mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF PIH HEALTH DOWNEY HOSPITAL
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I rise today to recognize PIH Health Downey Hospital on its upcoming 100th anniversary. On September 14, 2020, the hospital will proudly celebrate and reflect on the 100 years of service and care that its facilities and its staff have provided. Through the years, the hospital has been a cornerstone of the Downey community, caring for generations of local residents. prgtoken From its beginnings as Virginia Hospital in 1920, with six beds and two doctors in rooms on the second floor of a former hotel on what is now Downey Avenue, this hospital's history has been eventful and full of advances. Within two years of its opening, an explosion in the city made the hospital's value clear and showed the need for larger facilities. Two years later, a new 15-bed hospital opened on East 5th Street. prgtoken In the 1930s, a group of five physicians purchased the hospital and renamed it Downey Community Hospital (DCH). Growth before and after World War II added operating rooms, modern X-ray equipment, maternity and obstetrics wards, and an emergency department with round-the-clock care. By 1956, the same year the city of Downey became incorporated, DCH reorganized as a nonprofit hospital with 49 beds. prgtoken In the mid-1960s, construction began on a new 152-bed facility at the current location on Brookshire Avenue. The day after this facility opened in 1969, eight surgeries were performed. Within a week, the hospital was full. prgtoken Over the subsequent decades, DCH continued to grow its facilities, resources, and services to meet the health care needs of the growing community. In 1999, Downey Community Hospital became Downey Regional Medical Center (DRMC), a total health care system that included a 199- bed hospital and DRMC Insurance Services. Downey Regional Medical Plaza opened in 2003. prgtoken In 2013, a Management Services Agreement signed between DRMC and PIH Health created an opportunity for greater collaboration between the two mission-based nonprofit organizations. Downey Regional Medical Center, with the approval of the California Attorney General's office, became part of the PIH Health family as PIH Health Hospital--Downey on October 1, 2013. The hospital was renamed PIH Health Downey Hospital in 2019. This new partnership has been crucial to meeting Southern Californians' expanding health care needs. prgtoken Over the last century, PIH Health Downey Hospital has changed and evolved, but it has always been driven by a mission to provide the best care for its patients and our communities and making enhancements and updates to achieve this goal. It is now the second hospital of a vastly growing health system that services more than three million people. prgtoken As PIH Health Downey Hospital looks to the future, the hospital and its staff remain committed to honoring a legacy of healing and hope. By prioritizing the needs of its patients and dedicating itself to meeting their needs and expectations for
SARAH KEYS EVANS PLAZA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I rise to recognize the profound contributions of North Carolina's own, Sarah Keys Evans, a civil rights pioneer in the fight against racial segregation, and to celebrate the unveiling of the Sarah Keys Evans Plaza in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The unveiling Ceremony for the plaza will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2020; at the M.L. King Community Park. prgtoken Before the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott that followed, there was Sarah Keys Evans. Her refusal to give up her seat on an interstate charter bus prompted the landmark court case, Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company, in which the Interstate Commerce Commission outlawed the segregation of Black passengers in buses traveling across state lines. prgtoken On August 1, 1952, Women's Army Corps, Private Sarah Keys, boarded a bus in Trenton, New Jersey for her first home visit to North Carolina since joining the military. The bus she boarded would take her directly to her North Carolina destination without any required bus changes. prgtoken Once the bus reached Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, a new driver took over the bus and as was custom, went through the bus and re- checked tickets. When he came to Ms. Keys, he told her to give up her seat to a white Marine who boarded the bus in Roanoke Rapids and move to the back of the bus. Tired from her long journey, Sarah refused. prgtoken Frustrated with her persistence, the bus driver announced that all passengers would be moving to a different bus, but the woman who refused to change her seat, referring to Ms. Keys, would not be allowed to board the new bus and would not be allowed to continue the trip. prgtoken Shortly thereafter, two police officers arrived at the bus terminal, took Sarah by the arms into a patrol car and drove her to the Roanoke Rapids police station. Because she refused to be subjected to unjust discrimination and prejudice, she was forced to stay in jail overnight and was fined before her release. Once Sarah arrived home and informed her family of the injustice she endured, her father encouraged her to seek legal action. prgtoken The NAACP referred the family to attorney Dovey Johnson Roundtree, who brought her case before the Interstate Commerce Commission. After battling initial rejection by an examiner and various barriers, three years later, the case was settled in 1955. In Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company, the ICC ruled in favor of Keys Evans. In their decision, the Commission found the Interstate Commerce Act forbids segregation as the practice subjects passengers to ``unjust discrimination, and undue and unreasonable prejudice and disadvantage, in violation of Section 216(d) of the Interstate Commerce Act and is therefore unlawful.'' prgtoken The fight for civil rights in America is a story heavy laden with unsung heroes and hidden figures who paved the way to progress. I am glad to know, that through the creation of the Sarah Keys Evans
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-31

I am pleased to offer this amendment, which specifies that $30 million dollars already provided within NASA's Science Mission Directorate should be set aside for NASA to procure dedicated small launch services for its small satellite missions. prgtoken This amendment builds off report language included in the FY21 Commerce, Justice, Science bill that directs NASA to work with industry to procure tailored launch services for small satellite science missions. It does not increase spending or transfer money from other line items. prgtoken I would like to thank my colleagues, Rep. Steven Palazzo and Darren Soto, for their leadership and support on this amendment. prgtoken Small satellites are playing a big role in our country's space efforts. They are low-cost, easy to produce, and capably achieve a range of missions--including climate and weather monitoring and communications links that connect the world. They support our nation's soldiers in theater, provide hands-on research and learning opportunities for students across the country, and augment our deep space exploration. To support these satellite missions, a market has developed where companies building and operating small rockets to provide what is called ``dedicated launch''--taking these satellites where they need to be, when they need to be there. prgtoken Long Beach, California, in my district, is home to several of these small launch companies. Together, they employ over a thousand individuals in high-skill, high-wage jobs. They are the future of our industrial ingenuity, technological leadership, and inspiration for the next generation to pursue STEM and aerospace careers. prgtoken Dedicated small launch will maximize NASA's returns on small satellite science missions by lowering costs, increasing launch opportunities, and taking these satellites exactly where they need to be. I am pleased to offer and support this amendment, which will build off the momentum the Appropriations Committee has established to enable greater science, research, and education using small satellites and small launch. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to also support this amendment, and our country's continued leadership in aerospace.
FIREFIGHTER EXCESS PERSONAL PROPERTY IN H.R. 6395, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I am pleased that my amendment to assess the Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) implementation and best practices was included in final passage of H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021. prgtoken I would also like to include in the Record a letter of support for my amendment from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). prgtoken The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment like hoses, trucks, and aircraft and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. As the National Volunteer Fire Council notes, ``many of the fire departments that take advantage of FFP and FEPP are located in rural areas that have relatively small tax bases and therefore lack the resources to afford new specialized equipment and vehicles to respond to wildland fires and other unique vulnerabilities in the communities that they serve.'' prgtoken The FFP and FEPP programs currently offer excess equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. As the nation is facing increasing threats of extreme fire events, states are not acquiring equipment in an equitable manner. This is due to a multitude of factors. My amendment requests an assessment of FFP and FEPP implementation and best practices, taking into account community need and risk, including whether a community is an at-risk community. prgtoken It additionally requires consultation with state implementers and program recipients which will allow us to understand how these programs are operating on-the-ground, and more importantly, how we can improve access for volunteer and small fire and emergency service providers in rural communities. prgtoken I am thankful to have the National Volunteer Fire Council's support for this amendment. I want to emphasize their request that the agencies carrying out the assessment required by this amendment ``establish a process for volunteer fire departments and state and national organizations representing the interests of volunteer fire departments to provide input into the assessment as part of consulting with `participants in the programs.' '' prgtoken As the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act moves to conference, I ask that my colleagues work to include this important amendment in the final bill. National Volunteer Fire Council, Greenbelt, MD, July 22, 2020. Hon. Kim Schrier, MD, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Schrier: On behalf of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), which represents the interests of the nation's volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services, I am writing regarding your amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 directing the Department of Defense (DoD), acti
IN MEMORY OF MR. JOE LENHARD
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Joe Lenhard of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and recognize his lifetime of service in his community and to our nation. Mr. Lenhard passed away on July 17, 2020. prgtoken Born on June 18, 1929 outside of Detroit, Mr. Lenhard graduated from East Detroit High School in 1947 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He came to Oak Ridge in 1957 for summer training and stayed in the city for the rest of his life. prgtoken Mr. Lenhard served at the U.S. Department of Energy for 32-years, from 1957 to 1982 and for the last 15-years of his employment, he was responsible for all research and development activities within Oak Ridge Operations. During his career with the DOE, Mr. Lenhard received numerous federal awards for his work at the Department's Oak Ridge Operations. After his retirement in 1989 with 35-years of federal service, he was an active member of the local community serving as the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce president in 1992 and chair of the East- Tennessee Economic Council in 1993 and 1994. He also in 1994, helped to found CROET which helps to find ways to reuse former federal assets such as property and equipment. prgtoken Beyond his service to Oak Ridge, Mr. Lenhard was a generous benefactor to the University of Tennessee and Roane State Community College, and often shared his memories and history of Oak Ridge with local reporters and members of the community. prgtoken Joe Lenhard was a great patriot and a dedicated servant to his nation and community. East-Tennessee and the City of Oak Ridge have lost a great man, and I am honored to join with countless others to remember and honor a true American patriot.
HONORING BUSINESSES AMID COVID-19
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-7-31

I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). I thank him for his service to this body, and I thank him for his friendship. He has been an institution here in Congress. He has been a good neighbor. prgtoken He has made a difference not just in southern Illinois, but in the United States of America, and I want him to know how much I appreciate his mentoring, his friendship, the work we have done together to help benefit the Ohio River-Mississippi River region of America. prgtoken , I will say that he has left big shoes to fill. I congratulate him on his upcoming retirement, and I appreciate everything that he has done for me, for our colleagues, and for the United States of America. Mysterious Seeds in the United States
HONORING BUSINESSES AMID COVID-19
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-7-31

and next-door neighbor from Kentucky for yielding to me. prgtoken , the legislative director, together with the legislative staff, advises congressmen on legislative issues. This position assists in the development of policy positions and legislative initiatives and assists in managing the office's legislative staff. prgtoken Restated in my language, the nuts and bolts of everything legislative goes through the legislative director. prgtoken , I have been blessed with seven legislative directors. All of them are truly professional. All of them I would like to thank today. Many of them spent many years with me. A couple held the job long enough for a cup of coffee. All have moved on to bigger and better things. prgtoken Cheryl Crate, originally from Oklahoma, was my first legislative director. She helped set up my office and got it running smoothly. prgtoken Dan Blankenburg is from Downers Grove, Illinois. He has a starring role in ``Mr. Shimkus Goes to Washington,'' as we were talking about U.S. military involvement in the Balkans. prgtoken Morna Willens is from St. Charles, Illinois. She moved up to legislative director from her telecom legislative assistant position. With that move, she was enticed to work downtown, and is still a D.C. operative. prgtoken Ray Fitzgerald moved to my office from the Science Committee. Ray was from Chicago and a rabid White Sox fan. Ray was with me for many years, which we both considered successful, but Ray got married and wanted to go back home. Unfortunately, Ray was struck with cancer and died at the young age of 37. He left behind his wife, Kristin, and daughters, Nora, Maggie, and Lucy. They will always be part of Team Shimkus. prgtoken What could be another one for the record books is two legislative directors who served in the same office getting married. No one would ever guess me to be a cupid, but the proof is in the pudding. Their friendship and courting were never really news to me, but over the years, their strong marriage has become a sense of pride. prgtoken Mo Zilly-Tracy is from Aurora, Illinois--and how do you say this tactfully--was the boss to Ryan, my then legislative assistant for Agriculture and Energy. Once she left the legislative director position, Ryan accepted it. Then they got married, and moved to Ryan's hometown in Monticello, Illinois, and are raising their two daughters, Vivian and Alice. prgtoken Greta Joynes is from Sugar Grove, Illinois. A tough, no-nonsense legislative director. I once called her my kraken that I would unleash. How did I ever come up with that? Now a D.C. operative, she is still a tough public policy operative. prgtoken All but one of my LDs were from Illinois. What a great credit to the State, but I am from southern Illinois, so it has been with great pride to have a local boy from my neck of the woods as my legislative director the last couple of years. prgtoken Brian Looser is from an area between Staunt
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LIDIA TUBIELLO
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-7-31

I rise today to celebrate the recent 100th birthday of longtime Bucks County, Pennsylvania, resident, Lidia Tubiello. prgtoken A resident of Nockamixon, Lidia has consistently been a role model, showing all of us that hard work and serving others is the calling that we all have. prgtoken A bona fide Rosie the Riveter, Lidia answered the call during World War II and began work as a welder in western Pennsylvania, where she helped assemble transport vessels. The ships that Lidia worked on played a critical role in the invasion of Normandy. prgtoken Lidia's husband, Frank, was drafted to the United States Army. Once the war was over, Lidia and Frank set up their permanent residence in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The couple welcomed seven loving children: Frank, Ralph, Sam, Paul, Laurie, Lisette, and Loretta. prgtoken As their children grew and they had their own families, the large Italian-American family came together for traditional Italian meals during frequent Sunday dinners. prgtoken , we are all extremely fortunate to have Lidia in our community. Her hard work and service are something that we should honor.
CONGRATULATING DR. JOSE ARCE
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-7-31

I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jose Arce. He is poised to make history for being the first person from Puerto Rico to be elected to the post of the American Veterinary Medical Association as president. prgtoken Dr. Arce was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He is a 1997 graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Arce returned to Puerto Rico and now is president and co-owner of Miramar Animal Hospital in San Juan, where he practices with his wife, Dr. Anik Puig, who also is a veterinarian. prgtoken Jose has been an active member in the field of veterinary medicine, holding many positions in its leadership, from adviser to the board of directors of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. prgtoken The AVMA is fortunate to have such a passionate advocate representative of the profession. His election to the president of the AVMA will inspire people from all backgrounds and heritage and show that if you are willing to dream and dream big, and you are willing to work, those dreams come true. That, and he, are the essence of the American Dream.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT, 2021
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-7-31

I rise in opposition to the appropriations bill before us today. The bill we are debating is as partisan a bill as I have seen in my years on the appropriations committee. Not only does the package spend billions over the current bipartisan budget agreement, the bill also contains many policy items that have no place in an appropriations bill. prgtoken Despite ongoing negotiations for a new coronavirus relief package this bill adds another 24 billion dollars in coronavirus relief funding . . . this is in addition to the 3 trillion in supplemental funds that were passed in May and adding more funding beyond what was outlined in the Senate's HEALS Act. prgtoken This may seem like a worthy cause if we knew the bills were going to be signed by the President in the coming days, but that's not the case. Instead, we are sitting here wasting time and energy inserting these provisions that guarantee the bill will never be signed into law as is. prgtoken This bill contains seriously dangerous provisions that place our men and women in uniform in harm's way by repealing the AUMF's that guide our counterterrorism operations, it ties the president's hands with regard to Iran, and undercuts America's dominance of space and our ability to counter nations like China who want to gain supremacy there. Further, it eliminates several long-standing, bipartisan Second Amendment protections while also defunding the police and targeting law enforcement through overreaching regulations. prgtoken The amendments that have been made in order by the rule undercut our military leadership even further by making exemptions to policies put in place to preserve good order and discipline, turning our military into a social experiment instead of maintaining our readiness and capability as the world's preeminent fighting force. prgtoken Despite the inclusion of South Mississippi's priorities in this bill, such as ship and boat building in Pascagoula and Gulfport, rocket propulsion testing for Stennis Space Center, and many other coastal priorities, this bill fails to deliver what's necessary. prgtoken At a time where America is suffering, the country is in turmoil, and we are working to regain our footing as the world's top economy, this bill does more harm than good. prgtoken I urge a no vote on the legislation.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-7-31

. Madam , I was not present the week of July 27-31, 2020 on account of supporting my son's continuing recovery. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 167; NAY on Roll Call No. 168; NAY on Roll Call No. 169; YEA on Roll Call No. 170; NAY on Roll Call No. 171; NAY on Roll Call No. 172; NAY on Roll Call No. 173; NAY on Roll Call No. 174; NAY on Roll Call No. 175; YEA on Roll Call No. 176; YEA on Roll Call No. 177; and NAY on Roll Call No. 178.