mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , on Roll Call Number 1, On Cisneros Amendment requiring the DHS Secretary to prioritize the hiring of veterans, including disabled veterans, and other preference eligible individuals, including widows or widowers of veterans, for positions within the Transportation Security Administration I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. prgtoken I was also unavoidably detained for Roll Call Number 2, On Mucarsel- Powell/Schrier Amendment requiring the TSA Administrator, in coordination with the Director of Centers for Disease Control and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to ensure that TSA employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against coronavirus. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. prgtoken I was also unavoidably detained for Roll Call Number 4, On final passage of H.R. 1140, Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020, which would enhance TSA's security operations by applying the personnel system of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to Transportation Security Officers. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.
WOMEN POLITICAL PRISONERS
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-9

on International Women's Day, we celebrated women and girls around the globe for their tremendous contributions to our communities, our countries, and the world. From Albania to Zimbabwe, women face enormous risks to pursue progress in defiance of attitudes, policies, and actions that treat them as second- class citizens. Too often, these women are punished for their courage. As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of the Beijing Declaration on the equal rights of women, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving women's empowerment and equal status throughout the world. prgtoken Today, I want to highlight 25 women who have risked their lives, withstood torture, and been unjustly detained for fighting for human rights, democracy, a free and fair press, and the rights of vulnerable LGBT populations, as well as safeguarding their culture and the environment. The repressive responses of their respective governments speaks to the power these women command, the implications of their cause, and the movements they inspire. prgtoken In Russia, President Putin's government utilizes politically motivated imprisonment to bolster its power by cracking down on journalists, human rights advocates, religious minorities, Ukrainian citizens, and civil society advocates. Yulia Tsetkova is the latest target of the authorities' long-running campaign against LGBT activists. Tsetkova has been placed on house arrest and faces years of imprisonment for her creative work at a youth amateur theater which the state has labeled ``homosexual propaganda,'' for drawings described as criminal ``pornography'' and for administrating two LGBT-themed groups on social media deemed'' gay propaganda.') prgtoken The Chinese Communist Party has waged a powerful campaign to suppress vibrant ethnic minority communities and political dissent. The government has brutally cracked down in Xinjiang, where it has extrajudicially interned and subjected more than 1 million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities to forced labor, torture, and abuse. Rahile Dawut, a Xinjiang University professor who researched and documented traditional Uyghur culture, disappeared in December 2017. Sanubar Tursun, a renowned Uyghur singer, disappeared in November 2018, shortly before she was scheduled to perform in France. We will not forget their names nor their work. prgtoken The Chinese Communist party has also targeted Tibetans for celebrating their heritage. In late 2015, officials detained at least eight Tibetans accused of organizing observances of the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday. Those detained included Bonkho Kyi, who had organized a public picnic to celebrate the occasion. Kyi was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment, although details of the criminal charges remain unavailable. prgtoken In Iran, human rights defenders have been steadfast in their advocacy despite repeated arrest and abuse by authorities. Nasrin Sotoudeh has devot
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' FLOYD ON HIS RETIREMENT
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , I am proud to recognize a visionary social justice advocate and leader in my state who is retiring after several decades of working to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. prgtoken William (``Bill'') Floyd trained as a social worker, held leadership roles in state government, and worked for over three decades to develop housing and provide services for individuals with disabilities, people with very low income, and those experiencing homelessness. His advocacy on behalf of marginalized Mainers is legendary, and in 2015, Bill received the Joseph Brannigan Community Excellence Award in recognition of his work to address the housing and support needs of individuals with mental illness. prgtoken His commitment to volunteerism is exemplified by leading and serving on myriad boards, including Mobius, Inc the Maine Association of Nonprofits, the Northern New England Housing Investment Fund, and the Community Development Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Genesis Fund in 2007, he also served six years on their Board of Directors. prgtoken The Genesis Fund, a Certified Community Development Financial Institution, provides innovative financing to create affordable housing and community facilities for underserved people and communities. Under Bill Floyd's leadership, both their assets and loan portfolio have grown by over 600 percent, and they have extended their reach by providing technical assistance to nonprofit organizations across Maine seeking state, federal, and private funding opportunities. prgtoken Bill Floyd's leadership at the Genesis Fund has resulted in resources for some of Maine's most vulnerable citizens, including single parents and their children, low-income working families, the elderly, homeless individuals and families, and people with disabilities. Bill knows that the impact of affordable housing on individuals and families is profound and leads to better health, improved student performance, better job opportunities, and increased financial stability and personal security. Further, it transforms entire communities. prgtoken Bill Floyd has spent his professional life ensuring that no one in our society be written off. His public service to struggling individuals, families, and communities across Maine has left a legacy, and for that I thank him wholeheartedly and wish him all the best in his retirement.
JUNE MEDICAL SERVICES V. RUSSO
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , I rise to remind my colleagues of what is at stake at the Supreme Court in the coming weeks. prgtoken Yesterday, the Court began to hear arguments in a major abortion rights case, June Medical Services v. Russo. prgtoken If the Louisiana law in question goes into effect, only one clinic remains in the entire state. prgtoken Only one physician would continue to provide abortions to the 10,000 women in Louisiana who sought them every year. prgtoken That outcome would deny thousands of women in Louisiana their constitutional protection, the protected rights to access abortion care. prgtoken ln 2016, the Court already decided that an identical case was unconstitutional. prgtoken But since President has added two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, prgtoken it's more important than ever for us to speak out about what is at stake. prgtoken I'm proud to do that today.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-9

the coronavirus continues to spread, with more than 500 confirmed cases in the United States in two-thirds of the 50 States. Given the inconsistency and delay in testing, we don't know if the number of confirmed cases actually reflects the number of actual cases in the United States. prgtoken We now know that when the coronavirus first appeared on our soil, the Centers for Disease Control produced kits that did not work properly and sent many of these tests to our hospitals and medical labs. The administration turned down tests from the World Health Organization, even though 60 countries accepted them, and we have no answer as to why. prgtoken It took weeks to get an accurate test out, and then it took weeks for the Federal Government to approve certain sites to run those tests, like the Northwell facility on Long Island that I recently visited. It took weeks to ramp up the number of Americans tested, and we are still far behind other countries like South Korea in the number and percentage of the population we are able to test for coronavirus. prgtoken The most powerful tool in responding to a virus is to know precisely where it is and how it is spreading, but because we don't have a complete handle on testing, many of our hospitals, doctors, researchers, and public health officials prgtoken are flying blind, and we are still far behind where we ought to be in understanding how far the virus has already spread. prgtoken Now, instead of taking responsibility and working quickly to rectify the early errors, the administration--and, especially, the President himself--downplayed concerns about the virus. The President falsely said a vaccine would be ready soon and implied that it was OK for Americans to go to work even if they had the virus. The President falsely blamed the administration for a policy change that slowed testing. What he said was regarded as totally false. prgtoken Rather than spend the weekend in Washington to get a grip on the crisis, the President was once again golfing at Mar-a-Lago. I don't want to guess at the number of times this President has criticized other Presidents for doing the same thing. The Federal Government's initial response to the coronavirus was slipshod at best. It has greatly hurt the country, and it falls at the feet of the President. The buck stops with him. prgtoken Now, I know President will dismiss these criticisms and accuse of playing politics. That is what he always does when there is legitimate criticism, because in President 's world, there is no such thing as a legitimate criticism of his administration. But I would tell President : We don't criticize your administration for the sake of it. We criticize because we want the administration's response to get better, and we are afraid that if we don't speak up, if we don't point out the problems publicly and push the administration to change its method of operation,
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-3-9

the coronavirus has now been confirmed in 104 countries. There are more than 110,000 cases worldwide, and nearly 4,000 people have died. In the United States, we have more than 500 cases--including 7 in my home State of Illinois--and at least 20 deaths. With these numbers expected to increase, we must be prepared to handle the cases that inevitably will follow. prgtoken As we consider the next step, it is imperative that we look at the impact this public health emergency is having in all sectors of our economy, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments, and small businesses. Last Friday, I held a roundtable discussion with officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health, as well as other local health officials. It was held in the medical district in the city of Chicago. Experts updated us with the latest information on the coronavirus and what is being done at the State and local levels to prevent and address the outbreak. I am grateful for the work these officials are doing to keep Illinois safe and healthy in our homes, schools, and communities. prgtoken This is a serious public health challenge, and we are working diligently to protect Americans from the virus. The seriousness of this situation was evident by how quickly the House and Senate here in Washington came together on a bipartisan basis to provide needed emergency funding to help combat the virus. Last week, Congress rejected President 's original funding request of $2.5 billion and, instead, we secured $7.8 billion to address the virus in the United States. This funding will reimburse State and local governments for the millions of dollars they have already spent in containing the spread of this virus. prgtoken The bill also included important measures for patient monitoring, lab testing, acquisition of test kits, protective equipment, and research for vaccine and therapeutics. successfully fought to include a provision in the bill that will hopefully ensure prgtoken that any forthcoming coronavirus vaccine is accessible and affordable for all Americans in need. prgtoken As we look forward to the next steps to respond to this public health emergency, it is critical that Congress prioritize the health and safety of workers and their families. Our public health experts are rightfully telling people to stay home if they are sick. Yet for many Americans, staying home means losing a paycheck that helps them pay their rent, pay for food, medication, and childcare. For many American families, losing a paycheck--even one--would be devastating. Nearly 40 percent of American adults do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense. I am proud to have helped introduce legislation last week that would immediately provide 14 days of paid sick leave to workers in light of coronavirus. It also is important that we ensure
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE TAMAYO
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a great American and prominent leader in the veteran community in Burlington County, Joe Tamayo. prgtoken Joe Tamayo's life was defined by his service to his country, his community, and those in need. Joe was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean war, where he served five tours and earned a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat during the battle of Pork Chop Hill. After he left Korea, Joe served two tours of duty in Germany, as well as a tour in Vietnam, before eventually returning to the United States on assignment at Fort Dix, New Jersey. prgtoken In addition to his Purple Heart, throughout his time in the Army Joe received a number of awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star with ``V'' for Valor, a Combat Infantry Badge, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal. After twenty-two years of service to his country, Joe retired from active duty in 1973. prgtoken Despite his retirement, Joe continued to seek out ways to serve his community and care for those in need. Joe focused his energy on troubled youth and took a position working at the New Jersey Children's Home in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. For thirty years at the Children's Home, Joe worked to instill a sense of pride, self-respect, discipline and self-worth in his students. prgtoken After retiring from his work with the Children's home, Joe continued to be an active member of several Veteran Service Organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Purple Heart Association, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the 24th Infantry Regiment Combat Team Association, otherwise known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Throughout his life after his time in the military, Joe maintained his commitment to service and helped to support his fellow veterans in Burlington County. prgtoken Joe Tamayo's story is a reminder to all of us that our veterans make incredible sacrifices not just to defend our nation, but also to support our communities and those most in need. I thank Joe for his lifetime of service to our nation and offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
55TH ANNIVERSARY OF ``BLOODY SUNDAY''
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-3-9

this past weekend marked the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of the darkest moments in our democracy. On March 7, 1965, Alabama law enforcement officers brutally attacked hundreds of peaceful demonstrators marching from Selma to Montgomery to demand full civil rights for African Americans. These brave protesters put their safety and liberty on the line to build an America that lives up to its ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. It is thanks to their heroism--and the heroism of many civil rights activists before and since--that our country has made great strides towards those ideals. However, in order to fully honor their struggle, we must also recognize that much of the hatred and discrimination which they fought to root out persists, although perhaps in less overt or easily recognized forms. prgtoken One of the strongest, most disheartening examples of this phenomenon is the ongoing assault on the right of minorities to vote. This is not ancient history. States all over the country continue to ``modernize'' strategies developed a century ago to suppress African-American voting power. Some of these strategies are blatant and recognizable, like mass purges of voter rolls; the gerrymandering of districts with ``surgical precision,'' according to one court; and intimidation of voters of color. Some of the strategies are disguised behind excuses or fear tactics, like obstructive voter ID laws, felony disenfranchisement, and closures of polling sites in heavily minority-populated areas. prgtoken So long as we allow these sorts of practices to continue, we are denying American citizens the right to vote promised to them by our Constitution, and we are undermining the integrity of our democracy. This is a problem on principle, of course--until we guarantee the right to vote regardless of race, we fall short of the unique promise and potential of the United States of America. But it is also a problem for broader practical reasons--when we exclude people from fully participating in our democracy, we prevent them from achieving the social, economic, and civic reforms they need to strengthen their communities. prgtoken So, what are we going to do about that? I know what I will do: I will fight for laws that will guarantee every American a voice in our democracy. That is why I have introduced bills like the Democracy Restoration Act, S.1068, to restore the Federal right to vote to ex- offenders, and the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation and Suppression Act, S.1834, to penalize the voter suppression efforts so frequently aimed at minority communities. prgtoken It is also why I am a fervent supporter of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives at the end of last year, would remedy the Supreme Court's 2013 decision decimating section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and thereby strengthen our ability to prevent discriminatory chan
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-3-9

I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters of the United States. With a commitment to civic participation, the League has secured its place nationally as a relied-upon source of voter education and a protector of voting rights. The centennial celebration is a historical benchmark for the State of Michigan, as well as the entire Nation. prgtoken Just 6 months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association as well as other suffrage groups embarked on a mission to ensure that voters, particularly women, would have the necessary nonpartisan information to make informed decisions on who and what to support in elections. With this newfound mission, the suffrage movement began a ``mighty political experiment'' designed to help 20 million women carry out their new civic duty. prgtoken With Michigan women winning the right to vote in 1918, the mission to educate Michigan women voters started before the League was established nationally when the Michigan League of Women Voters formed out of the Michigan Equal Suffrage Association in 1919. The following year, they became part of the League of Women Voters of the United States. The early Michigan LWV advocated for changes to State-level voter registration laws and civil service reform; they also established citizenship classes through citizenship schools in people's homes. Many of their actions influenced early programs of the National League, and the intent of those programs continue today through the League's work. prgtoken While the League is nonpartisan, even from their conception, the League used their voice and their platform for advocacy. One of their earliest initiatives was for child welfare reform, as well as civil service and election law reforms across the country. In 1941, the League advocated successfully for amending Michigan State law to forbid factory work by those under 16 and to mandate school attendance by all children between the ages of 7 and 16. Other major legislation the League advocated for includes the Equal Rights Amendment, National Voter Registration Act, and the Help America Vote Act. prgtoken Today, Leagues from across the country advocate for issues such as fighting voter suppression, limiting the influence of money in politics, and redistricting. They are constantly encouraging and pushing for further investment in our election infrastructure and election security. With a presence in over 700 communities and across all 50 States, the League of Women Voters of the United States has become an activist, grassroots organization which plays a critical role in our democracy. prgtoken It is my great pleasure to congratulate the League of Women Voters of the United States on the lasting impact it has made throughout our Nation's history and for the work it continues to do. As the League of Women Voters of the United States celeb
HONORING THE LIFE OF JON MYERS
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Jon Myers for his dedicated service to Whitley County, Indiana. Hoosiers in my hometown of Columbia City and throughout Whitley County owe a great debt of gratitude to Jon for ushering our region into a more prosperous future, and we wish him the very best as he retires from his post as president of Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC). prgtoken Under Jon's leadership, the Whitley County EDC has flourished. As of 2019, Whitley County has higher homeownership, a higher workforce participation rate, more people with health insurance, and fewer residents in poverty than compared to the national average. The opportunity and prosperity Whitley County enjoy today is due in no small part to Jon's leadership. prgtoken Jon's career is distinguished, defined by his active role in the broader northeast Indiana community. Prior to serving on Mitch Daniels' campaign for governor in 2004, Myers helped establish the law firm of Myers and Hockemeyer and held a senior role with Lincoln Life. In 2005, Jon became manager of the Indiana EDC office in Fort Wayne, where, in the years thereafter, determined to address problems facing Whitley County. prgtoken He has worked tirelessly to ensure those living in the region have good jobs, can support their families and have the best quality of life. Although he will no longer lead the Whitley County EDC, his legacy will endure, and his commitment to the community and state will serve as a proud example for others in the years to come.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-3-9

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from Missouri (Mr. Hawley), the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Shelby), and the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton) would have voted ``yea.''