mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CORONAVIRUS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-18

I thank my good friend, the Senator from South Dakota, for his usual display of patience. prgtoken The coronavirus pandemic continues to test our Nation in new and difficult ways. There is now a confirmed case of coronavirus in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Our public health system was understaffed and underresourced, and without intervention, it could soon become overwhelmed. prgtoken Even as the market shifts from day to day, the coronavirus is slowing our economy to a near-standstill, and we are almost certainly anticipating a recession. You go to the streets of many cities, towns, and villages, and they are empty. Schools are closed in large portions of the country. Businesses are struggling not to lay off workers because they don't have customers, they don't have clients, and they don't have income. There is great urgency here. prgtoken There are really two separate and simultaneous emergencies--one in our healthcare system and another in the economy. We have to deal with both. If we don't solve the one in our healthcare, the economy will continue to get bad no matter what we do for it. prgtoken Less tangible than those two emergencies but still very real is the impact the virus is having on American society. My home city of New York is effectively on lockdown. You can go to a place like the Times Square subway station and see actually nobody there. Americans are being asked--rightly--not to gather in groups of 10 or more, not to go to dinner or to a bar or to their church or place of worship. prgtoken I lived through 9/11. It occurred in my city. I knew people who were lost. I lived through the days of the financial crisis in 2008 and other moments of national urgency. But there is something much worse about this crisis we face. I have never sensed a greater sense of uncertainty, a greater fear of the future, of the unknown. We don't know how long this crisis will last. prgtoken You don't even know if you contracted the virus right away, or maybe your spouse, maybe your child, maybe your parent, maybe your friend. prgtoken Then there is a much greater sense of isolation, a problem for which there is no cure. I miss not meeting and talking to my constituents. They are our lifeblood. That is not happening just to us here in the Senate; it is happening across America--friends who used to get together and families who had gatherings. Different social activities are gone--book clubs, card games. The fabric and sinew of our lives as human beings have been put on hold, and nobody knows for how long. prgtoken By necessity, Americans are now sacrificing their normal lives and daily routines and, maybe worst of all, sacrificing the sense of community because we all, each individually and together as a country, must fight this awful virus. prgtoken Unfortunately, we are only just beginning to see the necessary seriousness and mobilization of resources from the Federal Government. Sadly, un
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-18

across New York State and around the country, schools are closing and businesses are shutting their doors as we face this unprecedented crisis. This public health emergency has exposed the weakness in our economy and in our system. We are not doing nearly enough for workers, for their families, and those who need to deal with medical and financial emergencies that this virus has caused. prgtoken Congress has a duty to look out for families who are staring down uncertainty, fear, and financial ruin. Our top priority must be strengthening our public health system and ensuring that hard-working Americans, who are facing this crisis due to no fault of their own, can keep their jobs while taking care of themselves and their loved ones. prgtoken We must also ensure that businesses, many of which have been forced to close their doors in the name of the public good, do not have to cover these unexpected costs alone. The PAID Leave Act ensures that every worker in America has full paid sick and family leave. It strengthens their financial footing. It gives certainty and confidence to businesses. Congress has a responsibility to pass this legislation. It is not only a health imperative but a financial one too. prgtoken Unfortunately, our colleague, Senator Johnson--his amendment is cynical and counterproductive. This amendment would eliminate paid sick and family leave provisions in favor of providing coronavirus-infected people with unemployment compensation. So what he is saying is you have to actually lose your job if you need to stay home to care for a loved one or because you are sick yourself, and that is just wrongheaded because, the truth is, we want people to keep their jobs. We want people to have their jobs be there when they get better or when their family member gets better. We want them to have their jobs after they recover themselves. This is why paid leave and sick leave is such a better solution than just straight-up unemployment insurance. prgtoken Workers deserve protections so they don't lose their job just because their kids' school closed, and they need to be home to look after them. Wouldn't any employee in America today prefer to keep their job and have paid sick leave rather than having to quit and take unemployment insurance? Wouldn't every Member of this body and President himself want to keep unemployment numbers from exploding any further than they are already? prgtoken While the unemployment system will continue to play a very important role for those who have lost their jobs, it cannot be the only answer. I thank Senator Murray for her leadership and her steadfast advocacy for family and medical leave and paid sick days. This amendment is crafted to provide extraordinary economic stimulus and support to our businesses when they need it absolutely the most, and most of all, it is giving certainty because people are afraid. They don't want to have to spread coronavir
CORONAVIRUS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-3-18

I come to the floor this morning with sad news. Illinois has lost its first resident to the coronavirus--a pandemic which is threatening our country and the world. Her name was Patricia Frieson, 61 years old, a retired nurse. She was an exceptional person. Her brother said she cared for everyone but herself. She lived taking care of people, and she loved it. prgtoken She started having breathing difficulties last week and was hospitalized at one of our better hospitals in the city of Chicago and succumbed yesterday to the coronavirus and its complications. She had a history of respiratory illness, but she was taking care of herself and staying home, as she was told to do. prgtoken The family remembers the last time she left the house was 2 weeks ago to attend a funeral of a friend. She did entertain visitors at her home from time to time. Her two sisters have asked for tests themselves because they were in contact with her. I am sorry to report they have been unable to obtain those tests, at least as of late last night. prgtoken I have spoken with the Governor of Illinois almost every day, and we are having--through the State laboratories--about 350 tests each day, this State of almost 13 million people. In addition to the State lab tests are the private labs and hospital tests, which account for a number comparable but not much larger than 350. There just aren't enough tests. I am sure our plight is not unusual. prgtoken We have heard a lot about the tests on the horizon, coming soon--the sooner the better. Until we get into more complete testing, it is going to be difficult for us to measure the extent of the infection and the impact. It is almost impossible to target areas of our State that need more attention than others because of the lack of testing. prgtoken We had a nursing home over the weekend where there was a patient who tested positive for the coronavirus. The Department of Public Health of the State of Illinois went to that nursing home in Willowbrook as a consequence of the first test and tested all of the residents and staff and found 22 tested positive for the coronavirus infection. Naturally, that raised our numbers dramatically. We now have 160 known cases in our State, in 15 different counties. It is an indication where there is a signal of infection that testing is absolutely essential so we can identify all of those who may test positive. prgtoken Patricia Frieson's brother Richard was asked what he thought about the news that she was the first fatality in our State. He said it was heartbreaking. But then he said: I tell everybody to take this very seriously, as we should. prgtoken I think, across the United States, we are coming to realize that this is an exceptional public health crisis and challenge, the likes of which we have never seen. prgtoken Sometime later this morning or early this afternoon, we will consider the package that was passed by the House of Representat
CORONAVIRUS
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-3-18

the Senate of the United States has just acted. It has taken up and passed a roughly $104 billion package of assistance that will go out to American families, to American workers, to our healthcare system, to our States, and to our communities. I want to take a few minutes to talk about this important step we have just taken and where we have to go next. prgtoken The Delawareans I have heard from today and this week and this month are worried, and they are anxious. They have been up all night and are trying to figure out how they are going to care for their children who are home from school and need support and instruction and how they are going to care for their parents who are vulnerable and elderly and sick. They are concerned about our hospitals and our healthcare system and its capacity. prgtoken They are anxious because they are frontline workers, they are first responders, and they are volunteer firefighters, nurses, and orderlies, who are exposed every day and concerned. They are just average citizens asking: How can I get a test and where? prgtoken I have heard from the presidents of our major universities, the head of our hospital system, our Governor, and my colleagues in our congressional delegation. We have talked repeatedly to our director of public health, our secretary of health and human services, and I have heard from business owners, large and small, who run everything from coffee shops and diners to restaurants and hotels in our State. There is a lot of anxiety and concern. prgtoken The folks in my State want to know that we here in Washington are going to put the partisan bickering aside, find answers, and get resources out to deal with this significant public health emergency. prgtoken And so I hope folks take some encouragement from today's actions. It passed 90 to 8. Very little passes in this Senate 90 to 8, and I have very rarely seen a bill of this size, scope, and magnitude that goes from an idea to bill text, to enactment in such a short period of time, but this moment demands it. prgtoken Let me talk through, also, the priorities that are reflected in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, because the name reflects the priorities. prgtoken Hubert Humphrey, who is a former leader in the United States in our political community and system, once said, ``The moral test of our government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.'' prgtoken I am pleased that the package just passed here in the Senate takes important strides to take care of exactly those folks. Children home from school, who need support for learning remotely, and those, in particular, who rely on school lunch programs for their one good, stable healthy meal a day, will be able to continue to get school lunches delivered, either through their sch
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-18

I have been in the Senate during 9/11, for Hurricane Katrina, for the 2008 financial crisis, and I still have never experienced anything like what we are seeing today. These are truly extraordinary circumstances, and the stories I am hearing from my constituents and from people across the country are crushing. Some of the most heartbreaking stories are the ones about people who want to do the right thing in this moment but are having to choose between staying home, as public health experts say we must, and paying the rent or putting food on the table. prgtoken I am hearing from workers like Cristal Westwood from Auburn, WA. She and her husband just welcomed their first child on February 7 of this year. They both have autoimmune diseases, but her husband's job is not allowing him to work from home. And she says: This is an extremely stressful situation for our family. We have the option for my husband to take leave without pay for the next month or so, but that would mean we wouldn't have any income coming in to support our family. He could use up all of his sick and vacation time, but that would mean he doesn't have any left for the rest of the year in case something happens. Both of those options don't seem right. prgtoken I agree. That is not right. A pastor in Tukwila, WA, shared similar concerns prgtoken from a parent in their congregation with school-aged children who worries: What if they call off school? I don't have anyone to care for the kids. Then, without a paycheck, we will get evicted. As it is, we already run close to eviction every month. prgtoken Since that time, all of our schools in Washington State are closed. prgtoken And then there is Chris, who lives in Seattle, works in a grocery store, and is at high risk for coronavirus. She writes: It's an awful decision: Go to work and put your life at risk, or lose your job, lose your income, and lose your insurance. I haven't committed either way at this point. I'm trying to find a way to stay home. prgtoken I am not just hearing from workers but from small business owners, as well, across our State, people who own restaurants and shops. Everyone from farmers to fishers who are used to the spring being a time when the phones are ringing off the hook. Now no one is coming in the door. No one is calling. They want to do the right thing for their workers, but they don't have the cashflow to keep them on. prgtoken People are scared. They feel they have gotten the rug pulled out from under them, and they need our help. Unfortunately, here is what the Senator from Wisconsin wants to do. After the House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan agreement that includes an important step forward to provide workers the paid sick leave they need in this crisis, his amendment would undo that bipartisan work by stripping any paid sick leave progress out of the bill we are v
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-3-18

Granite Staters are known for our all- hands-on-deck spirit--coming together in difficult times to support our friends and neighbors. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to change our daily routines and adjust to new challenges; however, one thing that has not changed throughout this public health emergency is the compassion and empathy we are seeing from people all across our State. prgtoken Every month, I recognize a person or a group of people in New Hampshire who have gone above and beyond to help their community. I recognize them as the Granite Stater of the Month. But this month, I couldn't choose just one person and, instead, wish to recognize all Granite Staters for coming together to try to slow the spread of this virus and to help those in need. prgtoken All across New Hampshire, people are taking commonsense steps, both to keep themselves healthy and to avoid unknowingly passing along the virus to others, particularly those who are at high risk. This includes washing your hands thoroughly and for at least 20 seconds and wiping down frequently touched surfaces, like cell phones and door handles. It also means practicing social distancing by going out in public only when absolutely necessary and keeping at least 6 feet between you and another person. prgtoken We have also seen that events people look forward to all year, like the Boston Marathon or St. Patrick's Day festivities, have been canceled or postponed. People are following public health officials' guidelines by staying at home and canceling long-awaited travel plans. prgtoken Taking these necessary measures is hard and unpleasant, but it has been inspiring to see how many people are willing to make these sacrifices to protect the public health. prgtoken Additionally, many people might contract only mild symptoms from COVID-19, especially those who are younger and in good health; however, it is heartening that so many of those individuals recognize how important it is to protect others who might be at higher risk, like those over 60 or people living with chronic health conditions. prgtoken As many Americans know, it is also crucial that we don't overwhelm our healthcare system and prevent an influx of patients from crowding hospitals, which could lead to a shortage of critical medical equipment and personal protective gear. Collective actions, like staying home and minimizing interactions with others, will be crucial in combating this public health emergency. prgtoken As people's lives continue to experience disruption, I have been inspired to see such a tremendous outpouring of support from people all across New Hampshire in an effort to help one another during this very difficult time. For instance, nonprofits, food pantries, and volunteers are partnering with local schools in New Hampshire to combat food insecurity in their communities. One school district held a food drive over the weekend with a local nonprofit. Th
CORONAVIRUS
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-3-18

shortly, the Senate will vote on the Paul amendment, and I want this body to understand why I strongly oppose it. prgtoken The Paul amendment, in its essence, has nothing to do with the underlying proposal responding to this enormous COVID-19 crisis. The Paul amendment is a poison pill that essentially focuses on an old political issue that this body has debated before and very likely is going to debate again. I just don't believe the Paul amendment has any place in a debate on an emergency coronavirus bill. prgtoken Every Member of this Senate understands our country is facing and dealing with a national health and economic crisis. The country wants us to focus like a laser on emergency measures that can help save lives and keep families from falling into destitution. prgtoken The Paul amendment says, in effect, that immigrant families with kids are going to pay for the emergency with their kids' well-being. These families, like so many others, are especially vulnerable at this moment. It is just wrong to bring misery into their homes. prgtoken I would just ask my colleagues to save the immigration debates for another time when we are not in the middle of a pandemic. Today, the focus is about that pandemic and acting in an emergency, where we come together, both political parties, both sides of the aisle. When you are dealing with this kind of pandemic, your focus is helping families and workers, small businesses, and all of those people who are walking on an economic tightrope. They are not getting paychecks, is what we are hearing, and they are trying to figure out how to pay the rent. If they pay the rent, do they have money for food? If they have money for food, what do they do about out-of-pocket healthcare? Folks want our support with those survival issues. prgtoken On the Finance Committee--I am very pleased to see the distinguished President of this body working with us on the Finance Committee. What we have tried to do is focus on modernizing unemployment insurance. I have said to my colleagues: Let's just face it--unemployment is a system that has been in a time warp. prgtoken I think we have a very important proposal that is going to help an enormous number of people from sea to shining sea. We need to do so much right now, particularly in terms of saving lives and getting healthcare to our people. prgtoken What I hear from home is people who are following this are saying: There is so much to do. Act now, then get on with the additional steps that have to be taken. But for today, get on with this. Get on with passing this bill and getting ready to move to the next bill. prgtoken Those in need of healthcare and citizens struggling to make it through these unprecedented times want action now. They all realize that there will be several additional pieces of legislation--hopefully sooner rather than later--but our job today is to make sure we pass this bill. prgtoken I urge my colleagues, whe
CORONAVIRUS
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-3-18

I want to start my remarks by saying to the people of Massachusetts and families all across the country: Many of you are making big sacrifices--quarantining yourselves, postponing or canceling major events, dealing with closed schools and daycare. We are grateful. prgtoken Right now, our primary goal needs to be to slow the spread of this virus, and we all share in that responsibility. So we thank you for everything you are doing to keep your loved ones and everyone else's loved ones safe at this time. prgtoken We are at war with the coronavirus, and we need a massive wartime manufacturing mobilization for coronavirus testing kits and personal protective equipment for medical personnel and emergency responders. That is why, last weekend, I was the first to call on President to immediately use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act to bring all of the power of the Federal Government to bear in mobilizing industry to meet this crisis. It is why I authored the Senate resolution calling on him to do so. It is why I spoke directly to Vice President yesterday to urge the administration to take this critical action, and I am glad they are doing so. prgtoken The Defense Production Act allows the Federal Government to direct supplies of critical materials and equipment that our hospitals and first responders need. It allows us to mobilize industry to expand production and gives us the power to coordinate industry to respond to this crisis. We need to fully use all of those powers that are provided under this law. prgtoken That is why I am so glad President has today invoked the power of the Defense Production Act to respond to the coronavirus crisis. I am glad he is exercising it. I am glad that after my conversation yesterday with Vice President , they decided to put this on the agenda for our country. prgtoken We need to massively increase private production of the lifesaving personal protective equipment, medical supplies and devices, and diagnostic testing supplies we need to combat this viral enemy. We need to activate our capable and talented domestic industry and bring the full weight of the Federal Government behind this effort. prgtoken We are talking about gowns, gloves, face shields, surgical masks, N95 respirators, ventilators, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizers. We do not have nearly enough of this lifesaving equipment. prgtoken For instance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the United States could need up to 3.5 billion respirator masks. Let me say that again. Our own Department of Health and Human Services says that we could need upwards of 3.5 billion respirator masks. But our strategic national stockpile, the country's emergency medical supply bank, holds only a tiny fraction of that, just 12 million respirator masks--not 3.5 billion but 12 million. prgtoken The medical community calls this personal protective equ