to stand alongside those who work with those who are most in need.
CLOTURE MOTION
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-11-21

I have spent 3 years in the U.S. Senate. During this time, I can tell you the No. 1 issue when I am home--and I suspect it is in your State, as well, and across this country--is the cost of healthcare in this country and to be sure that everybody in this country, no matter your party, your religion, where you live, urban or rural area, has access to affordable healthcare not only when it is needed but also for preventative purposes to give you peace of mind. prgtoken Unfortunately, what we have seen is high cost; inability to get access to it, oftentimes when you are in a rural community; and a fight here in Congress. Instead of working together to solve this problem, we are too far apart in presenting a solution--in coming together for a solution. prgtoken It is open enrollment season for healthcare right now, which means Americans have an opportunity to get new healthcare coverage or change the coverage they have. In Nevada, the State is running a new exchange website and working hard to make sure every Nevadan gets covered at NevadaHealthLink.com. I thank our fantastic exchange director, Heather Korbulic, and her team for all they are doing. prgtoken I want to encourage all Nevadans to get coverage. I don't think people realize how much help there is for individuals to get coverage at Nevada Health Link. If you want healthcare, please, please reach out by the December 15 deadline to learn more about the opportunities that are available to you to be able to afford it. prgtoken Open enrollment is a good time for us to reflect on how far we have come, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and to take stock--to take stock--of the threats to that coverage. Unfortunately, I have watched in Congress as Members of the Party, particularly this administration, try to sabotage the Affordable Care Act at every turn. prgtoken At the end of October, the Senate held a vote on Senator Warner's resolution to overturn this administration's damaging and dangerous rule expanding so-called junk plans. My ic colleagues voted in favor of the resolution because they know how important healthcare is to our constituents. Yet, unfortunately, nearly all of the Senate s voted against it. They voted to allow Americans to buy skimpy, low-benefit plans that send us back to the dark days of health coverage in America by allowing insurers to sidestep the patient protections in the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken These junk plans don't cover essential services like prescription drugs, emergency room visits, mental healthcare, and maternity care. They don't prevent insurers from discriminating against people with preexisting conditions. There are about 1.2 billion of them in Nevada alone. prgtoken My colleagues on the other of the aisle argue that these junk plans are low cost. Well, they cost less than some plans, but that doesn't mean they are cheap. They may have high dedu
Thanksgiving (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-21

first, let me thank my friend from South Dakota for his wonderful words on Thanksgiving. prgtoken I was going to conclude with Thanksgiving, but I will start with it. It is a great holiday. It is a great American holiday. I love it, and my family loves it. I was born on Thanksgiving Day. My new grandson was born on November 24, so he will have birthdays on Thanksgiving as well. This year, for the first time, the Schumers will celebrate with four generations, because my parents, who also served in the Army Air Force in World War II--my dad, 96, and my mom, 91--will be there with their little great-grandson, Noah. We are blessed. prgtoken Thanksgiving is family and food. What could be better than that? They are two great parts of the holiday. I will not carve the turkey like Thune does because it would get all screwed up, but I can dole out the mashed potatoes--I am good at that--which is probably what they will have me do. It is a great holiday, and we do have a great deal to thank God and the country for. prgtoken The wonderful thing about Thanksgiving is, from its origins during the Civil War--one of the worst, most horrible times in America, with so much death and mayhem and division--people were still grateful for America, and we are today. It is an amazing place. My father was an exterminator, and I am a U.S. Senator. What an amazing country this is, and we should never stop trying to make it better. I try to do that every day. I am thankful that I live in a country in which you can try to make it better. prgtoken I am thankful for many, many things--family, with our new addition this year. Iris and I are so happy about that. We have great kids and a great daughter-in-law and son-in-law. There is just a lot to be thankful for, and it is nice to take a pause, amidst all the fighting and partisanship here, to be grateful.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam , today is National Rural Health Day. prgtoken More than 60 million Americans live in rural areas. Unfortunately, these individuals tend to be in poorer health than those who live in urban and suburban areas. They experience greater rates of chronic disease than the rest of the U.S. population. prgtoken The U.S. Virgin Islands is one of these rural areas. Like most rural America, the VI has high rates of chronic disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and experience unique challenges in accessing healthcare. prgtoken The Virgin Islands, however, due to geographic distance from the contiguous United States and our territorial status, face even further challenges, including inequitable Federal funding. Our health providers and families have to make difficult decisions, not based on care but on distance and funding. prgtoken All Americans deserve easy accessibility to high quality healthcare. I want to take this time to recognize the healthcare providers in the Virgin Islands for their tireless work and commitment to the health and well-being of our people.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-21

. Madam Chair, my amendment ensures that our incredible healthcare and social service workers are aware that they are legally protected from retaliation by their employers. prgtoken I begin by thanking my colleague, Congressman Joe Courtney, for his hard work on this outstanding bill, and Chairman Scott for leading this issue and bringing the bill to the floor today. prgtoken Healthcare and social service workers are some of this country's most precious workers, taking care of us and our loved ones, sometimes under some of the most trying conditions imaginable. prgtoken H.R. 1309 will help protect these workers by requiring employers in the healthcare and social service sectors to develop workplace violence prevention plans. My amendment will require that mandatory violence prevention plan trainings include the critical information that these workers, when faced with any violent or unwanted behavior in the workplace, can safely report the incident without fear of retaliation. prgtoken Bureau of Labor Statistics data tell us that private-sector injury rates from workplace violence in healthcare and social service sectors increased 63 percent between 2006 and 2016, in just a decade. And due to underreporting, injury rates and workplace violence are widely assumed to be higher than the reported levels. prgtoken This is a huge problem for workers but also for those they care for, as violence in healthcare settings compromises quality of care. We cannot expect healthcare and social service workers to be able to deliver essential lifesaving services under the threat of violence and assault and fear of repercussions for reporting any incident that may occur. prgtoken The same goes for social service workers. A safe and violence-free workplace is essential to a functioning social service system that will help our communities thrive. We cannot expect workers to come forward with reports of violence if they fear retribution. prgtoken My straightforward amendment aims to ensure that healthcare and social service workers covered by this bill are aware of their right to come forward and report any incident of violence at work without fear of retribution. prgtoken Madam Chair, let me add that this is really personal for me. I don't want to reveal my age, but I started organizing healthcare workers for SEIU in 1983, and I remember my very first campaign at Shore Haven Nursing Home in Grand Haven, Michigan. prgtoken Some of the workers in the nursing home did face violence on the job, and they really had no way to handle it. So Mr. Courtney's bill, his leadership on this, is so essential for all the health and social service workers of the country. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and .