mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VOTE EXPLANATION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-5-12

I wish to state for the record that, though the difficulties of traveling across the country in the midst of the current coronavirus pandemic made it impossible for me to present in the Capitol to vote on the nomination Brian D. Montgomery, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, I would have voted `nay' had I been present. prgtoken Few things create a stronger foundation for a thriving, successful families than affordable housing. Study after study has shown that children who grow up in a stable home do better in school and are more successful over the course of their lives. Stable affordable housing builds strong neighborhoods and communities because the members of that community are invested in its success. For generations of Americans, homeownership has been a driving force behind the building of a strong middle class, helping families build wealth through the equity generated through homeownership. prgtoken As the son of a union mechanic, I experienced this throughout my own life. My father's wages were enough to afford a modest ranch home in a blue collar Oregon community. And because of that house and that community, I was given all kinds of opportunities. I was allowed to explore my interests, whether it was taking machines apart and putting them back together again in my dad's garage or exploring the great outdoors as a Boy Scout. I was able to receive a good public education and go on to be the first in my family to graduate from college. prgtoken But far too many Americans don't have those same opportunities today. That is because the goal of affordable housing, whether buying a house or renting a decent apartment, is out of reach for too many working and middle-class families and falling further prgtoken out of reach with every day that passes. Prior to this pandemic, we saw rents and home prices rising twice as fast as worker's incomes. Today, the cost of a typical single-family home is four times greater than the median household income. prgtoken We need a Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development who will make it a priority to reverse the trajectory that we have been on and to actually make housing more affordable in America. This position is responsible for management of all day-to-day operations within HUD, including roughly 7,700 employees. They oversee a budget of approximately $50 billion that funds a number of programs meant to provide quality, affordable housing for lower income Americans, provides rental assistance for low-income families, and distributes grants to states and communities for various housing-related purposes and also enforces the Fair Housing Act. prgtoken Brian Montgomery is not the person for the job. prgtoken In his current role as the FHA Commissioner, Mr. Montgomery has supported policies from the administration that would increase the cost of FHA loans and include risk-based pricing, continuing to make homeown
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IN THE OSCE REGION
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to emphasize the urgency of global press freedom, particularly across the 57-nation region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Earlier last week, we celebrated World Press Freedom Day, a day originally proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 to celebrate the fundamental principle of a free and independent press. On this day and beyond, we honor journalists and media professionals for their tireless service in reporting the truth, sometimes at the risk of their own personal safety. World Press Freedom Day serves as an important reminder to governments around the world to respect their country's commitment to press freedom. prgtoken The U.S. Helsinki Commission, of which I am Chairman, is charged with monitoring compliance with human rights and security commitments in the OSCE region. Freedom of the press is a foundational commitment to human rights and democracy. Unfortunately, however, some leaders view the media as a threat and seek to silence individuals and outlets through financial, legal, and physical means. What these leaders truly fear is that journalists will expose corruption, human rights violations, abuses of power, and other undemocratic behavior. prgtoken According to the latest reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists, 250 journalists are imprisoned worldwide for their work, 64 journalists are missing, and 1,369 journalists have been killed since 1992. Additionally, Reporters Without Borders' 2020 World Press Freedom Index found that global press freedom has deteriorated by 12 percent since 2013. prgtoken Madam , I also rise to applaud the undaunted service of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem De sir. His leadership as an independent monitor for these issues among OSCE participating States has offered candid review of our collective challenges, while demonstrating the importance of OSCE institutions. Mr. De sir's team has provided impeccable service to help nations implement their international commitments to this end through country visits and legislative review, as well as hosting expert conferences. I encourage my colleagues to closely follow his work and to learn more about his mandate by reviewing the proceedings of the U.S. Helsinki Commission hearing I chaired with Mr. De sir on July 25, 2019, addressing ``State of Media Freedom in the OSCE Region.'' prgtoken Madam , amid this global pandemic, it is more important than ever that journalists and media professionals are able to work freely and without retribution. Unfortunately, too many journalists remain in jail throughout the OSCE region, while states like Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary criminalize providing essential information and transparency about the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent media continues to be assaulted under the pretense of punishing allegedly false, misleading, or unofficial information. This is unacceptab
KERRY GLENN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Kerry Glenn, who after 30 years in the Adams 12 School District, is retiring. Kerry's dedication to STEM education in the Adams 12 School District and in the City of Northglenn has made a significant impact on students which will last for years to come. prgtoken In 1984, Kerry graduated from Northglenn High School and received his bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1989. In 1990, he started teaching math at his alma mater, Northglenn High School. He continued to advance his own learning, and in 2003, he earned a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver. From 2003 to 2012, Kerry was the instructional leader of the math department at Northglenn High School. In addition to teaching all levels of mathematics, Kerry also taught Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering classes from 2010 to 2012. These positions reflect his talent for bringing people together and fostering and strengthening collaboration in education--all with a smile on his face. prgtoken In addition to his teaching career, Kerry has provided countless hours and resources to his community by serving on local and state boards and commissions including District STEM Coordination, CTE DAG team, City of Northglenn Business Recognition, City of Northglenn Branding, Adams County Business Pitch Committee, Adams County Education Consortium, Adams County Manufacturers Youth Pipeline, Colorado P TECH, as well as Board President of Anythink Libraries. He also cofounded STEMinspired. In 2012 as STEM Coordinator, Kerry used the K-8 Adams 12 STEM Model to design and implement the curriculum in grades 9 through 12. In 2016, Kerry became the District P TECH/STEM Coordinator. prgtoken Through both the STEM and the P TECH programs in Adams 12, Kerry has created hundreds of industry partners that work side by side with students, helping to improve outcomes for students and the surrounding community. I congratulate Kerry on a lifetime of service and wish him all the best in retirement.
USA FREEDOM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2020
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-5-13

reserving the right to object, I appreciate the comments and I respect the opinion of my colleague from Louisiana. prgtoken The coronavirus pandemic is a significant and life-altering time in our Nation. Our country and our economy will never be the same. This is absolutely a challenging time for every level of government. prgtoken We continue to work together to try and help the small businesses and individuals that are hurting and to get our economy back open as soon as possible. prgtoken This crisis was unprecedented, and Congress took bold action to stem the spread of the virus and save our economy. But if we are not careful, Congress will create another, equally devastating crisis down the road--a crisis of our own making. prgtoken Our national debt and deficits--already at sustainable levels--have skyrocketed as Congress has spent almost $3 trillion to address this crisis. At some point, we need to start thinking about the impact this spending will have on our country's financial future and the future of our children and our grandchildren. prgtoken As I mentioned during my remarks last week, I appreciate the spirit of my colleague's proposal and understand his desire to help his State. I know he cares as deeply for Louisiana as I do about Florida. I want to help States too, which is why I support maintaining the existing restrictions tied to the Coronavirus Relief Fund that were included in the CARES Act. While imperfect, the Coronavirus Relief Fund makes sure spending is for coronavirus response. prgtoken Regardless of whether we are removing the existing guardrails or talking about completely new funding, both actions would result in a blank-check bailout for States. prgtoken Let's remember that we are talking about $150 billion. To put that in perspective, the median income per capita in Florida is about $30,000, and $150 billion will pay the total annual income for more than 5 million Floridians. prgtoken Let's talk about who we are bailing out. It is not those on unemployment. prgtoken We took care of them in the CARES Act. It is not our teachers. We took care of them in the CARES Act. It is not our healthcare workers. We took care of them in the CARES Act. We are bailing out liberal politicians who cannot live within their means, and now we are asking Floridians to pay for the incompetency of Governors like Andrew Cuomo. prgtoken We can't give hard-earned taxpayer money to poorly managed States that are going to turn around and spend it on their liberal priorities and to backfill their budget shortfalls and solve their longstanding fiscal problems. prgtoken States like California, Illinois, and New York have big budgets, high taxes, and tons of debt because they refused to make the hard choices and live within their means. They know they cannot tax their citizens more. So now they have their hands out to the Federal taxpayers to rescue them. But that is not fair to citizens of States like F
USA FREEDOM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2020
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-5-13

over the last few weeks and months, Iowans from every corner and county of our State have faced unforeseen challenges and hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken In trying times like these, the American people have always banded together and have risen to the occasion, and this pandemic is no different. This has been especially true in Iowa, where I have seen and heard so many heartwarming stories of Iowans stepping up to help other Iowans. prgtoken Take Ann and Megan, for example, two teachers in the Knoxville Community School District. These two Iowans noticed that some of the residents at the West Ridge Specialty Care center might need some additional entertainment due to social distancing. So they started an Amazon wish list and, with the help of their community, were able to provide games and other fun items for the residents to use during the day. prgtoken Then, there are the hard-working folks at the Iowa Motor Truck Association, who are helping to provide meals to our truckdrivers all up and down Interstate 80. prgtoken And, of course, there are the great men and women of the Iowa National Guard, who are working around the clock to deliver medical supplies and materials across the State. prgtoken It is not just individuals. It is also local Iowa companies and their workers who are stepping up and helping out. Kent Corporation in Muscatine has been working closely with local nonprofit partners to address food insecurity for folks in their community. prgtoken Partnering with the Salvation Army, United Way, and the Muscatine Center for Social Action, they are preparing nearly 300 meals every Wednesday and Thursday to be distributed to families and individuals who are in need. prgtoken Folks, while we are facing challenging times, we have also been reminded of the generosity and charity of the men and women across our Nation and the tremendous courage and resilience of our workforce. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers in the United States have continued in their daily jobs to care for and protect Americans, to produce and deliver food and essential goods, and to uphold our Nation's critical infrastructure. prgtoken These men and women--our moms and dads, brothers and sisters--are putting the livelihoods of their fellow Americans ahead of their own. Each and every morning, despite the pandemic, they wake up, and they go to work. prgtoken In this fight against the invisible enemy, the critical logistics operators, the supply workers, medical professionals, and the many others who are on the frontlines responding to coronavirus could not be more important to our victory. They truly are our heroes. prgtoken Folks, our nation cannot weather this pandemic without our essential workforce. They, first and foremost, deserve our gratitude. Today, we want to say: Thank you. Thank you to our doctors, our nurses, and our healthcare workers who see firsthand the seriousness of
IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHANGE OF COMMAND OF COLONEL TERRENCE A. ADAMS
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-5-13

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the Change of Command of Colonel Terrence A. Adams, whose presence will be greatly missed in the Lowcountry. prgtoken Before joining the Air Force, Colonel Adams began his military career in the U.S. Army, where he served for seven years. He entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. In addition to his degree from Auburn, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Troy State University, a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the National War College. prgtoken Since his first assignment in the Air Force as team for an ACC Computer System Squadron, he has built a remarkable record of leadership, holding squadron and group level command six times. His service includes deployments to Oman, Iraq, and Qatar in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, as well as the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Throughout this service, Colonel Adams earned numerous distinguished awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. prgtoken Though his tour as Commander of the 628th Air Wing and Joint Base Charleston has ended, Colonel Adams will long be remembered for his lasting contributions to our community. He established the Lowcountry Defense Community Partnership Council, a civilian-military program intended to strengthen the relationship between the Lowcountry civilian community and the base. He oversaw the base's response to Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Florence, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. And he was also honored with the Military Service Award at the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Global Competitiveness Conference for his work to inspire students to work in cyber, STEM, or aviation and build pipelines for them to succeed. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Colonel Adams for his accomplishments as Commander of Joint Base Charleston. On behalf of my constituents in the Lowcountry, I thank him for his service to our community.
CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-5-13

. Madam , our country has officially observed each May since 1992 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community to the rich fabric and history of our nation. prgtoken May is especially important to me as the proud Representative of Hawaii's First Congressional District with the largest population of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders of any district in our country. For over a century and continuing through the present and into tomorrow, Hawaii has produced repeated accomplished AANHPI ``firsts'' in government who have left a lasting impact on our state and country, including Territorial Delegate Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, Senator Hiram Fong, Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, Governors John Waihe`e, Ben Cayetano and George Ariyoshi, as well as my current colleagues Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. I am also proud to have served as a young staffer on Capitol Hill for my own mentor, the late Senator Spark Matsunaga. prgtoken But the accomplishments of Hawaii's Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community extend well beyond the realm of politics and government into all areas of our society including science, law, sports, business, music, arts and culture and more. We are so proud to remember individuals like astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Judge Herbert Choy, entrepreneur Robert Taira, singer Don Ho, Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, golfer Michelle Wie, Native Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson, boxer Brian Viloria, actor Jason Momoa, singer and songwriter Bruno Mars and so many more. prgtoken The year 2020 also marks the 120th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii. On January 8, 1900, twenty-six men from Okinawa arrived in Honolulu as part of the first group of contract laborers. Like so many other AANHPI communities, Okinawan immigrants initially faced discrimination but through their own hard work and sacrifice, our Okinawan community has contributed deeply to the economic achievements and cultural richness of our state. Today, persons of Okinawan descent are deeply integrated into Hawaii's political, economic and social life, and I am proud to serve as their Representative here in Congress. prgtoken In Hawaii and across America, AANHPI communities are as diverse as they are accomplished. But while our country has made significant progress in increasing visibility and expanding opportunities for all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, there is much work still to be done. Disparities in economic opportunity, education, health care and more between AANHPI and other communities and within subgroups of our AANHPI community persist. prgtoken These disparities have become all the more apparent amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. Across our country, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
TRIBUTE TO ADAM CRUM AND DR. ANNE ZINK
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-5-14

it is Thursday, and I am back on the Senate floor, partaking in one of my favorite times of the week, which is to come down to the floor and talk about somebody who is making a great difference in my State. We call this individual our Alaskan of the Week. To those who watch the floor back home, sometimes we break the rules a little bit and recognize more than one person. We just call them the Alaskans of the Week, with an ``s.'' Pandemic or no pandemic, I think it is still important that we come down and recognize, particularly during these challenging times, people who are making a difference in our State and across our country. prgtoken As I mentioned last week, this pandemic is definitely testing the character of our Nation. You might remember, right when it was hitting, some reporters from the Washington Post wrote a story, saying that Americans are going to be tested and that they don't think they are going to be able to pass--maybe not like they had in World War II and at other times--that the mettle, the toughness, and the resiliency of Americans might not be able to get us through this. That was the Washington Post--classic, clueless, inside-the-beltway reporting. prgtoken In my remarks on the floor--this was about 6 weeks ago--I said: You ought to come up to Alaska, Washington Post, and see my constituents, or maybe come out with my marines and see the marines. prgtoken You have to know America. Alaska is America, and we are going to pass this test as a nation, and we are--all across the country and certainly in my great State. In small, rural villages and in urban centers, from the tundra to the rainforests, all across the State, people are helping each other. They are passing out food. They are helping the elderly, making sure they are not lonely. They are tending to those in need and are displaying generosity, strength, and amazing resilience. The paper should write more about that. prgtoken Our frontline workers have now become our national heroes. Some of them are working day in and day out to ensure that our grocery stores are stocked, that the goods are transported, that the buildings are maintained, that our telecommunication systems are running, that our airplanes are flying, that our hospitals are open, and that our community healthcare workers can give care. The list, as we all know, goes on and on and on. prgtoken Because of those back home, because of these great Americans all around our country, and because of what is happening in my State with our State's leadership, Alaska has done well from a health standpoint in terms of this virus. Knock on wood, of course--and I am doing it-- things could change. They could change anywhere. They certainly could change in Alaska, but so far so good. prgtoken Alaskans are known for their rugged individualism. Alaskans are not naturally people who automatically follow prgtoken orders without having a good reason to do so, but almost everyb
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. RUTH ``RUTHY'' HEBARD
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-5-14

. Madam , with great pleasure, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Ruth ``Ruthy'' Hebard and her recent draft to continue her basketball career at the professional level, in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). On Friday, April 17th, Ms. Hebard was drafted by the Chicago Sky as their eighth overall pick. prgtoken Ms. Hebard played forward at West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Alaska where she was chosen twice as USA Today's Alaska Player of the Year, an incredible accomplishment. She led West Valley High to many state tournaments and when she graduated, became the first player in their school history to have her jersey retired. prgtoken After high school, Ms. Hebard went on to play at the collegiate level for the University of Oregon where, this year, she was selected for the First-team All-American. Ms. Hebard is the second unanimous all- American basketball player in program history. Throughout her collegiate career for the Oregon Ducks, Ms. Hebard played in 144 games, playing an average of 28.7 minutes per game, and scoring 16.4 points per game. prgtoken Additionally, Ms. Hebard has played on the U.S. National Team leading the team to many titles and awards. Madam , Ms. Ruthy Hebard is an inspiration to all Americans, especially young girls and all young people pursuing athletic success. I ask my fellow Members to congratulate Ms. Ruthy Hebard in her incredible accomplishments and wish her well as she continues on to the Chicago Sky.