mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF NYPD DETECTIVE JOSEPH GUIDICE
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Detective Joseph Guidice and his culmination of 25 years of distinguished service in the New York City Police Department. Detective Guidice went above and beyond as a detective, officer, and teacher to assist and advance our law enforcement's aptitude and ability in investigating auto crime. prgtoken In 1995, Detective Guidice started his career as a patrol officer in the NYPD's 109th and 30th Precincts. After five years of service, his exceptional skill and drive propelled him to the rank of investigator in the Auto Crime Division and, eventually, detective in 2002. prgtoken While continuing to serve as a citywide investigator in conjunction with local, state and federal agencies, in 2005, Detective Guidice began teaching the NYPD's four-day intensive Fundamentals of Auto Theft Investigation course. Over his 15 years of instruction, he has trained upwards of 17,000 special investigation unit professionals from across the globe, inspiring the next generation of law enforcement. prgtoken For his professional excellence and accomplishment, Detective Guidice has been praised by the NYPD with their commendation for meritorious and excellent police duty on three separate occasions and was given its prestigious 20-year perfect attendance award in 2018. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents, the State of New York and our nation, I want to deeply thank Detective Guidice for being a standard-bearer of honorable service in the New York City Police Department. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I am going to remove my mask as I speak. We are appropriately socially distanced here. I am grateful for the time. prgtoken Before I begin my own remarks, I am going to yield to the honorable gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who will be departing from us soon. He is in his last term, has announced his retirement. prgtoken It has been a pleasure to serve with you, my friend. We have a long way to go, but it is always great to see you, and I look forward to your remarks. Congratulating Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer on his Retirement
RECOGNIZING THE 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF AZERBAIJAN
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day in 1918, Azerbaijan emerged from autocracy to establish a Parliamentarian Republic. Today, it shines as an example of freedom in a region of the world historically plagued in the darkness of repression and inequality. prgtoken Republic Day honors the declaration of independence from the Russian Empire. While the rise of the Soviet Union would undermine its sovereignty once again within two years, the achievements in state building Azerbaijan made in those two years are a testament to the abilities of a free Azeri people. prgtoken In 1991, Azerbaijan emerged once again, seizing the opportunity presented to them, declaring its right to govern itself and live free. This symbolic emergence ensured the world that this was a continuation on the freedom and progress assembled between 1918 and 1920. prgtoken Since then, our nations have worked strongly together to promote energy security, increase bilateral trade and investment, and counter terrorism and transnational threats. It has been my great honor to aid in the maintenance of strong ties between our nations, and I look forward to furthering our cooperation to continue to bring peace, security, and stability to the region. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people for its proud history in the pursuit of freedom and its commitment to developing solutions to modern problems. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this day and wish another century of strength and prosperity on Azerbaijan.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF GWEN KANIA, PRESIDENT OF THE TIOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the retirement of Gwen Kania, President of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Gwen came to the Chamber in May of 2008 as the Director of Operations and in January of 2014, she became the President and CEO of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce. During her time with the Chamber, Gwen put into action a Computer Management System that streamlined processes. She also organized Career Day and the Tioga County Job Fair. For three years, she administered the On The Job Training Grant from the New York State Department of Labor. prgtoken Gwen was also in the public eye, facilitating the Chamber's traditional events and ribbon cuttings, providing service to the community. One highlight Gwen enjoyed most in recent times was the Chamber's Centennial Celebration and Gala in 2019. For several years, Gwen was also the Leadership Tioga Program Manager and Facilitator. prgtoken The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce will greatly miss Gwen and her efforts there have not gone unnoticed. However, her retirement is well deserved. I thank Gwen for all she has done during her time at the Chamber. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to congratulate Gwen on her retirement and her twelve years of invaluable service to the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce and dedication to improving the Tioga County community.
COMMEMORATING THE 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of Republic Day in Azerbaijan, which recognizes the establishment of the first independent, secular democracy in the Middle East in 1918. prgtoken While they spent much of the 20th century under Soviet control, their undying faith in democracy was rewarded in 1991 when the Azerbaijan ic Republic reclaimed its independence after the collapse of the USSR. The United States swiftly established diplomatic relations in 1992. prgtoken A reliable American ally, Azerbaijani troops have fought side-by-side with Americans against international terrorism in Afghanistan, Balkans, and Iraq. They help secure international energy security of our allies through their support of Southern Gas Corridor and the diversification of energy routes. A friend of Israel, they provide 40 percent of Israel's oil consumption. Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim-majority country dedicated to religious pluralism and home to thriving Christian and Jewish communities. prgtoken As an Oklahoman and member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I am proud that Azerbaijan's friendship with the United States is celebrated in my home state through the Oklahoma-Azerbaijan National Guard Partnership. prgtoken I once again wish to extend my sincere congratulations to our partners in Azerbaijan on this worthy day.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-5-28

I want to particularly thank Mr. Phillips and Mr. Roy for working together on this important legislation. prgtoken When the President signed the Paycheck Protection Program nearly 2 months ago, it provided a real lifeline to our small businesses, without a doubt. We have had some pretty rough seas, a typhoon. But at the end of the day, after 8 weeks, , if you were a small business and you allocated 75 percent of the money that you received as that loan for employees' salaries, healthcare, et cetera, that loan would become a grant; and the response was overwhelming. A $250 billion program was exhausted after 10 days. prgtoken After we came back and did another job, we doubled down. We gave it another $310 billion on top of that. Unbelievable. prgtoken As much as all of us wanted this nightmare to end by Easter, we are now past Memorial Day, and those small businesses are still not open. Many of them are still shuttered, and they can't possibly meet that 75 percent standard that their lender, their community bank, or their credit union offered them to be able to convert that loan to a grant. prgtoken So, without the changes in this bipartisan bill, that program instead will be an anchor that will take them down to the very bottom. We can't let that happen, no way. prgtoken The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed this flexibility bill. It is one that we need to get done. I hope that the Senate can take what we do today and pass it before the end of the week. We need to provide that relief to our small businesses and the millions of employees that it impacts.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-5-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for her cooperation and Mr. Roy and Mr. Phillips, as well, for working together in a bipartisan manner on this important legislation. prgtoken COVID-19, the coronavirus, has had a tremendous impact, an adverse impact on our Nation, particularly on our Nation's economy, particularly on America's small businesses. Many of them, unfortunately, have had to shut down during this time. prgtoken When we originally passed the CARES Act, which included the Paycheck Protection Program--or now it has become so popular, now it is PPP. It is known by that by millions of small businesses all across the country. prgtoken We didn't know exactly how long the pandemic would last. We still don't know, for that matter. So 8 weeks, for example, was the period of time that determined the payouts and whether the loan would be forgiven or not, whether in fact it would be a grant, whether these small businesses would have to pay it back. prgtoken As it turned out, 8 weeks, alone, isn't a sufficient period of time for many small businesses. This legislation extends that to 24 weeks, at the option of the borrower. So this will allow many small businesses all across the country to see what benefits them the most so they can survive, so they can keep their employees employed so they can support their families. So that is an important item that is in this legislation. prgtoken In addition, changing the 75/25 rule to 60/40, again, is going to give these businesses the flexibility that they need. prgtoken How long do small businesses have to pay it back? Well, those who have already taken out the loans, 2 years. For new loans taken out from here on--and there is over $100 billion left in the prgtoken fund, so there will be many small businesses that still get loans--the period will be 24 weeks. Now, by the time the Senate gets ahold of this, it is always possible that that may be compromised, but at this point, it is 24 weeks in this particular piece of legislation. prgtoken But I think one of the important things to remember is that the borrower and the lender can get together and mutually agree, if they want to agree, if they don't necessarily fall into the two categories that I just mentioned. So there is some flexibility for them to negotiate there as well. And there are other items, as we have already discussed. prgtoken But the important thing is this will give America's small businesses the flexibility to ensure that they at least have a chance to survive. And I know in my district in Cincinnati, and districts all over the country, their very survival is at issue here. prgtoken The PPP program--and it is a lot of money, as was mentioned: $350 billion and another $310 billion, so around $660 billion in this program going out all over the country to these small businesses that are the backbone of the American economy. About half the
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-5-28

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. prgtoken America's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic depends on getting individuals comfortable with safely going back to workplaces, shops, and restaurants. H.R. 7010 represents a continued commitment to providing economic assistance to America's small businesses while our economy works towards this goal. prgtoken Throughout east Tennessee, the Paycheck Protection Program is ensuring employers can pay their workers and cover operating expenses. H.R. 7010 will allow greater flexibility for this relief by extending the PPP loan forgiveness period from 8 to 24 weeks, eliminating duplicative program requirements, and providing small businesses with additional time to pay back loans as they get back on their feet. prgtoken Members of the Committee on Small Business have a strong reputation of reaching across the aisle to work together, and I applaud the efforts of Mr. Roy and Mr. Phillips to craft clean legislation that meets the needs of small businesses. prgtoken , I am proud to support this bill that delivers results for America's small businesses during this difficult time. It is great to see Chairwoman Velazquez and the ranking member, and I thank them for their leadership.
MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING REPRESENTATIVE SAM JOHNSON
Mac Thornberry (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , yesterday, we lost a former colleague, a patriot, and a true American hero. prgtoken Calling the gentleman from Texas, Sam Johnson, a hero is not some sort of inflated rhetoric or hyperbole; it is the best description I know of Sam Johnson and his life. prgtoken Born in San Antonio, raised in Dallas, a graduate of SMU, Sam then served 29 years in the United States Air Force. prgtoken He was a fighter pilot, and some of those fighter pilot traits came through in everything he did, from how fast he drove across the highways of Texas to the way he approached legislation. prgtoken Sam was a veteran of the Korean conflict and, of course, the Vietnam war. prgtoken On his 25th combat mission in Vietnam, he was shot down, severely injured, and spent the next 7 years as a prisoner of war in the prison known as the Hanoi Hilton. prgtoken Many Members have read his book ``Captive Warriors,'' which describes the hellish conditions and the courage and fortitude of Sam and his fellow prisoners as they fought to survive. prgtoken After serving in the Texas State House, Sam was elected to Congress in 1990 and served until January 2019, including, for a time, as acting chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken He now goes to join his wonderful wife, Shirley, and his son, Bob. prgtoken Madam , I know of no one in the House who was more universally admired across the Chamber than Sam Johnson. prgtoken Sam sacrificed much in service of our Nation, but always with courage and good humor and a deep, deep love of country. prgtoken He inspired those of us who worked with him, and his memory will continue to be an inspiration to follow his example of service, sacrifice, and love of country. prgtoken Madam , I ask that the House observe a moment of silence in memory and in honor of this great American.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL MORALES (LTC USAF RET.)
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I would like to honor the life and service of my friend, Michael Morales LTC from Naranjito, Puerto Rico who passed away on May 8, 2020 at the young age of forty-two. prgtoken Michael was proud to serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force, serving in distinguished roles such as the principal manager for multinational military exercises covering 32 nations across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, also as instructor and evaluator pilot for the C-7 and C-130, as Commander of the 538th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, and as a Legislative Liaison for the Secretary of Defense on acquisitions and sustainment on programs for the new Air Force One and KC-46 air tanker programs. prgtoken He also served as a Senior Advisor to former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and was responsible for bringing the Secretary to the Island for HUBZone events geared towards fueling small business growth in historically underutilized business zones. As a Senior Advisor to the Administrator, he also led the agency's policy efforts in Puerto Rico; working closely with federal and local government, banking sector, and entrepreneurs to develop policy aimed at fostering entrepreneurial repatriation, economic growth, and assist with the Island's economic status. prgtoken Michael lived a life of public service. President Woodrow Wilson once said that ``You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world. . .'' Michael was the best of us, an example to us all. prgtoken Thank you, Michael. Rest in Peace. Descansa en Paz.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-28

I thank the chairwoman and the ranking member for their leadership. I really want to give a strong statement of support and thanks to my colleague, Dean Phillips, for the way in which our offices have worked together and in which he and I have worked together on this. I have nothing but positive things to say about him, and I look forward to working on other measures to get, frankly, this body back to the work of the American people and to make Congress work again, to use a phrase that might be interesting. But we need to make Congress work again for the American people. prgtoken This is a simple bill. It is a seven-page bill. We need more of that, more single-subject bills that we can wrap our hands around and move through the Chamber in ways that will impact American people's lives without things being decided by a handful of people in back rooms that cost trillions of dollars and have 2,000 and 3,000 pages. prgtoken That is a statement, frankly, on both sides of the aisle. We need to find a way to work together, to have simple approaches to do the work of the American people. prgtoken This piece of legislation, in particular, is important to me because I represent about 2,300 restaurants and about 53,000 employees who work there in central Texas. It is the most in Texas. It has to be pretty high up nationwide. Austin, Texas, and San Antonio, Texas, both have a great number of live music venues, as they are famously known, and my wife and I have availed ourselves of them over our lives. prgtoken In fact, my courtship of my wife began in a lot of these places. Our first date was at Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas, a great institution for a Willie Nelson concert. We were at Threadgill's for our rehearsal dinner in South Austin, Texas, with live music. prgtoken I represent the Broken Spoke. I represent Luckenbach, Texas, if you remember the famous song. I represent a number of great restaurants in San Antonio. The Cortez family has a bunch of restaurants in San Antonio. Many of you, if you have been on the River Walk or have been in downtown San Antonio, would have experienced these places. They are a part of the culture of our lives, our fabric of what we do every day when we visit with our families and our communities. prgtoken We need to save these great institutions and not just restaurants. I am talking about the barbershops, the hair salons, the live music venues, and the hotels that are struggling. prgtoken I just talked to a hotel operator an hour ago, just before coming down here to the floor, who is struggling and said: Look, I can't make it 8 weeks. I can't stay alive. I don't have enough heads on the pillows. We are working toward reopening. prgtoken These are real businesses with real employees and real lives tied up into this who are struggling. prgtoken The thing is, the PPP program has been a great success in getting $650 billion out the door in a matter of weeks to help almost 4 million busines
HISTORIC FLOODING IN MID-MICHIGAN
John R. Moolenaar (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the first responders, emergency officials, and the people of mid-Michigan for their swift action, heroic work, and incredible compassion in responding to the flooding in our region last week. prgtoken In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, historic rain, and the failure of two dams, they quickly and safely evacuated more than 11,000 people without a single death or injury and provided shelter for those who were displaced. prgtoken I have been on the ground meeting with residents who have been affected, especially in Sanford, which took the hardest hit from this heartbreaking event. Residents have lost businesses, homes, and cherished family possessions. prgtoken In the face of these challenges, our community is coming together. We are grateful for the overwhelming support that has come from across the State and from nonprofits and businesses. My colleagues here in Congress have also reached out to me, and I appreciate their kind words and offers of assistance. prgtoken Madam , today, I say thank you to everyone in mid-Michigan and across the country for their support during this challenging time.
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING JONATHAN CORONADO, KATHERINE PARDY, AND AINSLEY POWERS
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Jonathan Coronado from Stevens Senior High School, Katherine Pardy from O'Gorman High School, and Ainsley Powers from Brookings High School for their recognition as 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars. prgtoken Jonathan, Katherine, and Ainsley have been recognized for their impressive scholastic achievements, leadership skills, and service to their communities. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors, and I am proud of each of these students for bringing this high honor to the State of South Dakota. They have graduated in an unprecedented time and I'm sure they will each find prgtoken unparallel solutions to the issues they face. Each have shown determination in the face of hardship, confidence in the face of uncertainty, and humility in the face of adversity. I am proud of the contributions they each have made and will continue to make to South Dakota. prgtoken Our state and country are better because of hard working citizens like Jonathan, Katherine, and Ainsley. I would like to congratulate them each on their dedication and impressive recognition.