mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-9-29

today I rise to introduce a bill that provides fairness to our Federal employees who work day in and day out to help the government function and serve the public. The importance of their role has become even more apparent as our Nation continues to suffer in the midst of a global pandemic. prgtoken In a normal year, the average Federal employee can accumulate up to 240 hours, or 30 days, of annual leave. At the end of the year, if a Federal employee has more than 240 hours, they either have to use the amount of leave over 240 hours or lose it. These excess hours are commonly known as ``use or lose'' leave. prgtoken But these are not normal times. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and we have a President who lies about how dangerous this virus is and does little to address the severity of it. We see the results, nearly seven million people in the United States have contracted COVID-19 and more than 200,000 have died. The United States now has the unenviable distinction of being the Nation with the most COVID-19 cases and the most deaths. prgtoken Through all of this, people continue to go to work and try to carry out their duties the best they can. In the Federal Government, there are National Institutes of Health researchers, Internal Revenue Service workers, Social Security staff, law enforcement officers, and others, working each day to provide government services to the American public. Some are not able to take leave because their job is a critical part of the response to the pandemic. Others are simply unable to take leave because they are limiting their exposure to the virus or are following state and local rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. prgtoken To try and address this issue, on August 10, the Office of Personnel Management published an interim rule that recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic as an ``exigency of the public business'' and allows some federal employees to carry over use or lose leave. However, this policy is limited to employees who are designated as essential by their agency. prgtoken This contrasts with the Department of Defense which issued a memo on April 16, allowing all active-duty service members to accrue leave in excess of their 60-day limitation, regardless of job responsibilities or duty station. All Federal employees contribute to their agency's mission, regardless of the job they hold. No one should lose earned annual leave due to this pandemic. prgtoken To resolve this inequity, I am introducing the Federal Worker Leave Fairness Act which will allow all Federal employees to carry over annual leave above the 240 hour cap, regardless of whether they are considered essential. My bill also resolves this issue for future pandemics declared a national public health emergency by allowing ``use or lose'' leave to be rolled over during the emergency declaration. prgtoken This legislation is being introduced in the House by Representatives Derek Kilmer and
SOUTH ASIAN HEART HEALTH AWARENESS AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2020
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise in strong support of the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act. prgtoken This bipartisan measure will raise awareness in the South Asian community about alarming increases in heart disease and invest in ways to reverse this trend. prgtoken South Asians in the United States are those who immigrated or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. South Asians represent the sixth largest and fastest-growing ethnic group in our nation. prgtoken Despite a traditional diet high in lentils, vegetables, grains and spices, heart disease is on the rise in these communities. A Stanford study found that South Asians' risk of having a heart attack before 50 is four times greater than the general population's. prgtoken South Asians also have the highest prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. As diabetes is one of the most serious drivers of heart disease, stats underscore the urgent need for action. prgtoken The tools and research this bill promotes will give us the insight needed to save lives not just in the South Asian community, but the greater public, too. prgtoken I thank Congresswoman Jayapal for her vision in developing this bill and urge my colleagues to support it.
ENERGY EMERGENCY LEADERSHIP ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-9-29

I am glad to hear that, without any equivocation, Mr. Pallone fully expects DOE to coordinate with DHS, but that only addresses one of my concerns. prgtoken My other concern is that these bills do not, in any way, shape, or form, detract from or erode the existing authorities of the Secretary and Department of Homeland Security, including the authorities set forth in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Act of 2018. prgtoken I understand that is your position that these bills do not in any way infringe on DHS' existing authorities or prerogatives. Is that correct?
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ADDICTION ACT OF 2020
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise today to show my support for the millions of families struggling to help their loved ones suffering through addiction. prgtoken My family fought to get help for my nephew, Ian, that he needed before he lost his life to an overdose in 2016. It was hard for us to do, even with the resources we had at our disposal. prgtoken For most families, it is nearly impossible to navigate our behavioral health system in its current form. It is a confusing system that leaves families like mine with no clue what treatment option is right for their loved one. prgtoken Now more than ever, families are on the front lines of this fight. Overdoses are on the rise across America, and COVID-19 is making matters much worse. Every single county in my district saw an increase in overdose deaths last quarter--some as much as 50 percent. And last year, more Americans died of drug overdoses than ever before--more than 70,000. prgtoken Madam , that is why I introduced the Family Support Services for Addiction Act with Congressman Dan Meuser. This bipartisan bill provides for nonprofits working with families struggling with addiction. The bill will provide grants to reach more families, create more tailored treatments, and save more lives. prgtoken Madam , I thank Congressman Meuser, Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Eshoo, and Ranking Member Walden for this much-needed bill. We have got to get this done. Lives are depending on it. prgtoken Madam , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEFEAT OF ABOLISHING THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , in September 1969, Senator Birch Bayh, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments, introduced a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College. The amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and with support from President Richard Nixon. But on this day 50 years ago, the amendment was blocked by a filibuster in the Senate. prgtoken The author of two successful and important constitutional amendments (the 25th and 26th), Senator Bayh was an eloquent and learned champion of sweeping institutional reform to make sure that the Constitution safeguards democratic principles rather than antiquated structures rooted in an undemocratic past. At this moment of profound constitutional stress and recurring global and domestic threats to democratic values and practices, we should remember the Senator's passionate commitment to building democratic self-government that serves as an instrument of the common good. Senator Bayh recognized that, in order to make sure that all votes count in our presidential elections and all votes count equally, it will be necessary to abolish the electoral college--or at least transform it through the National Popular Vote interstate agreement. I was honored to work with Senator Bayh, who was a great gentleman and patriot, during my time as a State Senator and he definitely helped us to make Maryland the first state to pass the National Popular Vote Agreement. prgtoken Madam , I wish to include in the Record a speech by New York Times Editorial Board Member Jesse Wegman for the annual Birch Bayh Lecture given at University of Indiana McKinney School of Law in honor of Senator Bayh's historic efforts towards electoral reform and in recognition of the melancholy day of defeat of the popular vote in the Senate on September 29, 1969. The Birch Bayh Lecture (By Jesse Wegman) I'd like to thank everyone for having me today: the McKinney School of Law community, Dean Bravo, Assistant Dean MacDougall and, of course, the Bayh family, especially Kitty Bayh, who has been so generous with her time, her assistance and her memories over the past few years. I am honored to give the first Birch Bayh lecture since his passing in March of last year. And while I'm sad not to be with you in person, I think it's very appropriate for this talk to be taking place on September 17, Constitution Day-- the day in 1787 that the framers in Philadelphia signed the charter they had spent the past four months drawing up, arguing about, threatening to walk out over--and yet still, in the end, agreeing to sign and take the next step in this audacious new experiment in self-government. It's appropriate because in any conversation about the nation's founders, we must include the name Birch Bayh. He share
SUICIDE TRAINING AND AWARENESS NATIONALLY DELIVERED FOR UNIVERSAL PREVENTION ACT OF 2020
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-9-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 7293, the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act of 2020, or the STANDUP Act. prgtoken As we have heard, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. However, it is the second leading cause of death for young Americans age 10 to 14, which has tripled since 2007. prgtoken Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is already exacerbating these trends. Sandy Hook Promise's 24/7 crisis center, which allows people to identify and help at-risk students, has seen a more than 10 percent increase in suicide tips thus far. prgtoken During our hearing on this bill, Arriana Gross, a high school student from Covington, Georgia, testified that: ``In our school, a year doesn't go by without a student dying by suicide. I've even known of elementary kids who died by suicide. I am concerned that youth suicide has become so common that my school community and our Nation is stuck in a pattern of mourning and accepting these deaths as something that is normal, instead of seeing them as preventable and tragic.'' prgtoken Again, , those are the words of Arriana Gross, a high school student. prgtoken Like Arriana, I am concerned. prgtoken Despite data that suicide is on the rise, we can act now to help equip students and the communities around them to identify risk factors so they can play an active role in preventing suicide or self-harm. prgtoken Now, this bill, H.R. 7293, would encourage schools to expand evidence-based suicide prevention training to students and make public best practices for such training as a condition of receiving funds under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Project AWARE grant program. prgtoken The STANDUP Act would also support technical assistance resources for schools and encourage the collection and reporting of data to track implementation of these policies and practices. prgtoken Research, , shows that training students on suicide prevention makes an impact on student suicide rates and improves the students' willingness to seek help or to help a peer. prgtoken Much of this training is already taking place across thousands of schools nationwide, but the STANDUP Act will help ensure that this good work is expanded to more schools across the country. prgtoken So for these reasons, , I stand up in support of the STANDUP Act. This is good, bipartisan legislation. I thank the lead sponsors, Representatives Scott Peters, Gus Bilirakis, Ted Deutch, Brian Fitzpatrick, and their staffs for their work on this critical issue. prgtoken , I also thank Mr. Walden and the committee staff for working with us on this legislation. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and .
COMMENDING THE LIFE AND WORK OF REVEREND LEON FINNEY, JR.
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , today I rise to honor and commemorate the life of Reverend Leon Finney, Jr who stood at the forefront of advancing the cause of justice in Chicago and throughout the nation. prgtoken A spiritual mentor of mine at McCormick Theological Seminary, where he founded the African American Leadership Program, which was responsible for the training of innumerable African American Pastors in receiving their master's degrees. Rev. Finney's work in Chicago's spiritual, educational, and civil rights communities was deeply intertwined and catalyzed positive change for the most vulnerable members of our society. prgtoken Rev. Finney was an organizer's organizer. Shortly after serving his country in the Marine Corps, he would join the Woodlawn Organization, a community group in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood where Rev. Finney worked tirelessly to revitalize Woodlawn after the neighborhood was nearly decimated in the 1960s and 1970s. Rev. Finney's activism would open the eyes of those across Chicago and the United States to what is really possible when communities come together. The arc of Rev. Finney's legacy is long and stretches from Congressman Ralph H. Metcalfe, Jr. to Reverend Jessie L. Jackson, Sr from Mayor Harold Washington all the way to former President . prgtoken A deeply spiritual man with an unparalleled understanding of how faith could help uplift entire communities, Rev. Finney served as the pastor of three churches, and was the founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, which would later merge with the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church where Rev. Finney continued to serve the people of Chicago's South Side as a senior pastor. Rev. Finney's sense of justice was also evident throughout his career in public service, beginning with his three decades of service on Chicago's city planning commission, followed by a chairmanship of Chicago State University's board of trustees, and continuing as a board member of the Chicago Housing Authority for five years thereafter. His strong commitments to equity and community empowerment enabled these organizations to better serve the people of Chicago for years to come. prgtoken Madam , I along with countless others, are in deep mourning due to Rev. Finney's transition, but we all remain committed to furthering his life's pursuit. My condolences are extended to his immediate family, his church, and to his many friends. His legacy lives on.
NOMINATION OF AMY CONEY BARRETT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-29

after Senate s established the principle that the Senate shouldn't consider Supreme Court nominations in Presidential election years, on Saturday, President nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court with less than 40 days left in the Presidential election. prgtoken The Senate has never--never--confirmed a nominee to the Supreme Court this close to a Presidential election. In fact, the election is already underway, but President gets to play by different rules under this majority. prgtoken By nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, President has once again put Americans' healthcare in the crosshairs. President has promised to nominate Supreme Court Justices who will ``terminate''--his words--our healthcare law. In Judge Barret, President has found the deciding vote. prgtoken Judge Barret strongly criticized the ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act, claiming that if Justices read the law the way she does, they would ``have had to invalidate'' the entire healthcare law. Let me repeat that: Judge Barrett strongly criticized Justice Roberts' decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, saying that ``he pushed [the law] beyond its plausible meaning to save the statute.'' If Justice Roberts had read the law the way Judge Barrett does, the Supreme Court would have had to invalidate the entire Affordable Care Act. prgtoken The lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act, as everyone knows, will be heard 1 week after the election. Senate s are rushing to jam Judge Barrett's confirmation through in time for her to hear arguments in that very case. Not one for subtlety, President tweeted on Saturday that our healthcare law would be replaced ``if terminated by the Supreme Court.'' prgtoken So the American people should make no mistake, a vote by any Senator for Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act and eliminate protections for millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. prgtoken Judge Barrett's record also suggests that if she is confirmed, the reproductive freedom of millions of women would be in grave danger. Should Judge Amy Coney Barrett be confirmed, a far-right majority on the Court could turn back the clock on women's rights and a woman's right to choose, workers' rights, voting rights, civil rights, environmental protections, LGBTQ rights, and many more. The future for DACA recipients hangs in the balance as well. prgtoken So this nomination concerns no less than the fundamental rights of the American people. After holding a Supreme Court vacancy open for 8 months before a Presidential election, President and Leader McConnell are doing what no Senate has done before--shamelessly rushing to fill Justice Ginsburg's seat less than 40 days before the Presidential election. prgtoken Justice Ginsburg's dying wish was that she not be replaced until a new Presid
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20201 AND OTHER EXTENSIONS ACT-- Continued
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-9-29

I am here today to make clear what is at stake if the Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Care Act in the middle of this global pandemic. prgtoken This is something the administration has been trying for, for years. It came out of a case in Texas, and they brought it all the way now to the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken It has been over 9 months since the United States had its first confirmed case of the coronavirus. Now we have over 7 million cases and, tragically, over 200,000 people have died. prgtoken It has been 9 months but still we do not have a national testing strategy in place--something that would not only save lives but also would be a great help in having the ability to open our economy again. prgtoken We don't have sufficient contact tracing or clear guidance to schools and businesses of how to keep their students, employees, and customers safe. prgtoken Nearly 30 million people are out of work, and today many are still struggling to pay their rent and put food on the table for their families. prgtoken Millions of kids are sometimes going to school in hybrid models--in for a few days, out of a few days. They are learning to use Zoom. First graders--one of my staff members in Minnesota, her first grade daughter is learning the mute and unmute button. prgtoken But instead of being honest with the American people about how serious this was, we have had a President who hid the truth about how deadly the virus is and how it spreads. prgtoken This is personal to me. When the President was telling the American people that this was all going to go away; that it was going to go away by Easter, at the same time that he knew, we now know, that it was deadly; that he knew that it was airborne, when my family was just trying to wash off all of the counters and wash your hands, which is still a good idea, but we thought that would be the way to keep ourselves safe, this President didn't share that information. prgtoken And my husband, early on, got very, very sick from the virus. He ended up in the hospital with severe pneumonia and on oxygen. So, for me, it is personal. But guess what. It is personal to nearly everyone in America because they know someone--a friend, a family member who has died or who has gotten sick. prgtoken Now, in my husband's case, thanks to the brave frontline workers and the nurses and the hospital and the doctors, and thanks to the fluke-- it is just serendipity if people are able to survive this or not, depending on how hard-hit they are. Our story isn't unique, and many other people who went to the hospital didn't come home, and we now know this has inordinately hit frontline workers and inordinately hit people of color. prgtoken So here we are, so many months later and well over 100 days after the House first passed the Heroes Act--legislation to provide true funding for testing, help State and local governments go through this time, to make sure our elections are saf
EFFECTIVE SUICIDE SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ACT OF 2019
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 4861, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act. prgtoken Before I tell why, I want to thank my good friend Mr. Pallone from New Jersey. We came to Congress together a long while ago, and we have worked very closely together. prgtoken And I want to thank Mr. Walden. He said I am thoughtful. He is one of the most thoughtful Members in Congress. He reaches across the aisle, and we have made a lot of great progress, and the country is so much better having people with that kind of temperament to reach across the aisle. I thank the gentleman for all the kind words. They really mean a lot. prgtoken I authored this legislation with my colleague, Gus Bilirakis, to help reduce rates of suicide in the United States. prgtoken Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. It claimed more than 47,000 lives in 2017, alone. prgtoken According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the suicide rate in the U.S. increased by an alarming 31 percent from 2001 to 2017. prgtoken In this time of COVID, where the pandemic has taken an untold physical and emotional toll on Americans' health, officials are reporting surges in mental and behavioral health problems. prgtoken Studies show that as many as 11 percent of all patients visiting a hospital emergency department are at risk for suicide, but only a fraction of these at-risk patients are ever identified. prgtoken Our bill aims to improve the identification, assessment, and treatment of patients in emergency departments who are at high risk of suicide. prgtoken It provides $100 million over a 5-year period to support emergency department programs to prevent suicides specifically by: prgtoken Training emergency department clinicians to identify patients with an elevated risk of suicide; prgtoken Developing programs to coordinate care and follow-up of those with an elevated risk of suicide; prgtoken Supporting the recruitment and retainment of behavioral health professionals who specialize in treating individuals with suicidal tendencies; and prgtoken Incentivizing the development of new approaches, such as telehealth, to help those at high risk of suicide. prgtoken Our legislation has been endorsed by over 40 mental health advocacy groups, including: the Emergency Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, The Kennedy Forum, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Mental Health America. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.