mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE BOLSA CHICA LAND TRUST AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. This organization has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to preserve the mesa, lowlands, and wetlands of Bolsa Chica and educate the community on its cultural significance. prgtoken Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, it is important to recognize the organizations that protect our Earth every day. Since 1996, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and over 22,000 volunteers have worked with the scientific community, the Native American community, and state agencies to acquire threatened land, restore damage to the environment, and preserve the natural habitats in Bolsa Chica. In addition to its conservation efforts, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust serves the community by conducting educational programs to raise awareness about the Bolsa Chica wetlands and tell its rich cultural history. prgtoken Due to their passionate and inspirational leadership, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is recognized for its continuous commitment to protecting our Earth, both within the environmental community and to all of us who value the restoration and preservation of our precious natural resources. prgtoken I ask that all Members join me in honoring the extraordinary leadership and activism of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust.
NICHOLAS LEWIS
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Nicholas Lewis for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Nicholas Lewis is a student at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Nicholas Lewis is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Nicholas Lewis for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
REMEMBERING FREDERICK LANGSTON HUNT
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise in memory of Frederick Langston Hunt, who passed away peacefully on April 8, 2020. My thoughts are with his family. prgtoken Frederick Langston Hunt, the only child of Frederick F. Hunt and Bernice S. Hunt, grew up in the close-knit community of Coconut Grove, FL. He graduated with honors from G.W. Carver High School and was a member of the Thorians Class of '64. After completing his undergraduate education at Howard University and earning his master's degree from Montclair University, he moved to Albany, Georgia where he met Cellestine Hill, whom he married in 1972. He and Cellestine shared a dedication to the civil rights movement and a gift for making each other laugh. prgtoken In the early seventies, the Hunts moved to Greensboro, NC, where Frederick was a doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Over the years, he served as Director of African American Studies at Guilford College and as a professor at Shaw University. Fred was also instrumental in establishing the Head Start program in the Triad area. It was during this time that Maia Nataki Cellestine Hunt, their only child, was born. Fred took such pride in his only child, who favored him so much, that some joked she should have been named ``Fredericka''. prgtoken Frederick was an educator with the mind of an entrepreneur, a heart for his people, and the spirit of a musician. The common thread in everything he pursued was his commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. His passion for education and learning dominated his early professional life, and he always made time to be a trusted counselor and guide for young people. Frederick started a mentoring group for young men, frequently hosted Kwanzaa celebrations at his home or community centers, and dedicated himself to serving Dudley High School through the Parent Teacher Association. He always remained active in local politics and service organizations like the N.A.A.C.P. prgtoken Even when Fred focused his professional efforts on real estate, first as an agent and later establishing his own real estate firm, he continued to find ways to serve. He hosted workshops to prepare people for home ownership and frequently assisted customers with their first home purchases. He was regularly recognized by his peers and the High Point Regional Association of Realtors for excelling in the field, and he continued his real estate business when he returned to Miami to be closer to his mother. prgtoken Once he settled in Coconut Grove, he joined Greater St. Paul, A.M.E where his mother was a lifelong member. He was also a member of the Greater St. Paul Male Chorus and the Sons of Allen, a group dedicated to fellowship and mentoring in the community. In 2012, as his health challenges mounted, he moved to Maryland to be closer to his daughter. prgtoken Frederick is survived by his daughter, Maia Hunt Estes; his son-in- law, Elliott; his chosen siblings, Dr. Thomas G
HONORING HUSKY HALL
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise in honor of Robert ``Husky'' Hall, a giant in the world of Virginia high school basketball who set several coaching records with the Martinsville Bulldogs. Coach Hall died on April 5, 2020, at the age of 91. prgtoken Husky Hall was a native of Fieldale in Henry County, Virginia. He played basketball, baseball, and golf at Elon College, now Elon University, in North Carolina and earned a master's degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He also served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After coaching boys and girls varsity basketball in Pleasant Grove, North Carolina, he became an assistant basketball coach at Martinsville in the 1950s. prgtoken The head coach at the time, Mel Cartwright, Sr was another major figure in Martinsville sports. During the early years, Husky Hall was the assistant, then began sharing duties with Coach Cartwright. In this period, Martinsville earned state championships in 1958, 1961, and 1964. prgtoken Husky Hall became Martinsville's head coach in 1965 and held the position until he retired in 1995. Over those years, his teams won 605 victories, a Virginia High School League (VHSL) record at the time. He still holds the VHSL record for the seven state championships his teams achieved, in 1966, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, and 1986, and for playing in seven consecutive state championship games from 1980 to 1986. prgtoken Coach Hall's leadership focused on the fundamentals of basketball. He insisted on leadership and discipline. As a result, he brought out the best in his players and his assistant coaches, some of whom went on to great coaching careers of their own, and college coaches sought the secrets of his success. prgtoken On top of his basketball duties, Husky Hall coached golf at Martinsville as well. In that role, the school won its only state championship at the Group AAA level in any sport in 1974. prgtoken In 1994, Coach Hall told the Roanoke Times about his approach: ``If it's going to work, someone has to be in charge, and you hope the players look up to the coach because he's earned their respect.'' He succeeded in earning the respect not only of his players and assistant coaches but the whole Martinsville community and the world of Virginia high school basketball. The Virginia High School Hall of Fame inducted Coach Hall in 91, the second year of its existence. prgtoken Coach Hall is survived by his daughters Robin Morgan and Terry Jamerson and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Verona. I offer my condolences to his family on their loss. Husky Hall's name will live long in Virginia high school sports.
CELEBRATING GREENSBURG ROTARY CLUB'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I would like to congratulate the Greensburg Rotary Club for celebrating 100 years of service. prgtoken For a century now, the Greensburg Rotary Club has been a beacon of service in the Greensburg and Decatur County community. prgtoken The Rotary Club continues to raise funds for the Decatur County Special Olympics and supports local service projects around the community. prgtoken I want to thank the members of the Rotary Club for their service and dedication to the people of Greensburg and congratulate them on their 100th anniversary.
ONGOING TRANSATLANTIC ENGAGEMENT THROUGH THE OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise to today to update my Congressional colleagues on continued discussions between members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly. I would also like to share the desire of our international friends and allies to remain engaged with the United States during these challenging times. prgtoken My colleagues who serve with me on the U.S. Helsinki Commission and remain active include Representative Alcee Hastings of Florida, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, Representative Robert Aderholt of Alabama, Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, as well as Senator Wicker of Mississippi and Senator Cardin of Maryland. As the United States Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, we recognize the importance of building partnerships with our counterparts from other countries especially during such unprecedented times. prgtoken As the Chairman of the Committee on Security, I recognize multilateral diplomacy works to U.S. interests when we take the initiative. Parliamentarians have a special role to play as elected officials in this process, showing the depth of each of our country's commitment to security and cooperation not only in Europe, but around the globe. prgtoken During our most recent video conference, Italian Minister for European Affairs, Vincenzo Amendola, joined to update us on Italy's response to COVID-19. He stressed the need for continued cooperation in response not only to the health threat but also to the economic havoc the pandemic has caused. prgtoken Shortly after our video conference concluded, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the United States will provide an additional $225 million in health, humanitarian and economic assistance to boost response efforts worldwide. This is in addition to the $274 million already deployed to fight COVID-19. In the past two decades, the Secretary noted, the United States has provided $140 billion in health assistance globally, helping to make us an undisputed leader in health and humanitarian aid. Some of this aide has been to countries in Europe, including Italy. I would add that this is not only a reflection of our country's unmatched generosity over the decades, but our national interest as well. Many of the health threats we have faced come from beyond our borders, including COVID-19, and we have an interest in trying to respond effectively to those threats where they first develop, before they reach our shores. prgtoken A final outcome of the recent video conference was endorsement of United Nation Secretary General Antonio Guterres' recent call for a ceasefire regarding conflicts around the globe at this time when countries need to face a common pandemic threat. prgtoken The Helsinki Commission provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to work with our friends and allies around the globe
TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER HOLMES
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor Jennifer Holmes, a member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after 28 years of service to the Legislative Branch. prgtoken Jenny began her Federal career in 1986 working for the U.S. Government Accounting Office. Soon after, in 1989, she started her long tenure working for the House Appropriations Committee, first as staff of the Treasury-Postal Service and Defense Appropriations Subcommittees. prgtoken After leaving the Hill briefly to work in the private sector, Jenny returned to the House Appropriations Committee in 2005. In 2007, Jenny became professional staff for the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee where she was instrumental to the operations of Congress. In response to two tragic events that affected our colleagues in the House of Representatives, the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the shooting at the Congressional baseball game practice, Jenny worked tirelessly to ensure that resources were focused beyond just the few square blocks that make up the Capitol grounds. prgtoken Jenny advocated for infrastructure projects that will make the Nation's Capital, specifically the U.S. Capitol grounds, accessible for years to come. Jenny was involved in many important projects, such as the restoration of the Capitol dome, improvements to the Capitol power plant, billion-dollar renovations of the Cannon House Office Building, the Library of Congress's Visitor Experience initiative and so many more. Jenny and her colleagues on the committee staff oversaw many of these projects from start to finish, and she should be very proud of her accomplishments. prgtoken Jenny was known to cheerfully volunteer to coordinate retirement ceremonies, portrait dedications, and other social events for the Appropriations Committee. Jenny also demonstrated her leadership and compassion by pulling together Appropriations Committee staff, Members, and external stakeholders for a very meaningful celebration of life event in honor of Chuck Turner, a long-time Committee staff member who was a dear friend and mentor to many. prgtoken A hallmark of Jenny's reputation was being a problem solver. She dedicated so much of her life to public service and never forgot why she was here. I know Jenny is looking forward to spending time with her husband Paul. her sons Kevin and Caiden, her daughter Karley, and her horses. We wish her the very best in her next journey and thank her for everything she has done for the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF GUY THOMAS HARRIS
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-4-17

. Madam , today I rise to celebrate the life of Guy Thomas , who passed away peacefully on April 6, 2020 at the age of 81. prgtoken A lifelong resident of Lee County, Guy proudly served our nation in the Mississippi Army National Guard and Reserves for 13 years. After being honorably discharged, Guy joined the Tupelo Police Department in 1963 where he served as a law enforcement officer for 20 years, he retired as a Captain in 1983. Following his retirement, Guy became a salesman at Tupelo Auto Sales until he retired permanently in 1999. prgtoken Guy was known for many things, he was a faithful member of Saltillo First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed listening to Brother Tim Greene's sermons. Guy frequently enjoyed fellowship with his many friends over a good meal, and could always been seen with his wife, Elaine; on their front porch waving to honking friends as they drove by. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching his daughter's softball games, coaching men's softball, and watching the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. Guy was most well-known for being a childhood friend of Elvis Presley. Guy took great pride in his role as a historian for the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo and helped author ``We Remember Elvis'' with his first-hand accounts of growing up with the King of Rock and Roll. prgtoken Guy leaves behind his wife of 61 years, his daughter, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many other close family members and friends. He loved his family, and especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The life Guy lead was one of love, service, passion, and loyalty. Guy never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-4-20

it has now been 4 days since the Paycheck Protection Program ran out of money. s have been trying to secure more funding for this critical program for a week and a half now. At this hour, our ic colleagues are still prolonging their discussions with the administration, so the Senate regretfully will not be able to pass more funding for Americans' paychecks today. prgtoken However, since this is so urgent, I have asked that the Senate meet again tomorrow in a new session that was not previously scheduled, and the ic leader has agreed to my request. prgtoken Colleagues, it is past time--past time--to get this done for the country. prgtoken , if I may, the Senator desires to speak for a few minutes.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-4-20

I am here this afternoon to speak about the critical aspect of the paycheck act as it relates to businesses, particularly in the newspaper and broadcasting business. It is so important for us to address this issue because these are the people who are on the frontlines delivering the information to us about this crisis. prgtoken Unfortunately, in the past legislation, we did not include associations of broadcasters and newspapers under the definition, so up to several thousand newspapers and hundreds of local radio and television stations across the country are without existing programs by the small business affiliation rule to assist these companies in keeping important news print and news broadcasting staff at their jobs. prgtoken When I think about what I have learned about the coronavirus from these individuals, what I have learned about the broadcast information of nursing home problems, what I have learned about issues with Remdesivir, I all know that it came down to the local media who was telling us about it. So when I think of the headlines I am seeing--the LA Times, ``Coronavirus crisis hastens the collapse of local newspapers.''; ``Long-Struggling Local Newspapers Pushed to Brink Brought by Coronavirus''--I know it is time for us to do something to help these individuals, and I hope that we can do that soon. prgtoken We need the media--the local small media--to help us continue to communicate. After all, the basis of a democracy is about truth and transparency, and they are helping to build a community of truth and transparency. We need to help them during this crisis. prgtoken .
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-4-21

earlier today, leaders in both Chambers and the administration reached a bipartisan agreement to supplement the historic CARES Act. At the core of our agreement is $320 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program, which is already saving millions of small business jobs and helping Americans get paychecks instead of pink slips. This is even more money than we had first requested a while back. In the intervening time and at our request, this new money puts a special focus on community banks and credit unions. prgtoken Separately, thanks to the hard work of Senator Collins and Senator Rubio, the bill supplies $60 billion for additional economic injury disaster loans; and because of Senator Roberts, Senator Daines, and our other colleagues from rural States, it will be clear that farmers and ranchers will be eligible as well. prgtoken Senate s wanted more funding for Americans' paychecks nearly 2 weeks ago before the program even shut down, but in the days that our ic colleagues delayed these urgent funds, additional Federal help for hospitals, healthcare providers, and testing became timely as well. s have always supported more medical funding as soon as it was necessary, so I am proud this package will provide roughly $75 billion more to fund hospitals and healthcare providers in this crisis. prgtoken Thanks to Chairman Alexander and Chairman Blunt, there is an additional $25 billion for State-led--State-led--COVID-19 testing plans and for research, development, and other testing support for key Federal agencies, such as the CDC, the NIH, and BARDA. prgtoken This is a significant package. It does just what I outlined the evening we passed the CARES Act back in March. The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people, watching the CARES Act go into effect, and adding funding when necessary to key programs that are working well. It is unfortunate that it took our ic colleagues 12 days to agree to a deal that contains essentially nothing that s ever opposed. In my view, it is indefensible that Main Street small businesses and their workers had their assistance cut off for partisan leverage. That was the word of choice for one leading House : ``Leverage.'' The American people cannot be political leverage. prgtoken I am glad we are now poised to move ahead. Senate s are prepared to pass the bill. It is my hope the entire Senate will be able to pass it as soon as possible, potentially as soon as just a few minutes from now. prgtoken Before I conclude, I want to share my gratitude for the people whose efforts allow us to produce these vital pieces of legislation on a crash timeline in these most unusual circumstances. A lot of talented people worked day and night to produce this bill: in the administration, Secretary Mnuchin and his staff at the Treasury Department and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows; here in the Senate,