mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. prgtoken Ensuring workplace safety for all American workers, especially our Nation's caregivers, is an issue of the utmost importance and is deserving of a serious and thorough solution. I agree with my colleague; we all appreciate what healthcare workers have done. I do every day, but particularly since we have had COVID. prgtoken H.R. 1195 purports to take a responsible approach to the issue of workplace violence, but legislation that results in a rushed and overly prescriptive rule that omits important input from stakeholders and experts, while driving up compliance costs for already struggling industries, is far from a sensible solution. Yet, that is what we are asked to consider today. prgtoken Workers in the healthcare and social services industries are at an increased risk of workplace violence, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics finding they are five times more likely to experience violence in the workplace than workers in other industries. prgtoken While the threat is real, the response the are proposing to address the situation, to further their own partisan agenda, is not grounded in reality. prgtoken Workplace violence is already a well-recognized hazard by employers and employees in the healthcare and social services industries. According to a 2018 American Hospital Association survey, 97 percent of respondents indicated they already have workplace violence policies in place. prgtoken In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, is already enforcing workplace violence prevention measures, issuing citations to employers who fail to provide safe workplaces during both the and administrations. prgtoken The agency is also working on a rule through the standard OSHA rulemaking process and has announced plans to initiate a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel, a key part of the rulemaking process that allows the agency to gather valuable feedback from small businesses before a regulation is written. prgtoken H.R. 1195 is particularly ill-timed and ill-advised as it forces OSHA to issue an interim final rule on workplace violence within 1 year, which will significantly strain healthcare facilities that are heroically working on the front lines, responding to a once-in-a- century pandemic. prgtoken The CBO recently estimated the cost of this bill to private entities would be at least $1.8 billion in the first 2 years that the rushed OSHA rule is in effect and $750 million annually after that. The cost to public facilities will be at least $100 million in the first 2 years and $55 million annually after that. prgtoken Financially struggling healthcare facilities, such as rural hospitals that are already at r
RECOGNIZING DASIA TAYLOR OF IOWA CITY
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-4-16

I rise today to recognize a young woman in my district who is making strides in the field of medical science. prgtoken , 17-year-old Dasia Taylor of Iowa City is currently in the research phase for her groundbreaking invention: surgical sutures that change color when a wound becomes infected. prgtoken These sutures will be an asset to both doctors and patients to catch post-surgical infections early on when they can be treated more easily with antibiotics. This, in turn, will save lives. prgtoken For her intellect, research, and ingenuity, Dasia was recently recognized among the top 40 finalists in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the most prestigious science and mathematics competitions in the United States for high school scholars. prgtoken I could not be prouder of Dasia and excited for the next generation of women scientists who are working towards building a better future for generations to come.
HONORING BETTY WIECHERT
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a lifelong Ohioan who made a profound impact on not only me but so many in the Zanesville area, my hometown, Betty Wiechert. prgtoken I first came to know Betty when I was just a young boy, when she became my first Sunday school teacher. All these years later, Betty and I still attended the same church together each Sunday. prgtoken Just a few weeks ago, Betty even surprised me by asking a question on a telephone townhall. She lived an incredibly full life until the very end. prgtoken Born in Newark and raised in Zanesville, Betty gave her entire life to her family and this community, teaching not only Sunday school but also third and fifth grades. prgtoken Her passing was preceded by her parents, her husband of nearly 62 years, Rudy, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one great- great-grandchild, a brother-in-law, and her father-in-law and mother- in-law. prgtoken She is survived by six children, 16 grandchildren, 46 great- grandchildren, 42 great-great-grandchildren, with three more nephews, and extended family and friends. prgtoken Her faith and her positivity were Betty's trademarks and are all the things fellow Ohioans remember most about her. prgtoken I will miss seeing her each Sunday at church and will always admire her dedication to bettering the lives of those around her each day. We will miss her dearly.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , memo to my friends across the aisle: violence, including workplace violence, is already illegal; and it should always be prosecuted, regardless of whether it happens in the name of Antifa or BLM, or even if it is directed at those police officers working to keep us safe. prgtoken Again, violence in the workplace is already illegal, and you certainly won't decrease it, Madam , with calls to defund or even eliminate law enforcement and correctional facilities. prgtoken Talk about increasing workplace violence, Madam , and you wonder why more Americans are purchasing firearms to protect themselves with the anarchy you seem to be promoting. prgtoken Speaking of law enforcement, do we actually want to protect police from workplace violence, too? prgtoken Or do we want to continue to increase it with a dishonest narrative that makes it more difficult for them to do their jobs and keep us all safe? prgtoken But here we find ourselves again today with our daily portion of proposed unnecessary workplace regulations intended to punish law- abiding American employers, making their lives more costly and more difficult. prgtoken Specific to those who would be most negatively impacted by this bill, in a 2018 American Hospital Association survey, 97 percent reported that they already have workplace violence prevention policies in place. prgtoken In addition, OSHA, of course, is already enforcing workplace violence prevention policies. prgtoken So why are we trying to saddle employers with new regulations estimated by the CBO to cost private entities at least $1.8 billion-- that is $1,800 million, for my friends across the aisle--in just the first 2 years of mandated implementation, and then $750 million annually going forward? prgtoken Where does this money come from for these unnecessary mandates? prgtoken From consumers in higher prices. You might call this hidden tax increases. This is how all regulations are paid for, unless they actually force the organization to go out of business because they can't deal with the cost. prgtoken The CBO estimates that the cost to public healthcare facilities will be $100 million in the first 2 years. The last thing that financially struggling rural hospitals, like those in my district, need are more unfunded mandates from Washington. prgtoken While we seem to be far off course today, Congress, in the past, has actually passed statutes that make regulations more accountable, requiring that bureaucrats give public notice regarding new rules and mandates, and solicit feedback before implementation. prgtoken But, today, House want to make it easier for OSHA to issue one-size-fits-all regulations without having to receive any feedback from the public. prgtoken Article I of the Constitution mandates that Congress make our Federal laws, not Federal agencies and their unelected bureaucrats. prgtoken Congress should make the regulatory process more accountable to the taxpayer. That is why
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MRS. FRANCES PERCIVAL
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the work of Mrs. Frances Percival, who has dedicated 63 years of her life to the students of Millwood School District. prgtoken Mrs. Percival began her service in 1958 as a volunteer with the Millwood School District, and then served in the Parent Teacher Association for several years. She was affectionately known as ``Mrs. P'' and a ``homeroom mother''. prgtoken Fifty-one years ago, Mrs. P made the decision to run for the school board and was successful. In her five decades on the board, she was the recipient of many awards, including the National School Boards Association Award for Distinguished Service. prgtoken In addition to being a strong leader, Mrs. Percival said her mission was to teach Millwood students to appreciate life and show respect for humanity. prgtoken Madam , we should let Mrs. Percival's story be an inspiration for us all to focus on improving the lives of our children, our communities, and our schools. prgtoken Individuals like Mrs. Percival hold together schools and communities across this Nation. I thank Mrs. P for her years of service, and I wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.
HONORING MORGAN MASSEY
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise in honor of Evan Morgan Massey of Richmond, Virginia, who passed away on March 10, 2021 at the age of 94. Morgan Massey was a business leader and philanthropist whose visionary leadership in the coal industry made an impact across the globe and certainly in the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia I represent. prgtoken Mr. Massey was born on December 29, 1926. He trained for service as an aviator during World War II and later graduated from the University of Virginia. He joined his family's firm, A.T. Massey Coal Company, in 1949. Mr. Massey helped drive the company from a midsize operation to one of the largest coal companies in the United States. The family sold the company to St. Joe Minerals in 1973, and Mr. Massey continued to run the company until he retired in 1991. prgtoken Following retirement, Mr. Massey extended his endeavors across the globe, developing operations abroad and championing new uses for coal. He expanded mining into China and Venezuela and founded the Evan Energy Company to improve coal mining safety in South America and China. Mr. Massey supported research such as that at Virginia Tech which generates rare earth minerals from coal and coal byproducts. A tireless innovator and entrepreneur, Mr. Massey remained active in his office daily even late in life. prgtoken Beyond his role in business, Mr. Massey served Richmond's philanthropic community through the Massey Foundation, founded by his uncle and father, and the Joan and Morgan Massey Foundation. His interests included higher education, medical research, and the development of new technologies, and his philanthropic support of these causes have improved the lives of many. prgtoken Mr. Massey's survivors include his daughters, Elizabeth Anne Massey, Susan Chapman Massey and Nancy Lee Massey; sons, Evan Morgan Massey, Jr. and his wife, Robin, John William Massey and his wife, Kelli, Charles Taylor Massey and his wife, Sarah and Craig Lewis Massey and his wife, Sky; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. I offer them my condolences on this loss of the great business leader and philanthropist.
RECOGNIZING HARRIET SALARNO FOR HER WORK WITH CRIME VICTIMS UNITED
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , Harriet Salarno is a remarkable woman who went through the greatest tragedy a parent can suffer, inspiring her to change the lives of families across the nation. prgtoken On September 3, 1979 her eldest daughter Catina was murdered execution style on her first day of college. After being thrust into the criminal justice system Harriet soon learned that crime victims had no voice or rights in the system. She mustered a strong resolve that only a remarkable woman can, and she began the fight for a voice for crime victims and survivors as well as for public safety in California and throughout the nation. prgtoken To accomplish her mission, she founded Crime Victims United, the only political action group of its kind in the nation dedicated to advocating for survivors of crime and for public safety. Starting in 1982, she began her work by successfully getting the legislature to amend the California constitution to include crime victims' rights (the first one in the history of the nation). Nearly forty years later, she endeavors daily to ensure the victims of crime, survivors, and first responders are not forgotten. Her efforts have led to state and national reforms including constitutional amendments, legislative and regulatory changes. prgtoken Her vision, passion, and mission is clear in her formidable resolve to educate those that are often the most forgotten in our society. To this day she can be found at the legislature or in communities educating and advocating for others about crime victims and public safety. Her commitment to never have another family feel the pain and isolation she has felt, remains clear and strong to this day. prgtoken Harriet has never forgotten what victims need most; someone to listen, someone to grieve with, and someone to support them in their darkest of times. At the age of 88, she still goes to her office daily answering phone calls and emailing letters to assist victims. She sends cards to families on the days of remembrance; and she strives to allow families not only to grieve but gather the strength to move forward. prgtoken Truly she has changed the lives of those in despair. prgtoken While creating this unique organization, she raised two daughters and grandchildren who also share the same aspirations for assisting victims, ensuring public safety, and she has served as their role model to inspire community service. prgtoken Harriet has given our world multiple generations of those who are the helpers of those who most need it in their darkest time. It has been my privilege to work with Harriet over the years and a true honor to call her my friend.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise in opposition to H.R. 1195. prgtoken Madam , our healthcare and social service workers deserve tremendous praise for their work over the past year, as they have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also deserve protections, as they face a significant risk of workplace violence. prgtoken This complex issue deserves an evidence-based solution, not a rushed and costly top-down government mandate. prgtoken Unfortunately, H.R. 1195 would prevent workers and stakeholders from giving meaningful input based on experience regarding how to address this highly technical issue. It forces the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, to issue an interim final workplace violence prevention rule within 1 year, significantly impacting the healthcare industry as they remain on the front lines of combating this pandemic. prgtoken I have heard firsthand from our healthcare facilities--especially our rural hospitals--that the pandemic has caused serious financial struggles, and many are already at risk of closure. prgtoken The CBO estimates that the rushed rule will cost private entities at least $1.8 billion in the first 2 years that the prgtoken rule is in effect and $750 million annually after that. For public facilities, it will cost at least $100 million in the first 2 years and $55 million after that. prgtoken The last thing our healthcare facilities need right now is another costly top-down mandate from Washington. prgtoken Our Founders envisioned a government by the people. I am always amazed that the intellectuals in this town know more about solving problems than the great people on the front lines. My colleagues are approaching this issue the wrong way. We must address this from the bottom up by empowering healthcare workers, hospital leadership, the scientific community, and the public to have a say in the development of a new comprehensive standard. prgtoken That is why I oppose this bill today and I urge my colleagues to ensure our healthcare workers and caregivers are protected in the workplace by allowing them to give their input directly.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , my 25 years in private industry taught me many lessons. One which resonates with me today is that sweeping industry mandates with no input from those who will be impacted don't work. No one knows better what the workforce needs to be successful than the workforce itself. prgtoken It seems to me that my colleagues across the aisle have yet to learn this lesson and are rushing and pushing H.R. 1195, a bill that would institute a rushed, sweeping initiative that ignores the data and, more importantly, ignores the people it will effect. prgtoken Though H.R. 1195 is founded under the premise of finding solutions for workplace violence--especially for our healthcare workers and social service workers, who are most susceptible--this bill clearly misses the mark. prgtoken In tandem, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recognizes the risks that our healthcare and social service workers face in the workplace. However, this rulemaking process should and must account for the important views of impacted stakeholders. prgtoken There is not a more notable red flag to H.R. 1195 than the fact that the American Hospital Association came out to oppose it because it would institute additional restrictions to already struggling rural hospitals across the country. To ensure long-lasting policy that can address the complex problem of workplace violence, it is imperative we develop a solution that seeks input from stakeholders and employers that goes through the normal rulemaking process. prgtoken Our healthcare and social service workers have given so much during this pandemic, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their work. Moreover, we owe them policy that will improve workplace safety without making it harder for them to do their jobs. We owe it to them to seek their input.
RECOGNIZING SIKH MASTER GURU TEGH BAHADUR
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate the American and global Sikh community as they celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of their ninth Sikh Master Guru Tegh Bahadur. prgtoken Master Guru Tegh Bahadur lived a very meaningful life. He was one of the 10 gurus who founded Sikhism. prgtoken Islam was imposed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Hindu temples were destroyed and turned into mosques, and the emperor persecuted those who would not convert to Islamic law. prgtoken Guru Tegh Bahadur spoke out amid the persecution. He refused to convert to Islam and, in 1675, he was beheaded in Delhi. He is celebrated in the Sikh community because of his heroic efforts in defending religious freedoms. Because of his efforts to protect human rights, he is often referred to as Srishti Chadar, protector of humanity. prgtoken Madam , Master Guru Tegh Bahadur's memory inspires us to work even harder to support religious freedoms for everyone everywhere.
CONDEMNING CONTINUED VIOLATION OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BY PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2021-4-19

I thank my good friend, the ranking member, for his kind remarks. I thank him for his leadership on this resolution, as well. I thank Chairman Meeks for his leadership on this. It is a bipartisan resolution, and it is very much needed right now. H. Res. 130 condemns the ongoing violation of human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping and the Government of Hong Kong itself. prgtoken As the author of the House-passed, bipartisan Hong Kong Human Rights Act signed into law last Congress, which I first introduced in 2014 and again in 2015, 2017, and then for a final time in 2019, I want to just thank Pelosi for putting that legislation before this body and for her strong support. prgtoken The mentioned a moment ago how we have worked for well over 30 years on combating human rights abuses in China whether it be Tibet, the ongoing repression and now genocide against the Uighurs, and the crackdown on religious freedom which has now become nothing but pervasive persecution against people of all faiths as well as the Falun Gong. We have worked very, very closely together, and I believe going back to right after Tiananmen Square, that linkage of human rights with trade was the only way to effectuate systemic change. Regrettably, we have lost so far that linkage. But, again, now we are seeing manifestations, particularly in Hong Kong. prgtoken Could Taiwan be next? Consider all of the promises that were made-- and there were solemn promises made by the dictatorship in Beijing--to respect human rights in Hong Kong. The basic law is now being violated with impunity. prgtoken Of course, there is the Sino-U.K. agreement that is being violated. This is an international treaty, and there is the Chinese dictatorship one by one arresting the best, the bravest, and the brightest of Hong Kong and putting them into prison for long prison sentences. prgtoken As the noted a moment ago, we just saw that Joshua Wong got an additional jail sentence on his already 13\1/2\-month jail sentence. We know that he is a great young man, and he represents the future of Hong Kong. He now is languishing in prison. prgtoken I met Martin Lee in Hong Kong in the early 1990s, and he suggested to me that someday he may find himself in prison. He said that it is worth it for human rights and for democracy. He is an absolutely brave and an absolutely principled lawyer, a former member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. He too has been convicted under this crackdown on democracy promotion in Hong Kong. prgtoken So there are also many, many others. Jimmy Lai was one of five who were just sentenced last Friday. So this is happening in real time every single day. Once you are arrested and put into prison, the bully boys of the Hong Kong police make sure that you suffer, and you suffer intensely. prgtoken So, , I want to thank, again, Chairman Meeks for bringing this forward and, of cours