mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING ALEXIS AYANO TERAI
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-6-15

. Madam , I rise today to express my great appreciation for Alexis Ayano Terai, who over the past five years has served as Manager of the Congressional Study Group on Japan. prgtoken Through her hard work and dedication, Alexis has enriched our nation's relationship with this most critical and important ally. prgtoken The Congressional Study Groups are the premier international projects administered by the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress. prgtoken They are also one of the most active and substantive bipartisan exchanges involving the U.S. Congress and the legislative branches of allied countries. prgtoken Alexis has been an integral part of the Study Group's outstanding success and her kindness to others and commitment to her job have been exemplary. prgtoken She has worked tirelessly to help build and foster the Congressional Study Group on Japan and strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and partnership by creating opportunities for Members and Congressional staff to exchange views with their Japanese counterparts both in the U.S. and Japan. prgtoken Among her many accomplishments, Alexis helped to develop a myriad of programs focused on the bilateral relationship with Japan and the broader Asia region. prgtoken As Co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, I've had the pleasure of working with Alexis over the last five years. And I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the group when I say that Alexis will be missed. prgtoken As Alexis pursues her Master's Degree in Asian Studies at Georgetown University, we wish her much success and happiness on this new path.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2020-6-15

we have a series of votes today on the Great American Outdoors Act, including one to adopt the substitute amendment. There are 60 of my Senate colleagues who cosponsored this bill, and 20 more joined us last week, resulting in strong, bipartisan votes to begin consideration of the bill. These votes today will put us within 1 vote of passing this important bipartisan legislation. prgtoken Over the last week, many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have taken to the floor to talk about how the Great American Outdoors Act will benefit the entire country, and they have shared examples of how their home States have been positively impacted already by the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It is a testament to the importance of this historic conservation legislation that has brought so many of us together during such a toxic atmosphere. Yet that is the beauty of our Nation's great outdoors. It brings us all together--all walks and shapes and political preferences. It makes no difference. We all love the outdoors, and it is available for everyone to enjoy in any number of ways, whether that be through hunting, hiking, fishing, biking, or just simply by soaking in nature. prgtoken The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been responsible for helping to acquire many of our Nation's most iconic and scenic lands and to provide wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities, but it is important to remember that it is also used in many ways that provide an economic boost to our States and counties, whether that be through an LWCF grant that allows community spaces to be built, like the 47 community pools the LWCF supported across my beautiful State of West Virginia, or a baseball field in Colorado. prgtoken It is also a job creator. A recent analysis from Boston University shows that, at the full funding of $900 million annually, the LWCF could support approximately 15,000 to 28,000 jobs at a time when our country needs them most. prgtoken The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a major contributor to the rapidly growing outdoor recreation economy. According to the most recent information provided by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. outdoor recreation economy accounts for 2.2 percent, or $427 billion, of our Nation's gross domestic product. Likewise, the Outdoor Industry Association has calculated that the outdoor recreation economy generates almost $890 million in annual consumer spending and supports over 7.6 million jobs. prgtoken The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been able to do wonderful things with the funds that have been appropriated to date even though those appropriations, in recent years, have averaged only about half of the authorized funding level. In previous years, they were even less than that. Just imagine what we can achieve for our country with the full LWCF funding of $900 million per year as the Great American Outdoors Act would provide. prgtoken We need to secure
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-15

this morning, the long march for equality for LGBTQ Americans took a step forward. The Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision that Federal employment discrimination protections do, in fact, extend to LGBTQ Americans. Believe it or not, before today, it was not a settled legal matter that you could sue your employer for firing you solely on the basis of sexual orientation or sexual identity. prgtoken In 2020, in America, it was still OK to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation or identity. Is that unbelievable that in the 21st century it was still allowed? Well, now it isn't because of the Supreme Court, and they deserve credit for that case. prgtoken One of the cases that formed the basis of today's ruling originated in my home State of New York, where a skydiving instructor was fired for admitting his sexual orientation. So, today, the Supreme Court did the right thing and ruled that workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is just as unlawful as discrimination on the basis of gender, race, or religion. prgtoken Of course, the ruling in no way diminishes our efforts here in Congress to pass the Equality Act led by my colleagues, Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker, which would be a great leap forward on equality that we are all looking for. It passed the House over a year ago, but it has been gathering dust in Leader McConnell's legislative graveyard. Senate s are still not in the 21st century. They must think it is OK to discriminate against people because of their orientation or identity. Unbelievable. But maybe now, the fact that even a few Justices appointed by Presidents believe that it was against the law--maybe that will prick the hearts of our colleagues and Leader McConnell and they will allow a vote on the Equality Act here on the floor. Even without the Senate and its backward ways, it is clear that the country is moving in the right direction. Justice in Policing Act prgtoken , these are not ordinary times in America. For 21 straight days, hundreds of thousands of Americans have taken to the streets to protest police violence and racial injustice. Clashes between police and peaceful protesters over the past few weeks, in which some police departments have responded with overly aggressive tactics, have only articulated further the need for bold and wide- reaching reform of police practices. prgtoken Being killed by police is now the sixth leading cause of death for young Black men in America. Let me repeat that. Being killed by police is now the sixth leading cause of death for young Black men in America, and that is why the House and Senate have drafted legislation, the Justice in Policing Act, prgtoken that will deliver comprehensive reform to police departments, including a ban on choke holds, a ban on no-knock warrants in Federal drug cases, a ban on racia
HONORING KAMERON MIDDLEBROOKS AS THE IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-6-15

. Madam , I rise today as tens of thousands of peaceful protesters are prgtoken rising in cities across our country and around the world to say enough is enough. People from all walks of life are coming together to call for real change to address the inequities and failures of our systems, to shine a light on persistent and systemic racism, and to demand justice for the senseless deaths of African American men and women like George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. prgtoken Moments like these in history force us to confront the sobering truths of who and where we are as a nation. Many will have their eyes opened to realities and perspectives they did not see before, thus beginning or furthering their journeys to unlearn deeply engrained beliefs and better understand how racism continues to shape our daily lives. Others still will feel emboldened to turn their knowledge and empathy into action for the first time. prgtoken And then there are those leaders who have been in this fight for much longer. I rise today to honor as Iowan of the Week one such leader who has been on the front lines not only of recent peaceful protests, but also of the day-to-day work of lifting up a community from within: Kameron Middlebrooks. prgtoken Kam's history of activism and accomplishments belie his relative youth. Now in his early thirties, he's already spent half his life advocating for Des Moines' black community. If you mention Kam's name to someone in central Iowa, it's likely they've already heard of him. That could be because they went to school together at Roosevelt High, read about him as one of the Des Moines Register's 15 People to Watch in 2019, heard about the work he's done on the Des Moines Human and Civil Rights Commission, or for a host of other reasons. As busy as life in Congress keeps me, I wonder how Kameron fits everything into his day. prgtoken Kam currently serves as President of the Des Moines Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an organization he joined in high school before becoming its youngest-ever Midwestern Regional Field Director and successfully leading a campaign to register more than 15,000 people of color to vote across the Midwest. He's owned his own small business, and now coaches African Americans interested in becoming small business owners through that process as minority business coordinator for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He hosts annual trainings at Des Moines' Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families to equip participants with essential skills to successfully run their own shops. He coordinates multiple work groups to address disparities among black and white residents of Polk County in critical areas like employment, education, and housing. And his efforts to create a more equitable society without racial discrimination don't stop there. prgtoken Kam and I spoke on the phone last Monday. He'd spent each of the
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESTAURANTS ACT OF 2020
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-6-15

. Madam , there is perhaps nothing more central to communities large and small than their local restaurants. Restaurants play host to everything from first dates to marriage proposals and many of life's important memories. The focal restaurant industry supports Top Chef Masters, first jobs, and parents working double-shifts to give their children a brighter future. The COVID-19 pandemic has put all of this in jeopardy. prgtoken Since mid-March, the vast majority of independent restaurants have closed their doors, laid off most of their employees, and are unsure what their business model will be after the pandemic. While independent restaurants employ more than 11 million people, the food supply chain touches every corner of the country and every congressional district. From farm workers and fishermen to truck drivers and distributors, the restaurant industry provides a $1 trillion annual boost to the United States; economy, to say nothing of supporting tens of millions of livelihoods. prgtoken The restaurant industry has been uniquely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly true of independent establishments that account for more than three-quarters of all restaurants and bars in the United States. The restaurant sector is the top contributor to unemployment rolls across America. In April alone, 5.5 million restaurant workers lost their jobs, accounting for 27 percent of total job losses in the month. Some of these jobs are coming back but many will not return without assistance.The National Bureau of Economic Research predicts that only 15 percent of restaurants will be able to stay open if the COVID-19 pandemic lasts six months. prgtoken The RESTAURANTS Act would establish a $120 billion restaurant revitalization fund at the Department of Treasury. Funding would be available to food service or drinking establishments that are not publicly traded or part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name. The grant values would cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020. The first 14 days of the grant's availability is only available to restaurants with annual revenues of $1.5 million or fewer, ensuring that the smallest restaurants are prioritized. Additionally, the legislation includes administrative funding toward outreach and engagement to restaurants owned and operated by women, Veterans, and people of color. A study on this proposal found that the fund would generate at least $183 billion in primary benefits and $65 billion in secondary benefits--more than double the amount of the fund. prgtoken In the past three months, Congress has demonstrated the political will to pass more than $3 trillion of relief to most sectors of the economy--the House of Representatives just passed an additional $3 trillion of relief. There were broad-based programs and there was targeted relief for specific industries. Yet restaurants have not
IN HONOR OF ANTHONY PHILIP ANDREOTTI OF CANTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Stephen F. Lynch (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-6-15

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Anthony (Tony) Philip Andreotti, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his hometown of Canton, Massachusetts, and to commend him for over 50 years of dedicated service to his community and our country. prgtoken The son of Angelina and Carmine Andreotti, immigrants from Naples, Italy, Tony was born on May 22, 1933, on Staten Island in New York. The family moved to Canton in 1935 where Tony attended St. John's Elementary School and graduated from Canton High School in 1951. In 1953, Tony was drafted into the United States Army, serving in both Korea and Japan before he was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon completion of his military service, Tony attended Burdett College in Boston and earned an associate degree in accounting in 1957. Subsequently, he worked at Norfolk County Trust until 1960 and Crosby Valve from 1960 until 1983. In 1981, Tony was elected to the Board of Selectmen in Canton and also served as Town Treasurer. In addition to his elective service, Tony served on the Board of Directors at Norwood Hospital, serving as Chairman from 1996 until 1998. prgtoken Madam , Tony has made his biggest impact by advocating for veterans. He was appointed Veterans' Agent in Canton in 1999, a position he held for over 20 years. His relentless pursuit of benefits for veterans is legendary and his accomplishments are many. Tony created the Veterans' Memorial Park at Canton Corner Cemetery, consolidating veterans' monuments dispersed throughout Canton into one location. Tony also organized a Legion Walk of Honor in Canton, complete with bricks engraved with the names of the 77 Canton residents who died while serving our country during the Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War. Tony also founded the Fallen Heroes Street Sign Program, a local initiative honoring the same 77 residents who made the ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, Tony established a Funeral Honor Guard which presides at veterans' funerals throughout Massachusetts, and worked tirelessly to ensure that Canton residents who left high school early to serve in the armed forces, received their diplomas upon returning. Quite simply, Tony is perhaps the most effective and most dedicated Veterans' Agent in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, if not the entire United States of America. prgtoken Tony has had the good fortune to have been married to Patricia for 35 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, David and James. On October 26, 2019, the Town of Canton dedicated the roadway in front of Veterans' Memorial Park to Tony, naming it Andreotti Way. Generations to come will know of Tony's contributions to the Town of Canton. prgtoken Madam , it is my distinct honor to join with Tony Andreotti's family, friends and contemporaries to thank him for his remarkable service to his town of Canton and to the United States of America.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-6-15

before I speak about the legislation we are going to be voting on shortly, I wanted to mention today's significant Supreme Court decision to protect the LGBTQ community and Americans from discrimination in the workplace. prgtoken This is a very important step forward. Gay and transgender Americans should not face discrimination in the workplace or live in fear of losing their jobs simply because of who they are, and it is an important step forward but is also long overdue. prgtoken My home State of Washington has been a leader on this issue for decades, but--just think--until today, June 15, 2020, we had no nationwide rules against firing an employee or harassing someone at work for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. That is just wrong, and LGBTQ+ Americans still face discrimination in far too many areas of life: public accommodations, housing, education, and some federally funded programs. prgtoken We have proposed legislation that would be, I believe, comprehensive civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation to help protect this community. The House has passed this legislation, and I believe it is time that the Senate pass this legislation. prgtoken Leader McConnell and the s should take the Equality Act out of the legislative graveyard and get it onto the Senate floor. Today I join my colleagues Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and others who are calling for Senate action on this important issue. prgtoken Again, I want to emphasize how important and fundamental I think this decision was and how challenging and disappointed I am that we have had legislation to protect this community that we could have passed decades ago.
IN RECOGNITION OF BATTALION CHIEF DAVID LAMBRIX FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE DEARBORN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-15

. Madam , I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Battalion Chief David Lambrix as he celebrates his retirement and recognize his many years of distinguished service with the Dearborn Fire Department. His contributions to the community are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Battalion Chief David Lambrix joined the Dearborn Fire Department as a firefighter on September 6th, 1994. Throughout his twenty-five years with the force, Lambrix rose through the ranks of firefighter, fire lieutenant, and captain. In 2017, Lambrix was promoted to battalion chief, and has held the position ever since. Among his friends, colleagues, and peers, Lambrix is recognized as a humble leader who strives to make a difference without seeking praise or recognition for any of his significant accomplishments. prgtoken Prior to his career with the fire department, David Lambrix dutifully served his country. He served as an EM2 in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1988 in Alamenda, California. Without a doubt, Lambrix understands what it means to be an active and loyal community member. He devotes himself to causes he believes in and has made a difference in all the lives he has touched. Lambrix has received numerous honors and accolades for his outstanding work including the Fire Chief Life Saving Award, the Perfect Attendance Award, and the Meritorious Service Award, among a host of others. Most recently, Lambrix was bestowed the John D. Dingell Medal of Freedom Memorial Commendation in 2019 for his dedicated career in public service and commitment to Dearborn. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the retirement of Battalion Chief David Lambrix from the Dearborn Fire Department. I am proud to honor his work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank him for his outstanding service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-6-16

too often, Americans are cynical about our political system when all they see is legislative gridlock. Yet Iowans were able to set themselves apart by working together on law enforcement reforms in the wake of George Floyd's murder. prgtoken Every step of the way, the Iowa process was fueled by input from the grassroots, including those who demonstrated peacefully. The -led statehouse and senate partnered with the to unanimously pass reforms in our State--some of them historic reforms. Governor Reynolds signed House File 2647 to bring additional accountability to Iowa's law enforcement officers. prgtoken These are some of the things that they did: created stronger restrictions on the use of choke holds by law enforcement officers; improved the law enforcement decertification process to ensure that those who have been fired or who resign after serious misconduct do not work in our State; strengthened the authority of the Iowa attorney general to prosecute officers whose actions result in the death of another; established annual anti-bias and deescalation training requirements for officers. prgtoken We are working on some of these very same policies here on the Federal level. Washington should follow Iowa's example and pass legislation to help correct wrongs and inspire positive change in our communities across the country. Senator Lindsey Graham will be leading hearings today on this issue before the Committee on the Judiciary. Hopefully, we can act. prgtoken .