mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-9-29

I rise today to recognize the great work of the Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce. The Georgia Greater Black Chamber has focused on recognizing the integral contributions of Black-owned businesses to the strength of both our State and our Nation's economy during National Black Business Month in Auqust. For 7 straight years, Georgia has been named the No. 1 place in the country in which to do business, and the Georgia Greater Black Chamber has been instrumental in making that possible. prgtoken As I mentioned, August was National Black Business Month, and the Georgia Greater Black Chamber celebrated by honoring an important Georgian: Mr. Herman J. Russell. prgtoken H. J. Russell was the epitome of the American entrepreneur. Despite all the obstacles in his way, he worked hard to achieve his dreams. His business started as a plastering company, and he grew it into one of Atlanta's best real estate developers. Anywhere you look in Atlanta, you will see the incredible landmarks that the H.J. Russell Company has worked on: the Georgia Dome, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and Castleberry Hill. As a business guy myself, I am inspired by all that Herman J. Russell did in his life. Simply put, Atlanta would not be what it is today without H.J. Russell and the H.J. Russell Company. His children carry on this entrepreneurial spirit to this day. I recently had the opportunity to visit with his sons Michael and Jerome. They and their sister Donata Russell Ross are dedicated to continuing Black entrepreneurship. prgtoken Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship--RCIE--with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson. The Russell Center assists African- American entrepreneurs by providing workspace, networking opportunities, and educational resources. In 2019, RCIE converted a 43,000-square-foot corporate headquarters into space for 100 emerging entrepreneurial companies. RCIE is a testament to the efforts of African-American entrepreneurs to uplift each other. prgtoken As the Georgia Greater Black Chamber and other organizations in my State look to support growth in Black business and entrepreneurship, I will continue to work to support them. Through a recent conversation with Dr. David Thomas, president of Morehouse College, I was made aware that approximately 45 percent of the young men who start as freshmen at Morehouse will not graduate. I have appealed to the Georgia business community to support HBCU's and hire their graduates as part of the solution to this problem. I was also proud to work with Congressman David Scott on a scholarship program for the ``1890s'' land grant institutions like Fort Valley State to help ensure they can continue to produce farmers and agri-businesses that are of critical importance to Georgia's economic future. prgtoken African-American entrepreneurship and business ownership accounts for nearly 3 mill
NOMINATION OF AMY CONEY BARRETT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , on Saturday, the American people eagerly awaited President 's announcement of his third Supreme Court nomination, and he did not disappoint. prgtoken Judge Amy Coney Barrett is the embodiment of a fierce constitutional scholar, and her long list of accomplishments is nothing short of impeccable. She is highly regarded by her former students, clerks, and colleagues as a woman who possesses a piercing legal mind, a generous spirit, and a keen intellect. Her dedication to interpreting the Constitution rightfully by adhering to how it was expressly written and her impressive track record serve as the underpinnings of her nomination. prgtoken I look forward to her swift confirmation to the Supreme Court and her continued work serving our great country.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SHIMKUS
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I thank the gentleman very much for yielding. prgtoken I am here tonight to honor Mr. Shimkus. I call him Mr. Shimkus because that is how a junior West Point cadet refers to a senior West Point cadet. prgtoken One of the most insulting things I get here in Washington, people ask me often: ``Were you at West Point with John Shimkus?'' prgtoken I always say: ``Do I look like I could have been at West Point when John Shimkus was there?'' prgtoken We are not that far apart, the Class of '80 and the Class '87. But he is passionate about his country. prgtoken I serve on the NATO committee with him. I am going to tell one quick story. It is really more about passion for his family. prgtoken One year, we were visiting our allies. We were visiting in Holland, and John went on a mission to find some kind of horn. I forget the name of the horn, but it is a Dutch horn. He went to a village. He went to somebody's home. This thing wasn't easy to find, but he said: I have to find it because my wife wants it. My wife always wants a unique musical instrument from some country that I visit. prgtoken It wasn't like, ``I have to get this for my wife.'' He was passionate about getting it. This thing was as big as half of this table, and he had to carry it back. prgtoken When he started telling people why he was doing it, you could just see the passion in his face. He goes: My wife--who is here with us tonight--my wife, she teaches music, and when she teaches this kind of music, this history, she gets these instruments out that I collect. She goes through them, and she teaches the history of the country where this music is from. prgtoken So it is combined. You could see John's passion for history, his wife's passion for music, and his passion for his family. prgtoken Then, finally, he may not remember this, but I was standing with him one of the preopening nights of the Bible Museum, and I remember being with him when he saw Martin Luther's Bible that is there. He just looked at it. I could see him just speechless because of, the great Lutheran that he is, his love of the Word of God and the love of his God. prgtoken It shows a common theme tonight. John is passionate about his country, through West Point and his service to the Army and the NATO committee, and passionate about his family. prgtoken It is just unmistakable. It is just there. It is in his face. His face shows everything he is thinking. When he talks about his wife, you can certainly see it. prgtoken When I was standing there with him, he was passionate about his God. Duty, honor, country is learned at West Point, but country, family, and God, that is so important. prgtoken Thank you, John, for your service. We are going to miss you.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-9-29

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Executive Calendar Nos. 845 through 853, 869, 870, and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force; that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett (Executive Session)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-9-29

I rise today in support of President 's nomination of Indiana's Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken In the coming days, Americans will hear a great deal about Judge Barrett--much of it from people who have never met her, who have never worked with her. As a fellow Hoosier, I have had the privilege of actually getting to know Judge Barrett and her family and to understand the breadth of her intellect and the thoughtful reasoning of her work. My own opinions have been informed by my personal interactions with her and supported by the countless students, clerks, and former colleagues who, despite their very political beliefs, are united in their admiration for Judge Barrett. They will second what I tell you here. prgtoken Amy Coney Barrett's qualifications to fill this seat are beyond question. The character she will demonstrate, once in it, will be exceptional. prgtoken Her career is beyond distinguished. She graduated magna cum laude from Rhodes College and summa cum laude from Notre Dame Law School in South Bend, IN. She was highly decorated while doing both, including Dean's Recognition Award and best exam in numerous courses. prgtoken She held prestigious clerkships for Judge Laurence Silberman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and for the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken She is a respected educator, teaching for nearly two decades at Notre Dame's Law School, where she was named Distinguished Professor of the Year three times. prgtoken In 2017, she was nominated to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. I have to say, I was incredibly pleased by her nomination to the Federal bench, and I was proud to vote for her confirmation. prgtoken I wasn't alone in my esteem for Judge Barrett. During her confirmation process, those students and colleagues--former and current--came forward with words of support and praise by the score. They described her as fair and decent, brilliant and generous. They were struck by her integrity, her impartiality, and her temperament. They spoke of her dedication to teaching students not how to think but how to think for themselves. They recalled the long lines extending outside of her office of those students who sought and were always given advice and mentoring. prgtoken Though they came from different backgrounds and held differing views, they came together as a chorus to say this: Amy Coney Barrett possesses exactly the type of mind and the strength of character America's constitutional system relies on. I agreed then, and I still do. prgtoken Just 3 years ago, I didn't hear a single credible criticism of Judge Barrett based on her legal qualifications. I don't anticipate hearing one now. She will be guided by the law and precedence. She will be faithful to the Constitution. prgtoken As compelling as the testimonies of those who admire her are, it is through her own
HELPING MEDICAID OFFER MATERNITY SERVICES ACT OF 2020
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 4996, the Helping MOMS Act of 2019. I'm proud to have advanced this bipartisan bill through my Health Subcommittee and I'm pleased to support it on the Floor today. prgtoken My thanks to Reps. Kelly, Burgess, Underwood, Rodgers, Pressley, and Carter for introducing the Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act, a bipartisan bill to make it easier for states to expand Medicaid or CHIP coverage for one year postpartum. prgtoken While the uninsured rate among postpartum women has decreased thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many women still lose Medicaid coverage two months after having a baby. prgtoken In Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma, 20 percent of new mothers are uninsured. Lack of coverage keeps women from receiving needed care, including mental health services to detect and treat postpartum depression. prgtoken This bill makes it easier for states to expand coverage by removing administrative red tape and by offering a small financial incentive to states to expand postpartum care. prgtoken I think we should go further and make postpartum coverage a mandatory benefit in the Medicaid program, but I'm pleased we're taking this step today to make it an easy option for states. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.
HONORING IVETTE DOMINGUEZ DRAWE, OWNER AND PRESIDENT OFALPINE BUICK GMC
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Ms. Ivette Dominguez Drawe who will be honored by The Chamber of Northwest Douglas County as a ``Woman Who Soars.'' prgtoken Ms. Dominguez Drawe is an outstanding businesswoman. She is one of just 13 Hispanic female car dealership owners among thousands of General Motors dealerships nationwide. Her first location, opened in Denver in 2007, consistently outperforms any other Buick GMC dealership in Denver. prgtoken In 2017 and 2018, Ivette acquired struggling dealerships in Illinois and quickly turned them into thriving, profitable businesses. She purchased Alpine Buick GMC South in late 2018 and Post Oak Toyota in late 2019. In Summer 2020, she will officially open Alpine Buick GMC's hallmark location in Douglas County, Colorado. prgtoken Ivette currently serves on the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board, on the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Board, and is immediate past chair of GM's Minority Development Dealership Council. She also supports local women and families through her dealership's Alpine Cares program, which grants up to $15,000 per year to organizations such as the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance and is a sponsor of Habitat for Humanity annual builds. Ivette and Alpine Buick GMC are also longtime supporters of Children's Hospital Colorado. prgtoken A tireless volunteer, advocate, and community supporter, I can think of few others more deserving of this honor and I congratulate Ms. Dominguez Drawe for being recognized as a ``Woman Who Soars.''
RECOGNIZING HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Every September patients, caregivers and their families come together throughout the nation in support of the more than 1,000,000 people of all ages living with hydrocephalus in the United States. As co-chair of the Congressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus Caucus, I believe Congress has an important role to play in both raising awareness of this condition, as well as crafting policies that result in better treatments and potentially a cure. I urge my colleagues to join the caucus to learn more about this devastating condition. prgtoken Anyone can develop hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, at any time. This can include premature babies, active duty service members, veterans, and seniors. Individuals can also be born with hydrocephalus, develop it as part of the aging process, or acquire it as a result of infections, brain tumors or traumatic brain injuries, among other causes. The only present treatment for this condition is brain surgery. prgtoken From children to veterans, the prevalence of this condition is reflected in my own district. The physicians and staff at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio perform the brain surgeries necessary to treat many of the one in 770 babies across the country who develop hydrocephalus per year. Nationwide, these cases alone cost the U.S. health care system $2 billion per year. Veterans and active military personnel, such as those stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, are also disproportionally affected. Medical researchers believe that two-thirds of our nation's current and former military service members suffering from moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries are at risk of developing hydrocephalus. prgtoken In the midst of this pandemic, it is now more important than ever to improve the federal government's partnership with the hydrocephalus community. Many individuals with hydrocephalus live with other serious medical comorbidities, putting them at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We must do all we can to help patients, health care professionals and families as they struggle to maintain and improve quality of life during these challenging times. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and the 1 million Americans living with hydrocephalus by joining the Congressional Pediatric and Hydrocephalus Caucus.
TRIBUTE TO MARK GUETHLE
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-29

Mark Guethle probably isn't the sort of person you picture when you hear the word ``feminist.'' Mark is a big guy: 6-foot-1, strong and muscular. It is easy to imagine him as the star linebacker he was in high school. He spent decades as a labor leader in the building trades, one of the toughest, most manhood-driven segments of the American labor movement. But Mark Guethle has worked harder to help good women get prgtoken elected to public office in my State of Illinois than almost any man I know. prgtoken At a time when many Americans feel understandably dismayed about the state of our politics, Mark Guethle has helped to introduce new candidates, new leaders, new ideas, and a cautious new sense of hope in government and hope in the future in Kane County, IL, one of the ``collar counties'' surrounding Chicago. That is what Mark has achieved in nearly 20 years as chairman of the Kane County ic Party. But that is just one part of Mark's story and his busy life. prgtoken In addition, since 2003, Mark has served as a member of his town's council, the North Aurora Village Board of Trustees. On top of all of that, for nearly a quarter century, Mark Guethle has been a union leader with Painters District Council 30, Local Union 97, which covers most of north-central Illinois outside of Chicago. This past month, Mark retired from his union job: director of government affairs for of Painters District Council 30. He leaves with a proud record of achievement. prgtoken Interestingly, he didn't start out to be a labor leader or a painter. At Proviso West High School in Hillside, IL, he was a star athlete in three sports: baseball, basketball, and football. It was his performance as a linebacker that drew the most attention. He was recruited by coaching legend Bo Schembechler to play for one of the best college football teams in the Nation, the University of Michigan Wolverines, but a bad accident during the summer after his high school graduation set his life on a different course. During a robbery at a gas station where he was working, Mark's arm was badly injured by a piece of shattered glass. The University of Michigan said it would wait for Mark's arm to heal but Mark's dad, a union carpenter, suggested that Mark try a different path and join his union. Mark agreed, but the carpenters weren't taking new members at that time. prgtoken Mark's uncle, a union painter, suggested he try the painters union. He was hired as an apprentice at the age of 19. As it turned out, Mark had just the personal qualities that a good painter needs: attention to detail, a tenacious work ethic, and an unusual ability to listen to people and understand what they want. He started as an organizer for District Council 30 in 1997. Five years later, he was hired as the district council's governmental affairs director, the position he held until he retired from the union at the start of this month. prgtoken As a labor leader
HELPING MEDICAID OFFER MATERNITY SERVICES ACT OF 2020
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise to encourage my colleagues to support the Helping MOMS Act. This bipartisan legislation, which I authored together with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would allow States to use their own funds to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms to the entire postpartum period of 1 year, which is the recommendation of medical professionals and experts. Right now, States must seek a waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand postpartum coverage beyond 60 days. prgtoken With Medicaid providing coverage for more than half of new American moms, expanding Medicaid would save lives. Study after study has proven this to be the case. This bill will help correct a hurdle that has existed for too many women. prgtoken Tragically, we know that our Nation's maternal mortality crisis, like so many public health challenges, is taking a disproportionate toll on African-American moms. Black moms die at 2\1/2\ times the rate of White moms. In my home State of Illinois, the disparity grows to six times. It is time for us to give new moms that opportunity to stay healthy by seeing their doctors. prgtoken On top of removing the waiver requirement, this bill also studies the availability of, access to, and success of doulas in providing care to moms before, during, and after birth within the Medicaid program. prgtoken For those unfamiliar with the term, a doula is a trained companion who, while not always a healthcare professional, supports mothers through the pregnancy process. Studies have shown that doulas are a powerful and cost-effective way to improve care delivery and prevent maternal death. prgtoken Before closing, I want to thank my colleagues from Texas and Washington for their leadership and support. Likewise, I would like to thank the more than dozen organizations that endorsed this legislation, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. prgtoken While the Helping MOMS Act is a compromise and not as comprehensive as I had hoped, this is a major step forward that Congress can and should take in a bipartisan way to help save mothers' lives. prgtoken In 2020, starting or growing a family should never cost a woman her life, so I urge a ``yes'' on the Helping MOMS Act. It will help ensure healthy and happy moms, babies, and families across America.
GRID SECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5760, the Grid Security Research and Development Act. prgtoken I first want to thank the chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Ms. Johnson, and the ranking member, Mr. Lucas, for their help in passing the Grid Security R&D bill out of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and bringing it to the floor. prgtoken I also thank my colleague, Congressman Randy Weber from Texas, for joining on as a bipartisan cosponsor. prgtoken , the Grid Security R&D Act supports sustained investment across Federal agencies in research and technology to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threats to our electrical grid. The bill focuses on protecting our grid from two major threats: Cyber and physical. prgtoken Access to reliable power is core to our economy, and the impact of physical threats to our electric grid have never been clearer than now. prgtoken This summer, in my home State of California, the scenario of high winds, combined with lightning strikes and dry ground, have created some of the most dangerous wildfires in our State's history. In addition to burning millions of acres and causing loss of life, these wildfires put a significant part of our region on notice for potential emergency power shutoffs to reduce the risk of new outbreaks and further wildfire damage. prgtoken However, these shutoffs are not as simple as turning off and on a light switch. It takes time to de-energize transmission systems in advance of a severe weather event and to reenergize the system after the threat has passed. prgtoken While safety and preventing wildfires is a high priority, these shutoffs can leave hundreds of thousands of people without power for a few days. Dangerous wildfires, intense periods of drought, and other severe weather events have become increasingly more common in recent years because of climate change and will continue to threaten our grid. prgtoken Furthermore, the inability to protect our grid from these severe weather events becomes more magnified during significant emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Our hospitals and emergency rooms are working around the clock to save lives. They need access to reliable power and the assurance to know that the power will not go out during an important surgery or stop a ventilator from running. prgtoken In addition, food banks and restaurants rely on refrigeration to continue supplying food to those in need and our small businesses cannot reopen if they can't keep the lights on. prgtoken Ensuring access to electricity is critical in times like this. That is why I am proud to lead this bill, which would help strengthen the resiliency of our electric grid against physical threats. Our bill would also provide funding to develop technologies that would toughen our grid against wildfires and other natural disasters by improving early detection of de