mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-11-20

the balance of my time. prgtoken , this amendment undermines the core premise behind the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which is to create 1 million more registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and youth apprenticeship opportunities over the next 5 years. prgtoken Registered apprenticeships are a proven earn-and-learn program. Ninety-four percent of those who complete their apprenticeships are employed upon completion, with an average salary of $70,000. prgtoken This amendment is nothing less than an attack on the successful registered apprenticeship program. It makes deep cuts in funding, which will result in sparse growth of the new registered apprenticeships, while diverting scarce funds to untested, unproven programs run by third parties. Instead, it gives the Secretary of Labor a blank check to implement unregistered apprenticeship programs that are untested and unaccountable. It does this in several ways. prgtoken First, it allows the Secretary of Labor to divert funds to unproven, untested industry-recognized apprenticeship programs, or IRAPs. Unlike registered apprenticeships, there is no evaluation of IRAPs--none. prgtoken When DOL proposed the creation of this untested program, it received over 300,000 comments in opposition. Many of those comments noted that the registered apprenticeship program provides valuable credentials which are nationally recognized. IRAPs provide neither. prgtoken Furthermore, the administration's own apprenticeship expansion task force recommended the DOL only conduct a pilot program for IRAPs to see if they could be effective and accountable. Let's be clear: The administration's own task force did not embrace a full-scale rollout of this untested idea, yet this substitute amendment opens the floodgates. prgtoken do support innovation. An amendment offered by the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas) in the en bloc package allows the Secretary of Labor to fund innovation and apprenticeships. His amendment authorizes demonstration projects governing nontraditional sectors subject to the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships appointed by the Secretary. These projects could even help COVID-19 responses. prgtoken Second, the substitute amendment cuts funding for apprenticeship grants and cuts State apprenticeship formula grants. States have asked for funding certainty so that they can scale up their apprenticeship efforts and have been documented as the engine of success for apprenticeship growth. prgtoken The major reform in this amendment is the fact that there is a 77 percent reduction in funding, resulting in only 219 new apprenticeship opportunities rather than the 1 million new opportunities that the National Apprenticeship Act provides. prgtoken We all agree that apprenticeships are the pathway to the middle class, so why would we want to eliminate the rungs of opportunity for hundreds of th
IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Joseph P. Kennedy III (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-11-20

just this year alone, 37 beautiful transgender or gender nonconforming people in this country have been murdered. prgtoken This abhorrent, unacceptable violence must end. prgtoken On this International Transgender Day of Remembrance I would like to take this moment to read the names and to honor their memories: Dustin Parker, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Yampi Mendez Arocho, Scottlyn DeVore, Monika Diamond, Lexi, Johanna Metzger, Serena Angelique Velazquez Ramos, Layla Pelaez Sanchez, Penelope Diaz Ramirez, Nina Pop, Helle Jae O'Regan, Tony McDade, Dominique ``Rem'mie'' Fells, Riah Milton, Jayne Thompson, Selena Reyes-Hernandez, Brian ``Egypt'' Powers, Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Bree Black, Summer Taylor, Marilyn Cazares, Dior H Ova, Queasha Hardy, Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, Lea Rayshon Daye, Kee Sam, Aerrion Burnett, Mia Green, Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, Felycya , Brooklyn Deshuna, Sara Blackwood, Angel Unique, Yuni Carey.
HONORING ARCHBISHOP ABUNE MELKETSEDEK
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor His Eminence Archbishop Abune Melketsedek and his remarkable life committed to faith, knowledge, and compassion. With his passing at the age of 97, he leaves behind a legacy of undeniable virtue and resolve. prgtoken Born in Megenta Kusquan in the province of Gondar, Ethiopia, Archbishop Melketsedek was identified at an early age as a prodigious student of the Church. At the age of 11, he was appointed to the diaconate at Debre Tabor Mehanealem, assuming the position of deacon for all the churches he visited. With a gift for scripture and unwavering devotion, he worked his way up through the Church, eventually becoming a close friend of Emperor Haile Selassie I and a trusted member of his cabinet. In 1959, the Emperor appointed the Archbishop to Director of Religious Affairs and tasked him with shaping a new clergy based on merit and integrity. He capitalized on his role, while also using his influence to support charitable organizations that established schools in Addis Ababa and rural parts of Ethiopia. prgtoken In 1973, tragedy struck the Archbishop when the militant Derg Regime overthrew the Emperor and imprisoned and executed many of his cabinet and close associates. During the upheaval, the Archbishop was thrown in jail for over eight years. Amid this painful chapter, he remained resolute, spending his time as a counselor and spiritual guide for his fellow inmates who remember him as, ``a gift from God and father of consolation.'' Upon his release, His Eminence could not stand to see the destruction of his country and the debasement of his Church and began actively speaking out against the Derg regime which led to his exile from Ethiopia. prgtoken The Archbishop found a new home in Berkeley, California where he continued his work as General Secretary of The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church. From the United States he flew all over the world to support and unite the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Archbishop Abune Melketsedek is a credit to the State of California and history will remember him as a good-hearted man with an unflinching commitment to his cause.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-11-20

I rise today in strong support of my colleague Congresswoman Titus' amendment to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which I cosponsored. prgtoken Our travel and tourism industry employs nearly 16 million workers across our nation. In my home state of Hawaii, tourism is our main economic pillar, with one out of five workers statewide employed within this industry. prgtoken I have literally hundreds of thousands of constituents and their families who are dependent on travel and tourism fear for their future due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of tourists arriving in Hawaii each day has dropped over 97 percent compared to a year ago. COVID-19 has devastated Hawaii's economy and threatened the livelihoods of countless individuals, forcing all into uncertainty and too many into unemployment and worse. prgtoken This bipartisan amendment will ensure these families and millions of their fellow workers and families across the country are not left behind by adding hospitality and tourism to the list of non-traditional apprenticeship industries eligible for the 21st Century Grants in the Modernizing the National Apprenticeship System. The amendment supports our workers and businesses in the hospitality industry at a time of great need, and it invests in this critical sector of our economy to help ensure a clearer path to recovery. prgtoken I am proud to support Congresswoman Titus' amendment, and I remain committed to finding and pursuing opportunities that will help the travel and tourism industry swiftly recover from the impacts of this pandemic. prgtoken Mahalo.
TRIBUTE TO TROOPER CALEB STARR
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-11-20

today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor and remember Trooper Caleb Starr of the Michigan State Police. prgtoken A son of the city of Mason, Trooper Starr fulfilled his lifelong dream when he joined the force in 2018. For those who served alongside him, he was an exemplary officer. prgtoken On the evening of July 10, while Trooper Starr was responding to a call, a drunk driver swerved into his lane, colliding with his patrol car head-on. prgtoken Trooper Starr battled in the hospital for 3 weeks before passing away due to his injuries. He was just 33 years old. prgtoken The impact he had cannot be fully described in these remarks, but it can be seen in his funeral procession, which included 100 vehicles from 15 different law enforcement agencies and three fire departments. It can be found in the close-knit community of first responders who showed up to his funeral, honoring him with shirts that read ``Starr Strong.'' prgtoken Lastly, it can be found in the outpouring of love and support from his wife, Rachael, and his two daughters, Evelyn and Rosalie. prgtoken Service to your country is the greatest love letter you can send. We all owe a debt of graduate to Trooper Caleb Starr, and it is my privilege to deliver these remarks so that he may live on in the Record of the people's House.
HONORING JACKSON HEIGHTS JEWISH CENTER CENTENNIAL
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-11-20

I rise today to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights by sharing some of their rich history in New York's 14th Congressional District. prgtoken The center was founded as the Queens Independent Society in 1920 when a few Jewish families looked for a safe space to congregate in Jackson prgtoken Heights. The center was first called the Queens Independent Society because the term ``Jewish'' was not permitted at the time. prgtoken The original building itself was based in Woodside, an adjacent neighborhood to Jackson Heights, because at the time Jews were not welcome in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights. However, in 1928, the center was able to rename itself the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, and in the 1950s, they officially moved their brick and mortar into the neighborhood where they are housed today. prgtoken Today, the center is known in the community as an inclusive and accepting space, hosting a number of diverse community events throughout the year, as well as housing our beloved Queens Center for Gay Seniors. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights. prgtoken Thank you for your ongoing service to our community.
PRESERVING PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-11-20

I rise today to speak to all of our Federal employees. prgtoken Thank you for the dignity you have shown during the last 4 years. For every Alexander Vindman who was forced into the public spotlight, there are thousands more quiet patriots behind him, and we are grateful. But we also need your help. prgtoken Congress is still waiting to receive thousands of documents from the administration. Multiple White House officials have been communicating through undocumented, nonofficial channels. Many more are still blocking the release of information that directly pertains to their work for the United States Government, and that is illegal. prgtoken Why this administration is afraid of transparency is tomorrow's question. But today, every Federal agency must preserve those documents. The Presidential Records Act of 1978 and the Federal Records Act of 1950 exist to ensure that no President enters office with our adversaries knowing more about the prior 4 years than they do. prgtoken We need your vigilance over the next 61 days to ensure those laws are honored. prgtoken When elected officials failed us, we could still count on you. Now, once more into the breach, dear friends, once more.
MILLIONS NEED OUR HELP
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-11-20

COVID cases in my district are doubling, tripling, or worse. From the D.C. suburbs to the rural areas, no part is immune. prgtoken What is it going to take to burst the bubble our Senate colleagues are living in and wake them up to reality? Because in this reality, 12 million Americans are going to lose their unemployment benefits next month if we don't act. In this reality, tens of thousands of small businesses are on track to close their doors for good by the end of the winter. prgtoken If our Senate colleagues continue to sit on their hands and continue to do nothing, then on top of a public health crisis and an economic crisis, we are also going to have a homelessness crisis as eviction and foreclosure moratoriums expire. prgtoken , I am urging leaders of both parties in both Chambers of Congress to come together, and let's vote prgtoken on something we can agree on. Let's extend the deadline for CARES Act funds to be used by States and localities. Let's continue the eviction moratorium, student loan relief, and unemployment benefits that have been a lifeline for millions of workers. prgtoken Let's do the work our constituents sent us here to do and help the American families and small businesses who are hurting. We owe it to the millions of people who need our help.
IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR RYAN T. REILLY
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Major Ryan T. Reilly for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow and Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management prgtoken and Comptroller). Major Reilly is transitioning from his present assignment to continue his service to our nation and America's Army. prgtoken A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Major Reilly was commissioned from West Virginia University's ROTC Program as an Adjutant General Officer. He completed his undergraduate studies at Waynesburg University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Major Reilly also has a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. prgtoken Major Reilly has served in a broad range of assignments during his Army career. He served as the Battalion Personnel Officer (S-1) for the 3rd Battalion 27th Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He then transitioned to the Brigade Personnel Strength Manager for the 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. prgtoken Upon completion of this assignment, he attended and completed the Adjutant General Captains Career Course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After completion of this course and completion of Airborne School, Major Reilly was assigned as Battalion Personnel Officer for the 1st Battalion 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following this assignment, Major Reilly became the Personnel Strength Manager for the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon completion of this job, Major Reilly was selected to serve as a Basic Officer Leader Course Instructor for the Adjutant General Corps located at the United States Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Major Reilly was then selected for the Army's Office of the Congressional Legislative Liaison's Fellowship Program. prgtoken In 2018, as an Army Congressional Fellow, I had the privilege of working with Major Reilly in my office for a year and my office, and I have worked closely with him during his subsequent assignment as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. prgtoken Major Reilly worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget positions to the Appropriations Committees. His professionalism, diligence, and commitment to the mission are unmatched, and his work both as a fellow and as a liaison enabled him to successfully represent the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense to the United States Congress. prgtoken The foundation of Ryan's military success is his family. Raised in Pittsburgh by Jim and Karen Reilly as one of two children, particular values were established early as paramount: service, sacrifice, hard work, and compassion. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Sara, and a committed father to his son, Jackson,
PHILADELPHIANS NEED MORE COVID RELIEF NOW
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , my constituents in Philadelphia need more COVID relief now. Many of them are worried or scared, but the Senate is still focused on confirming more judges. prgtoken The House passed the Heroes Act, which gives us more of what we need, an extension of the $600 of weekly unemployment subsidy, not more judges; prgtoken Urgent relief for small businesses like restaurants, not more judges; prgtoken Emergency rental assistance and protection from eviction or foreclosure, not more judges; prgtoken Help for airline workers, not more judges; prgtoken Funding, testing, tracing, treatment to crush the virus and reopen safely, not more judges. prgtoken I urge the Senate to pass the Heroes Act now.
HONORING CAMERON GRABER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing a dedicated and community- minded young man from Treynor as this week's Iowan of the Week. Cameron Graber, a current student at the University of Iowa, was recently honored with the 2020 Spirit of the Relay Award from the American Cancer Society for the Iowa/Nebraska Area. prgtoken October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an important time to remember the work we still have ahead of us to defeat this disease. According to the ACS, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The Spirit of the Relay Award recognizes people who have gone above and beyond to help the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACS has worked tirelessly to conduct research, educate, and provide support for all who have been, or may be touched by cancer. Since he was four years old, Cameron has volunteered with the American Cancer Society. His mother, Amy, inspired him and took him to his first Relay for Life at that young age. She's been an encouraging force for Cameron to continue volunteering within his community ever since. That first event set Cameron on a path to make a difference through volunteering with the American Cancer Society. As a young man, he has worked as a Team Captain and helped oversee and coordinate many aspects of publicity and marketing for Relay for Life and other fundraisers that bring in critical donations at ACS. Cameron has also carried his dedication to the cause with him while attending the University of Iowa. He is currently the Co-Chair of the National Campus Leadership Team that helps coordinate strategy and direction to the collegiate and high school fundraising programs across the country. He's a leader in the fight for millions of people in Iowa and across the globe who will be diagnosed. prgtoken Cameron's dedication to volunteering and supporting the ACS is another example of the hard work, selflessness, and fortitude of Iowans. Growing up in a small, rural community like Treynor helped to shape Cameron's work ethic and his continued dedication to the American Cancer Society's cause has instilled in him the importance of helping others. It will be exciting to see how this young man continues to grow through his college education and beyond. prgtoken I am proud to recognize Cameron for his devotion to supporting his community and causes that make a meaningful, local impact. I am even prouder knowing there are so many young people across southwest Iowa who are investing in their communities with this same passion and spirit. It is my honor to share Cameron Graber's story and recognize him as our Iowan of the Week.
MALCOLM NELSON
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Malcolm Nelson for his work as the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program and to congratulate him on his retirement. prgtoken Since his appointment in 2006, Nelson has dedicated his career to helping former nuclear weapons workers navigate a complex claims process. During his time as Ombudsman, Nelson served with compassion and an unparalleled understanding of the law. He consistently served as a resource to claimants about the adjudication process and listened to their concerns in order to make recommendations to improve the program. prgtoken Accessibility was an important part of Nelson's role as the Ombudsman. He often traveled to claimants, attended outreach town halls, and even held his own town halls in more remote areas like Canyon City, Colorado to make sure all claimants were being reached. Former Rocky Flats workers in my district were well served by Nelson. He was even nominated for the Service to America Medals by the Alliance of Nuclear Worker Advocacy Groups in 2018. prgtoken During his over 40-year tenure in government, Nelson also served as general counsel and as acting administrative appeals judge for DOL's Benefits Review Board, where he assisted with the appeals process under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. prgtoken While I will miss Malcolm Nelson as he leaves this important post, I wish him luck in his retirement and I thank him for his many years of service to our nuclear weapons workers across this country.