mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF NORMA COMNICK
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Norma Comnick of Anderson, California, a friend of mine I have known many years in the political scene. She was born in Texas, and she made some fine Texas chili for me, too. prgtoken Norma moved to Anderson in the mid-eighties and was first elected to the city council in 1996, where she served for 21 years and five terms as mayor. She loved civic duty in her hometown. She was a fierce advocate for veterans and seniors, as well as bringing housing opportunities to the area. prgtoken Her passion for her city extended well beyond her service on the city council. She dedicated much of her time to the Anderson Rotary, where she was inducted as one of the first two female members of that club, as well as a group called Anderson Explodes, which raises funds for Anderson's annual Fourth of July celebration, which they hold on the third, a massive fireworks display for the 12,000 people who attend. prgtoken She was a small business owner, having an insurance agency in Anderson until retiring from that in 2004. prgtoken I had the opportunity to attend her memorial service just a few days ago. It was beautiful. It was moving. Her great friends were there. prgtoken Indeed, she was always, to the last, when I visited not too long ago, concerned about how her citizens were doing in her area. Indeed, she has a great legacy and will be missed. She was a blessing.
TRIBUTE TO THE 2019 ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the 2019 recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. prgtoken Presented annually, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage and culture. We honor these outstanding individuals because the important work they do today, creates a better world for all of us tomorrow. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a patriotic ceremony on Ellis Island and a re-commitment by the leaders of the organization to their mission of honoring diversity, fostering tolerance and promoting religious and racial unity across America. prgtoken Since the Medals' founding, more than 2,500 American citizens have received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including seven American Presidents, numerous United States Senators and Congressmen, two Nobel Laureates, and many athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders. This Medal is not about material success, nor is it about the politics of immigration; it is about the people who have committed themselves to this nation, embraced the opportunities America offers, and most importantly, who have used those opportunities to not only better their own lives but make a difference in our county and in the lives of its people. prgtoken Citizens of the United States hail from every nation known to man. The iconic metaphor of this nation as a veritable melting pot of cultures continues to ring true, and it is this diversity that adds to the unique richness of American life. It is the key to why America is the most innovative, progressive and forward-thinking country in the world. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our forbearers to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing the American way of life. This award serves to remind us all that with hard work and perseverance anyone can still achieve the American dream. In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they have made to America. I commend NECO and its Board of Directors headed by my good friend, Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as to promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our nation. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2019 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I also include in the Record the names of the recipients: 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients
INCLUDING CALIFORNIA IN NUTRIA ERADICATION AND CONTROL ACT OF 2003
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken It is easy to joke about the nutria, more commonly called a ``swamp rat,'' but their proliferation in regions like California is a growing threat to water infrastructure throughout the State. prgtoken Louisiana has suffered this invasive species since the 1930s; the Chesapeake since the 1940s. They are now proliferating in California, where they destroy irrigation systems, undermine dams and levees, erode riverbanks, displace native wildlife, and lay waste to aquatic vegetation. prgtoken This legislation amends the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003 and reauthorizes funding for the program until fiscal year 2025. Currently, Maryland and Louisiana are the only States eligible for funding, yet the problem is national. According to estimates, there could be nearly a quarter million of these destructive creatures in California within 5 years if we don't take action now. prgtoken California has enough problems of its own making to deal with. It requires the same assistance as provided to other parts of the country to control this invasive infestation, and this bill broadens the eligibility nationwide to do so. prgtoken During committee consideration, this measure was amended to more closely resemble the language included in my legislation, H.R. 5217, the Water Optimization for the West Act, which makes this a national program rather than an earmark. prgtoken I urge adoption of the measure, and .
Healthcare (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-2-27

I come to the floor today as the continue to scare the American public when it comes to their healthcare. prgtoken This week's ic Presidential debate the other night in South Carolina was a free-for-all. Their frontrunner, a man I believe to be a dangerous democratic Socialist, Bernie Sanders, is in the spotlight, and he seems to be in the lead. Socialist tax-and-spend policies remain on full display. prgtoken The top policy priority of the would destroy healthcare freedom in America. They are proposing a complete government takeover of our Nation's healthcare system--a complete government takeover. They call it Medicare for All, but let's take a look at what that actually means. It means that 180 million Americans who get their health insurance through work would lose that insurance. They would lose that health insurance. Washington bureaucrats would be in control of healthcare. prgtoken The Sanders proposal has a price tag of $34 trillion--$34 trillion with a ``t.'' It would bankrupt the country and everyone in it. The only way to even try to pay for it is with massive, across-the-board tax hikes, and Bernie Sanders said he is willing to do it. prgtoken Do not be deceived when they first talk about targeting the rich because the tax increases would hit working families and even people making $29,000 a year. That is according to Bernie Sanders' own math. And taxes are likely to double. Medicare for All would deliver a crushing blow not only to family budgets but I believe to the entire economy. It would end America's success story. prgtoken Thanks to tax and regulatory relief, we have a record- setting economy, record low unemployment, record job growth--7 million new jobs. Wages are rising. Middle-class wages and blue-collar wages are going up. It is a worker windfall, a blue-collar boom. A record 61 percent of Americans say they are better off financially than when President took office. People are confident about the future, and the President's job approval is at an alltime high. prgtoken Still, the 2020 don't seem to get it. You don't hear a positive word about the economy. Instead, seem to attack one another and try to move further and further to the Left. During the debate last week, the crowd actually booed a defense of free markets. prgtoken Some ic candidates are proposing a scaled-back version of Medicare for All that they call a ``public option,'' but this proposal would create a prgtoken government health plan to compete with work-sponsored health insurance. Don't be fooled--that public option would hurt patients across the country, especially people living in rural areas. It would disrupt insurance coverage, slash funding for doctors and hospitals, and would force local hospitals and clinics to close. Simply put, a public option is a pit stop on the road to 100 percent government-run healthcare in America. prgtoken
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-2-27

. Madam , on Friday, February 7, 2020, I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 52: Amendment No. 1 offered by Rep. Shalala. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' prgtoken I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 53: Motion to Recommit. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' prgtoken I was also unable to vote on Roll Call No. 54: Passage of H.R. 5687, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''
Tribute to Petty Officer Evan Grills (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-2-27

as expected, it is time for our ``Alaskan of the Week'' speech. One of the most fulfilling things I get to do as Alaska's U.S. Senator is to come down to the floor of the Senate and talk about the people in my State who are making a difference in their communities, in the State, and in the country. It is a great opportunity in which to do that. prgtoken I always encourage people who are watching and listening to come to the great State of Alaska for a visit. You will love it. It will be the best trip you ever take. I guarantee it. prgtoken I know the pages enjoy this speech each week because it is a story of what real people are doing and, in many cases, of humble heroes. Usually, these are happy stories that I get to talk about, but sometimes they aren't happy. The story I am going to tell today is, in fact, a very, very tragic one, but it contains the kind of heroism and selflessness that can spring from a tragedy and literally inspire a State or a nation. prgtoken If you are listening, I think you are going to be inspired. prgtoken I have said on the floor before that we are a State--an enormous State, a big State in the country, by far--but that we are also a family and that, when something happens to members of our families, we all grieve. This is particularly true of the town of Kodiak, AK, and of the fishing community, both of which suffered a tremendous loss on New Year's Eve in the Gulf of Alaska when a crabbing boat, the Scandies Rose, sank into the freezing waters, taking with it five fishermen. prgtoken Of the five fishermen--including Seth Rousseau-Gano, Brock Rainey, and Arthur Ganacias--Captain Gary Cobban, Jr and David, his son, were both from Kodiak and perished with the crew. Blessedly and remarkably, there were two survivors--John Lawler, of Anchorage, and Dean Gribble, of Washington State. I mention that almost as a miracle. They were saved because of the bravery and the heroism of our Coast Guard rescuers, who flew through gale force winds and 30-foot-high swells to rescue these survivors. Credit goes to all of the Coast Guard members throughout the country but particularly to those in Kodiak and specifically to those who were on the flight--the pilot, LT Christopher Clark, the copilot, LT Jonathan Ardan, and the mechanic, Jacob Dillon. prgtoken As I said, they are all heroes in this story, but I want to specifically highlight the role of the rescue swimmer that evening of New Year's Eve--25-year-old PO Evan Grills. Now, Evan is a relative newcomer to the great State of Alaska, but his heroism in saving two lives more than qualifies him to be our Alaskan of the Week. prgtoken Before I get into the story of this perilous mission, let me tell you a little bit about the fishing community in Alaska and why our Coast Guard is so very valuable. prgtoken Alaska's seas are the most productive in the world and, by the way, the most sustainably managed in the world. More than 60 percent
HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IN IDLIB
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-2-27

96 airstrikes, eight cluster bomb attacks, 231 artillery and missile attacks--that is what the people in Idlib, Syria, experienced yesterday from the forces of the brutal dictator Assad and his Russian protector, Putin. These attacks hit 10 schools and one hospital, killing 26 and injuring over 100. prgtoken After nearly 10 years of death and destruction, Idlib is becoming the greatest humanitarian disaster of this long conflict. prgtoken As I have said on this floor for nearly 3 years, the lack of a comprehensive approach for U.S. policy in Syria has allowed the atrocities led by Assad, Russia, and Iran to continue with impunity. prgtoken The U.S. Government must use the tools that we have at our disposal to end the death and destruction in Syria, bring about a political solution to the conflict, and hold those responsible for these war crimes fully accountable.
Black History Month (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-2-27

I want to talk today about Black History Month and, specifically, about Black History Month and baseball. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first successful, organized league for professional African-American baseball players. prgtoken On February 13, 1920, a group of eight midwestern team owners got together at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, MO, to form the Negro National League. Before then, these African-American teams had a lot of great players. They barnstormed around the country. They played sort of whomever they could and whenever they could. But in 1920, these eight owners got together and decided that everybody would benefit with more structure in the league, and they established a league to see that we got that structure. prgtoken In the first 10 years of the league, the Kansas City Monarchs won the pennant four times. As the league thrived, other leagues were formed for African-American players in the South and in the East. Over the years, some of the greatest players in baseball played in the Negro leagues. Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Kansas City's own Buck O'Neil played there. There were many others we would recognize who prgtoken then became part of the major leagues following Jackie Robinson. prgtoken There are lots of players you will learn a lot about at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City tells this story and tells it well. They don't just tell the story of African-American organized baseball, but they really tell the story of a thriving community beyond that, which is an important part of our legacy. prgtoken Obviously, a more important part of our legacy is to bring everybody together, but in those years, around the time the Negro leagues were formed, African-American communities in arts and entertainment and in businesses were significant. Part of that story is told there as well. prgtoken The 100th anniversary of the founding of the Negro leagues is an opportunity for us to talk about that. These leagues had great talent. In fact, the Pittsburgh Grays would play here in Washington half of the time. Half of their games--their so-called home games--they played in Washington at Griffith Stadium, where the Washington Senators played. I don't think there is any argument that when the Grays played here--the African-American team, the Negro leagues team played here--there was a greater crowd than there was when the Senators played, and there was better baseball. These were great and exciting times in baseball. I think that is well told at the museum. prgtoken Tim Kaine, a Kansas Citian who now represents Virginia in Congress, and I are working together to commemorate the centennial of the Negro Leagues with the minting of a new coin by the Treasury. We are joined over in the House by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, from Kansas City in my State of Missouri, and Congressman Steve Stive
TRIBUTE TO FRED AND TRESSIE FIKE
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-2-27

this week I have the honor of recognizing Fred and Tressie Fike of Mineral County for their commitment to helping others in the community. prgtoken Fred and Tressie lead the Superior Community Church Shoebox Ministry, which is part of the Samaritan's Purse's national initiative, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. prgtoken Fred and Tressie partner with their church and folks in the community to provide shoeboxes filled with toys, hygiene items, clothes, sewing kits, and school supplies around the world to children impacted by devastating circumstances like war, natural disasters, poverty and disease. prgtoken When Superior Community Church first participated in this ministry 15 years ago, they were able to deliver 25 boxes. In 2019, thanks to the leadership of Fred and Tressie, they delivered 900. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Fred and Tressie for their generous and selfless efforts within their church ministry helping children across the world. The world is a better place as a result of their dedication.
REMEMBERING CHARLES PITMAN
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-27

today pay tribute to the memory of retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Charles Pitman, a leader who served in our Nation's Armed Forces for nearly 40 years, earning the Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and a Purple Heart. prgtoken Chuck Pitman was born in Chicago in 1935 and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1952 and the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953. A pilot by the age of 14, Chuck logged more than 12,000 flight hours during his career, flying jets and attack and reconnaissance helicopters. He flew three combat tours in Vietnam, where his aircraft were shot down seven times by enemy fire. prgtoken On January 7, 1973, Chuck was commanding officer of the Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment in New Orleans when he saw a sniper firing at civilians from a hotel on the news. Without approval from his supervisors and at the risk of his career with the Marines, he and his crew flew a Marine helicopter loaded with police officers to the hotel and helped to end the carnage. Many of the police officers and survivors credited his actions with saving countless lives. prgtoken Chuck served as special assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Iranian hostage crisis. By 1990, Chuck was a three- star general and retired from the Marine Corps. His commands included the Marine Aviation Training Support Group in Pensacola, a role as assistant wing commander for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in California, and the command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan. prgtoken Chuck spent much of the rest of his life in Florida's Pensacola Beach. He volunteered his time with organizations including the Marine Corps League of Pensacola and participated in numerous veteran's events throughout the city, becoming a fixture in the community. prgtoken I express my sincere condolences to his wife, two sons, and two daughters on the loss of an American hero and patriot. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2339, REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-27

. Madam , why would they do this if things in Cuba are just not all that bad? prgtoken Again, in contrast, during the pre-Castro Cuba, more Americans were traveling to Cuba and going to Cuba than Cubans coming to the United States. prgtoken Today, now, Madam , here we have an opportunity to condemn Senator Bernie Sanders' blatantly false and hurtful comments regarding the racist, terrorist Castro regime. Join me in standing in solidarity with the Cuban people and, by extension, also solidarity with the Venezuelan people who are working to regain their freedom against what the OAS Secretary General has called the Cuban army of occupation in Venezuela. prgtoken So join me in standing in solidarity with the people and not with the regime that oppresses them.
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-27

I rise this afternoon to proudly announce that today marks the start of the 2020 Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, which celebrates the strawberry harvest of eastern Hillsborough County. This community-oriented event began back in 1930 and has become one of the top 40 fairs in North America. prgtoken My district has grown to be one of the largest agricultural districts in the Nation with Plant City known as the winter strawberry capital of the world. prgtoken As a near billion-dollar industry, we love our strawberries, we love those who grow and pick them, and we love the culture surrounding them. prgtoken The festival has a wide range of entertainment, including livestock shows, rides, live music, and the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Pageant that collectively bring in over one-half million attendees annually and serves to unite our community. prgtoken The festival also has strawberry shortcake, and lots of it. This is the Strawberry Festival's 85th year, and we anticipate many more to come. I can't wait to be back home this weekend to enjoy the festival with my family and the families of District 15.