mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise in strong support of this historic families and workers-first legislation. prgtoken My own community is an epicenter of the coronavirus. Families in the Lower Hudson Valley--as in other areas of the country--have lost loved ones, and even as we all hunker down for our lives, too many fear that their livelihoods are still at risk when this crisis ends. prgtoken Congress must come together in this historic, bipartisan way to meet this crisis head-on and ease some of the burden on our communities. This legislation will provide increased testing capacity, personal protective equipment for health workers, funding for hospitals and health care providers, and research and development on vaccines and therapeutics as well as much needed resources for small businesses, schools, and state and local governments. prgtoken This country is resilient, and I am pleased that this third package will give hundreds of millions of dollars in federal assistance to help Westchester and Rockland Counties recover from this pandemic. prgtoken We must send this bill to the President's desk today to reassure the American people that the federal government is united in protecting every American's health and economic security.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-27

as I rise here today, the United States has more coronavirus cases than any nation on the planet. This is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. prgtoken This bipartisan bill is a promise that help is on the way, that help is on the way for families with $1,200 checks and $2,400 for married families for food assistance. For the unemployed, help is on the way with $600 in unemployment benefits on top of State benefits. prgtoken Help is on the way for our seniors and our veterans of financial assistance. Help is on the way for small businesses through payroll grants and other costs. prgtoken For first responders and hospitals, help is on the way to confront this crisis. To our farmers and to our students, help is on the way. prgtoken It is time to pass this bipartisan bill and send a message to central Florida and every American across every corner of this Nation that there is help because help and hope are on the way.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise in support of this bill, not because it is perfect or even sufficient, but because the lives and the livelihoods of Americans are at risk. prgtoken This bill provides immediate cash assistance. It allows for unemployment benefits. It puts direct money in the hands of small businesses who are struggling in my district. It creates $100 billion in assistance to hospitals, something Minnesota hospitals are desperately in need of, and it creates $150 billion in funding, necessary funding, for State and local governments.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-27

the world is watching us. Today's $2 trillion aid is relief and economic security for all Americans. prgtoken We worked hard to provide healthcare disaster needs and to ensure Americans, workers, and families come first: $350 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses, independent contractors, like barbershops and beauty salons, and more; first-time funding for not-for-profits and churches, which we must include minority-led and minority-serving not- for-profits; and $1,200 in direct payments to individuals and couples, $500 for children. prgtoken The Nation is watching us. Vote for this bill.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-27

we have never faced a public health threat of this magnitude. prgtoken Hardworking people have lost their jobs and are on the edge of making rent or putting food on the table. That is why our rescue efforts have been focused on people. prgtoken This bill offers additional unemployment benefits, injects billions into our healthcare system, provides billions to small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll, and gives every eligible adult a $1,200 check and $500 for every eligible child. prgtoken However, this bill isn't perfect. It leaves out immigrants who contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are also on the front lines of this pandemic. This virus does not discriminate based on immigration status or race, and our response shouldn't either. prgtoken However, despite this shortcoming, I do plan to vote for this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken Hardworking families are at risk. They need help now. Many lives are at stake.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-27

this bill represents a critical compromise between both parties whose Members came together in light of the Corona virus pandemic. It is not perfect, but it is an important step forward. I have said since the start we had to help workers, small businesses, and the health care providers who have been hit and intense negotiations have produced a bill that prioritizes the needs of our health system and of working families ahead of big corporations. prgtoken I have spent the last several days reviewing the bill and discussing the fine points with leaders in our District who agree this is a good start--this bill will help our communities and get them the assistance they need right away. It gives hospitals a massive infusion of support, including medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment. It helps people who are struggling financially with rebate checks and a strong emergency unemployment program. And it boosts our small businesses with grants and emergency loans so they can keep going despite the economic toll this virus is taking on our communities. prgtoken I am proud to support this bill because it puts workers and their families first by providing direct, individual assistance to households. It includes rebates up to $2,400 for families, expands unemployment benefits by providing up to four months of an additional $600 per week of unemployment insurance, waives the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty on retirement account distributions for taxpayers facing virus-related challenges, protects the right to collective bargain, and ensures small businesses have the resources they need through the Small Business Administration. prgtoken Moreover, this legislation provides a massive and essential boost to our overall health care system. It provides $100 billion for hospitals and other facilities to cover the costs of the COVID-19 outbreak, $16 billion for the acquisition of personal protective equipment for medical personnel, and over $50 billion for state, local and tribal health departments. prgtoken I am particularly pleased that the bill expanded on legislation of mine signed into law earlier this month, expanding the use of telehealth and telemedicine for Medicare and Medicaid patients. This package not only broadened the scope of telehealth for these patients, but also adopted my legislation to ensure that beneficiaries can access telehealth services at Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. prgtoken I would also note the importance of language in the bill staving off scheduled cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) through December 1, 2020. I am hopeful that Congress can come together to permanently address these cuts, but applaud legislators for ensuring that these harmful cuts do not take place at precisely the worst possible time. prgtoken As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, I am pleased the legislation establishes a refundable Em
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-27

I want to speak to the people of north Texas, many of whom are under Stay Home, Stay Safe orders from smart leaders like Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. prgtoken I know many of you are frightened. I have heard from many of you who are worried about your family's health, your job, and your business. I want you to know that we are on your side. We are with you. We will not let this great country fail. We will defeat this virus in a way that leaves no one behind. prgtoken We should follow the examples of our brave first responders. Every American owes them a debt of gratitude. But we can best honor their service by staying home, if you can, and following the orders that have been issued.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise today in support of today's bill which is a bipartisan, good faith effort to begin to provide relief to millions of American families and workers. While not perfect, it is a good start. prgtoken In the last few weeks, I spoke to thousands of my Central Valley neighbors. Last week, I had a townhall where 9,000 constituents called in. They are scared. They are worried. But they are looking for guidance and leadership, and today they are looking for relief. prgtoken No American should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on their table. But without immediate assistance, this is exactly the choice they will have to make. prgtoken As a Representative of the top ag district in the top ag State, I am proud this bill shores up vital safety net programs for our farmers and ranchers and prgtoken their families. But I am disappointed about this bill's glaring shortcomings which must be remedied in a future bill. prgtoken This bill punishes mixed-status households and denies some American citizens benefits they deserve. It does not put a penny in the CDFI Fund to help disadvantaged communities.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Jared F. Golden (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2020-3-27

this morning, thousands of Mainers are staying home and doing their part to bend the curve in the fight against the coronavirus. prgtoken But thousands of healthcare professionals, shipbuilders, grocery store employees, and many others deemed essential got up this morning and went to work. They will do their jobs in this difficult time, despite the risk, because people depend on them. Congress shouldn't be any different. prgtoken We are about to vote on a bill in response to the pandemic sweeping through our Nation and the growing economic crisis that follows it. prgtoken Nearly 900 pages long, my office received the text a little over 24 hours ago. I will be honest, many of us are still working to understand this bill in full, portions drafted by lobbyists with loopholes you might drive a Mack truck through. prgtoken Only time will tell whether this behemoth will fully deliver on its economic promises. It won't fully stop the deepening recession. Only the loosening of the tourniquet will let the blood flow back into our economy, but that is not yet an option. prgtoken I will, however, support this relief act. It is not a stimulus. It is an emergency relief act providing $100 billion to hospitals.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-3-27

I deeply regret that I was unable to be present at today's vote, and so submit this statement in order to officially express my support for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Had I not been under physician orders to self-quarantine, after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, I would have proudly cast my vote in favor of this legislation. From the very start of this unprecedented public health and economic emergency, my number-one priority has been to put relief for our nation's workers, families, and seniors first. After intense negotiation, this historic $2 trillion stimulus now takes a monumental step in that direction. prgtoken As the coronavirus continues to gain a foothold in the United States, workers face increasing uncertainty. Last week, the number of unemployment claims filed reached a record high, and those numbers are expected to only grow. The legislation that the House passed today offers much needed stability and peace of mind for American workers, by dramatically expanding our unemployment insurance program. As a result, jobless workers will see an increase of $600 per week in their unemployment benefits for a period of four months, as well as an extension of regular unemployment benefits by 13 weeks. Moreover, for the first time in history, independent contractors, gig workers, and self-employed individuals will be universally eligible to collect unemployment benefits. prgtoken As with our public health response, Congress recognizes the centrality of prevention to our nation's economic response. Blunting the impact of this pandemic and necessary social distancing on workers will require not only that we strengthen the social safety net, but that we also provide robust assistance to America's economic backbone: small businesses. Over the past week, have fiercely negotiated for enhanced relief for small businesses, and in the end we were able to secure $377 billion in funding. These loans and grants will help small businesses continue to make payroll and rent payments, and ultimately, keep workers employed. prgtoken From day one, we've understood that limiting economic fallout from coronavirus requires a multi-pronged approach. The direct payments, under this bill, will quickly inject cash into the pockets of American workers, families, and seniors, so that they can continue to make ends meet. While I would have liked to have seen even more generous payments go to our low- and middle-income Americans, I am nevertheless pleased with this start. prgtoken Finally, I am extremely grateful that and s were able to come together to direct more than $150 billion to our hospitals and health care system. Anything less would have been shortsighted, and would have represented a grave failing on Congress's part. Now, hospitals will have the resources needed to increase surge capacity. In addition, these fun
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise today in strong support of the legislation before us. prgtoken We are living in uncertain times. This virus has drastically reshaped each one of our communities, and there is likely more change to come. prgtoken Today, Americans need us. They need the support and resources provided by this bipartisan legislation. They need access to protective equipment, a personal safety net, and economic assistance. prgtoken Workers need assurances that their economic security is paramount because it is the American worker at the cornerstone of our economy. prgtoken In this bill, I fought so that trade workers and engineers employed at New Mexico's national labs can continue protecting our national security mission. We cannot let them down. prgtoken We must pass this bill for the teacher who is delivering meals to students to make sure they don't go hungry just because they are not in the classroom. prgtoken We must pass this bill for nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, and first responders who haven't slept as they provide for the sick. prgtoken We must pass this bill for rural communities that need the lifeline to ensure seniors are fed and individuals can access healthcare when the nearest doctor is hundreds of miles away. prgtoken We must pass this for everyone who is fighting to keep one another safe, healthy, and afloat. We cannot let them down. prgtoken The reality we wake up to each day may change, but what remains the same is that we face this crisis together. Like every crisis we have faced before, we will get through this together. prgtoken Passage of this legislation is an important step, but I want every New Mexican and every American to know that we understand this uncertain time demands an extraordinary response. Together, we will not let each other down, and we will meet that challenge.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise in strong support of H.R. 748, the CARES Act. This bill is far from perfect, nor do I think this bill contains all that I think is important at this time. We will continue to work. prgtoken However, this landmark piece of legislation will take a step in providing economic relief for the thousands of Texans in my district that are either at home or on the front lines as essential workers, as we fight to bend the curve of this pandemic that is sweeping across our country. Again, this is the best we can do at this time, but we will continue to work to ensure the needs of the American people are met. prgtoken This bipartisan bill that we are debating here today provides economic protection to Americans during this crisis by providing expanded unemployment benefits for those that have been laid off, direct cash assistance to our constituents so that they can use this relief to continue meeting their everyday expenses, and much needed funding to our Small Businesses so that they can meet payroll and overhead costs. prgtoken Furthermore, this bill provides critically needed funding and resources to our hospitals, community health centers, and local and state governments. We must ensure that when our communities are faced with this public health emergency, our systems can provide the urgent medical attention they need. We have also successfully agreed to the requirement for health insurance companies to pay for coronavirus testing, thus eliminating a significant barrier to ensuring that each and every person that needs to be tested can access testing. prgtoken , this is a public health crisis that has vast economic consequences. Our job in congress should be to ensure the safety and prosperity of our constituents as we fight this pandemic, This bill takes a step in doing exactly that. It will not be the only step we take in addressing both the public health and economic issues that this we will face throughout this fight, but it is a step in the right direction. I urge my colleagues to come together and support this monumental legislation.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Abby Finkenauer (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise today on behalf of the great State of Iowa where literally, just moments ago, before I got up here to speak, I found out we lost another two Iowans to coronavirus, now up to three, all in my congressional district. prgtoken Today, we are grieving losses all over the country and the globe where, tragically, necessary caution came too late. prgtoken The package we are considering today is not perfect. It will not bring back folks who we lost, but it will give much-needed relief to our hospital systems and workers on the front lines and to our working families and small businesses across the country. prgtoken God bless the United States of America.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-27

I rise today in support of the coronavirus economic recovery package being considered today. prgtoken Never in our lifetimes have we experienced a public health crisis such as the one we are experiencing right now. prgtoken From the employees who are losing their jobs, to the small business owners who are being forced to shut down, every facet of our society has been impacted by this pandemic. prgtoken With millions of American families struggling to make ends meet, Congress must take immediate action to bring them relief. The legislation before us today puts us on the path to do just that. prgtoken Most importantly, this package puts workers and their families first. prgtoken The bill would provide direct payments to most American workers to help them get by while much of our economy is shut down. This extra money is critical to many of my constituents that have had hours slashed or income lost as result of this crisis. prgtoken The bill also dramatically expands unemployment insurance, including for workers with non-traditional employment. This is vitally important for many of my constituents who work in the gig-economy or are self- employed. prgtoken Under this package, these workers, along with those that work for traditional businesses, would be eligible for unemployment insurance that would, on average, ensure they receive their full pay for four months. prgtoken And for those that were already on the edge of housing insecurity, this bill would provide billions of dollars in support for affordable housing and homelessness assistance programs. prgtoken The bill also provides essential support to the small businesses that fuel our local economies and contribute to our communities. prgtoken If we don't take bold action right now, many of these businesses may not survive. We cannot let that happen. prgtoken This package includes billions of dollars in much-needed assistance for small businesses, that will incentivize them to maintain payroll and avoid laying off workers. And it will help these small businesses afford rent or mortgages as they work tirelessly to navigate this crisis. prgtoken Our students are also hurting from this crisis. This bill would provide billions in emergency education funding and eliminate income tax on a large chunk of student loan repayment assistance paid for by an employer. prgtoken Finally, this package would direct billions of dollars toward hospitals and other health care providers on the frontlines of this pandemic. It will continue our efforts to provide our health care workers with the life-saving protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. prgtoken It is no question that this relief package would provide critical assistance to American workers and their families. But it's also no question that there's more work to be done. prgtoken We still must do more to protect our immigrant communities, incarcerated individuals, undocumented people, and many more. <|
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-27

our country and the American people are in crisis, and it requires our action now. prgtoken To be clear, this is not a perfect bill, but it is the bill that America needs today. It will provide immediate relief: direct cash payments to millions of Americans to pay rent, to buy food, and to pay their mortgages, and over $370 billion to our small businesses in immediate grants and loans. prgtoken There is much more that needs to be done, but we will work together to do it and improve, moving forward. We will get through this challenging time as a country because that is what America does. We are at our best when we come together and meet our common challenges, and that is exactly what we will do.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-27

America is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. We also have assembled the mightiest military. But you cannot judge the greatness of America based on our wealth or our military might. We should only judge the greatness of America based on how we stand up for the least, the lost, and the left behind. prgtoken The CARES Act is legislation that will help provide relief to the most vulnerable amongst us. It will provide relief to everyday Americans. It will provide relief to small businesses. It will provide relief to displaced workers. prgtoken The coronavirus is a silent assassin and has targeted the American people. But we are a resilient nation. We defeated the Great Depression. We defeated Nazi Germany. We defeated Jim Crow. We will defeat COVID-19 as well.