mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GIVE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FUNDS TO CONDUCT TESTING, CONTACT TRACING
Tom Malinowski (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-5-27

for the last 3 months, tens of millions of our fellow Americans have chosen to make painful sacrifices to keep one another safe. prgtoken They made that choice before any Governor of any State told them they had to. They did what they thought was right, what was decent, what was responsible. Overwhelmingly, the American people still believe that social distancing to protect our neighbors is the right thing to do even where States have lifted stay-at-home orders. prgtoken You wouldn't know this by watching the news because the news dwells on conflict, not consensus. The loudest voices say: ``Reopen everything now. Yes, people will die, but people die of car crashes, of cancer, of heart disease. We don't stay home for that.'' The angriest voices say: ``Go to the grocery store. Throw off your mask. Make them call the police.'' They pretend to be brave. They shout childish slogans about liberty, as if liberty meant the right to endanger the lives of others for our own convenience. prgtoken On social media, there is an effort to make everything about this pandemic partisan; as if whether you are a or should determine what medicines you should take or whether you should wear a mask. prgtoken I have been to plenty of countries where everything is made to be political, where everything is made to be tribal. I never thought I would see people in the United States of America trying to make our country like that. prgtoken But, , America is not like that. The vast majority of s and still say that of course we should do what is needed to protect others. We are still a country that cares whether people live or die more than we care about the stock market. prgtoken In New Jersey this year, we have had 177 road fatalities. Thus far, we have lost more than 11,000 people to the coronavirus, and that number would be vastly higher if not for the lockdowns. prgtoken Now, nobody is rushing to our State capital with guns, screaming to keep the economy closed. No one ever loudly clamors for shared sacrifice. But the quiet majority still say that we should put public health first. The vast majority still want to be sure that we have to do this only once, and therefore, we have to do it right. prgtoken So, yes, I get a lot of questions back home about when things are going to reopen. But the most urgent question I get is not when do we reopen, but: How are you going to help us safely reopen? What are you doing about that? prgtoken Right now, the only responsible answer is that we must vastly expand contact tracing and testing for the coronavirus so that people can go back to normal life, knowing it is safe. prgtoken Unfortunately, the administration's plan for testing, which we just received, basically states to the States around our country: We will give you some supplies, but otherwise, you are on your own. prgtoken It is a shameful abdication of responsibility. At this point, I am done with expec
HIGHLIGHTING THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-5-27

today, I rise to bring attention to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, otherwise known as the LWCF. prgtoken Families across the Lowcountry are turning to green spaces to cope during prgtoken this pandemic, and it is clear that we need more parks and trails where folks can get outside with social distancing. That is what LWCF does for communities. prgtoken Our region relies on tourism and outdoor recreation, sectors that are taking a major hit these days. That is why I am standing with the businesses that make up the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable in calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act to fully fund LWCF and restore our parks. prgtoken Whether it is our seafood, our beaches, the opportunities to hunt and fish, access to nature is one reason the Lowcountry is so special. Let's keep it that way by investing in conservation that supports our health and our economy.
HONORING MITAL HALL AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR ASIAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , Mital Hall, PMP, LEED APO+M, has 20 years of experience in sustainable development including working with universities, federal, state, and local governments and businesses. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of programs that focus on high efficiency, low impact building design and operations, impacting over 50 million square feet of space, and through the management of small and multi-million-dollar programs. Mital's ability to synthesize the discipline of professional project management with the multifaceted, stakeholder intensive process of sustainability has led her to success in some of the largest institutions in Florida. prgtoken As Vice President for ecoPreserve, Mital oversees all programs and strategic direction. Her skill set includes the incorporation of cost- effective and sustainable solutions into organizational structure, policy development, energy efficiency program administration, and much more. She is also responsible for helping to create a company environment that embodies social responsibility through decisions that are both tactical and strategic in nature. Her leadership style is distinguished by a team-oriented approach that uses solutions-based strategies paired with a high level of positive morale. prgtoken Mital is a published author and currently serves as President on the US Green Building Council--Central Florida. She serves on several other boards including University of Central Florida's (UCF) India Center; UCF's Global Economic and Environmental Opportunity Center; University of Florida Sustainable Design and Construction; SmartCities Chair for the Indian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida; Airports Council International--Sustainability Working Group; ARCP Environmental Impacts Review Committee, and Project Management Institute. She has even served as a United Nations Delegate, representing Orlando and offering a private sector perspective to sessions. She has also recently been accepted into the National Renewable Energy Lab Energy Executive Program.
UTAH BUSINESS OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , I am in Washington to continue to fight for Utah's business owners and our working families affected by the coronavirus. prgtoken The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help small businesses stay afloat and to keep employees on the payroll. prgtoken Utah financial lenders processed more than $5.2 billion in loans to help our businesses, but we must make sure the program works for these businesses, and especially for their employees. prgtoken Some Utah small businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdown, through no fault of their own, may not be open or fully functional within 8 weeks. That is the original deadline to spend the funds for loan forgiveness. prgtoken The bipartisan bill I support today extends the loan forgiveness period to include costs incurred over 24 weeks and provides additional flexibility to ensure PPP is the lifeline it was meant to be. prgtoken Utah small businesses are trying do the right thing by their employees, their customers, and local communities. This legislation supports them in that effort and improves the likelihood of a stronger economic recovery.
THE NAVAJO NATION AND THE CORONAVIRUS
Tom O’Halleran (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-5-27

I rise today to share with my colleagues in Washington--and all watching at home--the dire situation COVID-19 has created in the Navajo Nation and across our Nation. prgtoken But first, standing in this Chamber today, I want to recognize the nearly 100,000 lives lost thus far to the coronavirus, a staggering number that has affected families, communities, economy, frontline first responders, and many others. prgtoken Though some Americans may feel they have reached a new normal, hot spots across our Nation are still in the thick of this pandemic, and the fear for what might come in the fall and winter is at the forefront of our thoughts. prgtoken One of those hot spots is the Navajo Nation. Per capita, the Navajo Nation has more confirmed coronavirus cases than any U.S. State. Under the CARES Act, signed into law March 27, my colleagues and I fought to include $8 billion for Tribal governments to use for expenses incurred during the pandemic. prgtoken The first round of that funding did not reach the Navajo Nation until May 5. Much of the delay was because officials within the Department of the Interior were considering allocating a portion of this $8 billion to the Alaska Natives Corporation, a group of for-profit entities that generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, and answer to individual stakeholders. prgtoken I immediately joined the voices of Tribes across our Nation in demanding that these funds reach established Tribal governments, not corporations. prgtoken On April 27, a U.S. district judge announced that the Treasury Department could begin distributing money to federally-recognized Tribes, and not to this corporate group. Delayed funding is not the only issue here. While Tribes wait for the rest of the CARES Act money they were promised, politics in Washington continue to complicate already acute public health concerns on Navajo. prgtoken Recent reports indicate that respirator masks sent to Navajo Nation hospitals through a Federal contract with a former White House staffer may be faulty. I have serious concerns about the lack of oversight and accountability in this contract-awarding process, considering that this $3 million deal was awarded to a friend of the administration with no prior Federal contracting experience, who had only been in business for 11 days. prgtoken It is unacceptable for government to be delivering anything other than what is needed to any community, much less a hard-hit community like Navajo. prgtoken I have asked my colleagues here to help me launch an immediate investigation into the potentially faulty PPE, and to make sure that the entire contracting process receives more oversight. prgtoken While Tribes deal with the fallout politics has caused, they endure other prgtoken factors that have complicated this pandemic as well. Critical water, sanitation, and broadband projects throughout the Navajo Nation remain unfunded and firmly on Congress' back burner. prgtoken
NEED FOR FIFTH CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS BILL
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-5-27

I come to the floor to echo the rising chorus for a fifth coronavirus bill and to applaud three vital provisions addressed to the special circumstances of the District of Columbia in that bill. prgtoken Nancy Pelosi and the have taken needed initiative in introducing the HEROES Act to get ahead of this virus, instead of chasing it. prgtoken The first four bills have proven themselves. Jurisdictions following the CDC guidelines, like the District of Columbia, are seeing deaths decrease. Across the country, careful reopenings are occurring. To be sure, scientists are warning of prolonging the virus unless there is more social distancing and masking, because that is far from universal. prgtoken But my friends have called for a pause. Of course, we have seen unprecedented spending, but this is an unprecedented virus. The virus has shut down the entire world. prgtoken I am pleased that s may be declaring the end of their pause barely a week after House passage of the HEROES Act. Yesterday, the Senate majority leader said Congress will probably have to pass a fifth bill. Thank you, Senator McConnell. prgtoken President said--and I am quoting him--``I think the United States will need another round of stimulus.'' prgtoken They may be following Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said more is needed for the economy shortly after the April report showed a 14.7 percent unemployment rate. prgtoken Mr. McConnell only wants to fund increased losses due to COVID-19, whatever that means. But tailoring the next bill based on whether COVID-19 or something else caused the losses would require an inexact calculus that itself could bog down the next bill, particularly what I regard as the most essential part of the HEROES Act, $1 trillion for State and local government. prgtoken This is the government, State and local government, that is closest to the people. This is the government that funds first responders and healthcare workers in local hospitals. This is the government that funds the workers who pick up your garbage twice a week. This is the government running on fumes. prgtoken So are the American people who need another cash payment, an additional $1,200 per family member, up to $6,000 per household, and other essentials like unemployment benefits and housing benefits, a 15 percent increase in nutrition programs. People have got to eat during this crisis. prgtoken I also have been able to get included in the HEROES Act a trifecta of provisions that the District must have, beginning with the $755 million in retroactive funding s in the Senate removed from the CARES Act by treating the District for the first time in American history as a territory, when we have always been treated for what we are, a State for funding purposes, and, of course, the D.C. statehood bill has enough cosponsors to pass this very year. prgtoken We have always received State-level funding beca
CONGRATULATING REAR ADMIRAL DAVID HAHN ON HIS RETIREMENT
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to RADM David Hahn, U.S. Navy, as he completes a 35-year naval career and retires from serving as the Chief of Naval Research. prgtoken RADM Hahn was responsible for the operations of the Naval Research Enterprise, which comprises more than 4,000 people in 23 locations and more than 1,000 partners. Over the course of his career, RADM Hahn excelled in all facets of being a Naval Officer. He served as the commanding officer of the USS Pittsburgh and served at sea aboard the USS Casimir Pulaski, USS William H. Bates, and USS Springfield. Ashore, he served as flag lieutenant to Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy; squadron engineer, Submarine Development Squadron 12; action officer, Joint Staff in the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Directorate; and as a legislative fellow on the staff of U.S. Senator John Warner. prgtoken His vision to create a truly unified Naval Research Enterprise helped align, allocate, and accelerate the advancement of knowledge and improve the delivery of new capabilities to Sailors and Marines. His vision of a dominant fighting force now and in the future served as an inspiration to the thousands of members of the Naval Research Enterprise who directly support the warfighter. Reminding all stakeholders that the Naval Research Enterprise mission is ``Future Naval Power,'' RADM Hahn reinvigorated the structure of the Office of Naval Research and brought a cohesive vision with three key messages: prgtoken Invest in the right scientists to ensure the Navy and Marine Corps are always linked to scientific discovery. prgtoken Provide a steady infusion of relevant technology into existing programs of record, and Disrupt an adversary's calculus through innovative capabilities. prgtoken Among his many achievements, Rear Adm. Hahn revamped the Future Naval Capabilities and Innovative Prototypes processes to more effectively and more quickly field new capabilities. Through these efforts, Rear Adm. Hahn successfully deployed 20 Future Naval Capabilities and one Innovative Naval Prototype to the Navy and Marine Corps, including the Navy's first directed energy weapon system onboard the USS Portland (LPD-27). prgtoken His selfless commitment to serving our nation has left us safer and better prepared to respond to threats around the world. We wish him the very best in retirement after an impressive and impactful career. Fair winds and following seas, Admiral Hahn.
VOTE ON HEROES ACT IN THE SENATE
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , almost 100,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Nearly 40 million unemployment claims have been filed. Our economy is in shambles. prgtoken Two weeks ago, the House took action. We passed the HEROES Act, $3 trillion in new relief funds, to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Two weeks later, the Senate is on vacation. They were in session last week, but all they did was move forward on approving right-wing judges. prgtoken This is outrageous. The Senate is sitting on a bill that provides $1 trillion to pay first responders, healthcare workers, teachers who are in danger of losing their jobs; $200 billion for hazard pay; $75 billion for testing, contact tracing, and isolation; and cash for families, up to $6,000 per household. prgtoken The American people deserve better. They deserve a Senate that is committed to protecting their health and safety. They deserve an up or down vote on the HEROES Act in the Senate, not next week, not the week after, but right now. The virus isn't taking a break, the United States Senate shouldn't take a break either.
UYGHUR HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY ACT OF 2020
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , I thank the chairman, the ranking member, and Congressman Smith for their good work and partnership on this issue. prgtoken I thank Chairman McGovern and Pelosi for their leadership on all issues of human rights. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, which holds the Chinese Communist Party accountable for the horrific treatment of Uyghur Muslim minorities, including forced labor camps in western China, over 1 million Uyghurs in mass internment who are subjected to systemized brainwashing, Big Brother-like surveillance, and gross violations of their religious freedom. prgtoken Since President Nixon went to China in 1971, most Americans have believed that with increased economic integration and exposure to our system of democracy and our way of life, that China would become more like us. Clearly, that has not happened. prgtoken Not only does the Chinese Communist Party reject any real steps toward democracy, withhold information from the world community regarding the coronavirus, continue its unfair trade practices, and cheat by stealing our intellectual property, but it continually violates human rights, as we have seen, not only in Xinjiang with the Uyghurs, but also in Tibet with the Buddhists, and in Hong Kong with the students and the journalists. prgtoken Representative Chris Smith and I originally introduced legislation regarding abuse of the Uyghurs in November of 2018 and, while it has taken too long, it is never too late to speak out for human rights and penalize China for its egregious violations. prgtoken Madam , Uyghur families are prohibited from practicing their faith. They are often separated from their family members and prohibited from reading the Koran and making their daily prayers and, in some instances, they are forced to eat pork during Ramadan. prgtoken The so-called ``re-education camps'' in China, where Uyghurs are forced to work in textile or manufacturing jobs in or near mass internment camps are not only repugnant to our values, but also taint global supply chains. prgtoken The brutal, religious-based persecution of the Uyghurs in China is alarming but not new. China has continued to repress anyone who does not conform to their system, including Tibetans, Christians, and the people of Hong Kong. prgtoken Just last week in Hong Kong, the Chinese Communist Party proposed national security legislation that would erode Hong Kong's autonomy and civil liberties. We must remain vigilant. prgtoken This bill holds the Chinese Communist Party and Politburo members like Chen Quanguo accountable for their abuses. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this important, bipartisan legislation.
UYGHUR HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY ACT OF 2020
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-27

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I should advise the House that we are taking up this bill about 1\1/2\ hours earlier than expected, and I hope that our colleagues from the Foreign Affairs Committee have changed their schedule so that they can come to join us to speak on this bill. prgtoken Let me point out that even in a pandemic, the American Congress focuses on human rights. prgtoken Madam , let me start by thanking our colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both Chambers for their work on this legislation. I especially want to thank Senators Rubio and Menendez, and Representatives McGovern, Sherman, Smith, Suozzi, and others who have worked for well more than a year, well more than 2 years in most cases, to focus the world's attention on the deprivation of human rights in Xinjiang province and to work for an appropriate American response. prgtoken The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act is the result of tireless work from so many individuals who focus on human rights. We have seen the reporting, the interviews, the pictures, the documentaries. The evidence is overwhelming: The Chinese Government has brutally detained and reeducated or sought to reeducate over 1 million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, chiefly Muslim minorities, in the northwest of China. It is horrific. prgtoken The goal of this inhumane campaign is clear: to force these minorities to assimilate, to erase all evidence of their unique language, culture, history, and religion. prgtoken Beijing has relied heavily on technology to carry out this abuse, transforming the Uyghur region of Xinjiang into a surveillance state. But even as the world has learned more and more about the extent of these atrocities, there has been nowhere near enough action. prgtoken Beijing has leveraged its economic clout to silence criticism of its horrific human rights abuses. So many countries, particularly Muslim countries that always speak out when any group of Muslims is being denied their human rights, have been pressured into silence. Now, China wants the world to forget about the Uyghurs as we grapple with this global pandemic. prgtoken We must push back. Today, we send a message loud and clear: We stand with the Uyghurs. We will fight for the oppressed. And we will not forget. prgtoken By passing the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act today, the United States takes a meaningful step toward holding the perpetrators accountable. This bill will impose sanctions on those individuals responsible for human rights violations in Xinjiang. It also calls on our government experts to issue reports that can improve our understanding of the situation on the ground. prgtoken The persecution of the Uyghurs is one of the greatest human rights tragedies currently taking place. We must stand on the right side of history and respond decisively. This legislation is a critical step forward, and I am proud to support its passage. I hope all Member
TIME TO GIVE AMERICA HOPE
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-5-28

this is not the time to back down. prgtoken In my home State of Georgia, hardworking Georgians have been laid off, small businesses have had to close, and families are worried about the health and well-being of their loved ones. prgtoken Americans everywhere are counting on us to help them get through this crisis as safely as possible. This is what we are sent to Washington to do: to protect and to uplift our communities in a time such as this. prgtoken We must work together, s and , to make a difference in the lives of those we represent when they need us most. prgtoken This is the time to give America hope. prgtoken This is the time to govern with our hearts, and not partisan politics, because we can get through this pandemic together, stronger and more unified than before.