mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING KATIE HEINE AND MORGAN NOTTINGHAM UPON RECEIVING THE NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR LIFESAVING AWARD FROM THE GIRLS SCOUTS OF THE USA
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize two young women from Norfolk, Virginia, Katie Heine and Morgan Nottingham, who were awarded the Medal of Honor--Lifesaving Award from the Girls Scouts of the USA. prgtoken While setting up a booth to sell Girl Scout cookies, Morgan and Katie noticed a man collapse nearby. Inferring that the man was having a seizure, the two Girl Scouts sprang into action. Morgan rolled the man on his side and placed a jacket under his head to stabilize him. Meanwhile, Katie quickly called 911 and alerted a nearby security officer for assistance. The two young women cared for the man until the paramedics arrived at the scene. prgtoken Terri Nottingham, Katie and Morgan's troop leader and Morgan's mother, credited their experience as Girl Scouts in preparing them for the intense situation. With the poise and bravery that they displayed in such a critical moment, Morgan and Katie are more than worthy of the National Medal of Honor--Lifesaving Award. prgtoken It is important that we recognize individuals in our communities who go above and beyond to make a difference. I am proud to represent these two young heroes in Congress, and I congratulate Katie and Morgan on receiving this well-deserved honor.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-4-14

I am pleased to introduce the bipartisan Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act with my colleague, Senator Young. We are in urgent need of identifying and disseminating innovative and effective methods for supporting adult learners. Our legislation will ensure that there is a strong research base to improve the teaching provided for, and the learning of, adults seeking to advance their literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills. prgtoken The most recent data from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies show an urgent need for action in adult education with an estimated 19 percent of adults ages 16-65 in the United States performing at the lowest levels of literacy; twenty- nine percent at the lowest levels of numeracy; and 24 percent at the lowest levels of digital problem solving. This is a dire situation. These are essential skills for postsecondary education and the workplace. Beyond their value in the labor market, these skills are also correlated with health and civic participation, making adult education critically important to the health and well-being of our people, our economy, and our democracy. prgtoken In Rhode Island, it is estimated that nearly 82,000 working age adults have less than a high school education. Over 55,000 have limited English proficiency. Yet, we are reaching just over 5,000 through the current adult education program. Clearly, we need more resources and innovative, research-based ways to reach more people. prgtoken The Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act will support the key reforms to adult education in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by ensuring that adult education is included in our national education research priorities. Specifically, the Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act will amend the Education Sciences Reform Act to require the Institute for Education Sciences and the National Center for Education Statistics to collect data and carry out research on: successful State and local adult education and literacy activities, the characteristics and academic achievement of adult learners, and access to and opportunity for adult education, including digital literacy skills development, in communities across the Nation. It will also ensure that the Institute of Education Sciences draws on the expertise of adult educators when developing policies and priorities. Finally, the legislation would require that at least one research center would focus on adult education. prgtoken These straightforward amendments to the Education Sciences Reform Act will go a long way to strengthening the research base that will support the improvement of adult education across the country. I was pleased to work with the adult education community, and particularly, the Coalition of Adult Basic Educators and the National Coalition for Literacy in developing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the Strengt
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2021
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-4-14

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, April 15; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day and morning business be closed; that upon conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 13, S. 937; finally, that at 12 noon, all postcloture time be considered expired and the motion to proceed to S. 937 be agreed to.
Afghanistan (Executive Calendar)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-4-14

. and my colleagues, there is a saying about Afghanistan: that we have turned the corner toward victory so many times that we are spinning in circles. prgtoken During the beginning of my time in Congress, I went to Afghanistan to visit our troops and military leadership about every 2 years. Each time I went, I was met by a new, capable, impressive general who had just started his yearlong tour, who told me that the last general did it wrong and that, this time, everything was going to be different. I remember coming back from my third trip to Afghanistan--I think it was in 2011--convinced that it was time to leave. The primary mission had been accomplished. Within a few years of our invasion, al-Qaida in Afghanistan had been reduced to a shell of its former self, and we had really shifted to a new mission: nation-building. At the outset, there was reason for us to stay and engage in that mission and to work with the new Afghan Government to help get it on its own feet, but, by 2011, that mission had, for all intents and purposes, become a permanent one. prgtoken Now, after 20 years of war and handwringing about when the right time is to leave, we have to acknowledge some basic truths: Our military presence in Afghanistan is not creating the conditions necessary to eradicate the Taliban or the conditions necessary to create a fully functional Afghan military or government. prgtoken In fact, the facts on the ground would tell you the opposite is true: The longer we stay, the more powerful the Taliban becomes and the less willing the Afghan Government appears to be to make the hard choices to stand on its own. prgtoken We can pretend that another year is going to change this, but it won't. ``Just a little bit more time'' has become the rinse-and-repeat phrase of the Afghanistan hawks, but to stay any longer is really-- let's be honest--a decision to stay forever, and that is something the American people do not support. prgtoken I want to tell you one story from my trip to Afghanistan in 2011 that helped to confirm my belief that something was very wrong about our policy there. I went with a bipartisan delegation. I was in the House at the time. We visited a far-off Province in western Afghanistan--a small town called Parmakan--and we were there to visit a group of Army commandos who toured us around this village. They were protecting the farmers in this village from Taliban attack. They attested to us that the attacks had largely stopped, and in the place of those attacks had matured a commerce between the Taliban forces that surrounded the village and the farmers of the village. As we walked around this village, we made our way through fields of these beautiful, beautiful, colorful flowers. prgtoken I turned to my colleague next to me, and I asked him if he had a sense as to what this crop was. prgtoken He said: I think I do, but let's confirm. prgtoken So we asked one of the village elders what they we
RECOGNIZING STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL ``WE THE PEOPLE'' TEAM
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the first-place placement of Staples High School We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution Connecticut regional competition. prgtoken The We The People program helps students develop in-depth understanding of the Constitution through building their understanding of civic duty, teaching valuable research skills, and expanding their knowledge of government and its inner-workings. prgtoken Ensuring a better future for Southwest Connecticut requires our students to be able to articulate a vision for our country that reflects the basic principles in the Constitution that we revere. Staples High School's We The People team's success is proof of how our Constitution's principles and values will be carried on by ambitious and passionate future generations. I am proud that several of Connecticut's state champions come from the Fourth Congressional District, with Staples High School included in those ranks. Later this April, the Staples We The People will compete in the National Finals against teams across the country. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my colleagues join me in congratulating the following students: Alexia Abrams Rivera, Natalie Bandura, Zachary Bishop, Oliver Clachko, Ruby Coleman, Jake Fitzpatrick, Matthew Genser, Alex Harrington, Eli Herman, Elizabeth Kuehndorf, Jared Leonard, Rishabh Mandayam, Talia Perkins, Aidan Rogers, Thomas Sargent, Lucia Schnirring, Allison Schwartz, Katherine Simons, Katherine Smith, Krishin Wadhwani, Julian Weng. prgtoken I join the community of Westport and the Fourth Congressional District in recognizing the accomplishment of these students and teacher, Suzanne Kammerman.
VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-14

we live in partisan times, but there are moments when we can break through the typical divisions and work together on matters of real urgency. The anti-Asian hate crimes legislation this week is such a matter. It is a very straightforward and relatively modest bill to address a pressing and important issue in the country. It would designate a point person at the Justice Department to identify hate crimes towards Asian Americans related to COVID-19--telling Federal law enforcement to make these hate crimes a top priority during the pandemic. prgtoken Just as important, it would send a strong message to two groups: to the Asian-American community that the country is paying attention to them and to all of America that this kind of bigotry cannot be tolerated. prgtoken I was gratified to hear the leader yesterday say that the Senate conference wanted to move forward on the bill. prgtoken This bill was never intended to be some kind of ``gotcha'' legislation. It is led by Senators Hirono and Duckworth, two outstanding Asian-American Senators who rightfully want to respond to the rising tide of anti-Asian violence over the past year. When they asked me to move the bill quickly, I thought that was exactly the right thing to do, and here it is on the floor. prgtoken The fact that Leader McConnell said yesterday he believes discrimination against Asian Americans is a real problem and wants to move forward and be constructive is a very good thing, and I salute him for it. The entire Senate ought to stand up against the recent surge of anti-Asian violence. We can take the first step later today by voting to proceed to the legislation. prgtoken As I said yesterday, my intention is to have a bipartisan amendment process, beginning with the amendment offered by Senators Moran and Blumenthal--one a and one a . In consultation with the leader, we can work out an agreement on other germane, non-"gotcha'' amendments to the bill if Senators have them. We should be able and should really try in earnest to reach a final resolution and pass the bill through the Senate very, very soon.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-4-14

Americans were horrified to witness a recent series of mass shootings involving the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. On March 16, 2021, mass shootings occurred at three spas and massage parlors in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Eight people were killed, six of whom were Asian-American women, and one other person was wounded. The suspect was taken into custody that day and has been charged with multiple counts of murder. The investigation is continuing as to whether the suspect should be additionally charged with hate crimes, if he deliberately targeted Asian Americans with this senseless violence. prgtoken Unfortunately, this mass shooting is not an isolated incident in the United States in terms of hate speech, hate crimes, and violence against Asian Americans in our communities. Sadly, some political figures have used the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to fan the flames of hate by promoting stereotypes, fear, and xenophobia. Irrationally blaming Asian and Asian-American neighbors for the pandemic is simply wrong and reprehensible and can have deadly consequences. prgtoken Let us remember that our Asian-American brothers and sisters are an integral part of the United Nations on so many levels. Our immigrant story and our diversity are some of our unique strengths, not weaknesses, of the United States of America. prgtoken There are about 23 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, constituting 7 percent of the population of our country. prgtoken There are approximately 2 million Asian-American owned businesses that generate over $700 billion in annual revenue and employ millions of workers. prgtoken Two million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as first responders and in healthcare, law enforcement, transportation, supermarkets, and other service industries. Our Asian-American brothers and sisters are putting their lives on the line every day to help protect our communities during the pandemic. That is why it is so despicable to see the rise of anti-Asian rhetoric and hate speech by political leaders and others, which inevitably gives oxygen to extremist groups and individuals and gives license to individuals to commit hate crimes and acts of violence. prgtoken The use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric related to COVID-19, such as the ``Chinese virus,'' the ``Wuhan virus,'' the ``Kung flu''-- phrases often used by former President and some of his followers--has perpetrated an anti-Asian stigma. The use of anti-Asian rhetoric has resulted in Asian Americans being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Since January 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes and incidents against those of Asian descent throughout the Nation. According to a recent report, there were nearly 3,800 reported cases of anti-Asian discrimination related to COV
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from the Birmingham Jail (Executive Calendar)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-4-14

I will continue the reading of Martin Luther King's letter from the Birmingham jail. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may well ask: ``How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?'' The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: Just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ``an unjust law is no law at all.'' Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an ``I it'' relationship for an ``I though'' relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence, segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of man's tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong. Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or a power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal. Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7, PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1195, WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , just to follow Chairman McGovern, I thank him for his very kind words on my friend and neighbor, Alcee Hastings, who was a brilliant and forceful advocate for justice and the great senior leader of the Florida delegation. We miss him dearly. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record a letter from the National Urban League in support of the Paycheck Fairness Act. National Urban League, April 14, 2021. Re Pass the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 7) and vote no on harmful amendments. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the National Urban League, with 90 local affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia, I strongly urge you to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, H.R. 7, without amendments that limit its scope or undermine its critical protections. The National Urban League is a civil rights organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of African Americans and other underserved populations. The National Urban League and our affiliate movement have a strong interest in ensuring equity in the workplace, including payment. Despite federal and state equal pay laws, gender pay gaps persist, and earnings lost to these gaps are exacerbating the financial effects of COVID-19, falling particularly heavily on women of color and the families who depend on their income. The Paycheck Fairness Act, which has been passed three previous times by the House of Representatives, mostly recently in the 116th Congress, offers a much-needed update to the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by providing new tools to battle pervasive pay gaps and to challenge discrimination. Women are increasingly the primary or co-breadwinner in their families and cannot afford to be shortchanged any longer. Women working full-time, year-round are typically paid only 82 cents for every dollar paid to men, adding up to a loss of more than $400,000 over a lifetime. This wage gap varies by race and is often larger for women of color: Black women working full time, year-round typically make only 63 cents, Native American women only 60 cents, and Latinas only 55 cents, for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts. Over the course of a 40-year career, Black women lose nearly $1 million in earnings and Latinas lose more than $1 million. While Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women make 85 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, many AAPI communities experience drastically wider pay gaps. Moms are paid less than dads. And even when controlling for factors like education and experience, pay gaps persist and start early in women's careers and contribute to a wealt
504 MODERNIZATION AND SMALL MANUFACTURER ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2021
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , for over a year now, small businesses in my district and across the country have struggled to make it through this public health and economic crisis. As a result of this pandemic, prospective small business owners face a steeper climb than ever before. prgtoken We must do more to make it easy to start, operate, and expand a small business in our communities. One of the most important ways that we can do this is by ensuring that the Small Business Administration's loan programs are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. prgtoken Today, we have two bills that would do exactly that, including my bipartisan bill, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act. These crucial bipartisan pieces of legislation will not only increase the amount of capital available to manufacturers, but will actually ease the process of getting a loan because, in the midst of a severe economic crisis, our businessowners simply cannot be bogged down in red tape and legalese. prgtoken Taken together, these bills will help to promote the economic development of small manufacturers, creating good paying jobs in growing industries all across this country. prgtoken To demonstrate just how impactful these loans can be, I want to tell you about Nate Bry, a lifelong resident of Rosemount, Minnesota. Thirteen years ago, Nate founded a sports apparel company called Custom Apparel Inc. in the basement of his home. After years of hard work, Nate felt that it was finally time to reach a turning point, but he didn't have the resources he needed to take his business to the next level. When Nate received a 504 loan, he was immediately able to invest in his company, building a facility to manufacture his products right in his hometown, creating good-paying jobs in the very same community where he grew up. prgtoken Nate's story, like so many others, is proof that the 504 loan program can change the lives of small business owners in this country. This program ensures that small businesses like Nate's are able to succeed, bringing home the job growth and economic stability that our communities are striving for, especially as we emerge from this devastating economic crisis. prgtoken Because these are not simply businesses. These are livelihoods, family traditions, and priceless contributions to our communities, and we have an opportunity to support them on a bipartisan basis by taking action today. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to come together and join me in supporting these bills and businesses across our Nation.