mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING ESTHER STERLING AS CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , in celebration of Women's History Month, it is my honor to recognize Esther Sterling as my March Constituent of the Month. Ms. Sterling, a Holocaust survivor from my district, spent her childhood hiding from Nazis in Ukraine. Forged from her experience during this dark time in history, Ms. Sterling shares her story across my district with schools and community groups to help ensure that history will never repeat itself. prgtoken Esther's story is one of courage, fortitude, and determination. After World War II broke out, Esther, her mother, father, and sister were sent to the Ghetto of Sambor. When the Ghetto was terminated and residents were sent to an extermination camp, Esther's family managed to escape with the help of their devoted nanny. Just outside their nanny's apartment, Esther's father dug a hole beneath a coal and wood shack. Most of the time they hid within shack, but if there were passersby, the family crouched within the hole, breathing from air provided by a tube. prgtoken As the war progressed, the German gestapo began to round people up for executions. Searching for a new place to hide his family, Esther's father was shot. Her mother was stricken with grief after her father's death, and as an eight-year-old child, Esther took on the responsibility of convincing her mother and younger sister to keep fighting for survival. prgtoken I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region and our country a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. Ms. Sterling's perseverance and triumph during a time of great danger and divide is not only inspiring, but encouraging. I am honored to recognize her as my Constituent of the Month and I thank her for everything she's done to make our community a better place.
CELEBRATING AMERICA'S NEWEST CITIZENS
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate fifty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on March 13, 2020. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On March 13, 2020, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Esmeralda Vega, Ghada Ramadan, Paulette Doreen Shaw, Sara Padilla, Javier Garcia, Markus Jaewon Lee, Antonia Martinez, Consuelo Murguia de Hernandez, Rocelle Clavero Grabarek, Abier Abdulhak, Ana Gligorov, Jovelyn Socobos Manilag, Noemy Alejandra Cotrez Pavon, Maggie L. Dobrodt, Ayad Shakir Mahmood Al Mahdawi, Natasha Lynn Rizzotti, Zurizadai Luna Williams, Milan Zubic, Rosa Elvira Chacon Guerrero, Araceli Flores Santillan, Maha F. Abdulqader, Zainab Usman Sheikh, Alexandru Colta, Maria R. Palacios, Chandan Sevanti Sharma, Marlen del Rosario Carmona Villodas, Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, Wissel Joseph, Martin Diaz, Maria Gonzalez Herrejon, Mauricio Hinojosa, Liliana Patricia Ruiz Tenorio, Naila Tauseef Khan, Reyna Canlas Roldan, Oyata Monono Mwanza, Kayode S. Shittu, Lorenzo Aleman Escobedo, Hongping Ren, Panteleimon Maillis, Martin Miranda, Susana Maria Fernandez, Chante Sarah Latrice Rizzotti, Rosa Fernandez, Edgar Maciel, Harry Vasilopoulos, Imran Khan, Elsa Patricia Mota, Mika Francine Estacio, Nika Markos, and Morella Rivas. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . .of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Madam , I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on March 13, 2020. They, too, will be American citizens, guaranteed the inaliena
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-12

President had chance, after chance, after chance to get ahead of this coronavirus pandemic in the United States. He failed. Congress can't make the same mistakes. prgtoken Senators should not leave town. I just saw Senator McConnell on the floor. It is his decision. One Senator from one State can make this decision to walk away--to fail to take care of the $12-an-hour worker who is sick, who has to choose between going to work--perhaps getting sicker or perhaps infecting others--or staying home prgtoken and giving up her $12-an-hour, $96-a-day job when she struggles with her rent. We have put her in that position. prgtoken Senator McConnell, who was standing right there--his office is just down the hall--could make that unilateral decision as to whether we stay and actually do the right thing. The Senate has no business leaving. We shouldn't leave town until we pass the House package to help workers and to support our communities. prgtoken President needs to sign it. We need to do our jobs. We need to take care of workers who are going to need help paying their mortgage, paying their rent, and taking care of their children if schools close or they get sick. prgtoken It is really, really simple. It is why we need to pass paid sick days now and to shore up unemployment insurance funds immediately. prgtoken We know that hundreds of thousands--who knows?--millions of people are going to get laid off in the airlines, in restaurants, in hotels, in communities where they depend on these businesses to pay property tax. We know there are going to be lots of layoffs. prgtoken I am not an alarmist. I am not panicky. I think we are going to deal with this right. But we need the majority leader, Senator McConnell, who sits right here and runs the Senate, who makes the decisions on whether we work or don't work, whether he sends us home or keeps us here working--Senator McConnell needs to make the decision to keep us here, and as soon as the House passes this bill, the Senate takes it up. prgtoken Paid sick days are one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of this virus. We already know that our economy is going to get hurt. We know the President of the United States judges the economy by the stock market. He is the first President I have ever seen do that, but that is beside the point. We also know that the stock market is up and down and mostly down, and investors are uneasy at best. They want more predictability, and they are not getting it. But we know the most important thing is to deal with the spread of the coronavirus. If we can't contain that, if we can't do anything about that, if we can't stop the spread of this virus, the other stuff just doesn't matter as much. prgtoken You start with the spread of this virus. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to say to people if they are sick: You can stay home, and you can get sick pay. Every other rich country in the w
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 3372
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-3-12

reserving the right to object, I certainly appreciate what my colleague from Nebraska is trying to do. We are all working to do what we can to make sure our medical professionals, facilities, and the public have all the necessary equipment they need to address this pandemic. prgtoken My concern with my colleague's proposal, as I understand it, is that it would provide immunity for respiratory manufacturers from this point forward. Yes, this is a public emergency and we need to respond accordingly, and we certainly need to make sure that respirators are widely available, but let's do this with safety in mind. prgtoken I think we can come up with a bill that provides a more tailored approach to what my colleague is trying to do. For example, the House coronavirus package includes language which tracks the COVID-19 emergency countermeasures declaration issued by HHS which would extend countermeasure protections through 2024, rather than it be open-ended. I hope my colleague will work with me to expand access to this important equipment, but for now I must object. prgtoken I certainly would like to count myself as among those who will provide bipartisan support for this measure, but, for now, because it is totally open-ended, I must object.
COMMEMORATING LEGACY OF HELEN FABELA CHAVEZ
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today in honor of International Women's Day. prgtoken Throughout our past, many men have been recognized for their impact on our society; however, it is extremely important that we recognize the many women who fueled social change. prgtoken Helen Fabela Chavez was one of these women. prgtoken Helen was born on January 21, 1928, in Brawley, California, a city in my district. Like many Chicano children in the early 20th century, Helen began working in the agricultural industry at the age of 7. prgtoken After marrying Cesar Chavez in 1948, Helen left the workforce to take care of her husband and their eight children. prgtoken However, after 10 years, Helen returned to the workforce as the breadwinner for the family while Cesar Chavez began to establish the National Farm Workers Association. prgtoken Helen and other Chicana members contributed greatly to the success of the union, and she later became the treasurer for what became the United Farm Workers. prgtoken I want to honor Helen Fabela Chavez, a woman who both raised and financially supported her family while also changing history from the grassroots up.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. MICHAEL A. EVANS
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Michael A. Evans, a medical expert, an entrepreneur and a dear friend. Dr. Evans was known throughout Indiana and the nation for his excellent work in the field of toxicology, but he was much more than that. A businessman, Mike founded two nationally recognized laboratories in Indianapolis, AIT Laboratories and AIT Bioscience. Mike was commended by the State of Indiana for his many successes. Hoosiers are forever grateful for Mike's significant contributions to the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana as a whole. prgtoken Michael Evans was born on October 19, 1943, in New Albany, Indiana. He graduated from Our Lady of Providence High School and went on to attend St. Joseph's College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon his graduation, Mike served our nation as a platoon sergeant and an Army Ranger in Vietnam. Mike was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star Medal for valor in combat. prgtoken After returning from his service, Mike earned his doctorate degree in toxicology from the Indiana University School of Medicine. After receiving his degree, Dr. Evans spent twenty years within the field of toxicology working as a researcher for government agencies, testifying as an expert witness and training the next generation as a professor. Dr. Evans also did private research in laboratories including those at Indiana University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. prgtoken In 1990, Dr. Evans created AIT Laboratories, a toxicology and forensics lab that does testing and research for law enforcement, corporations, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, physicians, pain management professionals, medical examiners, attorneys, and courts of law. He went on to serve as the president and CEO until 2012. In 2012, Dr. Evans created AIT Bioscience which is an integrated bioanalytical contract research organization (CRO), supported by a state-of-the-art electronic laboratory environment. prgtoken Dr. Evans' work is a testament to his passion for science and creating services that help people. He was decorated with honors and awards including a Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, the Distinguished Hoosier and he received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the Indiana Governor. Dr. Evans was also honored as the SBA Small Businessperson of the Year in 2006 and was the 2008 Ernst & Young Midwest Entrepreneur of the Year. Marian University honored Dr. Evans through the naming of the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences building. prgtoken Dr. Evans was the father of six children, Michael, Cara, Justin, Andrew, Katherine and Samantha. He enjoyed spending time with his children, working out and reading books on history, business and people who have made a difference in the world. prgtoken Mike will be forever missed by
CORONAVIRUS
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-12

earlier today, as the Senate knows now, Leader McConnell announced that we would cancel our State work period so we could continue to work on legislation here in Washington, DC, to help families and our communities get through the economic effect of the coronavirus's spread. I am glad he made that decision, and I look forward to continuing to work on those issues for the benefit of our constituents and the Nation. prgtoken This situation calls for an all-of-government response, and it will allow us additional time to hammer out a bipartisan agreement to respond to the ripple effect that this outbreak is having in Texas and across the country. prgtoken As we continue our discussions on this legislation, I would just urge my colleagues that this is a time to put partisanship aside and stop playing politics, if there ever was one. prgtoken There is actually precedent for that. At the height of the Ebola crisis in 2014, s in the Senate worked with our ic colleagues and President to ensure we were ready to treat Texans and other Americans who needed care from that particular disease. prgtoken We need to come together to do the same now, not to use the opportunity to attack or score political points or to try to damage our opponents. Unfortunately, that seems to be the first impulse of some of our friends across the Capitol Chamber. prgtoken Most of the public concern is focused on the elderly, on cruise ship travelers, and those with underlying medical conditions, but we need to think of every family, every college student, and to make sure that everyone who is worrying about how to make ends meet during this particular crisis because they had to stay home and miss work has their concerns addressed as well. This virus could disrupt everyone's daily routine in one way or the other, and as we have seen from the departure of some of our colleagues for self-quarantining, we are truly in this together. prgtoken I am glad we will be staying in session to try to bring as much relief and reassurance as we can in this uncertain time, and I look forward to all of us, s and , the House and the Senate and the White House working together to get every American ready for what is to come. prgtoken It is not just the Senate that is altering its plans due to the coronavirus. Across the country, serious measures are taking place out of an abundance of caution to keep the American people safe. Some schools are choosing to close their doors, nursing homes are barring visitors, and major events like South by Southwest in Austin are canceling. prgtoken On the global scale, we are seeing an unprecedented action, including all of Italy--some 60 million people--going on a complete lockdown. prgtoken For many Americans, it seems like this public health crisis has escalated incredibly quickly. We went from never having heard of this new virus to constant news coverage about its growing re
CORONAVIRUS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-3-12

Iowa has had 14 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19. My staff and I remain in constant communication with Federal agencies to ensure that the Federal Government is properly managing emergency threats to the public health. I am also in regular touch with the Iowa Department of Public Health, which is meeting daily with its partners to share information with all Iowans. prgtoken While each day brings updates regarding COVID-19, what remains constant are the prevention efforts that we have all heard about, and just to name a couple: washing your hands often and covering your cough. prgtoken To find further updates and guidance about the COVID-19, please visit my website at grassley.senate.gov.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-3-12

I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 12 p.m to conduct a closed hearing.
RECOGNIZING TINA BROWN AS THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR DISTRICT 15
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Tina Brown of Kennett, Missouri, on being awarded the Teacher of the Year for District 15 from the VFW. Every year, VFW posts throughout the United States honor teachers who promote America's history, traditions and civic education. This year, the award went to a woman from Southeast Missouri who has set a profound example of patriotism and civic responsibility for future generations of Missourians. prgtoken Tina Brown has been teaching at Kennett Middle School for 23 years. Every year she plans a trip for her students to attend the Wreaths Across America ceremony. She has also organized trips to treasured archives and military memorials throughout the state of Missouri and in the heart of Southeast Missouri such as the Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, Missouri. She even brought a class out to Washington, D.C. where I had the opportunity to meet these young students on the steps of the United States Capitol building and where her students were able to see the Vietnam War memorial. Trips like these are an important part of her teaching. They help students experience our nation's history in a tangible, lasting way and educate our future generations on the world of opportunities ahead of them. prgtoken Tina's phenomenal generosity extends beyond the classroom. She was the Chairperson of the Gold Star Monument for Dunklin county in 2019 and helped organize middle school students to raise money for this monument. Her efforts were fueled by her firm belief that there was a need in the community to recognize the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country. The monument is now awaiting placement in downtown Kennett, where it will be a reminder of those brave lives lost and of the compassion and patriotism of community members such as Tina. prgtoken I'm inspired not only by Tina's work but by her dedication to our servicemen and women. Tina's brother Frankie died while fighting for his country in Vietnam. Frankie was one of the brave young men that risked their lives for the sake of our country and tragically passed away fighting for our freedom. Tina was young when her brother died but remembers the profound loss that her family felt with Frankie's passing. By teaching the importance of leadership and patriotism to her students, she honors his memory and keeps it alive for herself and others. prgtoken Tina is retiring from teaching this year to spend more time on the farm with her family. She will be greatly missed by students, faculty, and community members alike whose lives have been touched by her generosity and patriotism, as I have been. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Tina Brown for receiving this award.
HIGHLIGHTING NASA'S ARTEMIS PROGRAM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to highlight the NASA ``be an astronaut'' program. prgtoken For the first time in 4 years, NASA is accepting applications for a new class of astronauts. prgtoken Space exploration is a rich piece of modern American history, and thanks to the new Artemis program, it will remain a part of our future. prgtoken Artemis will send the first woman and another man to the South Pole of the Moon by 2024 and allow us to establish a permanent presence on the Moon by 2028. prgtoken Our Nation's astronauts help execute a bold vision for science and for exploration. Aspiring astronauts have the opportunity to join NASA for this new chapter in space exploration. prgtoken Applications are being accepted through March 31 at www.USAJOBS.com. U.S. citizens with a master's degree in a STEM field, 2 years of related experience, and a passing physical exam are eligible to apply. prgtoken Madam , I encourage all eligible space lovers and travelers to apply for this incredible opportunity.