mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN (RETIRED) WILLIAM EISENHART
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I rise today to honor Captain (Retired) William Eisenhart of Altoona, Pennsylvania, who courageously served our nation in the U.S. Army. prgtoken During his fifteen-year military career, Captain Eisenhart served with distinction. While he was stationed in Vietnam from November 1967 to October 1968, Captain Eisenhart served as a Senior Advisor to forces in Tan Thanh Dong Province. In this role, he moved his advisory team into a dilapidated fortress located on strategic territory. Captain Eisenhart and his team are credited with making several critical improvements to the fortress that helped the United States forces, including the installation of a helipad that allowed the Army to facilitate medical evacuations in Thanh Dong Province. Holding this outpost was a challenge. On June 6, 1968, Captain Eisenhart was instrumental in repelling a superior enemy force when he fired a machine gun into the center of the enemy's line of attack, which allowed U.S. forces to effectively build up a defensive operation. prgtoken The fortress that Captain Eisenhart defended was a critical outpost in the Phu Hoa District for deterring enemy movement. For this extraordinary accomplishment, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a ``V'' device and one Oak Leaf Cluster. In recognition of his service, Captain Eisenhart also was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Service Star, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. prgtoken With his incredible legacy of selfless service, Captain (Retired) William Eisenhart exemplifies our American values. He is an outstanding American and Pennsylvanian, and it is my privilege to recognize his many achievements. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Captain (Retired) Eisenhart for his dedication to our nation, our Commonwealth, and our community.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-4

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would just point out the American Medical Association put out a letter 2 days ago saying they oppose this legislation for the reasons that Dr. Murphy highlighted in his opening remarks. prgtoken I would also just, again, point out what the on the Judiciary Committee did on Wednesday. It was about releasing criminals from prisons early. prgtoken Again, just to read from the letter that the chairman of the Judiciary Committee sent to the Attorney General of the United States on March 30, 2020, he says. . . . who have been convicted of serious offenses or who have high pattern risk scores, we urge you to consider that even these individuals in these categories be assessed for release. prgtoken I don't know how you can say it any plainer, . These are some of the most dangerous people in our Federal prison system. They wanted the Attorney General to look at releasing them into the public. That is how they started the week. They are going to end the week by decriminalizing marijuana and giving American tax dollars to businessowners to further the marijuana industry. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise today in opposition of H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act. prgtoken As a practicing physician for over 30 years, this bill deeply troubles me, especially with its researched implications for our youth population. prgtoken Marijuana is one of the most abused substances on this planet. And I will say, I am sympathetic to those who use marijuana for pain relief; I really am. It has been clinically proven to have activity in this area. prgtoken That said: A July 2020 study from the National Library of Medicine concluded that the THC component of cannabis can be the main culprit in psychosis and schizophrenia. A 2018 study from Duke University, in fact, showed a five-time increase in psychosis among chronic cannabis users. prgtoken The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, agreed that there are serious health risks associated with the use of marijuana in adolescence and in pregnancy. prgtoken The bill fails to set any standards to prevent marijuana, THC concentrates, vaping products, or edibles from getting into the hands of teenagers and young adults whose brains are still developing. prgtoken The MORE Act doesn't help prevent the distribution of marijuana to minors. It disrespects States' rights, fails to prevent violence and the use of firearms in growing and distributing marijuana and, lastly, it allows for the potential of marijuana revenue to fund criminal organizations, gangs, or cartels. prgtoken I have been to the border and have personally seen what smuggling operations this legislation might allow. prgtoken Yes, legalizing weed would create revenue from taxes, but at what cost? Do we then start legalizing cocaine? prgtoken Marijuana is a gateway drug; make no mistake about that. It undoubtedly leads to further and much more dangerous drug use. prgtoken And while I do believe that medical marijuana can have some activity in chronic pain or those with cancer, this bill simply goes way too far. I will vote against it on the House floor, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. General Leave
LAKES FREEMAN AND SHAFER
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-12-4

today I rise on behalf of the communities and the residents surrounding Lakes Freeman and Shafer. prgtoken This summer, these communities witnessed the water levels in Lake Freeman reach a dangerously low level. The low water levels were brought on by drought, but were exacerbated by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruling meant to protect several species of mussels. prgtoken However well-intended the ruling, it is having devastating consequences for these communities and the city of Monticello. Local businesses are struggling to get by, property values are decreasing, and the ecosystem of the lake is threatened. prgtoken Fish and Wildlife have the power to resolve this issue, but the agency has been unable to adjust to realtime circumstances. prgtoken I brought this issue to the attention of the Department of the Interior. My hope is that our government can be responsive to the concerns of the people on a problem they have helped create.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-4

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken The MORE Act is flawed. It uses cannabis policy to do a great deal of social engineering to create new taxes and new programs and redistribution of assets. prgtoken But I am here as the only cosponsor of the MORE Act, and I am voting for it because the Federal Government has lied to the people of this country about marijuana for a generation. prgtoken We have seen a generation, particularly of Black and Brown youth, locked up for offenses that should not have resulted in any incarceration whatsoever. prgtoken I am also deeply troubled by the current policy of the Federal Government that inhibits research into cannabis, research that could unlock cures and help people live better lives. prgtoken My colleagues today will make a number of arguments against this bill, but those arguments are overwhelmingly losing with the American people. In every State where cannabis reform was on the ballot in this country, it passed. It passed with overwhelming support. prgtoken As a matter of fact, the only thing that I know that is more popular than getting out of the war on drugs is getting out of the war in Afghanistan. But if we were measuring the success in the war on drugs, it would be hard to conclude anything other than the fact that drugs have won because the American people do not support the policies of incarceration, limited research, limited choice, and particularly constraining medical application. prgtoken We are here in a time when many people in our country are suffering. They are in pain. It is documented that States with medical cannabis programs see a reduction in the prescribing of opioids and in the number of opioid abuses and deaths. We have held hearings in the House Judiciary Committee where people in our government must confess that this is, in fact, true, that the more we give people access to medical cannabis programs, the more we see a blunting of this horrible scourge of opioid addiction and opioid abuse. prgtoken We talk all the time on the right about the need to empower people and empower States. Right now, the Federal policy on cannabis constrains our people. It limits our States. I would only hope that in the 117th Congress, after this bill invariably dies in the Senate, we will actually come back and prgtoken pass the STATES Act because it acknowledges that we have screwed this up in the Federal Government. prgtoken While we have screwed it up, States have taken action. They have designed programs in the way that our great Federal system promises. If we were to pass the STATES Act, then best practices would emerge, States that developed applicable programs for their people would be replicable, and we would see better policies. prgtoken I am going to vote for the MORE Act. It won't pass the Senate and it won't become law, but then we should come back in the 117th Congress, and we should truly do more for our people.
LET'S EXTEND THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise in support of extending the successful and bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program by making $138 billion in already appropriated funds available to help more businesses that are experiencing dire and desperate need. prgtoken This week, it was reported that almost 30 percent of small businesses in New York have closed for good due to the COVID-19 epidemic, and many more will face the same fate without further aid. $138 billion appropriated to the PPP is just sitting here in Washington, D.C instead of helping our Nation's small businesses. prgtoken For months, we have asked the to allow a vote on H.R. 8265, which simply enables the SBA to do another round of grant awards, getting this $138 billion out on the street before it is too late for many of these hard-hit businesses. This legislation is targeted, addresses a dire need across the Nation, and requires no additional Federal funds. prgtoken , I urge the and her leadership to reconsider this tactic and allow this legislation to come to the floor for a vote. I am confident it will receive bipartisan support.
BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , the House is set to vote on the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Sadly, my ic colleagues are pushing legislation inspired by a reality show feud instead of focusing on the harsh realities that real life families are facing because of the coronavirus pandemic. prgtoken Madam , this bill does more harm than good for the very animals it seeks to protect. My district is home to Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. It's owner, Jim Fouts, founded this park in 2008 to conserve endangered tiger species and educate visitors through interactive experiences. prgtoken Through its current operation, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has become one of the top big prgtoken cat breeding facilities, among 37 across the United States, for conservation. This legislation discriminates against smaller facilities that have safely worked to increase populations for rare and Endangered species. prgtoken Additionally, like many other small conservation facilities, Tanganyika Wildlife Park was built privately with no government grants or funding. The Big Cat Public Safety Act is not about public safety; instead, it eliminates smaller operations that are saving animals' lives while also providing unique educational experiences in communities across the country. prgtoken Instead of fixing a problem, have once again introduced a one-size-fits-all bill that hurts smaller facilities instead of addressing problems with some bad actors. And they've abdicated their responsibility to lead the People's House in a bipartisan manner when so many families and small businesses are hurting. prgtoken It is ridiculous that we are voting on this bill rather than passing meaningful, common-sense measures to provide relief to Americans during our public health crisis.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise today in opposition to the MORE Act, which legalizes marijuana across the United States. prgtoken As a mother and a former public schoolteacher, I am appalled at this legislation's disregard for the health and safety of our children, schools, and families. I am also shocked and appalled by the previous speaker's claim that this legislation is good for children and using children as an excuse to pass this bill and legalize it across this country. prgtoken The MORE Act would grant the marijuana industry unfettered access to our Nation's youth by allowing the sale of edibles and flavored marijuana vapes and permitting marijuana businesses to be located within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, private kindergartens, public parks, and recreational facilities. prgtoken The bill also opens the floodgates for advertising high potency and extremely dangerous products on TV and social media, a place where our kids are spending countless hours every day. prgtoken We need to consider three critical points before voting today: prgtoken First, research has shown that people who use marijuana at a young age are more prone to addictive habits later in life as it activates the pleasure center receptors of the brain. prgtoken Second, long-term marijuana use has been linked by research to mental illness such as hallucinations, temporary paranoia, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, and schizophrenia. prgtoken And, third, these findings were serious enough to lead the U.S. Surgeon General to declare an advisory for marijuana use, emphasizing that: ``Recent increases in access to marijuana and in its potency, along with misperceptions of safety of marijuana endanger our most precious resource, our Nation's youth.'' prgtoken The House should be discussing a responsible COVID relief package to aid the American people during the pandemic. Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are focusing on legalizing marijuana. Where are our priorities? prgtoken The MORE Act completely undermines current research and health warnings and puts our children in danger. I call on my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this irresponsible and dangerous bill.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I was not present for the following roll call votes. Had I been present for them, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call No. 230: H. Res. 1244 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3884) Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act--ORDERING THE PREVIOUS QUESTION ON H. RES 1244--NAY, and Roll Call No. 232: H.R. 1380 Big Cat Public Safety Act--ON MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS--NAY.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , on rollcall No. 233, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted aye. prgtoken On rollcall No. 234, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted aye. prgtoken On rollcall No, 235, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.
RECOGNIZING DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS CHAPTER 17
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize hard work and dedication of the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter in my district. The national organization was founded by veterans on September 25, 1920 and was officially chartered in 1932. prgtoken Our local chapter was established in 1971, primarily from veterans of World War II and Korea. Once facing dissolvement, the DAV Chapter 17 bounced back and is now stronger than ever. This would not have been possible without the leadership of George Lindsey Jr Don Parzanese, Bob Staranowicz, Jack Thomas, Tom Herron, Bill Severns, Lou Rizzo, and Kimberly Carter-Guerian. The Chapter works to support our veterans and the larger community through yearly events including job fairs, veteran ceremonies, and fundraisers. While Disabled American Veterans celebrates 100 years of serving veterans of the Armed Forces, their families, and survivors, we are extremely thankful for their commitment to helping veterans in need. prgtoken The DAV is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity, their families, and survivors. Let us never forget the selfless sacrifice and dedication of all our disabled veterans across the country. In order to ensure that their memory is not forgotten, I include in the Record the names of all the current members of the DAV Chapter 17: James F. Gartland, Robert A. Godwin, Leslie H. Goldstein, Edward T. Grabert, John P. Greer, Morris S. Guggenheim, James M. Haitsch, Charles G. Hall, Brain J. Hamilton, Angela M. Hardy, Ronald J. Harkins, Thomas D. Herron, Daniel C. Haskett, Albert M. Hill, Timothy M. Holland, George K. Honer, Robert P. Hoopes, George W. Horne, George A. Ingram, Robert P. Joyce. Gilbert Kasirsky, David C. Kline, Michael Krajnikovich, Daniel J. Kwiatkowski, Robert G. Larrisey, Joel Laskey, William Lee, Albert Paiste, Phillip Paolella, Dennis Parker, Donald D. Parzanese, Noel G. Pelletier, Randy G. Phillips, Normand A. Picard, Francis X. Poole, Charles E. Quaste, William B. Redington, Edward D. Renner, Devon A. Richio, Lou Rizzo. Brain M. Roberts, Larry F. Rodrigo, Edward A. Rosen, Ronald R. Rottloff, Amanda L. Rudolph, Joseph S. Runewicz, Alexander Rupeiks, John Schaefer, Bruce A. Sheeler, Richard W. Scholl, Lawrence M. Schorr, Robert J. Schulberger, Richard G. Scott, William J. Severns, Michael J. Shamp, Sharon Lynn Shaw, Otis L. Weathersby, William J. Wheeler, George K. Wiley. Ian A. Woods, Todd E. Yanik, Douglas G. Yedinak, Ronald C. Zinzer, Fred Ewald, Gerry Albertson, Ronald Henry Alfors, Anthony Antonio, John W. Bader, Michael W. Barnes, Russell H. Bendel, James Howard Bergeson, Chuck Daniel Biresch, John A. Boccadori, Lawerence P. Booth, Martin M. Bradley, Mark Otis Bristow, David Bryk, Francis X. Buschman, Steve Calderbank, Paul J. C
RECOGNIZING SUPERVISOR SHERRI BRENNAN
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I rise to recognize Sherri Brennan for her devoted service as a Tuolumne County Supervisor. prgtoken Supervisor Brennan was first elected to serve the 1st District of Tuolumne County in 2010 where she served a total of two terms as County Supervisor. prgtoken From her long family history of agriculture to her passion for serving children and seniors, Sherri's eight years as a Supervisor have been marked by her dedication to all the people of Tuolumne County. prgtoken In addition to her participation on various committees and commissions, Supervisor Brennan received the Excellence in Government Award from the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce in 2019 She also was named Woman of the Year in the 5th District in 2015 by Assembly Member Bigelow for her outstanding service and dedication to the people of California. In 2018, she was honored by the Center for a Non-Violent Community for International Women's Day. prgtoken Supervisor Brennan has worked tirelessly on behalf of her district and the entirety of Tuolumne County. She has advocated locally and nationally for full funding of Payment in Lieu of Taxes, the Secure Rural Schools Program, Public Lands and Forest Health projects, including Rim Fire Recovery and the County's Master Stewardship Agreement with the Forest Service. Sherri's advocacy for and commitment to Tuolumne County has been an asset to every resident. prgtoken In her years as a Supervisor, Sherri Brennan has been a leader and a visionary. She has served the residents of her district, and the entire County, with steadfast commitment and perseverance.
RECOGNIZING 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF 13TH AMENDMENT
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-7

I rise to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment. prgtoken On December 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment was ratified, officially ending more than 256 years of enslavement in the United States for nearly 4 million enslaved African Americans. prgtoken The 13th Amendment provides that: ``Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.'' prgtoken After the Civil War, the 13th Amendment was the first of three reconstruction amendments adopted. The loophole sentence, however, ``except as a punishment for crime,'' allowed for African Americans to continue cruel, involuntary labor under what is known as the Black Codes. prgtoken To be enslaved, specific laws were passed to ensure that African Americans would be constantly arrested, and then the government would lease human beings out. As African Americans continued to be viewed as property, the government leased people out to businesses, farms, and other types of profit-making ventures. prgtoken I would like to acknowledge the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the CBC's resident historian, to lead this Special Order hour acknowledging this very important anniversary.