mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Kweisi Mfume (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-5-22

we have had a lot of talk on this floor today about this bill with people pointing fingers and saying: It doesn't do this or it doesn't do that. prgtoken However, if we were to examine the intent of this bill we can see one thing with crystal clarity. prgtoken What it does do is to provide real support for American heroes: our physicians, our nurses, our cops, our teachers, our firemen, and our first responders. prgtoken But there are many other heroes moving our country forward during these perilous times. prgtoken Our grocery store clerks, bus drivers, mental health counselors, food bank employees, farmers and the list would certainly include leaders at every level of State and local governments. prgtoken And this is not just a ic effort. prgtoken This is an effort that is supported by s as well, and somebody needs to say that. prgtoken Governors, mayors, County officials, and there will be some Members on that side of the aisle who vote for this bill because it is the right thing to do. prgtoken It provides needed testing, and it provides the resources those on the front lines in this war against our common enemy--the Coronavirus pandemic--who need to survive and to thrive once again. prgtoken It is a critical way for us to do more than to simply offer words. prgtoken It allows us to offer hope to these true American heroes.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-22

I rise in support of the Heroes Act and the important programs in the bill that will help our first responders, health care workers, small businesses, and cities address this pandemic. prgtoken Although the bill includes critical provisions to address the pension crisis by providing additional funding and resources to multi-employer pensions, I am very concerned that it includes language regarding composite pension plans that is controversial within the labor and pension community. prgtoken There are many who believe composite plans would provide workers with less benefits and more risk, and they contend that if these new composite plans existed during this COVID crisis, the value of their plans would have dramatically eroded. prgtoken The Administration in 2016 strongly opposed composite plan legislation that was nearly identical to the GROW Act. The then National Economic Council, PBGC, and Departments of Treasury and Labor sent to the Hill a position paper that explained that composite legislation would put existing pension benefits at greater risk, result in less dependable and transparent retirement benefits, and deepen the insolvency crisis at the PBGC. The position paper urged Congress not to include composite plan legislation in a package because ``such complex legislation deserves, at minimum, appropriate bicameral hearings and time for analysis and debate.'' prgtoken I hope that the Senate will look at this issue closely as there should be more debate and review of this proposal. I include in the Record statements regarding composite pension plans from a coalition of labor unions and the Pension Rights Center. Statement by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Assoc. of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Musicians for Pension Security Pension Rights Center, SEIU, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), United Steelworkers (USW), Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Our organizations, representing tens of millions of workers and retirees, strongly support passage this year of critical legislation to assist severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans to ensure that retirees and their families receive their hard-earned pensions. More than ten million Americans depend on multiemployer pension plans for a secure retirement for themselves and their families. Throughout their careers, these workers gave up a portion of wages to earn their pension benefits. In retirement, they deserve to receive the pensions they earned and retire with dignity
LILIE STOOLMAN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-5-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Lilie Stoolman for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. prgtoken Lilie Stoolman is a 12th grader at Horizon High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Lilie Stoolman is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Lilie Stoolman for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
HONORING REAR ADMIRAL BRAD COOPER'S SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AS THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY'S CHIEF OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-5-22

. Madam , I rise today to both recognize and congratulate Rear Admiral Brad Cooper for his service as he concludes his tour as the Secretary of the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs. In this capacity, he oversaw and led a team of 40 Naval officers, sailors, and civilians helping set departmental priorities and advancing the shared understanding of what our Navy continues to do in support of our Nation. prgtoken I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Brad through my role as Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in various CODELs and oversight hearings. Last year alone, he personally accompanied me, and many other members of Congress, to the United Kingdom, Iceland and Norway to see first-hand how the Navy was conducting anti-submarine operations in the High North and to see the awe-inspiring work that our sailors were doing on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) off the coast of Florida. In various office calls and oversight engagements, the quality of assistance given has been unrivaled. Simply said, my office, the House Committee on Armed Services and this entire chamber is better off due to Admiral Cooper's service. prgtoken A career surface warfare officer, Admiral Cooper has served in various ships including destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers culminating with command of USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64). To help articulate the caliber of officer that Brad is, I will share this anecdote: Every year, the Navy awards the Battle E to the best ship in a given squadron. Brad, and the phenomenal teams he helps build, have achieved this award ten times. prgtoken During his recent tenure as Chief of Legislative Affairs, Brad has served admirably through significant change while keeping the Navy's Capitol Hill posture even-keeled through the tenures of multiple Navy leaders. His staff has flawlessly executed Congressional Delegations throughout the world, supported hearings, and negotiated the NDAA while considering military, political, and budgetary priorities. His team works flawlessly, and is my, and many of my colleagues, staff of choice when dealing with defense issues. prgtoken I believe Brad's success is built on his understanding that what makes this country great is the ability to establish and keep relationships. This fundamental approach to his craft has gained respect and admiration in both chambers of Congress and on both sides of the aisle. He has worked with us to broaden the Navy's outreach beyond just those members of defense committees. His efforts, solidified alongside those of the Navy's senior leaders, exposed the House of Representatives to the great work our sailors are doing around the globe each and every day. prgtoken As Admiral Cooper continues his Naval service, it is my hope that he may recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to the United States Navy as Chief of Legi
HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT SILVA
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-22

. Madam , I rise today in Honor of Robert Silva who passed away on May 13th. He served as Mayor and Councilmember in Mendota, California and was a pillar of the community. Mr. Silva was a lifelong resident of Mendota and attended Tranquility High. After high school, Robert joined the Army to serve his country. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and devoted member of the Mendota community. prgtoken During his years as a city official, spent every day improving lives in the community he served. He was a champion during the recession years where the economy and numerous droughts severely impacted the agricultural industry and Mendota's farmworker community. He fought to bring back businesses and his efforts resulted in the restart of stalled construction of a federal prison and a scheduled groundbreaking of a solar-energy farm. Mr. Silva never stopped advocating for his community and in his last years as Mayor he was able to secure a donation for the Mendota Boys and Girls club that prevented it from closing. Ensuring that the children of Mendota retained a safe place where they could learn, play, and grow as well as be provided with a daily nutritious meal. prgtoken As one of the founders of the Latino Water Coalition Mr. Silva made sure that the voice of his community, and indeed the voice of all the Fresno Westside communities, was heard, and their needs brought to the attention of the media. He proudly defended his community because he knew that even though they are smaller than other communities, his was made up of hardworking people who were just as deserving as any other. The City of Mendota chose to honor Mr. Silva in 2018 for his service to the City as the longest serving mayor by dedicating a newly built plaza in his honor. prgtoken The Mendota community has experienced an immense loss, but his spirit lives on through the lives he touched. He was a man of great integrity whose dedication and contributions to the Mendota community are innumerable. He will always be remembered, and his leadership will be missed. Mr. Silva leaves behind his wife Mary, their children and grandchildren.
RECOGNIZING JEANETTE MAUK
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jeanette Mauk, who is retiring on June 5, 2020 after 25 years working tirelessly in the labor movement. prgtoken Over the past 13 years at the Ohio AFL-CIO, Jeanette always fought for her members and the hardworking men and women of Ohio. She knows that strong labor is essential to our nation's economic success and to our ability to raise wages and provide family-supporting jobs. prgtoken Back in 2018, Jeanette was awarded the Union Sportsmen's Alliance Conservation Steward of the Year. This award recognizes volunteers from each of the USA's charter unions who have made exceptional contributions to organize union volunteers to donate their time and unique trade skills in the preservation of North America's outdoor heritage. prgtoken Even with well-deserved accolades, Jeanette knew the real rewards of being involved in the labor movement were giving back to our communities, fostering solidarity among union members, and building bridges between unions and the public. prgtoken I thank Jeannette for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in our fight for strong organized labor. Her work has not gone unnoticed. All my best to her in her next chapter.
IN RECOGNITION OF KENT CORNISH
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Kent Cornish, who is retiring from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters after serving as the President and Executive Director for 12 years. prgtoken Kent, a graduate of the University of Kansas, has nearly 25 years of broadcasting experience in Kansas and is a tireless advocate for the local broadcasting community. He started his career as news reporter, anchor and assistant news director at WIBW until serving as executive director of the Kansas Manufactured Housing Institute in 1980. Kent returned to WIBW a few years later and was named program director/ operations manager. He also spent 10 years at KTKA TV in Topeka before becoming vice president/general manager at KSAS/KMTW in Wichita. prgtoken Kent has left a lasting mark on Kansas. He has earned numerous broadcast awards including the Grover Cobb award from the University of Kansas and General Manager of the Year from the Broadcast Professionals of Wichita. prgtoken Madam , please join me in congratulating Kent Cornish on his years of dedication and outstanding service to Kansas. On behalf of Kansas' Third District, we are so proud of Kent's hard work and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.
COOPERATION WITH TURKEY IN FIGHTING COVID-19
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , the U.S. received two shipments of medical supplies from the Republic of Turkey to assist with our coronavirus response. On April 28, Turkey provided us with 500,000 surgical masks and 400 N95 masks, as well as protective clothing, disinfectant, goggles, and face shields. Two days later on April 30, a second shipment including personal protective equipment, masks, hazmat suits and disinfectants also arrived from Turkey. In a show of solidarity, our U.S. Ambassador to Turkey David Satterfield and the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister, Selim Yavuz Kiran, were together watching as the second plane departed Turkey. prgtoken We are grateful to our strong ally Turkey for its generosity and leadership, and look forward to continued close cooperation into the future in fighting COVID-19 and also working together on many important issues of mutual concern.
RECOGNIZING THE BROOKWOOD COMMUNITY FOR FEEDING OUR FRONT LINE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the hard-working and dedicated Brookwood Community citizens who have stepped up to help our hospital heroes fighting COVID-19. prgtoken The Brookwood Community has been serving adults with disabilities since 1985, providing them with opportunity and the dignity that comes with work. Unfortunately, social distancing and quarantining has prevented many of them from traveling to their jobs and supporting their community. prgtoken But the Brookwood citizens didn't let COVID-19 stop them from finding a way to help. Through the Brookwood Cafe, these heroes have sold ``Boxes for the Brave'' to make sure our doctors and nurses are well- fed as they treat coronavirus patients. They also have been selling to- go meals and family meals to make sure the TX-22 community is nourished as well. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I offer a Texas-sized thank you to these wonderful people for the important work they do and their continuing support for our doctors, nurses and healthcare community.
IN HONOR OF HELEN HORLACHER EVANS
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mrs. Helen Horlacher Evans. Mrs. Evans was born in Fortville, Indiana on June 11, 1920 and will soon be celebrating her 100th birthday. prgtoken Mrs. Evans graduated from the University of Kentucky and began teaching home economics at Versailles High School. After conversations with fellow teachers about the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, she joined the Army on a dare in 1942. She was in the first group of Kentucky women accepted for the WAC and at 21 years of age she was one of the youngest. She was accepted for the Officer Candidate School at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. prgtoken Mrs. Evans was trained in army food service and served as the Office of the Quartermaster General inspector for stateside WAC mess halls. In early 1945 she was assigned to the European Theatre of Operations with the Office of the Quartermaster General outside Paris, France. At the end of the war she was working along the banks of the Rhine feeding German prisoners of war. Mrs. Evans earned the rank of Captain. Her experience as a WAC is documented as part of the Veterans History Project in the Library of Congress. prgtoken Upon returning to civilian life, Mrs. Evans began work at the Veterans Administration in Louisville, KY, where she served as a senior training officer until 1951. She has served as a volunteer on many projects related to veterans, including serving as Kentucky's representative on the committee to establish the National Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. She received the Spirit of Kentucky Award for Patriotism from the Kentucky Daughters of the American Revolution. In 2018, she was inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize this amazing patriot, celebrate her 100th birthday, and thank her for her service and sacrifice to our nation during World War II. As a part of ``The Greatest Generation'', Mrs. Evans was an important part of the war effort to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. I am forever grateful for Americans like Helen Horlacher Evans.
HONORING THE HEROIC SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF IMPD OFFICER BREANN LEATH
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-5-26

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Breann Leath, who served her city and country with principle and integrity. Tragically, Officer Leath was killed in the line of duty on April 9, 2020, while responding to a domestic violence call. prgtoken Breann was born on December 30, 1995 in Hinesville, Georgia. Her family moved to Indiana and she graduated from Southport High School in 2014, where she served as captain of the dance squad. She was always a shining light in the eyes of her classmates and peers. She had a passion for public service, following in her father's footsteps who is also a police officer. After graduation, Breann enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard and became a member of the military Honor Guard. Upon completing her service in the National Guard, Breann pursued her passion for service and protection by becoming a corrections officer at the Indiana Women's Prison. prgtoken During her time at the Women's Prison, Breann recognized her true calling and passion for law enforcement. This prompted her to join the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, known as IMPD. Officer Leath graduated the police academy in 2018, going on to serve and protect the people of Indianapolis for two and a half years. prgtoken On April 9, Officer Leath pinned on her badge and went to work on what she thought would be an ordinary day on the job. She responded to a domestic disturbance call on the far east side of Indianapolis where she was fatally shot. Officer Leath laid down her life to protect her community from a dangerous individual. Her service demonstrates the bravery and commitment that she and her brothers and sisters in uniform display every day while her last moments reflect the ultimate sacrifice law enforcement officers can make. prgtoken On April 16, I attended an historical event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to honor the life and legacy of Officer Leath. Due to the Public health recommendations surrounding the pandemic of COVID-19, fellow officers and Hoosiers around the state took unprecedented actions to properly and safely lay Officer Leath to rest. As many as 1,900 people joined to watch a live broadcast of the 11 a.m. services across local media websites and on YouTube, tuning in to view the first funeral held at IMS in its 105-year history. The multiple suites at the Speedway were also used for officials and officers to pay respects at a safe social distance Just below the suites, four rows of patrol cars lined the 2.5-mile track, comprised of her shiftmates at IMPD's East District, her classmates in the department's recruiting class and other officers from across the state. Just over the horizon hung the Indianapolis skyline--a silhouette of the city that Leath spent her shortened life serving. prgtoken Officer Leath was only 24 years old. A leader with an i
LAW ENFORCEMENT SUICIDE DATA COLLECTION ACT
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of S. 2746, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act. prgtoken Last year, Congress passed and the President signed into law the STOIC Act, a bill that I introduced with my good friend, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean. That bill improves mental health treatment for our Nation's law enforcement officers. prgtoken Today, we are once again taking action to address the disturbingly high suicide rate among our police officers. The Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act, which I am a very proud cosponsor of, would require the Federal Government to track suicides within the law enforcement community. prgtoken According to Blue HELP, which is a nonprofit working to reduce stigmas attached to mental health for those in the law enforcement community, a record number of current or former police officers died by suicide last year; 228 current or former officers died by suicide in 2019, compared with 172 in 2018. prgtoken Since Blue HELP began collecting data over 4 years ago, more law enforcement officers have died by suicide than all other line-of-duty deaths combined. Organizations like Blue HELP do the best they can to track these tragic instances of law enforcement suicide. However, there is no comprehensive government effort to track attempted suicides and suicides in the law enforcement community. prgtoken Line-of-duty deaths are tracked through the FBI's Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program. This program aims to provide potentially lifesaving information to law enforcement agencies with a focus on preventing future incidents. Suicide should similarly be tracked so we can implement more effective suicide prevention programs, in turn saving more lives. prgtoken S. 2746 requires the FBI Director to establish the Law Enforcement Officers Suicide Data Collection Program to collect data on law enforcement and former law enforcement suicides at the local, State, and Federal levels. Participating law enforcement agencies will report suicide information to the FBI Director. The FBI Director will then submit a report to Congress and publish the report online to share this vital information on suicides and attempted suicides in law enforcement. prgtoken Madam , 2 weeks ago, we recognized National Law Enforcement Week. While we may be too late in taking up this legislation for Police Week, it is never too late to help the brave men and women who protect our communities. I thank Representatives Steube, Quigley, and Dean, as well as Senators Blunt, Hawley, Cortez Masto, and Coons, for introducing this legislation. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 2746, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act, and .