mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Michael F. Doyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise today to inform my colleagues that this year is the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's fortieth anniversary, and I would like to formally commemorate their four decades of service to the people and communities of Pittsburgh. Over the past forty years, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has become an integral part of our region by providing thousands of neighbors and prgtoken friends with the food support they need when they need it most. prgtoken The food bank was established in Pittsburgh's Hill District at a time of painful change for our region, when the unemployment rate rose to almost 20 percent and the need for food assistance surged. Over the years, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has expanded to the point where today it works with hundreds of partner agencies in an 11- county area distributing millions of pounds of food to those who need it. prgtoken The organization's work has never been more important than in 2020, as COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the country, devastating our economy and leaving tens of millions of hard-working Americans unemployed. As a result, many Americans who had been living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic were suddenly unable to afford their next meal. According to the Food Bank, food insecurity in Southwestern Pennsylvania increased 42 percent this year, including a 57 percent increase in childhood hunger. The Food Bank's response has been nothing short of lifesaving--having distributed more than 30 million pounds of food since March. prgtoken I want to commend the exemplary work that the food bank has done this year, and I can say unequivocally that many in our community would not be able to get through these hard times without the remarkable contribution it's made to the region. prgtoken My staff and I have worked closely with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank over many years to support and improve federal anti-hunger programs. I participated in food distribution events recently where I met many community members whose lives were markedly improved by this organization's impressive work. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has been recognized a number of times over the years for its outstanding work, including by America's Second Harvest, Charity Navigator, the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and the Congressional Hunger Center. prgtoken I want to commend and congratulate the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on its 40th anniversary of outstanding service to our community. I thank its staff, affiliates, and volunteers for their tremendous service to the people of Pittsburgh and look forward to continuing to work with them to fight hunger in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
FAREWELL REMARKS
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I am honored to rise for the last time on the floor of the House of Representatives. prgtoken Growing up on a small farm in New Mexico, I never imagined that I would walk these hallowed halls and speak from this chamber. prgtoken Of course, I did not get here alone. I stand on the shoulders of giants like Dennis Chavez, Manual Lujan, and many others who blazed a trail for me and other Hispanic Americans to serve our communities proudly in this, the People's House. prgtoken I also owe my public service to heroes a little closer to home: my mother Carmen, a retired public-school employee, and my late father Ben, a union ironworker who became of the New Mexico House of Representatives. prgtoken They taught me that no job is too big or too small and that we must be guided by our compassion for others. It was their passion for serving others that propelled me to seek public office. prgtoken Thanks to Mom and Dad. prgtoken I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Whip Clyburn and countless other members for their guidance and mentorship during my career in the House and during the last two years that I've served as the Assistant . prgtoken s on both sides of the aisle for their friendship and support. prgtoken And I thank the freshman members who I have had the honor of working with mentoring during the 116th Congress. During a difficult time in our nation's history, their commitment to their constituents and the nation has inspired me every day. prgtoken I thank my staff who work long hours and weekends to serve the people of New Mexico. Their support has enabled me to make progress on the issues that matter most to New Mexicans. prgtoken And finally, I thank the people of New Mexico's Third Congressional District. It's been such an honor to represent them in the House, and I'll never stop working to make a positive difference. prgtoken I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish for New Mexico's Third District: prgtoken Defending the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health coverage to 270,000 New Mexicans; prgtoken Reaching across the aisle to pass bills into law combating the opioid epidemic that has ravaged families and communities; prgtoken Working with my colleagues to make robust investments in our world-class National Labs; prgtoken Creating good-paying jobs for New Mexicans by passing measures to bolster our state's growing outdoor economy and to improve broadband deployment in our rural communities; prgtoken Passing legislation to preserve and protect Native languages for future generations; prgtoken Ensuring New Mexico's land grants and acequias are treated with dignity and respect, and can continue to thrive; prgtoken And assisting thousands of New Mexicans in navigating our federal agencies--helping veterans and seniors secure their hard-earned benefits, taxpayers navigate the IRS, and new citizens through the natu
RECOGNIZING LOCAL HEROES
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-17

over the last 10 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our communities: from our frontline heroes working around the clock to families who have gone hungry, to the millions who have lost their jobs, and, heartbreakingly, the over 300,000 who have lost their lives. prgtoken While many of us believe that the Federal Government can and still should do much more to alleviate the impact of the pandemic, we all can be inspired by the compassion, innovation, and resilience of the people in our communities who have stepped up to serve and to try to fill the needs laid bare by this crisis. They are our local heroes. prgtoken A few weeks ago, my office launched a local heroes initiative to showcase the countless people in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District who have gone above and beyond to help those in need throughout this crisis. In just the first few days, we received over 100 submissions, and it has grown since then. prgtoken From nurses on our front lines to children organizing food drives, we were overwhelmed by the stories of resilience, ingenuity, and absolute determination by members of our community whose stories we don't hear enough. So, today, I want to share a few of their stories. prgtoken I am talking about people like Nicole, an emergency manager, who is now serving our community by running two emergency rooms due to the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases. Aunt Nee Nee, as she is known to her beloved nieces and nephews, has only been able to see her family for limited amounts of time, if at all, since the pandemic started. prgtoken People like Jillian, a mom of three, who regularly works 15-hour shifts in the ER, then comes home, disposes of her scrubs in a bin so she can hug her kids and help them do their schoolwork. She is a real- life superhero. prgtoken Young people like Emily, just 14 years old, who, when she realized that some children in our community would be without holiday gifts this year, organized a toy drive, contributing her babysitting money and recruiting her younger brother and sisters to help make cards and wrap the gifts. prgtoken People like Michelle, a nonprofit leader, who has ensured that our LGBTQ communities are not left behind during this crisis; working to secure housing, food, and medications for immunocompromised community members. prgtoken Teachers like Jimmy, from Upper Darby, who knows how hard this transition has been for both students and teachers. So he has gone above and beyond to share acts of kindness, like dropping off doughnuts for his fellow teachers or helping students get help to obtain the technology they need for virtual learning. prgtoken People like Ala Stanford and the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, who organized free COVID testing for our most at-risk communities when it became apparent that they could not otherwise obtain testing. prgtoken County employees, like Ed and Gayle, who have reinvented and organized dozens o
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-12-17

I rise today to ask the Senate to join me in recognizing my constituent and friend Cathy Hughes on the 40th anniversary of Urban One, Inc formerly known as Radio One. Urban One, headquartered in Montgomery County, MD, is America's largest broadcast company primarily focused on African-American consumers. Over the last four decades, it has elevated and celebrated African-American voices while telling stories from their perspective. Today, Urban One employs more than 1,500 people and reaches an estimated 82 percent of African-Americans nationwide. prgtoken This remarkable success is attributable to the skillful and passionate leadership of Cathy Hughes. Not long after Cathy started her radio career in her hometown of Omaha, NE, she found herself lecturing at Howard University's school of communications and serving as general sales manager at the university's iconic radio station, WHUR. Cathy started Radio One in 1980 with the purchase of her flagship station WOL-AM in Washington, DC, and served as its morning show host for 11 years. As founder and chairwoman, Cathy has directed the successful expansion of Radio One into new radio markets nationwide while generating original content across the spectrum of radio, television, and digital media. I am proud to note that Baltimore was the first city into which Radio One expanded. prgtoken Urban One's remarkable 40 years of growth are all the more impressive given the obstacles that Cathy has overcome, not least the racism and sexism she has encountered during her groundbreaking career. In her initial search for financing to buy the station that would become Radio One, 32 banks rejected Cathy's bid. prgtoken Cathy has steered her company successfully through the changes and challenges in media markets over the years, most recently navigating the impact of COVID-19. While Radio One itself has been hurt by the pandemic, she chose to support her community by providing free advertising to Black-owned businesses. prgtoken Cathy's philanthropic work rivals her exceptional business achievements. Of note is her passion for education, demonstrated by her strong support of the Piney Woods School in Piney Woods, MS. This school, which her grandfather established in 1909, currently serves as the largest of four African-American boarding schools in the county. Cathy has been recognized for extraordinary contributions many times over the years: National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2019, the Woman of the Year Award by 100 Black Men of America in 2018, the Ida B. Wells Living Legacy Award in 2011, and the Essence Women Shaping the World Award in 2018. In 2019, Howard University named its school of communications after her. prgtoken I ask the Senate to join me in recognizing the extraordinary career of an extraordinary woman, Cathy Hughes, on the 40th anniversary of Urban One.
HONORING PAT RUTHERFORD AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Pat Rutherford, an extraordinary seamstress and community volunteer, as our Iowan of the Week. Since March of this year, Pat has dedicated the majority of her time to sewing thousands of cloth face masks she gives away for free so Iowans can better protect themselves from COVID-19. This volunteer effort has now thoroughly become part of her daily life. Her dedication has not only inspired others to join in on the mission, but has also generated thousands of dollars in donations to the local food bank at a time when families are experiencing greater food insecurity. prgtoken After spotting a woman in the Atlanta airport holding a tissue to her face because she didn't have a proper mask, Pat decided no one should have to resort to such measures during a global pandemic. She returned home and stayed busy during her precautionary quarantine by sewing high-quality fabric face masks people could wash and reuse. Pat put up a public Facebook page where community members could place orders for the free masks, and hundreds of requests came in the first day. It's been nine months since then, and the orders haven't slowed. prgtoken For months at the beginning of her effort, Pat was purchasing all the necessary mask supplies and sewing equipment from her own funds and was doing her best to keep up with orders as a solo volunteer. She'd spend hours sewing in the basement each day and place completed masks on her front porch, publicly urging those without a good face covering to come to her home and take what they needed. It was an expensive and time- consuming endeavor, but Pat was determined to keep going. Demand kept up and her efforts caught the attention of many, including Verlaine Faber and Pam West, who now spend several days each week in Pat's basement helping sew and keep up with new mask orders. prgtoken As more people learned about Pat's project, neighbors began donating supplies to help out. People would scour garage sales and deliver boxes of fabric to Pat's home. Several others volunteered to help Pat, Verlaine, and Pam finish masks by stitching on the elastic ear loops and sewing pleats. And people began to leave monetary donations when they'd pick up their mask orders. Rather than accept the donations herself, Pat began donating the money to the Grimes Storehouse, the local food bank. The effort has generated somewhere between $7,000 and $10,000 in donations for the Storehouse, including $900 in Fareway grocery gift cards Pat just dropped off to be included in Christmas baskets for families in need. prgtoken Pat estimates she and her small band of fellow volunteers have sewn and donated more than 5,000 masks since March. They've filled free orders and made donations to local nursing homes, health care facilities, teachers, a reservation in South Dakota, and beyond. They linked up with MaskHelpers.org, a website used to connect
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-12-18

before I give my remarks, I would like to say that I hope the rumors are true that we are getting close to a deal here. The country needs us to reach a bipartisan deal, as we did in March, unanimously, when we passed the CARES Act here. prgtoken It is time for us to do that again. In Colorado and all across the country cases are spiking and the economy is slowing down. People need relief. They need help. I hope we will come together in a bipartisan way and do that. prgtoken I hope that the deal is not going to come crashing down because of a disagreement about what the Federal Reserve's authority ought to be under the 13(3) program. That is an important program for the Federal Reserve to help when things are really distressed in our economy--to help our small businesses, our State and local governments, and working families all over this country. prgtoken It is an authority that used--or that the Fed used while was President. People on both sides of the aisle said it was an effective authority, and if it is an effective authority for President , it should not be taken away from the Federal Reserve just because is becoming President of the United States. prgtoken So I hope that we will come to an agreement. I expect that we will. I hope it is soon. People need the help
HONORING THE LIFE OF TAYLOR DeROSA
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise to honor the memory of my young constituent, Taylor DeRosa. prgtoken Taylor made her mark as a student activist at Royal Oak High School. She was beginning her college career at Grand Valley State University when her life was taken so tragically several days ago. prgtoken I met Taylor when I was running for Congress in 2018 and she was launching a Students Demand Action chapter. Taylor immediately struck me as a huge flash of sunshine in an unjust world. Her commitment to justice was frank and undeniable. You knew the world would change at least a little because Taylor was present, fighting for sensible gun reform, fighting for everyone to see and cherish Black lives, and fighting to empower women and girls. prgtoken Taylor made me feel that every minute we invest in our young people is time well-spent. I feel that now, even as we struggle to cope with her loss, because she inspired me and so many folks young and old all around her. prgtoken My heart goes out to Taylor's devoted mother, Cara, and all who knew and loved her in this time of heartbreak and mourning.
HONORING ROSE OCHI
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a dear mentor, an honorable public servant, and a stalwart leader in the Japanese-American community, Rose Ochi. prgtoken Rose was one of my mentors when I was in my twenties and thirties. Her guidance and her wisdom helped me during those formative years. I know that I was not the only person whose life she touched. She blazed a trail for many others in our community besides me. prgtoken Rose was a justice seeker and served as an Associate Attorney General of the United States under President Clinton, as the criminal justice planning director for Mayor Tom Bradley, and as a fighter for redress for the Japanese-American community who suffered through internment. Her work contributed to making America a more perfect Union. prgtoken Madam , we will miss Rose's towering presence and grace, but her legacy will live on.
TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF FORMER COUNCILWOMAN CATHY REYNOLDS
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of Former Denver City Councilwoman Cathy Reynolds who passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 75. prgtoken Cathy was a leader, fighter and history maker from Colorado. She was a trailblazer-Denver City Council's first elected Councilwoman and also its longest serving member. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Cathy moved to Denver in the mid-1960's when her prgtoken husband Rick accepted a position with Denver Public Schools. Cathy had a strong desire to give back to her new city, and she landed on the Denver City Council in 1975. prgtoken During her 28 years serving on City Council, Cathy proved to be an effective and hardworking elected official. Evidence of her achievements can be found throughout the region-from our world-renowned airport to our popular football stadium and convention center. prgtoken But Cathy's most important legacy was her unwavering and fearless commitment to social justice. When she moved lo ban assault weapons in Denver, she faced numerous insults and even threats against her own life with the kind of grace and resolve that earned the respect of some of her fiercest opponents. And with similar fortitude, Cathy led the fight on changing local zoning ordinances so that LGBTQ individuals and those who are differently-abled could no longer be excluded from living in certain neighborhoods. Truly, Cathy Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with, as those with whom she served would quickly tell you; however, she was also fair, and funny, and kind to everyone she met. prgtoken Not surprisingly, Cathy's unique personal traits and organizing ability led her to fill key leadership roles, including the role of council president, a position in which she served five times. Additionally, beyond the City Council, Cathy's leadership qualities and passion for social progress resulted in her serving two terms as president of the Colorado Municipal League and chair of the National League of Cities. prgtoken As a political activist and then a young state legislator in the 1990's, I admired Cathy's style--tough but accessible--and her unwavering commitment to civil rights for all. Cathy was a model for me as I fought at the state level for many of the issues she had successfully championed in Denver. prgtoken Put simply, Cathy Reynolds was a trailblazing and tireless advocate on behalf of the community she loved; and her longtime public service was an inspiration to young leaders regardless of their gender. Though Cathy's legacy will remain alive for many decades to come, her powerful presence will be deeply missed. prgtoken My heart goes out to her husband Rick Reynolds, as well as to their two children and four grandchildren. I hope they find comfort in the knowledge that their dear loved one was not only a treasure and inspiration to them, but also to the countless Denverites whose lives she touched.
FURTHER ADDITIONAL CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-12-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , families and small businesses desperately need support as they continue to reel from the coronavirus pandemic. As we speak, bipartisan negotiations are ongoing to deliver emergency relief alongside an omnibus comprising fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills. prgtoken To keep government open while negotiations conclude, the legislation before us extends funding at current levels through Sunday. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the ongoing talks by adopting this clean continuing resolution. prgtoken , .
RECOGNITION OF CHRIS GUINAN
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Chris Guinan, a Philadelphia difference-maker, before the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Guinan has become a symbol of the can-do neighborly spirit that is the embodiment of The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. prgtoken Since 2011, Mr. Guinan, aided by his wife, Cindy, his son, Christian, his daughter, Lauren, and his granddaughter, Sophia, has successfully donated 1,000 bikes to children throughout Philadelphia who previously lacked this essential mode of transportation and freedom. prgtoken Mr. Guinan achieved this remarkable feat through a combination of years of his own hard work--finding and fixing a great many of these bikes--and the generous donations of others, including his colleagues at SEPTA, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement. prgtoken Chris Guinan embodies a commitment to the public good. His efforts to make life better for Philadelphia's children are a model for the upwelling of selflessness and giving that has kept America going through these difficult times. He embodies the spirit of Philadelphia-- and of America. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation to Chris Guinan for his--and his family's-- extraordinary work on behalf of our community.