mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-7-21

I am here this evening to discuss a tragic issue that is affecting way too many Americans across the country. This tragedy is mental health and suicide. A majority of Americans are encountering an unprecedented amount of stress due to COVID-19, and resources previously used to help individuals cope are even more limited. What is more concerning is that compounding stressors and depleted resources increase the likelihood of public health disparities like the one I am discussing today. If there ever were a time to invest in mental health, it is now. prgtoken In a recent article from the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers discussed several risk factors that put our Nation collectively at a higher risk for suicide. These risk factors include economic stress, decreased access to community and religious support systems, lack of access to adequate mental health and suicide prevention services, and social isolation. This has unfortunately caused a severe lack of personal and social connection, which we know to be a protective factor against suicide. prgtoken This evening I want to specifically highlight veterans as they face unique risk factors for suicide, in addition to the increased stress around COVID-19. Research illustrates that veterans have a higher rate of suicide and certain mental health conditions than their civilian peers. We know there is not one single explanation or reason for suicide, and there is no one single treatment or prevention strategy. prgtoken While post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries are prominent among veterans and are known as an invisible wound of war, we now realize other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, also contribute to suicide among veterans and all Americans. prgtoken Our veterans are fighting new battles, and the stress caused by COVID-19 has only exacerbated these issues. Just recently, two veterans from different generations, who lived on different coasts and fought in different wars decades apart, died by suicide. One was a 74-year-old veteran who died on the campus of a VA facility in San Diego, and the other was a former Green Beret in Washington, DC. They are two of the 20 veterans who are lost each day to suicide--a number we know as far too great. prgtoken The Army recently lost a respected soldier known as ``Captain America.'' Master Sergeant Marckesano fought in Afghanistan, and according to news reports, 30 soldiers from his former unit have died by suicide since their 2009 deployment. Until the end, Master Sergeant Marckesano was encouraging members of his old unit to reach out and talk if they found themselves struggling, telling them ``Don't let the valley win.'' Even soldiers who try to be strong for others find themselves in a circumstance where they don't see another option, and they lose their battle. prgtoken Another veteran I want to highlight today who fought a
WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Martha Roby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-7-21

I was unable to vote on Tuesday, July 21 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 144, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 145, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 146, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 147, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 148, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 149, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 150, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 151, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 152.
HONORING LIEUTENANT GENERAL TODD T. SEMONITE
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , we rise today to honor an American who has made his life's work to be of service to this country. It is our pleasure to honor Lieutenant General Todd Thurston Semonite, Commanding General and 54th Chief of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, on his military retirement after three decades of service. We would like to thank him for his dedication to this nation, and his family for the personal sacrifices they have made for the betterment of our country. prgtoken Lieutenant General Semonite's many accolades, awards, and achievements are already well known. He is an engineer from the start, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers upon graduation in 1979. General Semonite quickly gained recognition for his engineering skills and his leadership abilities as reflected in his various Command posts, domestic and abroad. Semonite's awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Award, Legion of Merit, and a Bronze Star. There are many defining moments in his outstanding career. Yet it is in prgtoken his last mission that maybe the most impactful. prgtoken For the last few months, General Semonite has led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' work to combat the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Corps has helped design or construct alternate care facilities in all 50 states and five territories, adding over 15,000 hospital beds across the country. General Semonite has said; ``. . . of all the things I've done in my career, this is a noble calling to be able to step up and save American lives.'' prgtoken This extraordinary act of service is but ordinary to General Semonite. His passion and vigor for the COVID-19 Mission is the same passion and vigor he has brought to every aspect of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is the embodiment of ``building strong.'' We would like to express our own thanks and appreciation and that of a grateful nation. prgtoken Madam , I ask our colleagues to join Rep. Bruce Westerman and me in giving our very best wishes to General Semonite and his wife Connie on the next chapter of an already storied life. Essayons.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-7-21

I come to the floor today to speak in support of Senate amendment No. 1729, which I hope will be added today to the National Defense Authorization Act. The goal of this amendment is to finish--what I hope is to finish a public health study that we began with legislation in 2017 to address the contaminant known as PFAS. I know the Presiding Officer knows about this because she has that chemical in her State as well. prgtoken I want to begin by commending the work of the Armed Services Committee--both Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed for working with me to establish the first ever human health study of PFAS and to institute policies that will phase out the Defense Department's use of these chemicals over the next several years. prgtoken We began this journey in 2017 when we put $10 million into a health study--the first of its kind in the country--to look at the impacts of PFAS on humans. At that time, we authorized $10 million for 3 years. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, it is taking longer to complete the study than we had hoped, so we are going to need some additional funding. prgtoken There is real urgency in addressing PFAS. As many of us know, PFAS chemicals have emerged as widespread pollutants in the drinking water sources of military bases across this country. The main reason is because PFAS chemicals were used in firefighting foam that was used by the armed services. prgtoken The number of military installations with known or suspected contamination from PFAS continues to rise. In March, DOD updated its count of military installations impacted by these materials from 401 across the country to 651--651 military installations-- prgtoken which means that they are in almost every State in the United States, and other studies have reported that this is actually a conservative estimate. prgtoken We don't yet know what the long-term risks of exposure to PFAS are because we are still trying to get research into that, but studies have already linked these chemicals--and there are hundreds of chemicals in the PFAS category--to a number of adverse health effects. prgtoken The potential ties between PFAS and various forms of cancer are of particular concern to firefighters who may have experienced exposure during firefighting and fire-training exercises. prgtoken On June 11, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR--works as part of the Centers for Disease Control--issued a statement expressing concern about how PFAS exposure can impact the risk of COVID-19 infections. Now, for all of us who have constituents who have been exposed to PFAS, we know this has caused a lot of sleepless nights for countless American families both in New Hampshire and across the country who have been living and working near sites contaminated by these materials. prgtoken In my State of New Hampshire, the city of Portsmouth, which was the home of the former Pease Air Force Base,
HONORING HENRY GONZALEZ
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-21

California's 44th Congressional District lost a longtime South Gate champion and my friend, Henry Gonzalez. prgtoken Besides being a confidant and adviser to me on many occasions, he spent decades serving the city of South Gate as a council member, mayor, and community leader. prgtoken Henry became the first Latino elected to the city council and served as mayor of South Gate for six different 1-year terms. ``Hammerin Hank,'' as he was called by many, championed the priorities of hardworking families. He was a labor leader with the United Auto Workers, and his entire family was involved in the union's fight for workers' rights. prgtoken Henry was a dedicated public servant who demonstrated honesty, integrity, and commitment to our community during the most challenging times. He even survived an assassination attempt on his life. prgtoken Henry left an imprint on our community and inspired me. His legacy will be remembered for years to come.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLIDAY GRILL CONEY ISLAND
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Holiday Grill Coney Island on its twenty-fifth anniversary. This wonderful milestone is worthy of commendation and celebration. prgtoken Holiday Grill was founded in 1995 by John Mourselas. Twenty-five years later, Holiday Grill continues to be a cherished Dearborn institution that is beloved by many. Throughout the community, Holiday Grill is recognized for its delectable food, attentive and friendly staff, and welcoming ambiance that draws customers in and brings people together. Located in the heart of Dearborn, Holiday Grill has undoubtably become a pillar of the community. Many patrons are regulars who have frequented the restaurant for decades, and even newcomers are made to feel like lifelong friends. prgtoken In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the twenty-fifth anniversary of Holiday Grill has given our community a reason to celebrate. Holiday Grill has provided a sense of comfort, community, and normalcy in a time of unprecedented strife. Their demonstrated commitment to serving the community is immensely appreciated and is something we all should strive to emulate. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of Holiday Grill Coney Island in Dearborn, Michigan. Holiday Grill has been a community favorite for years, and we wish the restaurant continued success in the years ahead.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE CHRIS JACOBS TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , it is my honor, on behalf of the New York Congressional delegation, as the co-dean along with Chairman Eliot Engel, to welcome our newest member, Chris Jacobs. Or perhaps I should say welcome him back, since Mr. Jacobs began his career just out of college working for New York Congressman Jack Kemp. prgtoken After returning home to western New York, he has pursued various professional paths, including public service. He began an education charity and his own small business, Avalon Development. prgtoken Mr. Jacobs served as the Erie County Clerk and most recently was a member of the New York State Senate since 2017. prgtoken I congratulate Congressman Jacobs and look forward to working with him at this critical time to deliver for our home State of New York in the coming months. prgtoken I also welcome his family here today, including his wife, Martina, and beautiful young daughter, Anna. prgtoken Madam , at this time to the gentleman from New York (Mr. King).
HONORING FALLEN HEROES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-7-21

I rise today to challenge the Senate to do their job. prgtoken The American people are suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitals remain flooded, small businesses remain shuttered. Restaurants are trying to get by on take-out only, and bills are piling up on the kitchen table. prgtoken Yet, the Senate, controlled by the GOP, does nothing but confirm questionable judges. prgtoken Have they had a debate on the House-passed HEROES Act? No. prgtoken Have they discussed providing resources to communities so they can pay the salaries of our brave first responders, our community heroes? No. prgtoken Have they considered how out-of-work parents will pay their bills when the emergency unemployment insurance expires? No. prgtoken And that is because this Party, most clearly, and Mitch McConnell, do not care about the American people. They do not care about you, the bills that are piling up because you can't work, or the kids who are going hungry every day. prgtoken Time and time again, my colleagues on the other side of this aisle and across the building have shown nothing but disregard to the challenges of the American people, the same people they claim to serve. prgtoken Look at the record. The GOP Senate has dragged its feet time and time again, while more than 100,000 Americans died from coronavirus. prgtoken , it has been nearly 2 months since the people's House passed our Nation's fifth COVID-19 bill. We called it the HEROES Act in honor of all the men and women putting their lives and health on the line to protect and serve our families and our communities. prgtoken The HEROES Act is focused on three things: Testing, testing, testing; and it ensures that testing, including contact tracing, is conducted in areas with the highest rates of infection. prgtoken It also provides another round of direct payments to American families to help them weather this economic storm. I can't tell you how many families told me that the first $1,200 was spent before it hit their bank accounts. prgtoken We need to be frank about our current economic situation. Our GOP colleagues shoved through their GOP tax scam in order to juice our economy. Right now, this is the only economic leverage available to Congress or the Fed. prgtoken It is time to put money directly into the pockets of American families and business owners. They will spend it, and our economy will continue. But that's basic math and economics, something often lost on the other side. prgtoken , it is not hard to turn on FOX or MSNBC and hear the talking heads arguing this or that point. But I want to talk about the rest of America, places like Lansing and Bourbonnais. prgtoken I am proud to represent more than 40 cities and towns. It is no secret that State and local revenues have plummeted due to COVID-19. Yet, these dollars pay for critical government services like first responders, trash collection, teachers, and public health workers; and CO
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-7-21

I want to thank from my heart our two colleagues from Oregon who are standing up and championing not just their hometowns, not just the constituents of their State, but they are speaking for every hometown and every citizen of our country from every party, from every corner of our great Nation. prgtoken Let me just say very simply, these pictures of heavily armed, unidentified individuals in camouflage fatigues driving unmarked vehicles, grabbing individuals and throwing them into their car, would be something we would associate with the worst nightmare of a two-bit dictatorship. Here we see it in the United States of America. prgtoken I spent almost my whole career in law enforcement before I came to this body, and I am embarrassed and ashamed that this kind of sadistic, cruel, hate-filled coup was done in the name of law enforcement. What we witnessed in Oregon was in no way law enforcement. It was a violation of the law and of individual rights, and it is coming to your hometown as well. The President has specifically named Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore, and Oakland. It will come to Hartford and my hometown Stanford and other cities in Connecticut. Have no fear, if the President will go to these abusive extremes on the other coast of America, he will come to the east coast as well. prgtoken Let me just state the requirements of this amendment: identification of each officer, limiting Federal agents to their proper role in protecting Federal property, transparency and deployment of these officers, identification of them, and accountability are basic tenets of law enforcement. prgtoken We should not have to address this issue on the floor of the U.S. Senate, and we are doing it only because the President has broken the norms. He has disrespected the law. Every Senator in this body, regardless of party, should be standing up and speaking out in support of this amendment. for speaking our truth to power. prgtoken .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-7-21

I rise today with deep sorrow and strong determination. prgtoken I am feeling deep sorrow over the loss of one of our Nation's great moral leaders and a dear friend of mine, Congressman John Lewis. prgtoken As anyone who had ever met John knows, he was incredibly kind. He was a man who had seen so much of our Nation's history and written so much of our Nation's history, and yet he still treated everybody with dignity and respect. I have been honored to serve alongside him in the House and to become his friend. prgtoken He was so supportive of me when I decided to run for the U.S. Senate. In fact, I will never forget how knowing that he believed in me helped give me the courage to jump into a race against an incumbent Senator. prgtoken I am grieving the loss of my friend. prgtoken I am also determined. Congressman Lewis dedicated his entire life to the fight for justice and equality. I am determined to do everything I can to do my part to ensure that his life's work continues. prgtoken John Lewis came from very humble beginnings. He was one of 10 children of Willie Mae and Eddie Lewis, who worked as sharecroppers. Making a living off the land has always been hard, but it was even harder in the 1940s in the Deep South, where racism and discrimination were as relentless as the Alabama Sun. prgtoken Faith in God was essential, and John had that faith in abundance. As a child, he wanted to be a preacher, and he certainly could have been. From reading Bible verses to the family chickens as a child to speaking alongside Dr. King at the March on Washington at just 23 years old, to his message at the 55th anniversary of Selma earlier this year, John had a preacher's ability to inspire all of us. prgtoken Like a preacher, John knew that words alone aren't enough. When words come from the pulpit on Sunday and then they show up on the street on Tuesday, that is when the change really happens. John Lewis certainly showed up over and over and over again. He sat down at lunch counters. He sat in the front of buses. He spent his 21st birthday in jail after blocking the entrance to a theater that refused to sell tickets to people who look like him. prgtoken He was arrested more than 40 times, beaten by Klansmen, and nearly killed marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. prgtoken He never stopped showing up and causing ``good trouble.'' Just 6 weeks before he died, he stopped by the Black Lives Matter Plaza here in Washington, DC. It was the last time he was seen in public. prgtoken Time and again, John Lewis put his life on the line in order to protect people's fundamental rights, including the right to vote. John knew that words alone can never be enough, and we have to be willing to take action. prgtoken Late last year, the House passed the Voting Rights Advancement Act. It would restore section 5 of the Voting Rights Act that was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2013. For 228 days, this important bill has been gat
IN RECOGNITION OF STEVE MADDOX BEING NAMED THE 2019 WORLD DAIRY EXPO'S DAIRYMAN OF THE YEAR
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Steve Maddox, Sr. of RuAnn and Maddox Dairies on being named the 2019 World Dairy Expo's Dairyman of the Year. prgtoken Steve Maddox, a third-generation dairyman from Riverdale in Fresno County, knows that dairy farming is not just a career it's a way of life. A life that proudly unites generations of his family. In 1957 Steve's father, Doug Maddox started RuAnn Dairy. There Steve's love for dairy farming was kindled and when the family purchased a farm in 1980 just 10 miles off RuAnn Dairy he took on new responsibilities managing the new farm, Maddox Dairy. prgtoken Maddox Dairy has grown tremendously since then and now Steve manages the 3,200 milking cows there and his brother, Patrick Maddox, the 1,100 at RuAnn Dairy. Steve's commitment to the industry goes beyond his own dairy operation. He was one of the initial board of directors for California Dairies, Inc and has served as board secretary for over 10 years. He was also involved with the creation of the producer owned dairy cooperative Dairy America Inc. and has sat on the board of the National Milk Producers Federation. prgtoken Additionally, through his commitment to the Dairy Industry, Steve has served as a model for genetic innovation for dairymen throughout the United States. The Maddox Dairy began as a grade commercial herd, however, through Steve's dedication to genetic advancement and through embryo transfer the herd was transitioned to 100 percent registered Holsteins. Both RuAnn and Maddox Dairies are committed to advancing genetics in the industry striving to improve not just the breed genetics of their operation but now export their dairy cattle genetics to 35 countries. prgtoken Due to the hard work and commitment of local family farmers like Steve Maddox, the 21st Congressional District is the largest dairy producing district in the country, and Fresno County is amongst the top ag producing counties in the nation. I offer my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Maddox for being named the 2019 World Dairy Expo's Dairyman of the Year and wish him continued success as he continues to lead the front of the Dairy Industry.