mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.RES. 826, EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2474, PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO...
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken As I have stated many times over, the rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is an option for States. It does in no way affect or impact the mandatory safety net populations that are required to be covered under Medicaid. prgtoken The population that was included in Medicaid expansion, in States that underwent expansion, this is where the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would provide those State Governors, those State legislatures, an option to consider a block grant if they desired. It is also written in the proposed rule that they could opt for a per- beneficiary allotment, which might even impart additional flexibility. prgtoken But one of the provisions of the rule, as has been proposed, is that, if there is a significant change--the State undergoes a natural disaster or emergency--the block grant number can be adjusted. It is not something that is immobile. prgtoken .
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-6

the fact of the matter is that right-to-work States are stronger, growing faster, and more prosperous. The Federal Government has no business outright banning right-to-work laws that are so successful in many States across the Nation. prgtoken Why would California tell Georgia how to run their State? prgtoken in this body have a radical agenda to erode the rights of States. It is just wrong. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to protect States' rights and vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and .
HONORING THE LIFE OF HOWARD SKAVDAHL
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I honor the life of Howard Skavdahl, who recently passed away. prgtoken He was a native of on, in Nebraska's Third District, and is laid to rest with the select men and women of our armed services buried in Arlington Cemetery. prgtoken He earned this honor through his valued service to our nation in World War II. prgtoken During World War II, Howard Skavdahl served our country in England, France, and Germany as a meteorologist in the Army Air Corps. prgtoken He continued in the Reserves until retiring in 1965 as a Major. prgtoken Major Skavdahl truly embodies our ``greatest generation.'' He had a lifelong passion for aeronautics. prgtoken After completing his active duty military service, he completed his Masters Degree at the California Institute of Technology, and brought his aeronautical expertise to the private sector at the Rand Corporation and Boeing. prgtoken While at Boeing, he was chief technical engineer for two NASA airplanes, and worked on propulsion systems for the 747, 757, 767, and 777. prgtoken He retired in 1990 as the head of Boeing's Propulsion Research Department. prgtoken Besides his accomplishments, Mr. Skavdahl was known for his compassion for his family and friends. prgtoken Throughout his life, he touched countless others, and is survived by his three sons, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. prgtoken We are grateful for his service to our country.
TIME TO GET BACK TO ISSUES THAT MATTER TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today to address my colleagues in both Chambers of Congress. prgtoken Yesterday, we saw the absolute acquittal in the Senate of President after 3 years of baseless accusations, harassment, and a prolonged witch hunt known as the impeachment process. prgtoken Without a doubt, the saddest part of this 130-day fiasco that cost taxpayers an estimated $3 million and yielded zero direct evidence implicating the President has been the colossal waste of time and resources. prgtoken The question we must ask ourselves now is this: How many lives could we have bettered during all of this? prgtoken The answer is: Countless. prgtoken It is time to get back to the issues that matter to the American people. Let's find common ground and do something. prgtoken Today, I stand here just feet away from where President stood on Tuesday and called for unity in this body. prgtoken As the President said that night, the only victories that matter in Washington are those that deliver for the American people, and I stand ready to work across the aisle. prgtoken Will you join me? prgtoken The American people are watching.
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 826, a rushed resolution to dismantle the administration's Healthy Adult Opportunity Medicaid initiative. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act expansion of Medicaid is simply unsustainable. It is bankrupting my home State of Kentucky. prgtoken In the 114th Congress, I served as the chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Medicaid Task Force. We explored ways that would make Medicaid sustainable so that it can be fully utilized by vulnerable populations for generations to come. prgtoken The administration has proposed a commonsense option that will not affect funding for children, pregnant women, the elderly, or people with disabilities but, rather, give States flexibility for their Medicaid programs. prgtoken I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to make Medicaid sustainable and accessible to those who need it. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose H. Res. 826.
CONGRATULATING MISSOURI'S 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S FOOTBALL TEAMS
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to commend the Webb City football team, who won their 15th State Title in Class 4 last year. ``Go Cardinals''. I would also like to commend the Carthage football team for winning the Class 5 State Championship and our Joplin High School football team who were runner's up in the Class 6 State Championship. They all performed admirably this season and demonstrated a determination and dedication to their team, school, supporters and communities. prgtoken Webb City football has a legacy of excellence and tradition that is evident in their record, which they only improved upon by claiming their fifteenth state title 48-0 against Platte County. The Cardinal's, ranked 1st in their Class with a 13-1 record, had a hard road reaching the finals. They faced not only the 2nd best ranked team, but also the 3rd and 4th in the lead up to their championship win. Following their semifinal defeat in 2018 to the eventual champions, Webb City's program worked hard all season and succeeded in accomplishing their goal of ``Chasing 15.'' prgtoken Carthage football's Class 5 Championship win was tough fought, including a nail-biting third quarter with an impressive long completion that secured their 27-21 win against second-ranked Jackson Indians. Their Coach, Jon Guidie, said the team ``just . . . [wouldn't] die and they just won't quit.'' This win was the first state title for the 5th ranked Carthage team who finished their season 12-2. The Carthage team has fought back against the difficulties of their season, which is a credit to their determination and grit. prgtoken Joplin High School football team, ranked 3rd, lost to the 1st ranked De Smet in the Class 6 Championship game. The game was a hard-fought loss for Joplin High, with the Eagles unfortunately unable to hold a third quarter lead that would have secured a victory. The Eagles ended their season 13-1, having beaten Ft. Zumwalt West and Marquette in the semi-finals and quarterfinals respectively. prgtoken All of our great Missouri football teams have persevered through difficult seasons and have prgtoken become better players, better members of their communities, and better students in their journey to the State Title. I am honored to recognize their achievements, and I thank each team for making Missouri's 7th District proud.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam Chairwoman, one more time, I would like to say that the NLRB was a very important piece of legislation 70 years ago. These little tweaks like this to update the NLRB for the modern workforce, the volatility, the digital era, are perfectly legitimate and logical responses to the conditions that we find ourselves in now. prgtoken We don't have carpenters who would spend their entire career at one company anymore. They come and go at different places. It happens in manufacturing as well. This bill would recognize that volatility and institutionalize it in a constructive manner. prgtoken .
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank the ranking member, who has fought hard on this legislation that I want to talk to you about today. prgtoken It is very interesting to stand here and listen to my colleagues and me talk about refereeing and talking about regulations. Sometimes, refereeing doesn't get it right when it comes to sporting events, and it is disappointing today because I stand here as somebody who has worked with, supported, and been supported by many members of organized labor, my friends in the building trades and my friends the airline pilots and the air traffic controllers. I would use the rest of my time if I talked about all the men and women in organized labor whom we have worked with to try to come up with bipartisan solutions. prgtoken Despite my strong record of supporting Davis-Bacon, PLAs, and ensuring workers have the means to unionize, I have to oppose this bill. prgtoken The majority has brought to the floor another bill that has no chance of becoming law. It is a messaging bill, and it has a couple of provisions that I really have to highlight. prgtoken Last year, the majority proposed in H.R. 1 that every single member of the ic majority who voted for that had public financing of their own congressional campaigns with corporate fines. The corporate fine provision in this bill could create a circumstance where a business commits an unfair labor practice and the civil penalties get directed to Members of Congress' campaigns, not to victims. This is irresponsible. prgtoken The joint employer standard that is codified in this law is wrong. prgtoken , reconsider this legislation. Let's work together to actually come up with solutions.
GUN VIOLENCE IS AN EPIDEMIC
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , what if I told you there was an epidemic in the United States that has killed close to 40,000 people, just in the year 2019 alone? prgtoken And what if I told you this epidemic has taken the lives of almost 8,000 people since 2014 in California alone? prgtoken I am not talking about coronavirus, or Ebola, or AIDS, or some global pandemic. This public health crisis is uniquely American. I am talking, of course, about gun violence. prgtoken We have let this public health epidemic go unchecked far too long. If gun violence were a disease with the death numbers I just shared with you, we would not rest until we had a cure. But because many Members of Congress are frozen in their ability to act in the face of the money the NRA pours into the gun lobby, we haven't acted; especially the Senate has not stepped up to act. prgtoken This week is National Gun Violence Survivors Week, where we honor the lives lost to gun violence and share the stories of those whose lives have been affected. prgtoken This disease does have a cure. We need the Senate to hear our urgency and to act on gun violence legislation now.
NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WEEK
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today in solemn observance of National Gun Violence Survivors Week. prgtoken Colorado is home, and I am proud to represent the communities of Colorado's Sixth Congressional District, communities that have seen the horrors of gun violence firsthand. prgtoken Too many of my constituents bear the scars of gun violence long after their wounds have healed. Some never heal. In honor of their pain, their courage, and their advocacy, we must call on the Senate to pass the commonsense reforms that have already been approved in the House. prgtoken We must act now for Julie from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, who was shot when she was 13. Julie was left paralyzed from the chest down, requiring her to walk with canes and braces for the rest of her life. My heart is with Julie for having the courage to speak out in support of commonsense reforms. prgtoken We must act now for all survivors like Julie and we must act now for those who no longer have a voice.
LOSING LOVED ONE TO GUN VIOLENCE IS WOUND THAT NEVER HEALS
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , like so many of my colleagues, I rise today during National Gun Violence Survivors Week. prgtoken We mark this occasion at the beginning of February because with a gun death rate 10 times greater than other developed nations, more Americans have already been killed with guns in 2020 than are killed in the entire year in our peer countries. We are a Nation suffering an epidemic of gun violence. prgtoken Each year, more than 36,000 Americans are killed in acts of gun violence, and an additional 100,000 are injured by firearms. prgtoken The trauma caused by this violence is not limited to the victims. Losing a loved one to gun violence is a wound that never heals. prgtoken If this were any other epidemic destroying lives on such a great scale, we would have long ago taken action. prgtoken To be fair, in this House, we did act. Nearly a year ago, we passed bipartisan background check legislation, H.R. 8, to close loopholes that allow gun sales to go unchecked. In the Senate, Leader McConnell is blocking a vote and choosing obstruction over saving lives. prgtoken Enough is enough. For all the survivors of gun violence, this week, we demand action.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the PRO Act, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. prgtoken The right to organize in this country has become a fundamental right. It is one of the core pillars of the American middle class. prgtoken Nowhere do we understand that better than in my home area of northeastern Pennsylvania, where we remember that, almost 100 years ago, anthracite coal miners went out on strike to protest unsafe working conditions, children in the mines, terrible wages, and bad conditions generally. They have made fair wages and safe workplaces. They wove them into the fabric of American law. prgtoken This is all because they had the right to organize, and that is what we are here to do. Today, we strengthen and preserve the right to organize through the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Let's vote ``yes'' on it.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WEEK
Wm. Lacy Clay (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of National Gun Violence Survivors Week. prgtoken When gun violence occurs in a community, lives are too often lost, but for survivors, the neighborhoods they know and love are never the same. prgtoken This is especially true when gun violence impacts our young people. Despite the terrible loss of so many young lives in my district last year, I see hope in the messages from their peers. prgtoken I recently heard from some high school students who shared their stories and support for a bill I introduced with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, H.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Act, to empower local communities to address gun violence. prgtoken These students believe we can make changes to heal our communities and prevent future tragedies. I agree and join them in a renewed call to action on behalf of survivors everywhere.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam Chairwoman, recently, members of the United Auto Workers went on strike at General Motors for 40 days. There was no leader who made them do this, and I have never seen a strike, in fact in my life, that was dictated by someone from on high. The workers voted, in that case way over 90 percent, to go on strike. prgtoken When I repeatedly visited picket lines at various workplaces throughout my district in Michigan, I was amazed that a lot of the veteran workers were out there striking; not for themselves. They were striking for workers forced to be temporary workers, and not having full-time status and regularized status for months and years at a time. prgtoken These veteran workers, some of whom had worked there 10, 20, 30 years said it just felt wrong to work side by side doing the same job with someone who was denied the pay and benefits due to workers at that workplace. prgtoken All of this talk about union bosses disgusts me, Madam Chairwoman. Unions are organizations that workers build themselves to advocate for their interests. They are nonprofits. They are not businesses. In an economy where the real bosses are making 300 and 400 times what the regular workers make, that is something that would be an obscenity to the people in the manufacturing sector, to CEOs in the manufacturing sector, decades ago. prgtoken The CEO of General Motors, then the biggest company in the land, made 80 times or 50 times--I forget, something like that--what the workers made, which is nothing like what happens today. Those are the bosses that need to be brought under control. prgtoken The right to strike is basic to our labor relations and it must be preserved. We must pass the PRO Act. prgtoken .
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank Chairman Scott. prgtoken I am a proud supporter of the hardworking men and women of our Nation, and no one does more for American workers than organized labor. Workers standing together and bargaining collectively have been instrumental in building our country and our middle class for more than a century. Unions helped bring tens of millions of good-paying jobs to Americans by working for fair and safe workplaces and better wages and benefits. prgtoken In Chicagoland, we are fortunate to have many labor unions fighting every day to improve the lives of workers and their families. Across my district, thousands display a lawn sign created by Chicago Federation of Labor that reads, ``Proud Union Home.'' prgtoken But, sadly, some are now trying to hinder collective bargaining and undermine the National Labor Relations Act just at a time when workers need greater protection. prgtoken Mr. Chair, today, I urge my colleagues to support American workers, support American prosperity, and vote to pass the PRO Act.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam Chair, I want to be clear that we should be promoting employee free choice. This is not about the election process. prgtoken When we are standing here on the floor, we are talking about the American people and their rights. I stand here representing the city of Detroit, the city that put the country on wheels by strong union workers. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment and a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and .
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise to oppose the amendment and to commend the Chair for including in the PRO Act provisions that will end the free-rider problem caused by so-called right-to-work States. prgtoken Right-to-work provisions undermine the right to unionize because our basic labor law requires a union to represent all those in the bargaining unit, and everyone in the bargaining unit benefits from the union contract. If you tell people you don't have to join, you don't have to pay the union dues, you don't have to pay a fee and you still get all the benefits, then right-to-work is really code for right to free ride. prgtoken The result is that States with so-called right-to-work laws have half the private sector unionization rates as other States. It doesn't just hurt those who are in a union because it hurts every wage earner in the whole State. Average wages decline. That is why average wages in so- called right-to-work States are $8,700 less than they are in other States, but it doesn't just affect that whole State. It drives other States to perhaps adopt so-called right-to-work laws in a race to the bottom as they fight for businesses. It even hurts us in California, where we have to compete with low-wage employers in antiunion States. prgtoken I have been working on this problem for decades. That is why I introduced the Nationwide Right to Unionize Act in the 110th Congress, the 111th Congress, the 112th Congress, the 113th Congress, the 114th Congress, the 115th Congress, and now the 116th Congress each time with dozens of cosponsors. prgtoken Last Congress I was joined by Elizabeth Warren in the Senate where we introduced our bills together. Last week Senator Warren and I each introduced our bills in the House with 30 original cosponsors and the Senate with 16. prgtoken The PRO Act is to be commended because it solves this free-rider problem. We had the State Department testify before my subcommittee of Foreign Affairs that so-called right-to-work laws are a violation of the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights because the right to organize is a human right, and right-to-work laws make a mockery of that right. prgtoken I also rise in opposition to the amendment we are going to be dealing with, No. 10 by Mr. Meadows, which is substantively identical to what we are considering now. The Rules Committee in an effort to be incredibly bipartisan has allowed two substantively identical amendments to be presented to this House. They are both substantively identical. They are both equally reprehensible. prgtoken Defeat this amendment. Pass the bill. End the race to the bottom and raise wages nationwide. A country which even last year saw wages rise just 1 percent more than inflation needs unions. We need the right to organize. Pass the bill.
HONORING PATRICK J. JOLLY
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Patrick J. Jolly for his dedicated service to our community as Napa County Veteran Services Officer. prgtoken Mr. Jolly was born in San Francisco and served in the Navy for twenty years. Following his service, he went on to help fellow veterans as a Veteran Services Officer for Sonoma County, where he stayed for three years. Afterwards, Mr. Jolly became a Napa County Veterans Services Officer, ensuring all veterans, surviving spouses and family members receive access to all benefits to which they are entitled. In this function, he has helped over 5,000 veterans and their families receive millions in benefits, one-time claims, and college fee waivers. Mr. Jolly was also instrumental in bringing a VA healthcare presence to Napa County, and has advocated for veterans throughout his career. After thirteen years of honorable community service, Mr. Jolly is retiring. prgtoken Mr. Jolly has served as President of the California Association of County Veteran Services Officers (CACVSO) as well as CACVSO Parliamentarian. He is also a Certified Veterans Advocates, a member of the American Legion, part of The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has been married to his wife, Kate Jolly, since 1977. He is known for his unique hobbies such as playing the bagpipe and brewing his own beer. A kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable member of our community, Mr. Jolly has served our district and our country for decades. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Jolly is the kind of citizen we should all strive to be. He has dedicated his life to service and to his fellow veterans. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor Patrick J. Jolly here today.