mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DACA (Executive Calendar)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-9-16

reserving the right to object, I appreciate my colleague's interest in expressing support for the brave men and women of law enforcement. That is exactly what my resolution does. Why, then, would my colleague object to my resolution and propose his own to accomplish the same thing? prgtoken At first, his resolution appears to resemble my own. I note, however, that my resolution condemns not only the cowardly attacks of this past week on the Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies but also condemns the rhetoric and policies that have incited this recent spike in targeted violence against law enforcement. My colleague's resolution makes no such condemnation. prgtoken My resolution calls out the radical politicians, reckless media figures, and organized protest movements that have sought to vilify law enforcement officers as a whole and incite, encourage, or celebrate widespread criminal activity and violence against law enforcement officers. My colleague's resolution is silent about this. prgtoken My resolution calls out the radical politicians for pursuing a dangerous campaign to defund the police and starving law enforcement agencies of much needed resources to combat the crime wave sweeping through our communities. My colleague's resolution makes no such condemnation. prgtoken We have to be honest about what is happening here and across our great country. We have rioters chanting ``Let them die'' outside a hospital caring for two police officers who were violently attacked. ``Let them die''? prgtoken Americans have the right to peacefully protest, and I support that right. But that is not what we are talking about here. We are talking about acts of violence against law enforcement, families, and businesses. My colleague's proposal takes out all references to this bad behavior. prgtoken Expressing support for law enforcement without condemning the people and groups who are perpetrating, instigating, and celebrating the violent acts committed against law enforcement officers is not enough. We can't be afraid to condemn violence against law enforcement and the defund police movement. I have no such fear. prgtoken Those radical politicians, reckless media figures, and organized protest movements deserve to be condemned for inciting, committing, and celebrating acts of violence against law enforcement. I stand firmly behind my resolution and behind our Nation's law enforcement. prgtoken If my colleague would be willing to work with me, we may be able to find common ground to ensure any resolution includes language that firmly denounces the violence and the causes of that violence in our communities, but my colleague's resolution does not go far enough, so I therefore respectfully object.
ENSURING CHILDREN AND CHILD CARE WORKERS ARE SAFE ACT OF 2020
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-16

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , in these challenging times, childcare providers, especially those who run small operations, are at risk of shutting their doors. The call for Congress to act is loud and clear. prgtoken With the additional health and safety requirements providers are expected to navigate, it is important to help them implement these requirements so the children in their care remain safe and free from harm. H.R. 7909 will ensure that childcare providers receive guidance and assistance to safely operate so that parents can return to work and our economy can continue to recover. I think most of the people, when I am back home, are just looking to return to normal, and this moves that forward. prgtoken For these reasons, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7909, and .
HONORING EDWARD M. BARTHOLOMEW, JR.
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-9-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Edward M. Bartholomew, Jr for his life of service to the city of Glens Falls, Warren County, and the entire north country region. prgtoken Ed served in many important roles over the course of his over-40-year career. He was elected mayor of the city of Glens Falls at the age of 28. He set to work revitalizing the community, making the civic center a success, building a modern baseball park, improving critical infrastructure, and establishing the Greater Glens Falls Transit System. prgtoken He cemented his reputation as someone who can grasp all aspects of a challenge and accomplish his objectives despite daunting obstacles. prgtoken In 2010, after spending time in the State senate, Ed returned to lead the Economic Development Corporation of Warren County, where he had been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Ed Bartholomew was an extraordinary leader for the Warren County community and beyond. He was an absolute joy and privilege to work with, and he will be sorely missed. prgtoken I am honored to recognize his leadership in the Congressional Record on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District. Our prayers go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.
EMERGENCY WILDFIRES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-9-16

4 of the 10 largest wildfires in California history are currently burning as we speak--3 of which are in my district. prgtoken For decades, our national forests have been mismanaged, turning them into tinderboxes that can ignite in an instant should lightning strike. As a result, there are more dead trees in the State of California than there are people. prgtoken This is a serious problem with serious consequences. If there is a time for this body to pass a comprehensive forestry package, it is now. prgtoken Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will consider the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act. This bipartisan bill, led by my colleague, Jimmy Panetta, and I in the House, and Senator Feinstein and Daines in the Senate, take great steps to proactively manage our forests and minimize wildfire risk in the West. prgtoken , over three million acres in California have burned this year as a result of disastrous wildfires. We have 150 million dead trees in California. It is critical that the House considers the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act immediately.
HONORING DOLORES GRESHAM FOR HER REMARKABLE SERVICE TO WEST TENNESSEE
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-9-16

I rise today to recognize my friend and Tennessee State Representative Andy Holt. Andy is retiring this year from the Tennessee State legislature. prgtoken Representative Andy Holt has been a leader and an outspoken voice in the Tennessee State House since his first term began in 2011. prgtoken Representative Holt's work on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, his involvement with the Tennessee Farm Bureau--and I can't forget his famous Hogfest--were all critical in bringing national attention to west Tennessee's agricultural community. prgtoken Andy has served as a member of the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, which is a vital committee that helps craft the Tennessee State budget. prgtoken Andy Holt has also been a strong voice in the Tennessee State Capitol and has never shied away from speaking and living out his values. prgtoken He was part of numerous monumental pieces of legislation, such as the enhanced concealed carry permit and the heartbeat bill, and helped successfully repeal a portion of the Tennessee professional privilege tax. prgtoken No matter the politics of an issue, Andy Holt always stood up for what he believed in and always put his west Tennessee family values first. prgtoken I am honored to call Andy Holt a friend of mine. He truly understands and cares about the needs of Tennesseans, and he will be sorely missed in the Tennessee State legislature. prgtoken Roberta and I wish Andy, his wife, Ellie, and his entire family well as he leaves the stage of public service. I thank Andy for his faithful service to west Tennessee, to Tennessee State government, and to the State of Tennessee. Honoring Mrs. Suzette Mink's Public Service to West Tennessee
Healthcare Heroes (Executive Calendar)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-9-16

healthcare workers have long been regarded as some of our Nation's most critical and courageous servants. During this time of challenges and uncertainty, this has never been more accurate. prgtoken Each day, our healthcare professionals make tireless sacrifices to protect and serve our country, even when it means risking their own lives to take care of others. People like Jennifer Campbell, a registered nurse from White River Health System, are a great example. She is recognized as the in-house expert for all COVID-19 testing. She has taken ownership of the community drive-up testing and worked with the Arkansas Department of Health to organize community testing. prgtoken In Malvern, Vickie Robbins, a registered nurse at Baptist Health-Hot Spring County, has volunteered to work extra hours, offered to operate drive-through screening, and volunteered to treat COVID-19 patients. Also, Lora Turknett, a registered nurse at Baptist Health-Conway, has been dependable and flexible with the hours she works to support the needs of different shifts. She provides compassionate care with a positive attitude. prgtoken During visits to medical facilities across Arkansas during the in- State work period, I was honored to personally thank frontline workers like them and so many others for the critical care they are providing. The work of these frontline workers and their colleagues has become much more difficult. We are grateful for all they do and represent. prgtoken Congress overwhelmingly supported the men and women of the medical community who are treating COVID-19 patients and are working to find a cure to address the public health crisis with the passage of the CARES Act. This critical relief was a necessary lifeline for hospitals to continue providing services to meet the demands of the communities and helping our doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals stay safe while providing care and treatment for patients. prgtoken There is more that we can do to support healthcare and ensure that patients get reliable care. Listening to the needs of hospitals is incredibly important in many efforts to assist these vital facilities, protect the jobs they create, and empower their ability to serve communities and patients all across Arkansas. Insight from the healthcare community is a valuable resource that helps shape the policies that directly impact their mission. prgtoken Along with continuing to provide critical resources like PPE, here are three things Arkansas healthcare professionals recommend we can do to improve services. First of all, we can expand broadband so more patients can take advantage of telehealth; make expanded telehealth services to Medicare permanent; and, finally, provide certainty for the 340B drug discount program. prgtoken Telehealth has become vital to providing effective care for patients during this public health emergency. Access to medical providers without leaving home offers
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-9-16

I rise tonight to address several issues. prgtoken The first issue that has been in the paper lately is vitamin D. I have spoken before this Chamber several times in the past on the importance of taking vitamin D. Over 40 percent of American adults do not have an adequate amount of vitamin D in their system. prgtoken Several institutions of higher learning have done research and strongly suggest that vitamin D is a way to reduce the number of people who get COVID as well as greatly reduce the effects of COVID on those people who unfortunately get it. This has been found by MIT, by Northwestern in Evanston, and by Trinity College in Iowa. prgtoken It has been my disappointment to this point that the appropriate government agencies that have no problem sending out press releases and advertisements on COVID have not addressed vitamin D. prgtoken I was, therefore, elated to find out that, late last week, Dr. Fauci came out and supported the evidence behind vitamin D's benefits. Even more than that, Dr. Fauci said that he has been taking vitamin D himself, which is very good. This is a change. prgtoken Traditionally, many people out there said that you should even stay inside, and one way to get vitamin D is to be out in the Sun. So, the idea that we need more vitamin D is the opposite of what some of the experts or at least what some politicians have told us. prgtoken Vitamin D, of course, is good not only to prevent COVID but to prevent other sorts of infections and respiratory problems as well. prgtoken Now that Dr. Fauci has come out and told us that getting more vitamin D is a good idea, and particularly now that Dr. Fauci has admitted that he himself has been taking vitamin D, I strongly encourage the CDC and all other appropriate government agencies to publicize the benefits of vitamin D. prgtoken We have to do something other than just wait for a vaccine, which may or may not happen. And we all know, when it does happen, many people will not take that vaccine. prgtoken I strongly encourage Dr. Fauci to follow up on his statements with approving TV commercials talking about vitamin D and the fact that he takes vitamin D in his future interviews. prgtoken Harvard estimates that 1 billion individuals worldwide may be vitamin D deficient, and of course, the rest of the world looks to the United States for leadership. So, the benefits would not only accrue to American citizens but to citizens around the world. prgtoken , I remind you to take vitamin D, particularly if you have any friends or relatives who may be vitamin D deficient or have special problems. I would talk to your doctor and anybody who is going in for a regular check-up. I would ask for a vitamin D test as well because there are ways to reduce the number of people getting COVID and to reduce the number of fatalities other than just hanging around and waiting for a vaccine. prgtoken , the next topic I would like to address tonight is also a medical topi
ELECTION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ACT OF 2020
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-9-16

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 4990, the Election Technology Research Act. This bipartisan legislation, which I was proud to introduce alongside my friend Representative Gonzalez, Chairwoman Johnson, and Ranking Member Lucas, is a practical, commonsense bill that would yield important results for the security of our elections. prgtoken Madam , 48 days from today, Americans will exercise one of their most important duties in a democratic society and vote. Amidst a global pandemic, targeted attacks on our democracy by our adversaries, and political unrest, Americans deserve to know that our elections are secure. prgtoken Last summer, the Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing with voting technology and election administration experts to discuss U.S. election system technologies and research recommendations made in the 2018 National Academies report, Securing the Vote: Protecting American Democracy. This report and the input we received during that hearing made it clear that targeted research designed to protect our voting systems is not only wise but necessary. prgtoken The COVID-19 global pandemic has put stress on our healthcare system, caused nearly 200,000 deaths in the United States, devastated our economy, and underscored racial inequities in our society. But Americans are resilient. They will mail in their ballots or go to their polling stations to cast their vote. Why? Because they care deeply about our country and our democracy. In return, one of our jobs in government is to ensure the American people have confidence in the integrity of our election process. prgtoken Nearly 20 years ago, Congress enacted the Help America Vote Act. HAVA provided funding for States to purchase new voting equipment and created the Election Assistance Commission. It also included provisions to advance research, technology, and standards development for voting systems. prgtoken There are more than 10,000 voting jurisdictions across the United States. HAVA mandated that the National Institute of Standards and Technology work with the EAC to develop voluntary voting systems guidelines for voting machines. prgtoken Today, all U.S. States and territories look to those guidelines to make decisions to about technology procurement and securing their elections. My legislation modernizes the 20-year-old provisions in HAVA to reflect the state of today's technology and the nature of today's election security challenges. prgtoken The most important new areas of research and standards development this bill supports are online voter registration systems and electronic poll books. Forty States now offer online voter registration, and many States also use e-poll books on election day for quick access to voter information. prgtoken The Election Technology Research Act also creates centers of excellence at NIST and the National Science Foundation
RECOGNIZING ISLAM AS ONE OF THE GREAT RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-16

as the grandson of a Methodist preacher, and I would also add, whose wife--my grandmother--was a missionary, I am proud to rise today to present H. Res. 1090, recognizing Islam as one of the great religions of the world. prgtoken I am proud to acknowledge that this resolution was introduced on August 21, 2020, with three original cosponsors: The honorable Rashida Tlaib, the honorable Ilhan Omar, and my friend who is with me today, the honorable Andre Carson. prgtoken I will say much more about the resolution, but I do want to at this time acknowledge my friend who's present from the Seventh Congressional District of Indiana. prgtoken , from Indiana (Mr. Carson), a wordsmith par excellence.
IN HONOR OF SARAH M. STEVENSON
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-9-16

I rise this morning to speak in honor of the first Black woman to serve on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board. prgtoken One of the cofounders and conveners of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum, not only a queen of the Queen City, but one of the crown jewels, Miss Sarah Stevenson. prgtoken Sarah Belle Mingo was born in Heath Springs, South Carolina, in 1925, the first of 14 children. prgtoken Her life quickly led her to Charlotte where, like many African- American women of her time, she worked as a housekeeper and did domestic work so that she and her family could achieve a brighter future. prgtoken In Charlotte, she successfully integrated the school district's parent-teacher associations, and as an activist and mother of four, helped lay the foundation for one of the most integrated school districts in the Nation. prgtoken You could have found her across the street from us on October 12, 1970, when she attended oral arguments at the Supreme Court for the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case. prgtoken In 1980, she won election to the board of education, which she served for 8 years. prgtoken Equity in education was always at the forefront of what she did, because even though the courts declared separate but equal was unequal, too many schools in Charlotte were still both separate and unequal. prgtoken What she did made a difference. In 1984, halfway through Miss Sarah's tenure on the school board, President Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop in Charlotte at the height of his popularity. President Reagan had a line in his stump speech that won thunderous applause in cities across the country, and in Charlotte, he repeated it, saying that school busing was a failed social experiment that nobody wants. prgtoken The crowd went silent. There was, at best, scattered applause. That is because in Charlotte, activists like Sarah Stevenson worked hard so that Black and White parents could come together in support of Charlotte's ``finest achievement''--school integration. prgtoken She lost reelection to the school board in 1988 because she continued to value equity and integration even as the political winds changed. Her values were more important to her than winning votes. And that is an example that we can all learn from. prgtoken While on the school board, she cofounded the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum, a group she continues to convene to this day. The Forum can best be described as the pulse of the community in Charlotte. The Forum has met on most Tuesdays for the past 40 years and is a required stop for candidates for public office in Charlotte and those running statewide. prgtoken For these and many other achievements, it goes without saying that Sarah Stevenson has earned numerous awards and commendations over the course of her life. I was honored to be with her in 2007 as the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership opened the 130-unit Stevenson Apartments in her honor. prgtoken But perhaps th
PROMOTING RESEARCH AND OBSERVATIONS OF SPACE WEATHER TO IMPROVE THE FORECASTING OF TOMORROW ACT
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-9-16

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , s on both sides of the aisle for supporting this legislation and for both sides of the Capitol. We have been working on it for a long time. There has been a lot of serious interest in this piece of legislation because of the potential for damage that a space weather event can have. prgtoken As I said before, we have worked together on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to advance this bill for almost 5 years. prgtoken Each iteration of the bill brought new perspectives and new ideas, and we worked across two administrations. We put all that work together into the bill before us today, and I, again, thank the Members and staff who helped make this possible. prgtoken Madam , I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this space weather bill, and .