mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING TOM WICKHAM
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-9-30

I rise to recognize a faithful servant of the people's House, Parliamentarian Tom Wickham. prgtoken Tom is only the fifth Parliamentarian in this institution's history, and he is concluding his 25 years of service in the Parliamentarian's Office this week. prgtoken One of the distinguishing features of Tom's service has been his work with the House Democracy Partnership and his willingness to extend himself internationally, to share his experiences and insight with those organizing and administering parliaments in emerging, often struggling democracies. prgtoken Just last fall, Members would have been heartened to see the reception that Tom, along with Clerk Cheryl Johnson and Shuwanza Goff, received from their counterparts in Kenya, Liberia, Ethiopia, and The Gambia. prgtoken We have all benefited from Tom's dedicated service and the skill, integrity, and fairness he has brought to the Parliamentarian's role. prgtoken We wish him and his family Godspeed as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
UYGHUR FORCED LABOR DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2020
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , a report published earlier this year by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute noted that Nike, Adidas, and Apple all had supply chains that included Uyghur workers laboring under forced conditions. It is critical that investors in these companies be given the information they need to consider the legal, reputational, and financial risks associated with investing in these and other publicly traded U.S. companies with forced labor in their supply chain. And it is equally critical that, when required to disclose this information, these companies confront the reality of their choices and make decisions that don't contribute to suffering, racism, and death. prgtoken Representative Wexton's bill, H.R. 6270, is a necessary step in ending this injustice. Her bill would require the SEC to issue rules requiring publicly traded companies to annually disclose imports of manufactured goods and materials that originate or are sourced in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It would also require the SEC and the GAO to provide information to Congress regarding these disclosures, as well as oversight. prgtoken So I would like to just speak briefly to the misleading letter from the Chamber of Commerce opposing H.R. 6270 on the grounds that a similar supply chain due diligence effort--that is, section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Congo conflict mineral law--failed and caused the situation to worsen. I am encouraged by their letter because, when your opponents have to use dishonest arguments to their make their case, Mr it means they have no legitimate ones to make. prgtoken So, despite every effort on the other side of the aisle to take down the conflict mineral law and to weaken and eliminate the conflict mineral rule, I am proud to say that support for section 1502 has been sustained by a sense of moral responsibility and by the fact that evidence is showing that the rule is having positive effects. Indeed, the conflict mineral rule continues to spur these intense efforts to operationalize and expand regional, national, and industry due diligence systems. prgtoken The U.N. Group of Experts on the DRC has reported that section 1502 ``has had a massive and welcome impact so far, requiring chain participants all over the world to take due diligence and conflict financing seriously. This should not and must not be thrown away or weakened.'' prgtoken Likewise, H.R. 6270 is a critical component of the effort by the House to marshal the might of the United States economy and American conscience to make clear the reprehensible nature of China's actions on a minority in its country. prgtoken This bill complements another bill that passed the House last week, H.R. 6210, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. That bill provides mechanisms that will require the United States to establish a diplomatic strategy and issue reports that will assist all interested parties i
CONGRATULATING SISTER BETH BROSMER A CHAMPION FOR THOSE IN NEED, ON HER RETIREMENT FROM HEART, LOVE & SOUL
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Sister Beth Brosmer on her retirement as Executive Director of Heart, Love & Soul, a nonprofit in the city of Niagara Falls, New York ``dedicated to feeding those in need; body, mind and soul.'' prgtoken A native of Columbus, Ohio and a member of the Sisters of St. Francis at Stella Niagara for more than five decades, Sister Beth's career of care included a stint as development director for her order to ensure the care of her fellow sisters and at one of her hometown hospitals working with volunteers. Her experience and determination in making a difference in the lives of others made her an ideal choice eleven years ago to lead this agency that lives up to its name. prgtoken Heart, Love & Soul is now one of the largest organizations in Niagara County, serving individuals and families from Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario. Founded in 1982 as a food pantry by a local prayer group, Heart, Love & Soul has expanded over the years and most dramatically under the direction of Sister Beth to include a dining room, case management, children's, veterans and senior services, cooking prgtoken and nutrition classes and community care programs. Sister Beth also oversaw the development of many strong partnerships, especially with the students and faculty of Niagara University, and an expansion of private fundraising, foundation support and public grant awards to meet the growing demand for quality health and nutritional services. prgtoken Sister Beth once said, ``At Heart and Soul I feel as I've come home'' and it is with her welcoming smile, boundless energy and unwavering respect for the humanity of others that she greets her clients, fellow staff members and all who come to her in need. She makes everyone feel like they have found a home as well with her candor, commitment and complete embrace of social justice. Sister Beth's service to others has blazed a trail for us to follow. prgtoken Though truly humble and generous in her gratitude to others, it must be acknowledged that her legacy will live on in ``Daybreak,'' the new one-stop center opening this year following a multi-million-dollar capital campaign. More than 30 partner agencies will be housed under one roof allowing for easier access to expanded services for the homeless and those who find themselves in need of assistance. prgtoken I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with Sister Beth for the betterment of Niagara Falls and our Western New community as she has become a voice for those traditionally not heard and a champion for those who deserve every opportunity to live lives of value. Fueled by her deep faith, Sister Beth Brosmer embodies the unyielding compassion necessary to foster healing in mind, body and soul. And while she will be greatly missed, Sister Beth Brosmer's home will always be at Heart, Love & Soul. prgtoken Madam , I take this time to congratulate, celebrate and thank Sister Beth Brosmer for her li
RECOGNIZING THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CHICAGO
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago (UNM), a cultural landmark in the heart of my district, on the occasion of its annual banquet. The UNM prides itself, for good reason, on its museum artifacts, library, and archives, which highlight Ukraine's history, its ongoing fight for freedom and democracy, and the rich culture and contributions made by Ukrainian Americans and Americans of Ukrainian heritage, both to Chicago's cultural tapestry and to that of the United States. prgtoken Each one of the four waves of immigration from Ukraine, as well as the generations of American Ukrainians who have followed, have brought with it a wealth of literary, music, artistic, and cultural artifacts, historical testimonials, relics, scientific patents, personal keepsakes and reminders, all of which speak to the importance of Ukrainian heritage and the personal and professional accomplishments of American Ukrainians across our country. prgtoken Themselves a part of the third wave of Ukrainian immigrants to the United States, Olexa Hankewych, Julian Kamenetsky and Orest Horodysky, founded the Ukrainian Library and Archival Center in 1952 in order to prgtoken preserve books and other documents at risk of destruction in Ukraine. Shortly after the establishment of the Library and Archival Center, a call went out to the Ukrainian community, which enthusiastically responded. Several years later the Library and Archival Center grew into the Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, fully funded by community donations. While some artifacts in the Museum's burgeoning collection were purchased in Ukraine, others were donated by Ukrainian American collectors and artists, as well as from personal libraries and individuals throughout the community, in Chicago and beyond. Over 100,000 Ukrainian Americans live in Chicago, and I am proud that the Museum has its roots in our great city. prgtoken The Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago too has much to be proud of, due to the hard work of its staff, board of directors, and officers. Unfortunately, only two of its past presidents remain with us--Dr. George Hrycelak and Jaroslaw Hankewych, son of the Museum's founder, Olexa Hankewych. Today, under the leadership of Lydia Tkaczuk, the Museum's first female president, the UNM continues its work in one of Chicago's most historic neighborhoods, Ukrainian Village. More than just engaging visitors and adding to their understanding of Chicago's rich and diverse communities, it also serves as a window to Ukraine, its history, and its people. prgtoken The Museum's diverse collection of folk-art, fine art, tapestry, traditional dress and artifacts help to illuminate the societal impact American Ukrainians have had on Chicago and across the United States. Its permanent exhibitions educate visitors on the history, heritage, politics, culture and religions of Ukraine and the broader Ukrainian American community, including ex
RECOGNIZING HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. Every September patients, caregivers and their families come together throughout the nation in support of the more than 1,000,000 people of all ages living with hydrocephalus in the United States. As co-chair of the Congressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus Caucus, I believe Congress has an important role to play in both raising awareness of this condition, as well as crafting policies that result in better treatments and potentially a cure. I urge my colleagues to join the caucus to learn more about this devastating condition. prgtoken Anyone can develop hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, at any time. This can include premature babies, active duty service members, veterans, and seniors. Individuals can also be born with hydrocephalus, develop it as part of the aging process, or acquire it as a result of infections, brain tumors or traumatic brain injuries, among other causes. The only present treatment for this condition is brain surgery. prgtoken From children to veterans, the prevalence of this condition is reflected in my own district. The physicians and staff at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio perform the brain surgeries necessary to treat many of the one in 770 babies across the country who develop hydrocephalus per year. Nationwide, these cases alone cost the U.S. health care system $2 billion per year. Veterans and active military personnel, such as those stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, are also disproportionally affected. Medical researchers believe that two-thirds of our nation's current and former military service members suffering from moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries are at risk of developing hydrocephalus. prgtoken In the midst of this pandemic, it is now more important than ever to improve the federal government's partnership with the hydrocephalus community. Many individuals with hydrocephalus live with other serious medical comorbidities, putting them at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We must do all we can to help patients, health care professionals and families as they struggle to maintain and improve quality of life during these challenging times. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hydrocephalus Awareness Month and the 1 million Americans living with hydrocephalus by joining the Congressional Pediatric and Hydrocephalus Caucus.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 925, NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION EXTENSION ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this. prgtoken I commend our leadership, the , for again putting forward legislation to support working families, local government, and healthcare as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken This updated Heroes Act provides for another round of cash payments, housing and food assistance, help for unemployed workers, and targeted relief for small businesses who need it most, like independent restaurants. prgtoken I would like to speak on that for a moment because I am very proud that this legislation includes $120 billion from our RESTAURANTS Act for saving 500,000 independent restaurants and their 11 million employees. This sector of the economy totals $1 trillion when you deal with all those organizations, all their supply chains, and ancillary effects. prgtoken Local, independent restaurants are the cornerstone of communities large and small, your community and mine. I think it is hard to imagine what life would be like in Oklahoma City or Cincinnati or Portland, Oregon, without those vital institutions. That is where communities come together. They provide a disproportionate avenue for economic success for minorities, immigrants, and women-owned enterprises. A restaurant for many of us was the first job, and it is an avenue for moving forward. prgtoken They are, unfortunately, hurting more than any other industry. They are the largest contributor to unemployment. One in four job losses is in this industry. We have a chance to do something about it. They are the largest contributor of unemployment of any sector--one in four job losses. In fact, they were half the unemployed in April. Already one in six restaurants have closed their doors permanently, but this legislation provides relief for those who are hanging on by a thread. prgtoken The evidence is that if we don't take action like this that is targeted for independent restaurants, we are going to have 85 percent of them close by the end of the year permanently. prgtoken The Heroes Act targets $120 billion of our RESTAURANTS Act that would generate $250 billion in economic impact. It would support millions of restaurant workers, truck drivers, farmers, and fishermen--people who support this critical industry. It is not just the fruits and vegetables and the linens. Think about it for a moment, Madam . All of those are involved. prgtoken This legislation would, by giving $120 billion of direct relief, provide $250 billion in economic savings by having people not filing bankruptcy and not adding to the unemployed ranks, but keeping them in business paying taxes, paying employees, and keeping those essential food supply chains going.
TRANSNATIONAL WHITE SUPREMACIST EXTREMISM REVIEW ACT
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-30

I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois for yielding her time. prgtoken , I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 5736, the Transnational White Supremacist Review Act. prgtoken Today, our country faces a wide range of complex threats to our safety, our security, and our way of life. Not only are American families having to keep their communities safe and their economy together in the face of COVID, but in large swaths of the country, they are doing so while dealing with more frequent and catastrophic natural disasters. prgtoken Sadly, though, amidst all of this, terrorism does not stop. The homeland security threat posed by white supremacist extremists is pervasive and persistent. Extremists exploit such crises as we are in right now. Often, this involves the targeting of the most vulnerable in society. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Directors of the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center testified before our committee regarding the unrelenting nature of bad actors during times like these. Both testified to the significant homeland security threat posed by racially motivated domestic actors, primarily white supremacist extremists. prgtoken In my capacity as chair of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, I have joined with my colleagues to raise the alarm about this threat. In carrying out my work on the committee, I have identified a common theme. And that is, plain and simple, that this white supremacist domestic terrorist problem is, in fact, not domestic at all. It is global in nature. prgtoken Look no further than the deadly attacks in El Paso, Texas, and Poway, California, last year. The U.S. experienced firsthand the ramifications of an international white supremacist movement when two domestic actors independently drew inspiration from the foreign terrorists who committed the Christchurch, New Zealand, attack. prgtoken Troublingly, there are reports that white supremacist groups have adapted recruitment tactics and begun using training camps modeled after jihadist groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. prgtoken Just last week, a former administration counterterrorism official confirmed that training by foreign groups is happening when she acknowledged that there have been instances when our foreign counterterrorism partners have alerted us to the fact that U.S. citizens were in their countries to conduct trainings or participate in trainings with white supremacist movements. prgtoken These foreign partners told this former official that the U.S. is an exporter of this ideology and must address this problem. prgtoken This is exactly what this bill today seeks to address, a bill designed to send a message to our foreign partners that Congress hears them and is taking action. prgtoken This bill would require DHS to produce and circulate a threat assessment on foreign violent white supremacist extremist groups to local law enforcement. It would also push social media companies to do so much more i
COVID PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND EFFECTIVE PLANNING FOR ADVANCED REQUIREMENTS BY THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ACT OF 2020
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-30

I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), my friend, for yielding me the time. prgtoken I rise today in support of the COVID PREPARE Act, H.R. 7496. prgtoken As I stand here, our Nation stands at more than 7 million Americans confirmed infected with the SARS-Cov-2 virus and more than 206,000 American lives lost to COVID-19. prgtoken The scale and scope of this pandemic is unprecedented in American history, causing dual national crises: one of public health, the other of economic calamity. prgtoken Over the past 6 months, the pandemic has affected all of us, putting our loved ones at risk, overwhelming our healthcare systems, keeping our kids out of school, devastating our businesses, and pushing State and local governments to the brink. prgtoken Most experts agree that things are likely to get worse before they get better. According to Reuters, for the week ending September 27, total new cases are up 10 percent from the prior week. Daily new cases are again rising, with The New York Times reporting a 23 percent increase in average daily cases over 2 weeks ago. And The Times shows that more than half of U.S. States already have high rates of infection--at least 15 cases per 100,000 population--or are concerningly facing rising rates of infection. prgtoken So many people are suffering and looking to their government for relief. They needed help as they navigated the daunting challenges of spring and summer, and they want confidence that the Federal Government, our entire government, has a plan as we head into the fall and winter. prgtoken Every day I hear from constituents in my community, Illinois' 10th Congressional District, about how they are struggling to cope. I hear from parents juggling full-time jobs while schooling their children; from small business owners scraping to pay their bills and worried they may have to shut their doors forever; from healthcare workers forced to use and reuse their PPE, the personal protective equipment that keeps them safe--for up to an entire week because of ongoing shortages of supplies; from city mayors and village presidents forced into cutting essential services and laying off critical workers; from individuals of all ages and in all stages of life concerned about their future and the future of our country. prgtoken With the timeline for rolling out a safe and effective vaccine still unknown, it is imperative that the government develop and implement comprehensive strategies for beating back this virus and mitigating its effect on our healthcare system, on our economy, and our lives and our livelihoods. prgtoken This is not about politics. Congress and the administration must work together to provide immediate relief to those suffering now and get us on a path to full recovery as soon as possible. prgtoken We can't get there by ignoring our challenges or by wishing them away. We can only get to the other side of these crises with clear-eyed assessment and realis
HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION PROFESSIONAL CAREER PROGRAM ACT
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , enactment of H.R. 5822 would help ensure that DHS maintains a pipeline for hard-to-fill acquisition positions throughout the Department. Given the critical nature of DHS' mission, it is essential that it have a robust acquisition workforce in place. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5822, and .
STATE AND LOCAL CYBERSECURITY IMPROVEMENT ACT
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-9-30

I thank my good friend for yielding and echo the gratitude for her leadership and the bipartisan leadership of the subcommittee. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill that I was proud to help introduce, to deliver urgently needed investments to address the vulnerabilities that persist in State, local, Tribal, and territorial cyber infrastructures. prgtoken These cyber threats are real, and our communities need help. prgtoken I have spoken with a county auditor just recently who said she is conscious that her systems are constantly targeted. prgtoken I have spoken with public power providers who understand that, in the absence of sufficient cybersecurity, we could see an attack that would wipe out our critical utilities for citizens and could undermine our economy. prgtoken I have recently spoken with a Tribal leader who said that they have enough technology challenges without seeing the threat of cyberattack compound things. prgtoken I have spoken with a county hospital in my district that was hit by a ransomware attack. prgtoken This bill is about letting those folks know and the people whom they serve know that they are not on their own, that the Federal Government understands that cybersecurity vulnerabilities don't only exist in marble buildings in Washington, D.C but that they exist in communities in every State in our Nation, and with this bill the Federal Government says: We are going to have your back. That is why I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan plan. There is no time to waste.