mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-12-4

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , on Monday, the House will meet at 12 p.m. for legislative business. Members are advised that votes are expected as early as 2 p.m. prgtoken I want to repeat that. We are going in at 12 p.m. Votes can be as early as 2 p.m. prgtoken This is unusual for the first day of the week. I have advised and urged Members to stay here this weekend--most of them I have talked to are--because, clearly, we are trying to get two critical pieces of legislation done, which we will speak to, I think, in a little bit. prgtoken On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning- prgtoken hour debate and 12 p.m. for legislative business. prgtoken On Thursday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. prgtoken I advise Members that we still have to pass an omnibus and we have to pass a COVID-19 relief bill, and we will not adjourn the Congress until such time as we can accomplish those two objectives. prgtoken I was hopeful that we would accomplish those objectives by next Thursday. Unfortunately, things are not moving as rapidly as I think they ought to--I would like them to, but as they ought to be moving--so that Members need to be advised that they need to keep their schedules very, very flexible until such time as we pass both of those pieces of legislation. prgtoken We will, in addition, consider several bills under suspension of the rules. The complete list of suspensions will be announced by the close of business today. prgtoken I will say something further on suspensions. Somebody said: Oh, well, we are not passing important bills. prgtoken That is not accurate. Somehow, when we have agreement, it is not looked as important. On suspensions, it simply means we have an agreement between the parties that we can pass those bills because they are bipartisan and the overwhelming majority of Members agree on them. So we are passing bills that are good bills but not controversial, and that is a good thing. prgtoken But we will consider several bills under suspension. As I said, the complete list will be available at the close of business today. prgtoken The House will consider the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. I am very pleased that we have a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on NDAA and look forward to it overwhelmingly passing both Chambers next week and, if necessary, overriding a threatened veto by President . prgtoken This is a critically important bill to pass. It always passes, and I am hopeful that we will come together on this bill. It was a tough conference but a good conference, and the result, I think, can be supported by both sides of the aisle, signed, obviously, by the Senate chairman and our chairman here in the House. prgtoken As Members know, the continuing resolution expires on December 11; therefore, the authority for spending to keep government running will expire on the 11th. The Committee
WE HAVE A JOB TO DO
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise today because our country is in trouble. We are facing a devastating pandemic, an economic crisis, and things will continue to get worse if Congress fails to act. prgtoken I can't imagine there is a Member of this body who has not had the same conversations I have had with small business owners, healthcare professionals, local leaders, educators, and workers out of a job. prgtoken People are exasperated. They are hurting and they are tired. They feel like Washington isn't coming through for them, and they are right. prgtoken We have a job to do, not as s or , but as Representatives who are here to serve the people in our districts and secure the future of this Nation. prgtoken This week, Members of the House and Senate announced a framework for COVID relief legislation. It is not everything everyone wants, no compromise is, but it will fundamentally save lives and keep our economy moving forward. prgtoken Heading home for the holidays without addressing this crisis will have disastrous consequences, so let's all commit ourselves to this process of finding a way forward and getting to ``yes.''
WE MUST PASS BIPARTISAN COVID RELIEF
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise to speak of the urgent need to pass bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation as Congress works to conclude our work this year. prgtoken Families, businesses, and workers in New Hampshire are feeling the continued pain and impact of this pandemic as cases reach record highs in my State and hospitals and frontline health workers brace for the expected surge. prgtoken This week, I was pleased to see and s in the House and the Senate come together to find common ground and release a promising framework that we should consider immediately. This legislation would bolster our public health and economic response to COVID-19 to help us get through the long, cold, dark winter ahead. prgtoken and s won't get everything they want, but we need to come together and put politics aside. prgtoken This legislation includes new funding for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, State and local funding for our first responders, extended unemployment, and critical funding to help with the distribution of the promising COVID-19 vaccine, as well as $5 billion in funding to combat the opioid epidemic, which, tragically, continues to rage. prgtoken It is time to come together and get the job done.
MARKING A VICTORY FOR VIETNAM VETERANS
Josh Harder (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-4

I rise today to celebrate a long-overdue victory for our Vietnam veterans. prgtoken For decades, tens of thousands of Vietnam vets haven't got the benefits that they deserve. Even though diseases like Parkinson's, hyperthyroidism, and bladder cancer are scientifically linked to Agent Orange, they still aren't covered by the VA. prgtoken But, today, I am thrilled to say that veterans exposed to Agent Orange can finally stop fighting their own government because my bill, the Fair Care for Veterans Act, is on track to become the law of the land. prgtoken I want to dedicate this effort to Joshua Melendez of Modesto, California, and Lyle Ducheneaux of Turlock, California, two local veterans who will personally be impacted by this change. prgtoken Most of all, I want to dedicate this effort to my grandfather, First Sergeant Albert Z. Simmons, whose life was cut tragically short by Agent Orange. I wish he could be with us today to see this. prgtoken These veterans fought for us. It has been my honor to fight for them. God prgtoken bless you, and thank you for your service.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-12-4

finally, this is a historic moment that so many here and across the country have been working toward, to take this step to end America's destructive and costly war on drugs that has turned everyday Americans into criminals and torn families apart, ruining so many people's lives. prgtoken This legislation removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, frees States to regulate it as they choose, and encourages research into the medicinal qualities of this plant that we all already know are changing people's lives and saving people's lives. It also applies retroactively, expunging prior convictions and records, freeing a generation of people from the shackles of this failed war on drugs. prgtoken , the bottom line is this vote is about freedom. It is freedom of choice for every American to make their own decisions for themselves without fear of the government coming and arresting them. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The Senate should pass it quickly so we can send it to the President for his signature.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-12-4

wars are costly, and the war on marijuana is no exception. This war has derailed lives. It has led to lost jobs and housing. It has torn families apart. The cost of the war on marijuana has disproportionately fallen on the backs of Blacks and Latino people. prgtoken As White entrepreneurs across the country support their families by running businesses selling marijuana, many Black and Latino people are spending time behind bars and criminalized for doing the same. prgtoken In Rhode Island, a Black person was 3.3 times more likely to be arrested for possessing marijuana than a White person in 2018, even though Black and White people use marijuana at similar rates. prgtoken Immigrants have been deported simply for using marijuana in States that permit its use and despite never being convicted of a crime. prgtoken Targeting low-level marijuana-related offenders with harsh penalties has done little to make our communities safer. The MORE Act ends the criminalization of marijuana. It protects the 36 States, including Rhode Island, that have led the way on marijuana policy and legalized it for medicinal purposes. prgtoken People convicted of marijuana-related charges are often denied access to social programs or even the ability to take out student loans to further their education and careers. The MORE Act helps fix that. prgtoken This legislation redirects resources away from prosecution of marijuana and toward community investments and public health solutions. It establishes an opportunity trust fund that provides resources for those who have marijuana-related convictions, including job training and substance abuse treatment. It moves us closer toward racial equity by allowing expungement of nonviolent marijuana convictions. prgtoken The MORE Act provides restorative justice by providing SBA loans to assist small businesses, especially small businesses controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged people. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Nadler for his leadership and for introducing the MORE Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this historic legislation.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-4

I thank the gentlewoman for leading. I thank Chairman Nadler for his leadership in this issue and thank him, also, for including my amendment that calls for a study of cannabis as an alternative medicine for our veterans. prgtoken More than half of all Americans live in a State where cannabis is legal. Let's align Federal cannabis laws with the will of the people. prgtoken And let's take full advantage of the medical benefits of cannabis. We know that medical cannabis is good for treating things such as seizures, glaucoma, chronic pain, and PTSD, and veterans prefer cannabis over opioids. prgtoken Let me repeat. Veterans prefer cannabis over opioids to treat the invisible wounds that they bring back from the battlefield. prgtoken Other nations, like Israel, export cannabis products. Let's unleash America's free enterprise system to take full advantage of the commercial benefits of cannabis. prgtoken Let's get busy and do the will of the people. Let's pass the MORE Act.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WALTER K. ROBINSON, SR.
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and legacy of Walter K. Robinson, Sr a District of Columbia resident for over 50 years and a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman. Mr. Robinson died on November 23, 2020, his 100th birthday. Mr. Robinson will be remembered by his family, friends and the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, of which he was an active member. prgtoken In 1941, while attending Howard University, Mr. Robinson volunteered for the Army Air Corps. He was sent to Camp Lee in Virginia, Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi and finally to Tuskegee Army Air Base in Tuskegee, Alabama. He began training at Tuskegee Institute for Basic Ground School and, after three months, continued in Pre-Flight, Primary, Basic and Advanced Flight. During Primary Training, he had an accident, severing his Achilles tendon, and was hospitalized for almost a year, enduring six operations and extensive physical therapy. Yet, Mr. Robinson completed Primary, Lower, and Upper Basic Training, and while he was in Lower Advanced, World War II ended. After his honorable discharge from the military, Mr. Robinson and his wife, Edmonia, moved to D.C. in 1959. He soon joined the Postal Service and rose through the ranks to become the second Black Manager of Delivery and Collection for the District. prgtoken I had the immense honor of hosting Mr. Robinson at my office in 2017, where I presented him with a bronze replica of the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Robinson is emblematic of the many D.C. residents who have heroically sacrificed so much for their country, even without their full citizenship rights. I am proud to have been able to honor his service. prgtoken Tuskegee Airmen like Mr. Robinson did more than protect America from foreign enemies during World War II; they saved America from itself, defying the gross misconception that African Americans were not capable of flying and fighting as equal servicemembers. The accomplishments of these brave servicemembers helped pave the way for President Harry Truman's decision to integrate the military in 1948. Their service to this country and as history-shapers was recognized in 2007 when 300 members of the Tuskegee Airmen, including Mr. Robinson, received the Congressional Gold Medal. prgtoken I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and legacy of Walter K. Miller, Sr.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-12-4

yesterday was big cats. Today it is big cannabis. When is it time for real COVID relief? When is it time for us to help our constituents, our small businesses, our struggling and exhausted frontline workers, and teachers? prgtoken To legalize marijuana or not is one thing; to pass a bill that has no recourse for States that don't want mass legalization, which totals 35 states, is irresponsible. To not limit or regulate potency is carelessness. To not do anything to regulate advertising, which proved to be an issue with vaping when the industry targeted kids and teens, is negligent. To not provide funding for the FDA or USDA to manage the regulatory framework is reckless. prgtoken Take marijuana out of the scenario. None of us would support a reckless, negligent, careless, and irresponsible bill. prgtoken This flawed legislation is not time sensitive, does not require consideration this week, and should not take priority over the very serious and real issues facing our country. prgtoken There are real external threats facing our Nation. We should focus on strengthening America and not weakening it. There is a lot to be done before the end of the year, and Congress must be focused on rebuilding our economy and restoring our way of life. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-4

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , the gentlewoman from Texas' comment that the MORE Act would make us safer calls for a specific response. prgtoken As Representative Jordan just said, the fact that the MORE Act is on the floor at this time epitomizes ' misplaced priorities. But it also puts on display their inclination to reckless disregard of consequences. prgtoken Just like the clarion call to defund the police, followed rapidly by astonished surprise over the ensuing surge in violence, ' rush to legalize marijuana without any heed or response to the rising epidemic of drug driving across the country would mean more dead and injured Americans on our highways. prgtoken Consider this: since 2013, in Washington State, the number of fatal crash drivers who tested positive for THC has more than doubled. In Vermont, since 2010, fatal crashes linked to marijuana use have skyrocketed by 173 percent following that State's decriminalization. Forty-seven percent of Oregonians who died in a car crash in 2018 tested positive for marijuana, according to the Oregon State Police. More Indiana drivers in deadly car crashes test positive for drugs than for alcohol. prgtoken The data is clear: when governments liberalize marijuana laws, motorists and passengers die. prgtoken Law enforcement tells us they lack a reliable roadside test to detect marijuana use or a uniform standard to measure marijuana toxicity, yet our defund-the-police colleagues rush to change the status quo across the entire country while refusing even to consider my commonsense amendment that would require the Department of Transportation to develop and prescribe best practices for testing drivers suspected of marijuana impairment. prgtoken My amendment would help law enforcement keep people safe, but would rather prioritize criminals. A North Carolina sheriff recently called drug driving ``one of the leading killers in our State.'' Just like ' efforts to defund police, the MORE Act's unintended consequences will include increased danger for our families. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support Americans' safety by voting against this bill.
COMMEMORATING MS. KATHERINA DIMENSTEIN'S DEPARTURE
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-12-4

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate my Chief of Staff, Ms. Katherina Dimenstein as she departs from my office. Katherina has devoted the past eight years of her life and career to the people of Arizona. prgtoken Iwant to thank Katherina for her dedication and service to Arizona's 6th District. She did an outstanding job for our office, especially her excellent work to promote strong trade relationships for Arizona and help modernize our tax code through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She is committed to being both a voice and a resource for the people. prgtoken Congress is an institution devoted to serving the people, and Katherina has exemplified this every day by not only meeting with Arizonans, veterans, and advocacy groups, but by managing all my Washington, D.C. office operations and legislative priorities on the Ways and Means Committee. We look to Katherina as an incredibly valued member of our team, and we will greatly miss her.
MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-12-4

in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, House are rushing to pass a sweeping marijuana legalization bill without considering the unintended consequences the legislation will have on workplace and public safety. prgtoken According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, studies have suggested specific links between marijuana use and adverse consequences in the workplace, such as increased risk for injuries or accidents. prgtoken According to the Federal Government's own workplace safety experts at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, other studies of cannabis use have demonstrated effects that include sedation, disorientation, impaired judgment, lack of concentration, and slowed fine motor skills. As my ic colleagues often say, we need to follow the science. prgtoken Currently, it is common practice for employers in industries such as construction and warehouse logistics to enact zero-tolerance drug policies that include a prohibition on marijuana usage to protect workers by ensuring a safe workplace and to comply with Federal law. Unlike on-demand evaluations of alcohol usage, there currently is no adequate real-time intoxication testing technology for marijuana impairment. prgtoken By removing marijuana from the list of scheduled substances in the Controlled Substance Act, the underlying bill will place unnecessary burdens on private employers and will needlessly jeopardize workplace and public safety and health. prgtoken For instance, the removal of marijuana from the CSA creates legal jeopardy for employers who are authorized under the Americans with Disabilities Act to test for illegal drug use while such authorization does not extend to legal drugs. prgtoken My motion to recommit adds specific language to the bill to affirm an employer's right to test job applicants and employees to ensure workplace and public safety. prgtoken Legalization of marijuana at the State level has already created complex challenges for employers wishing to maintain a drug-free workplace while abiding by relevant employment laws. prgtoken The bill before us today, which declassifies marijuana as an illegal drug, would only further complicate employers' compliance obligations and liability risks and reduce workplace safety around the country. prgtoken A last-minute amendment added to H.R. 3884 recognizes the right of the Federal Government to test its employees and workers in safety-sensitive positions covered by the Department of Transportation regulations, such as pilots and railroad operators. However, the bill omits the same protections for private-sector employers in other high- hazard industries not covered by DOT regulations. prgtoken If we adopt this motion, we will address legal ambiguities that may arise from removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and affirm private employers' right to drug test employees in order to keep their workplaces and the p
THANKING STAFF MEMBERS
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-12-4

as ranking member on the Subcommittee of Environment and Climate Change, I want to thank Chief Counsel Mary Martin, Deputy Chief Counsel Jerry Couri, and senior professional staff member, Peter Spencer, for their tremendous support of me and commonsense, practical legislation that has protected human health and the environment and supports jobs and the economy. prgtoken If the public knew how hard that committee staff members work, they would have a better appreciation of our government. Mary, Jerry, Peter, you have my personal thanks. prgtoken I would also be remiss if I didn't thank the loyal opposition, Staff Director Rick Kessler and Senior Counsel Jackie Cohen. Although many times adversaries, both have become friends.