mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 2862, THE CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT SUICIDE ACT, AND H.R. 2981, THE SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise today in support of two pieces of legislation, H.R. 2862, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act, and H.R. 2981, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021--both of which make critical investments to support suicide prevention efforts nationwide. prgtoken Rising suicide rates across the country, and especially in my home state of Texas, represent a growing concern in our communities. According to the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Texas suicide rates have risen nearly 26 percent since 2000--and are the second leading cause of death for Texans aged 15 to 34. The cost of inaction on this issue is too high, and that is why I am encouraged that we are voting on these pieces of legislation today. prgtoken H.R. 2862, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act, will direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a national suicide prevention campaign. This campaign would include advocacy for an effort that I led last Congress, which would redesignate the National Suicide Prevention Hotline as a three-digit 9-8-8 number. This effort, which would shorten the previous 1-800 number, is an essential step towards simplifying access to critical resources for our constituents in their times of need. prgtoken H.R. 2981, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2021, would further require HHS to develop a plan to ensure high-quality service through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Beyond a strategic plan, the bill would authorize additional funding for a network of local crisis centers that provide free support and assistance to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. prgtoken Madam , the passage of these two bills would have immediate and tremendous benefits--and could ultimately save lives. That is why I will support these bills, and why I urge their immediate consideration and passage in the Senate.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-5-11

I have 9 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Rules and Administration prgtoken The Committee on Rules and Administration is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure prgtoken The Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight prgtoken The Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
THE COMMUNITY BROADBAND ACT
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I'm proud to sponsor H.R. 1631, the Community Broadband Act, a bicameral bill that empowers communities in every state to bridge the digital divide by deploying their own local broadband networks. prgtoken Tens of millions of Americans lack access to broadband or can't afford it. This digital divide is a national embarrassment, and we must do everything we can to solve it. One part of the solution should be community broadband, a proven model that works to provide fast broadband at affordable speeds to millions of Americans today. prgtoken Over 900 municipalities, Tribes, co-ops, public-private partnerships, and nonprofits across the U.S. administer broadband networks in their own communities. These are communities in urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal regions of our country spanning 120 Congressional Districts. prgtoken Unfortunately, 22 states have enacted laws to limit or ban such networks. These state laws shield incumbents from competition and harm consumers. Importantly, research by New America's Open Technology Institute shows that community broadband produces higher quality service at lower costs. prgtoken For this reason, Senator Cory Booker, Representative Jared Golden, and I introduced the Community Broadband Act which preempts protectionist state laws to enable community broadband. The Community Broadband Act was originally introduced in the 109th Congress by Senators Lautenberg and McCain, and I've been proud to carry this legislation with Senator Booker since the 114th Congress. prgtoken The Community Broadband Act is supported by a long list of well- respected organizations, including the National League of Cities; the National Association of Counties; Next Century Cities; the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association; National Urban League; Consumer Reports; Electronic Frontier Foundation; New America's Open Technology Institute; Public Knowledge; Free Press Action; the Center for Democracy & Technology; Access Now; the National Digital Inclusion Alliance; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; the Utilities Technology Council; the Institute for Local Self-Reliance; and the Coalition for Local Internet Choice. prgtoken Last Congress, the House passed the Community Broadband Act as part of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. The legislation is included in H.R. 1783, Majority Whip Clyburn's Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act and H.R. 1848, the Energy and Commerce Committee's LIFT America Act, and I thank Whip Clyburn and Chairman Pallone for including my legislation in theirs. prgtoken I'm also very pleased that the - Administration's American Jobs Plan proposal includes the need for ``lifting barriers that prevent municipally-owned or affiliated providers and rural electric co-ops from competing on an even playing field with private providers,'' which can be achieved by enacting the Community Broadband Act. prgtoken At a recent hearing of the Energy and Co
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-5-11

today I rise to recognize Dr. Saul Hertz, a pioneer for medical uses of radioiodine, RAI. prgtoken The son of Jewish immigrants from Poland, Dr. Hertz graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1929. While serving as director of the Massachusetts General Hospital's thyroid unit, he attended a presentation about the use of physics in medicine. Inspired by the concept, Dr. Hertz worked alongside Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist Dr. Arthur Roberts to discover the potential for iodine radioisotopes in thyroid disease diagnosis and treatment. prgtoken On March 31, 1941, after years of experiments, Dr. Hertz administered the first therapeutic use of radioiodine to a human patient. Never before had humans been successfully treated with an artificially produced radioactive material. In 1946, Dr. Hertz was the lead author of the May issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which featured a 5-year study following 29 patients he treated through this method. Today, medical uses of RAI remain the gold standard of targeted precision oncology. prgtoken Dr. Hertz made a number of other outstanding contributions to the medical field. Notably, his research played an essential role in the developing field of nuclear medicine, which was critical during World War II and beyond. In 1949, he established the first Nuclear Medicine Department at the Massachusetts Women's Hospital. prgtoken Dr. Hertz passed away on July 28, 1950, but his legacy is enduring. Not only does his work continue to support extraordinary medical work, but his memory also encourages other researchers through the Saul Hertz, MD, Award. Bestowed by the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Engineering, this eponymous award honors individuals who make phenomenal strides in the radionuclide therapy field. prgtoken Dr. Hertz's archives are kept in Greenwich, CT, offering a rich history of research in this critical field and a testament to his brilliant, lifesaving work. This year, Greenwich, CT, First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation, naming March 31 ``Dr. Saul Hertz Nuclear Medicine/Radio Pharmaceutical Day.'' This recognition is a tribute to Dr. Hertz's remarkable legacy and the impact he will forever have on this field. prgtoken I applaud his many accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in remembering Dr. Saul Hertz.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF CURRENCY RELATING TO ``NATIONAL BANKS AND FEDERAL...
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-5-11

. First, let me thank our chair of the Banking Committee, someone who has fought against the abuses in the financial services industry throughout his career, Senator Brown. Let me also thank Senator Van Hollen, who, again, has been one of those leaders doing great things to help people who are often taken advantage of. prgtoken Now, for millions of working Americans, one of the most dangerous things that can happen is falling victim to predatory lenders. Unscrupulous actors have always promised quick cash or credit to people with unexpected expenses or financial difficulties, only to trap them with crippling interest rates that can erase a person's life savings or even claim their homes. They are in trouble. They reach out to the lifeline, and the lifeline is a trap. Often they are trapped for years and even some for their whole lives. prgtoken That is why more than 40 States have passed laws that prohibit this behavior and placed limits on interest rates made by nonbank lenders. It runs the gamut from liberal California to conservative Texas. prgtoken Inexplicably--inexplicably--the administration decided to give these predatory lenders a massive loophole to circumvent State law and once again prey on low-income Americans. Under the administration's rule, so long as payday lenders found a bank to provide the cash upfront and attach their name to the transaction, interest rates in the triple digits were suddenly OK, even if the States explicitly banned it. prgtoken It is despicable and so typical of the administration not caring about average folks at all and just listening to the special interests. It had devastating consequences for working families and for small businesses. prgtoken In New York, the owner of a southern food restaurant in Harlem took out a $67,000 loan from a fraudulent lender to make renovations to their restaurant. They fell behind on payments and tried to work with their lender when COVID hit and realized that their loan had an APR of 268 percent. Rather than work toward a solution, the lender went to the bank to try and foreclose on their property--their property in which they had put blood and sweat and tears--stating that the rule gave them the grounds to do so. It mattered little that New York State law had a 268-percent interest rate as blatantly illegal. prgtoken So today's vote is simple. It would revoke the administration's so-called true lender rule that permits predatory lenders to exploit small businesses and working Americans. In the middle of a pandemic, the last thing we should be doing is perpetrating a rule that makes it easier for payday lenders to scam working people and business owners. prgtoken With today's vote, the Senate stands up for working families and small businesses all across the country by repealing this terrible, essentially Scrooge-like rule pushed by former President and his allies. prgtoken And one final point for those who
RECOGNIZING MARK JANTON FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE AT THE BOONTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise to recognize former Fire Chief Mark Janton for 50 years of service at the Boonton Fire Department. prgtoken As we prepared this winter to recognize Mark Janton, alongside two of his fellow firemen, the community received the sad news that Mark passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. prgtoken Mark devoted his life to his community and to serving his neighbors. It's his dedication that made Boonton, and New Jersey, such a special place, and is something that I know we are all so grateful for. prgtoken Mark first joined the Boonton Fire Department in 1971. Over the years he rose through the ranks, serving as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Chief, and Chief Driver for Maxfield Hose and Engine Company No. 1, aka The Workhorse. prgtoken Mark's memory lives on in the impact he made on his town and the people who loved him. I also want to extend my deepest condolences to Mark's family: his children, grandchildren, and his high school sweetheart, Kathy. prgtoken Fifty years is a lifetime of service. I want to honor Mark for everything he has done for his town, Boonton, New Jersey. He will be remembered fondly.
HONORING THE LIFE OF RAMON RAMIREZ OF ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-5-11

I rise today to honor the memory of Ramon Ramirez of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who tragically lost his life to a senseless rampage of gun violence on April 21 while he was filling up his work truck at a gas station in the wee hours of the morning. prgtoken He was 31 years old. He was a husband of 12 years and a father of three children. People remember him as a loving family man and a hard worker. He was someone who--as one of his neighbors put it--was always looking to make things better for those around him. That same neighbor remarked that lately she often heard Ramon and his son play basketball in front of their house. prgtoken The horrific toll of gun violence across our country is puncturing the American Dream. It has stolen the hopes and lives of so many families. prgtoken , I am not up here to advocate for any particular bill. I am up here to ask, beg, and plead that somebody on the other side of the aisle come to me with their suggestions of what we can do to stop these random acts of gun violence. prgtoken I want to work with my colleagues. We have to end this. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Ramon Ramirez and standing in solidarity with his family.
IN MEMORY OF ADAM KOLTON
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Adam Kolton, who passed away on April 26, 2021. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he lived in Bethesda, Maryland with his family and their dog, Riley. He is survived by two sons, 17-year-old Jacob and 14-year- old Sam, as well as his wife, Laura; his parents, Chet and Carol; his sister Lisa; mother-in-law Priscilla; and brother-in-law Sandy. prgtoken A tireless environmental advocate, Adam spent much of his career fighting oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At the beginning of his career, he oversaw a vital period as the Arctic Refuge Campaign Director at Alaska Wilderness League from 1997 to 2002, spearheading the fight to block Congress and the administration from opening the refuge's coastal plain to drilling. Following that, he spent 15 years at the National Wildlife Federation, eventually overseeing its 40-person Washington, D.C. office as Vice President of National Advocacy and leading staff in countless conservation wins, including another high-profile Arctic Refuge battle in 2005. In 2017, he returned to Alaska Wilderness League as its Executive Director and led the organization's work to protect Alaska's public lands and waters through the politically challenging years of the administration. His passion for bringing people together to protect the Arctic Refuge was highlighted by his dedication to elevating the voices of impacted Indigenous communities like the Gwich'in. prgtoken As a northern New Jersey native, Adam was an unapologetic fan of the New York Mets and the forever hapless New York Jets. Early in his life, he and a friend formed Sports Fans United--``the largest nonprofit fan advocacy group in the country''--and Adam even testified before Congress in a hearing on revoking baseball's longstanding exemption from antitrust laws. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Adam Kolton, an individual wholly dedicated to the protection of our nation's wildest places like the Arctic Refuge. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of this remarkable advocate for conservation.
WILLIAM (BILL) FRANCIS HOOVER
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize William (Bill) Francis Hoover of Aurora, Colorado who passed away May 1, 2021. prgtoken Bill was born and raised on his family's farm in Topeka, Kansas as the third of five children. Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and rose to the rank of Major in 1965. While stationed in Tennessee, Bill met the love of his life, Sue. They were married in 1960. prgtoken Bill served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War operations across the world. He was awarded numerous commendations, including one of the Air Force's highest awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned this medal during the Vietnam War for his actions as Aircraft Commander of an AC- 119 gunship. Under great personal risk and during terrible weather conditions in mountainous terrain, he and his crew repelled an attack, saving the lives of the troops who were at risk of being overrun by North Vietnamese Forces. He retired from the Air Force in November 1970. prgtoken Following his career in the Air Force, he flew Lear Jets out of Columbus Airport, but soon realized it took him away from his family too much, and he began a second career working for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was stationed in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he was able to teach his children to hunt and fish while he kept flying as a Certified Flight Instructor. Bill and his family then moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1977. His experience and knowledge was again put to use, as he served on the FAA's Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee to develop aviation safety and operation regulations. Bill retired from the FAA after 20 years of service to the government. After retiring, Bill and Sue traveled the world, often with family and friends. They were inseparable, enjoying a life of adventure. prgtoken Bill was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He and his wife Sue raised five children--Bill, David, Lori, John and Theresa. He was especially fond of his seventeen grandchildren and loved and cherished his five great-grandchildren. prgtoken In addition to his career in the Air Force, Bill was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Parish. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree knight. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE TROY CARTER OF LOUISIANA TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I thank Mr. Scalise for his very kind words and wonderful introduction. prgtoken First, a very special thanks to my wife, Ana, who is behind me, my children, my family, my team, my friends, and all of my amazing supporters. No one runs for office alone, and they were all there with me every step of the way from the very beginning. prgtoken To God be the glory. From the Cut Off to the Congress, God is amazing. prgtoken My mother, who could not be with us here today, Pastor Eartha Fleming Carter, taught her children the importance of public service. I promise I will never forget those lessons. I will continue to listen to the concerns, the hopes, and the dreams of my district. I will work for and be the voice of the people. prgtoken Worldwide, my district is known for Mardi Gras, great food, our amazing culture bearers, and as the birthplace of jazz. Just as importantly, it has 3 of the top 10 ports in the U.S a vibrant manufacturing base, renowned universities, rich agricultural production, and we are the gateway to space through the Michoud Assembly Facility in eastern New Orleans. prgtoken My district also has a lot of needs: COVID recovery, economic development, infrastructure investment, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and education, to name a few. I am here to serve my district, and I believe we can help all of our people reach their full potential. prgtoken I commit to working with everyone in the Congress and the White House to address those needs and to stand strong when those needs are not being addressed. prgtoken I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve, and I will do so with every fiber of my very being. prgtoken I always seek God's guidance, and I will continue to do that as I serve the people of Louisiana and this great country. I will lead with honor and integrity. prgtoken May God continue to bless Louisiana and these United States of America.
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-5-11

I rise today as May marks National Mental Health Awareness month, a time when Americans recommit themselves to building better futures for those struggling with a mental health condition, erasing the stigma around those seeking help, and elevating barriers to high quality and timely mental health care. prgtoken According to a 2020 report released by Congress' Joint Economic Committee, over 40 percent of adults surveyed reported a negative mental or behavioral health condition exacerbated by the coronavirus. Ending the mental health and addiction crises is a mission that can unite all of our communities because, just like mine in northern Ohio, there isn't a single community that hasn't struggled with both. prgtoken I commend my colleagues with legislation on the floor today, including Mrs. Watson Coleman's bill to reauthorize the Minority Fellowship Program to support more students of color entering the mental health workforce, who are dedicated to addressing mental health disparities among underserved populations. prgtoken It is time, and over time, for Congress to take meaningful action, targeting provider shortages, reimbursement parity, housing support, treatment, and more Federal funding to push the bounds of Federal research. prgtoken We have strong allies in the administration who care about these issues. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves to work with them, and across the aisle. We are only getting started.