mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-5-18

each year, I look forward to National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to honor the more than 440,000 children and youth in foster care nationwide. It is also an opportunity to honor the foster and kinship families and child welfare workers who support them. prgtoken This year, in particular, the importance of supporting the children, youth, families and skilled workers in the foster care system has been underscored by the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that Congress not only honor those who give and receive care as part of this system, but also those who take meaningful action to protect families, children, youth, and workers from the spread of the virus. prgtoken In my home State of Oregon, more than 11,000 children and youth enter foster care in a given year, and about 7,900 children and youth are living in out-of-home placements on any given day. Oregon provides transition services to about 1,350 young adults, but many continue to struggle to find work, go to college, or complete technical training. The COVID-19 virus has hit these older youth particularly hard. prgtoken As we consider actions to help the nation weather this pandemic, I would like to recognize a nonprofit organization in my State that represents a critical part of the response to COVID-19 for children and youth in the foster care system and those who have aged out of the system without finding a home to call their own. FosterClub is based in a beautiful town on the Oregon coast, Seaside. FosterClub is marking its 20th anniversary working to improve the lives of children and youth in foster care by connecting them to resources, teaching them how to become self advocates, and helping elevate their lived experiences and voices to members of Congress. By doing so, they are able to inform positive changes in our federal foster care system. prgtoken And that is what this month is about: honoring the strength of those currently in and those who have exited the foster care system. It is about listening to their experiences and their needs. prgtoken Over the years, I have been proud to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to craft and get across the finish line legislation to strengthen and improve the foster care policies in Oregon and around the country. Not too long ago, then-Chairman Orrin Hatch and I were able to come together and pass into law the landmark Family First Prevention Services Act, commonly known as Family First. prgtoken Family First was Children Defense Fund Founder Marion Wright Edelman's vision for a better Federal prgtoken foster care system focused on helping families stay together. This bipartisan legislation transformed the child welfare system to provide parents the help they need to prevent the trauma that occurs when children and youth are removed unnecessarily from their homes and placed in foster care. I remain committed to responding to the needs of children and youth
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-18

now, for the third week in a row, the majority in the Senate has no COVID-related business on the agenda. For the third week in a row, Leader McConnell has scheduled zero votes on legislation having to do with the crisis. prgtoken Senate have had to relentlessly pressure our colleagues to secure even the most routine oversight hearings on the pandemic. If we had not pressured them, I doubt there would be any hearings at all, and they are few and far between. The hearings will be the only work we will have done in the Senate on COVID-19 in the entire month of May, and the majority has had to be pressured into doing even those. There are now more than 35 million Americans out of work through no fault of their own. Almost 1.5 million Americans are sick, and nearly 90,000 have died. Yet Senate s have decided to take the month off from the coronavirus. prgtoken The American people may be wondering: What is the -led Senate doing instead of addressing this urgent national crisis? What could be more pressing? What is the Senate doing in the midst of the crisis? prgtoken Well, Leader McConnell has scheduled five rightwing judges for the floor of the Senate, and the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee will be holding a hearing designed to slander the family of the President's political opponent. Is the chairman of Homeland Security calling in FEMA to find out if our hospitals have enough PPE? No. He wants to echo Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories in order to go on a fishing expedition to smear 's son. prgtoken We all know this is what the President focuses on instead of the COVID crisis, but must our colleagues gamely follow such an absurd, diversionary, and untruthful agenda? I guess so. It is a shame. prgtoken Even more shameful, the company that the Senator from Wisconsin wants to issue a subpoena for is voluntarily cooperating and providing relevant documents to the committee. Did you hear that? They want to make a big show of subpoenaing, but the company says it will cooperate. It is a show. It is a sham. It has nothing to do with COVID and everything to do with Kremlin-backed rumors that they want to use to divert attention from the President's poor showing on COVID. The subpoena is just for show. It is not necessary because the company will cooperate. It is a way to kick up dirt for exclusively partisan purposes. prgtoken It would be bad enough if they were doing this when COVID-19 wasn't raging, but with COVID-19 raging, to spend time doing this instead of focusing on the way to get relief to people--unbelievable. It is a low point for that committee, a low point for the Senate. prgtoken This is what is on the Senate s' agenda in the midst of historic unemployment and a national crisis: five rightwing judges and the exploitation--a show, mock hearing for partisan mudslinging.
Klamath Area Drought (Executive Session)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-5-18

at this moment, Americans everywhere are confronting unprecedented challenges and uncertainties as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and the associated economic implosion. prgtoken That is not all that is going on across the country. Although some of the challenges we face are quite severe, they are just getting drowned out by the daily news about the pandemic. But imagine being a family farmer in the midst of this crisis. You have already faced any number of challenges in recent years--low commodity prices, tariff wars--only to face the greatest health and economic disaster any of us have experienced in our lifetime. Then, when you thought nothing else could go wrong, something else does go wrong. You have to face a severe drought. Twelve hundred farms in the Klamath Basin in Oregon and California don't have to imagine this situation because they are living through it as we speak. prgtoken The Klamath Basin is sometimes referred to as the ``Western Everglades,'' an area rich with agricultural resources and exceptional populations of wildlife. This basin attracts 80 percent of the Pacific Flyway's waterfowl and supports the largest overwintering population of bald eagles anywhere in the lower 48 States and is home to some of the country's most productive salmon river systems in the country. prgtoken It is also home to 1,200 family-owned farms of different sizes, encompassing some 200,000 acres of farmland. That farmland is irrigated with water from both the tributaries of the Klamath River and Klamath Lake. Those who are familiar with the basin will know that the water is essential to the health of the river, the health of the lake, the wildlife in the refuge, and the economic success of the ranchers and farmers. prgtoken In many years, there is enough water to address all of these needs, but in other years, such as this year, 2020, there isn't enough water to go around. So when there is a dry year with less water in the lake and river, it is bad for everyone--bad for the refuge, the river, the lake, and it is a horrific challenge for our ranchers and for our farmers. prgtoken This year, 2020, isn't just a dry year; it is ``as difficult a year as anyone could have imagined,'' according to Jeff Nettleton, Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Basin area office. prgtoken As Governor Kate Brown put it back in March, ``Drought conditions arrived early and have persisted, including reduced snowpack, precipitation, and minimal streamflow.'' In other words, this is a perfect storm of challenges. prgtoken The Governor went on to say that ``the long-term forecast for the region continues for warmer than normal temperatures and lower than normal precipitation.'' There has been nothing in the 2 months since she said that which has reversed that course. prgtoken As of last Friday, the snowpack in the Klamath region, the natural reservoir that replenishes the lakes and streams
INDIA IS VOCAL FOR LOCAL
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-5-19

. Madam , I was grateful to read in The Wall Street Journal (May 13) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a nationally televised speech pledged to boost economic self- sufficiency amid the Wuhan Virus pandemic. prgtoken With 1.3 billion people locked down since March 25th the country has suffered historic job losses as nonessential industries have been completely shut down. Prime Minister Modi is inspiring the people of India with the slogan ``Lets be vocal for local''. prgtoken America is fortunate to have such an incredible leader of the Indo- Pacific. I was present firsthand several years ago with Ambassador Nikki Haley to welcome the Prime Minister to the Center Ring of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Last year I was present at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi for the Prime Minister's Independence Day address, and later in Houston with President for the Howdy Modi event with over 50,000 attending in the largest welcoming celebration for a foreign head of state in the history of the United States. prgtoken I am confident with the obvious warm relationship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President that the families of India and America will prevail over the Wuhan Virus. prgtoken Now more than ever India, the world's largest democracy will partner with America, the world's oldest democracy for mutual prosperity of creating jobs. With the dedicated leadership of President Kavee Kumar of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce there can be a replication of one of capitalism's most phenomenal successes. Indian Americans develop over half the hotels, motels, and hospitality centers across America with the leadership of AAHOA led by President Cecil Staton and Vice President Chirag Shah.
RECOGNIZING STAFF AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-5-19

. Madam , today, I recognize the staff at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System that volunteered to help their sister facility in Louisiana: Erin Pitchford, Diana Tran, Latoya Johnson, Tonya Filbert, Teri Kennedy, Vickie Mabry, Ellen Shollmier, Linda Tate, Joe Wood, Nicholas Asman, and Michelle Freck. prgtoken In April, three teams of Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetics traveled to New Orleans to support the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System. prgtoken These 11 front-line heroes provided support to their sister VA facility during the initial surge of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The staff provided direct patient care in critical areas of the facility, including medical and surgical units. prgtoken The purpose of this united effort was to ensure the well-being of our veterans who have served our country. prgtoken We thank the nurses who are deployed, all those who stepped in to fill their shoes back home, and CAVHS for their compassion, clinical expertise, and their commitment to serving our veterans.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE THOMAS P. TIFFANY TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-5-19

. Madam , one of the few things that deans do around here, aside from using our institutional memory, is to ask unanimous consent that people who are elected in special elections from their State be permitted to take the oath of office. prgtoken Today it is my great honor and, indeed, a privilege, to ask that Tom Tiffany be able to take the oath of office, and to join the list of fewer than 11,000 people that have been honored by their constituents to serve in this House. prgtoken Tom spent a lot of his life being a successful small businessman. He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2008, and 2 years later was elected to the first of two terms in the Wisconsin Senate. He has been a very strong and vocal proponent of the interests of people in northern and western Wisconsin, and he will continue to do so on the national stage. prgtoken Madam , it is now my honor to yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany).
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. WILLIAM GATES
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-5-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. William Gates, a pillar of his community and a shining example of the brilliant minds that ensure the greatness of our state. A talented urologist, leader in his field, artist, and philanthropist, the people of Mississippi will certainly feel the loss of Dr. Gates. prgtoken Dr. Gates knew from a young age of his ambition to become a doctor. In high school, he was mentored by a local urologist. Dr. Gates was never short of talents and interests. He played the piano, guitar, and saxophone while being an active sportsman. He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and continued to be engaged with the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Vanderbilt University and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. After completing his residencies, Dr. Gates served our country in the Alabama National Guard as a flight surgeon. He consistently invested in the Columbus and Starkville medical community and retired in 2005 after 36 years in private practice. He was awarded numerous titles both for his medical and civic leadership. prgtoken Dr. Gates epitomizes an enduring commitment to the health and livelihood of his community. I truly admire Dr. Gates's philanthropic efforts as well as his contributions to the practice of medicine in Mississippi. He will be missed as a friend, father, and husband, but his impact on Mississippi is immeasurable.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE MIKE GARCIA TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-5-19

. Madam , in the last 230 years, dating back to the founding of our Republic, fewer than 11,000 Americans have had the privilege to stand here as a Member of Congress. prgtoken Today it is my honor to welcome one of the newest, Mike Garcia. As a veteran, a businessman, a family man, and a first-generation American, Mike has shown a driven-approach to everything he has taken. prgtoken If you ever want a definition of America, look to Mike's life. First generation, many like our fathers, mothers, grandparents, wanted something better for their children so they came to America. Mike dreamed, at age six, that one day maybe he could become a Navy fighter pilot. He knew it would not be easy, so he strived, applied himself, and was nominated to the Naval Academy from this body itself. prgtoken Not only did he excel, he graduated in the top 3 percent, becoming a fighter pilot, something many of us always look to the skies to dream and wonder what it takes to become one. As he became a fighter pilot, his Nation called upon him to defend our freedoms, those that we uphold, that he just raised his hand to defend the Constitution a few short moments ago. He excelled at that because he believes in service. prgtoken After his service into the Navy he worked as a businessman. He has a beautiful family, Rebecca, sons Preston, who is with us on the floor, and his son Jett, up with his wife Rebecca, and his brother, and sister-in-law. prgtoken George Washington once said: ``Remember that it is the actions and not the commission that makes an officer, and that there is more expected from him than the title.'' Washington was speaking about being a military officer. But his advice perfectly describes what it means to be a Member of Congress. We are a small group with a big responsibility, to represent the voice of the people in Washington. Ultimately, it is our actions, not our titles, that matter. prgtoken Mike's feat today is not something people just assumed. Yes, you have to run. Yes, you have to unite people. But he did something that people on my side of the aisle have not done in more than 22 years. He did it in a manner where an election was bigger than most people had thought, and they had to run these races in a time of a crisis in America that they held the elections to be different. prgtoken He changed the course in a few short times. If there is one person that I believe can unite this body, unite this Nation, it is a man whose life actually defines America. Family comes here, the dreams of a life better for their children. prgtoken He strives and excels in public education to get nominated by the United States House of Representatives and his own congressman to go to the Naval Academy. He excels at the academy to become a jet fighter pilot and defends our Nation in a time of need. And one more time his Nation called upon him to serve, he rose to the occasion, and unbelievable obstacles that many did not believe he could a
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-19

President Eisenhower once said: ``Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you're a thousand miles [away] from the corn field.'' Those are wise words from a wise man. prgtoken If you are trying to get a view of what is happening across America, you certainly can't get a comprehensive picture staying here in Washington, DC, or even listening to the national media. That is why, whether working on a farm bill, a highway bill, or a coronavirus recovery bill, I look to my constituents for feedback. I know we all do the same. prgtoken Since we first learned that evacuees from China would be headed to Joint Base San Antonio for a 14-day quarantine, I have been in close contact with the folks in Texas--starting in San Antonio--about the coronavirus. I have joined dozens, if not 100 or more, videoconferences with groups covering every industry that have shared honest perspectives about how things are going, what is working, and what more is needed from Congress. prgtoken I have spoken with nurses and hospital administrators about the need for additional PPE to protect our healthcare heroes. I have spoken with researchers and scientists, even as recently as today, about the ongoing quest to develop vaccines and treatments and, of course, with farmers and ranchers and producers about their struggle to cope with a glut of supply and reduced demand. prgtoken I have spoken with small business owners about the impact of this virus on their businesses, their workforce, and their communities. Their feedback has been invaluable to the work of the Senate as we continue our mission to lead America through and eventually out of this crisis. prgtoken As States across the country begin to reopen their economies, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little bit brighter, but there is still a whole lot of work that needs to be done. Yesterday, I spoke with some of my friends at Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the Texas Civil Justice League, and a number of other business stakeholders about the critical need for liability protection in our next piece of coronavirus legislation. prgtoken We are already seeing that, across America, there is a wave of COVID- 19-related lawsuits rolling in. Without action on our part, there is genuine fear that these lawsuits could hurt the very people we need to be helping right now get through this weakened economy. prgtoken One of the Texans on the call talked about the vast challenges our healthcare workers have faced over the last several weeks. As hospital beds began filling up, the strain on healthcare workers became a serious problem. prgtoken Many States loosened restrictions to allow out-of-State or retired physicians to join the fight on the frontlines, and countless healthcare workers are being cross-trained or redeployed to help fill personnel shortages. You may see pediatricians caring for adults or anesthesiologists working in the ICU. prgtoken On top of t
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-5-19

reserving the right to object, let me state the resolution referred to by my friend from Illinois is comfortably residing in the Foreign Relations Committee at the present time and is subject to the regular order of Congress and of the committee. prgtoken There is almost nothing that the Senator said that I disagree with, although from time to time I do disagree with my good friend and colleague from Illinois. prgtoken I think that this is a matter of most consequence to the United States of America today, and certainly the pursuit of a vaccine and/or a cure are of utmost importance. I think that the process by which we go through that is incredibly important. prgtoken Like the Senator from Illinois, I am a huge fan of the NIH and, for that matter, the CDC, which do great things for the public health system in not only America but in the world. They are vastly underappreciated. They are much like the electric switch in our rooms. Every morning, we get up and turn on the electricity and everything is fine, and we just take it for granted and don't even think about it. That is true of the NIH and the CDC. They do good work regardless of whether we are thinking about it. prgtoken In America, we have something more than just a government effort when it comes to public health. We have this great machine called the free market and free enterprise system that incentivizes Americans, through the private sector, to do great and glorious things. prgtoken Indeed, while my good friend from Illinois was bragging on the efforts by other countries to pursue the kinds of things that are needed, within the last 24 hours we have had a very important announcement from part of our private sector, which is making great strides in this regard. prgtoken I think it is important that we do accept that there are various ways that we can and should pursue the vaccine and the cure for this horrible scourge. This matter is a lot deeper than that. It is the intent of our committee to hold hearings and develop very comprehensive legislation regarding how we pursue this in the future. What has just recently happened to us is of great interest to all of us but not nearly as important as what is going to happen to us in the future. prgtoken There are parts of S. Res. 579, if not the vast majority of it, that I hope will be included when we get to what, hopefully, will be a comprehensive piece of bipartisan legislation to address this. Some of the whereases I am not too red-hot about, but as far as the resolutions are concerned, certainly, they state things that there would be unanimity, I think, in agreement. prgtoken Where are we going with this? What my friend from Illinois has raised is a very small facet--an important facet but a small facet--of what we are going to do, what is the intent of our committee to do, going forward in what I think will be a bipartisan fashion. Again, like I said, I hope we are able to include the