mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-2

over the weekend, cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in New York, Rhode Island, and Florida. Officials in Washington State have also reported that now six Americans have died from the coronavirus--the first fatalities in the United States. prgtoken At this critical moment, we need an administration that acts with persistent and unrelenting transparency and decisiveness, and that leans on the expertise of our scientists and doctors. But this administration, unfortunately, has spent years hollowing out the domestic and global health security teams in the executive branch. It has proposed cutting funding from the infectious disease rapid response fund, the emerging infectious disease account, and public health preparedness and response programs. Undoubtedly, the administration would have been better prepared to respond to the coronavirus if the President had prioritized these programs rather than urged them to be cut. prgtoken The administration's early response efforts have not instilled much confidence either. Testing kits were not promptly sent to the hospitals and medical labs around the country, political personnel have overruled the recommendations of the CDC, and the administration was slow to appoint any single official with public health expertise to coordinate our government's response. prgtoken Even now, President seems to be spending more of his time blaming the media and blaming the than being constructive. In fact, he blames everyone not named . The President is downplaying--he is downplaying--the threat of the coronavirus to a dangerous degree, and his Chief of Staff, amazingly, said to Americans: ``Turn off your televisions.'' prgtoken We know the history of how these viruses spread and work. When you deny them, when you don't let people know what is happening and what to do about it, things get worse. Yet the President, being as self- centered as he is, only cares about himself and his image. As usual, instead of solving the prgtoken problem, he tries to blame somebody else. prgtoken The deflection and finger-pointing and denial must stop. President must take responsibility to ensure that everyone in the public health community has the authority and the resources needed. We need the President and his team to level with the American people and get a handle on the situation. prgtoken Later this week, appropriators will put together an emergency supplemental package to surge resources into the domestic and global response and to help local communities quickly prepare for the coronavirus. I have said that we need about $8.5 billion, and, from all reports, the appropriators are very close to that number, rather than the $2.5 billion the President talked about early on. That is good because when it comes to Americans' health, when it comes to our safety, and when it comes to dealing with this problem head-on, skimping doesn't make any sen
FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES FOR SERVICEMEMBERS ACT
Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2020-3-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would like to thank Representative Dean for her leadership on H.R. 5003 and the relief that it will provide to our servicemembers. prgtoken At a full Financial Services Committee hearing in September of last year, we heard testimony about the harmful impact of predatory debt collection practices, including negative impacts on the servicemembers protecting our country. prgtoken We know this impact is significant, given that two out of every five servicemember complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are about predatory debt collection practices. prgtoken Some of the complaints include inappropriate threats of punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, threats to the rank and security clearance of the servicemember, and even reports of debt collectors inappropriately contacting the commanding officer of the debt holder. prgtoken It is a disgrace that people serving in the military are being threatened and intimidated when they are serving our country. The impact of these abusive collection practices is severe, as servicemembers have reported increased stress and hardship as a result of predatory debt collectors. prgtoken These unfair and unnecessary practices against people putting their lives on the line for this country must end, which is why the National Military Family Association; Veterans Education Success; and Retired Army Colonel Paul Kantwill, the former CFPB Assistant Director for Servicemember Affairs, all support the bill. prgtoken and s agree that Congress should put a halt to these abusive practices, and this bill does just that. prgtoken , thanks to the work of my colleagues, Representative Dean, Chairwoman Waters, Ranking Member McHenry, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle from the Financial Services and the House Armed Services Committees, we were able to collaborate on the issues and pass this bill out of our committee with unanimous support in November of last year. prgtoken , .
TRIBUTE TO HOWARD SNYDER
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Howard Snyder the founder and long-time Executive Director of the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For nearly 40 years, Howard has been a critical ally for economic development in some of Milwaukee's most disadvantaged areas and this year will be stepping down from his role. prgtoken Howard began his career as a community organizer for the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center advocating for housing on Milwaukee's Northwest Side. After serving for six years, Howard saw the communities dire need for economic development and founded the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC) in 1983. His vision for NWSCDC was an organization that could help lead the transformation of the Northwest Side of Milwaukee into a preferred destination for business and residents. prgtoken Under Howard's leadership, the NWSCDC has served the development needs of Milwaukee's low-income communities by assisting the expansion of industries and small businesses. Since the year 2000 alone, the NWSCDC has lent over $10 million to several major projects for its constituency. As a result, economic growth has continued to spur, creating new jobs, markets, and services for these communities. One of these notable projects included the redevelopment of the Villard Avenue Library on Villard with 47 housing units for ``grand families'', grandparents serving as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. prgtoken Today NWSCDC is one of the oldest and most dynamic community development corporations, serving as a model for the rest of the country. It has been a catalyst for change in our city; rehabbing properties and lending funds to new businesses. In a community that is still recovering from the effects of deindustrialization, this organization has given our community hope for a grander future. prgtoken Words cannot express how grateful we are to have a leader like Howard in our community. His heart has always been set on improving the lives of the community he serves. The compassion and ongoing success of NWSCDC reflects the kindness and leadership he has provided to the Greater Milwaukee community. prgtoken While he may be entering a new chapter of his life, I know that his work and dedication will not end. Madam , Howard Snyder has made Milwaukee and the 4th Congressional District, a better place and I salute him for his love and service to its residents.
COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAKU AND SUMGAIT POGROMS
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise today to help commemorate the Baku and Sumgait Pogroms and to reaffirm that the U.S. stands on the side of democracy and peace--and that means standing with the Armenian people. prgtoken Thirty years ago, as the lines of the Soviet Union were fading, the people of Artsakh were united and voted for greater independence from Azerbaijan. But this peaceful movement for self-determination was followed by premeditated and government-sponsored attacks. Over the next two years, the Armenian population of Artsakh was repeatedly victim to brutal and racially motivated pogroms. Hundreds were murdered, and thousands were displaced; not only in Baku, but in places like Sumgait and Kirovabad as well. prgtoken These pogroms were a direct assault on the right of self- determination in Artsakh. And it is an assault that is continuing today. I know, because I have recently returned from my first ever trip to Armenia and Artsakh. prgtoken Since being elected and getting to know the Armenian community myself, I have wanted to visit Armenia. And this visit was so much more than I could have imagined. I was able to meet both the Prime Minister and the President, have incredible dialogues with the new parliament of Armenia, and take in the beautiful country. prgtoken But I also knew that while I was there, I had to visit Artsakh. Prior to my trip, my office was visited by the consulate of Azerbaijan. They prgtoken told me not to go, that it was too violent, and that there would be consequences. But I knew I had to go, and I had to see for myself. prgtoken Not only was it not a war-torn area, as Azerbaijan would have you believe, but Artsakh was beautiful and charming. And I was able to see and feel the national pride that was there. Azerbaijan may not want to recognize Artsakh, but all you have to do is walk around and talk to the people there and you will know. The Armenian people are alive and thriving in Artsakh. prgtoken But something else I saw while I was there was the lingering damage caused by Azerbaijan's war on Artsakh. Land mines still make so much land unusable, threatening the lives of farmers, children, or people just out for a walk. And Azerbaijan's military still threatens the peace along the border. That is why, last year, I introduced and secured House passage of a pro-peace amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. This common-sense amendment urged all parties to agree on the non-deployment of snipers, heavy arms, and new weapons; the deployment of additional OSCE monitors, and; the placement of gunfire-locators along the line-of-contact. But sadly, despite overwhelming support in this House, the Senate caved to pressure from Azerbaijan and stripped this amendment. prgtoken And now, in another gift to Azerbaijan, the State Department seems ready to end funding for demining. This is unacceptable. I was privileged to visit the HALO Trust in Artsakh, which leads the demining work there, and I
HONORING RUTHIE MAE RANSOM MORRIS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Ruthie Mae Ransom Morris. prgtoken Ruthie Mae Ransom Morris was born on October 24, 1942 in Leland, Mississippi, to Henry Parker Ransom, Sr. and Blanche Johnson Ransom. She was the sixth of their ten (10) children. prgtoken Ruthie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of her uncle, Reverend Clarence Johnson, who was the Founder and Senior Pastor of the Shady Grove South Missionary Baptist Church (SGSMBC) in Greenville, Mississippi. During her years at SGSMBC, Ruthie sang in the Senior Choir, typed and printed the Church bulletins, organized special events, and served as a trusted confidant and adviser to Reverend Clarence Johnson as well as to his successor, Pastor Solomon B. Miller. Following Pastor Miller's departure from SGSMBC, Ruthie continued to serve under Pastor Gregory C. Lance, Sr who, like Pastor Miller, not only became the Senior Pastor of SGSMBC, but was also ``a spiritual son'' to Ruthie. prgtoken In 1997, Ruthie joined Agape Storge Christian Center (ASCC) under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Paul Williams, who was a lifelong family friend and former member of SGSMBC. prgtoken During her years at ASCC, Ruthie served as a Greeter before answering God's call for her to become an ordained minister. In 2011, Ruthie obtained her Minister's License after graduating from the ASCC School of Ministry. She faithfully served on the Ministry Team until her health began to fail in April of 2019. prgtoken Ruthie was educated in the Bolivar County Public Schools in Rosedale, Mississippi and in the Greenville Public Schools where she graduated from Coleman High School in the Class of 1960. She also attended Alcorn A&M College in Lorman, Mississippi where she first majored in Early Elementary Education. However, after her first day of practice teaching with a classroom full of young children, Ruthie quickly realized that she was in the wrong field and changed her major to Business Administration. She was the first of her siblings to both graduate from high school and attend college. prgtoken After leaving Alcorn A&M College, Ruthie returned home to Greenville where she worked as a Secretary in the Greenville Public Schools at T.L. Weston High School and E.E. Bass Jr. High School before starting her banking career as a Teller. Throughout her career in banking, she worked at various banks including Commercial National Bank, Trustmark Bank, and Sunburst Bank, which later became Union Planters Bank before eventually becoming present day Regions Bank. prgtoken Ruthie's natural gift for accurately and speedily counting money; her excellent people skills; and her strong work ethic led to her meteoric rise in every bank where she worked. Not only was she chosen to train numerous Tellers who came after her, but she eventually became the first African-American Branch Manager of a bank in Greenville, Mississippi. prgtoken After re
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-3-2

everybody has a story. Actually, everybody has a journey, when you think of life. Some are heartbreaking, but some are uplifting, and some are hopeful. Tomorrow night, during senior night, the University of Vermont men's basketball team is going to celebrate one story that is all of these things: heartbreaking, uplifting, and hopeful. They will celebrate that when senior Josh Speidel takes the court for the first time--and what will be the only time--in his college career. prgtoken Josh is a native of Columbus, IN. He dreamed from a very young age of playing college basketball. At Columbus North High School in Indiana, Josh was the basketball team's all-time lead prgtoken point scorer and an Indiana All-Star. In November of 2014, just before his senior basketball season, he committed to play for the University of Vermont, and he accepted a scholarship at the university to play for the team. prgtoken Here is the heartbreaking part. Just a few months later, in February of 2015, Josh's dream was derailed when he suffered a traumatic brain injury, resulting from a devastating car crash. Josh would go on to spend the next 4 months in the hospital and in rehab. But just a few days after the accident, the University of Vermont's head coach, John Becker, went to Indiana and visited Josh there with a simple message for him: You are still welcome at UVM. Your scholarship will be honored, and we will help you in any way we can. That is, after all, the Vermont way. prgtoken Josh would ultimately arrive at UVM in August of 2016. While he hasn't suited up with the team, he has worked with trainers; he has improved his physical condition; and he has remained active on the court. What is so inspiring, his team was at his side throughout. He has been a constant fixture of the team, on the sidelines at games, cheering his teammates on. I have been at games and have seen him doing that. prgtoken Off the court, Josh has been working toward a degree through the College of Education. He is choosing a self-designed major to prepare him to work with children through sports, with a double minor in behavior change and coaching. prgtoken He has been a committed student throughout his time at UVM. He is set to graduate this May. After graduation, Josh hopes to use both his life experience and his education to work with children. prgtoken Tomorrow night, the University of Vermont men's basketball team will celebrate senior night. In a special arrangement with their opponent, Albany, Josh, wearing number 32, will suit up, take the court, and notch the night's first basket after the tip-off. prgtoken I so wish I could be there because when Josh steps off the court, it will surely be to the standing ovation of this young man--the personification of perseverance, determination, dedication, and hope he so richly deserves. I know my fellow Vermonters who are at these games, and I know there will be very few dry eyes in the house. <
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-2

. Madam , I rise in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters and the 60th anniversary of the Miami-Dade County chapter. prgtoken Founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, the League of Women Voters has never wavered in its fundamental belief that all citizens should make their voices heard not only at the ballot box but also through continuous participation in every aspect of civic life. This organization is comprised of more than 700 state and local chapters dedicated to protecting voting rights and empowering voters to advocate for themselves and their communities. prgtoken The League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County has helped shape our community for six decades. This chapter supports a variety of issues, from ensuring adequate funding for our county library system, to fostering environmental resilience, to expanding early voting sites to the campuses of our public universities and colleges. prgtoken Miami-Dade County is richer and fuller thanks to the efforts of the League of Women Voters, and I am grateful for their advocacy and commitment to our shared community.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-2

I applaud the work of Senator Murkowski, who is perhaps uniquely qualified here to find ways of doing bipartisan work. I applaud her for her efforts on this bill and other things. Housing prgtoken , for too many people, hard work isn't paying off. Even people with supposedly middle-class jobs don't feel stable. Wages are flat, the cost of everything is up: healthcare, childcare, college, prescription drugs, and especially housing. When you love this country, you fight for the people who make it work. You fight for dignity of work, but you can't talk about dignity of work without tackling the biggest item in most family's budget: housing. prgtoken Dignity of work means living with dignity, whether you write a rent check or pay a mortgage, whether you are saving for a down payment or just looking for a safe place to lay down your head at night, whether you live in a city or a suburb, in Hamilton County where my colleague, Senator Portman, who is in the Chamber, lives, in Richland County, where I grew up, a medium-sized city or a rural community. prgtoken Fundamentally, we all pretty much want the same thing: a place that is safe in a community where we care about, where we can get to work and our children have a chance to have a good school with room for our family, whether that is three kids, an aging parent, or beloved pet--in our case, our dogs Franklin and Walter. You should get to define what home looks like for you. You should be able to find it. You should be able to afford it without crippling stress every single month when the rent check is due or when your mortgage payment is due. prgtoken People feel like that is out of reach, even when they work hard and do everything right. Right now, a quarter of renters, one out of four renters, spend more than half their income on housing. Think of that. One out of four renters pay more than half of their income on housing. If one thing goes wrong in their life--their car breaks down, their child gets sick, they get laid off from work for 1 week, they need to repair the roof--one thing goes wrong and their life turns upside down. Seven out of the ten fastest growing jobs in this country don't pay enough for a two-bedroom apartment. We know housing is central to every aspect of family's lives. prgtoken Matthew Desmond is the author of ``Evicted,'' a book I have spoken about on this floor in the past and to people all over my State and around the country. Matthew Desmond's book is ``Evicted.'' I asked him to come in. I bought his book and brought in a number of Senators to listen to him. When inscribing his book, he wrote: ``Home equals life.'' If you don't have a decent, safe, clean, affordable place to live, your life is so often turned upside down. The housing crisis affects different families in different ways, but it touches pretty much everyone. prgtoken A safe, stable home is the foundation for op
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT S. FRASER
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-2

I rise to celebrate Robert S. Fraser's retirement from the Federal Government after 50 years of faithful service to our country. prgtoken Mr. Fraser traveled for over 40 years with the U.S. Air Force, both as a dependent and serving on active duty. He attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1973 and received the Outstanding Cadet in Engineering Sciences. In 1993, he retired as a major in the U.S. Air Force and began a distinguished career at the National Security Agency, where he received multiple achievements and awards. Throughout his career, Mr. Fraser has had a selfless dedication to duty and professionalism.