mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ACT
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-15

this motion to recommit ensures that nothing in H.R. 1230 shall be construed to alter the status of a truck driver who is an independent contractor if the truck driver is currently considered to be an independent contractor under Federal law. prgtoken , in Congress and in State legislatures across the country are currently working to enact an unnecessary, backward- looking, and confusing legal standard for determining employee status. Their standard would deprive millions of Americans of the opportunity to work independently and to start their own businesses. prgtoken It seems like bad ideas like this often start off in California, and the ' desire to all but eliminate independent contracting is no exception. A California law, known as Assembly Bill 5, is wreaking havoc on workers in industries ranging from freelance journalism to ride-sharing and many more. prgtoken The result is heart-wrenching stories from workers whose livelihoods have been turned upside down because have pushed through a radical leftwing policy. prgtoken Interestingly, California carved out some of their favorite friends, but truck drivers were not exempted, despite their opposition, despite their rally at the State Capitol, which included blaring their truck horns and all. prgtoken Fortunately for truck drivers, a district court has recently issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of the law against independent truck drivers in the State. prgtoken But it doesn't end there. right here in Congress continue this assault on independent contractors. prgtoken , 215 House have cosponsored the PRO Act, legislation that would take the text of California's anti-independent contractor law and make it Federal law, with no exemptions for truck drivers, or anyone else, for that matter. prgtoken Let me say this again. The ' legislation pending in the House, on which, by the way, the majority leader promised a vote by President's Day, would impose California's anti-independent contractor law on every business in America. prgtoken Independent contracting today allows millions of American families the opportunity to live their own American Dream. prgtoken I started my own career as an independent contractor operating my own drywall company at the age of 17. The flexibility this status offered allowed me to grow the business, building a team of hundreds of employees with family-sustaining jobs over the course of 25 years. prgtoken Independent truck drivers specifically are able to invest in their own careers and work for themselves on their own schedules while powering the American economy across the country. prgtoken , according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, there are over 350,000 owner-operator independent truck drivers in the United States. Their average net income in 2018 was well over $50,000, more than their professional employee-driver counte
THE 47TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE
Martha Roby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-1-15

I thank Representative Smith for leading this Special Order. prgtoken The topic that we are here to discuss tonight is one of the utmost importance. Of course, next week, we approach the 47th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. With this single ruling by the Supreme Court, abortion was legalized across the country. prgtoken While many abortion activists celebrate this time as a victory for so-called women's health, it represents a somber occasion for those of us who advocate for life. prgtoken It is no secret that I am unapologetically pro-life. I believe life begins at conception, and I am opposed to abortion at any stage. prgtoken While not everyone in this body shares my convictions about life or on certain policies surrounding the rights of unborn children, our pro- life agenda has momentum, and it is strong. prgtoken Next week, thousands of Americans will gather in our Nation's Capital to participate in this year's March for Life. This is an annual event where the pro-life community joins together to advocate for the protection of unborn children. prgtoken I know that some pro-life supporters will be traveling from Alabama's Second District, almost 900 miles, to defend the unborn. prgtoken , I want to take this opportunity to send a message to the thousands of marchers who are gathering to show their support for the pro-life movement: Thank you. Thank you for your dedication to this most worthy cause, and know that you are not alone in this fight. As you continue to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, remember that my pro-life colleagues and I stand with you. prgtoken I promise to use this platform here in Congress, and beyond, to be a vocal advocate for the unborn. I will not stop fighting until our laws and policies protect life at every stage, and I hope you won't either.
THE 47TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE
Steve Watkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-1-15

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his leadership on this. This Congress is better because of it, and this Nation is better because of the gentleman's efforts. prgtoken , I rise to be a voice for the voiceless. There is no effort more important than our protecting the sanctity of life. As a true political freshman, new to Congress and new to politics, I was so proud that the first bill I put my name on was to defund Planned Parenthood. prgtoken Most recently I introduced H.R. 4800, the Pro-LIFE Act. My bill would close the ``valuable consideration'' loophole by prohibiting the sale of human fetal issues. These are unborn babies' hearts, livers, bones, and brains that are used in experiments. I urge my colleagues to please sign on to my Pro-LIFE Act, H.R. 4800. prgtoken May God bless the unborn, and may God have mercy on us all.
APPOINTING AND AUTHORIZING MANAGERS FOR IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-1-15

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken This impeachment process has been flawed from the outset. It resembles not a congressional action; it resembles, more, a Dr. Seuss book, knowing not which way it goes. prgtoken On September 24, the declared at a press conference the House was conducting an impeachment inquiry. However, contrary to the 's decree that we were all of a sudden in an impeachment inquiry, the House did not authorize the impeachment inquiry until October 30 by adopting H. Res. 660. prgtoken It was said just a moment ago that the has been leading the fight for a fair trial in the Senate. I wish the had been leading for a fair hearing in the House instead of trashing our rules. prgtoken For those 71 out of 78 days, from the time it was announced at a press conference to the time we finished, the President was not permitted to participate in these meetings. Think of that: 71 days out of 78 in which we actually did something on impeachment, he was not presented the ability to cross-examine fact witnesses, present counterarguments, no due process at all in those 71 days. prgtoken When presented with the opportunity, when it came to the Judiciary Committee, instead of the Judiciary Committee stepping up and actually acting like the Judiciary Committee, the committee of impeachment, we punted. prgtoken We had some law professors who already had their basic talking points. He could have cross-examined them. That would have done a lot of good. prgtoken Then we could have had witnesses of staffers who testified--again, a lot of good. prgtoken Where were the fact witnesses? Instead of the rubber stamp that we were warned about 20 years ago by the current chairman, we became the rubber stamp. prgtoken repeatedly violated House rules and blatantly abused the rules they wrote in H. Res. 660. Even to this day, we will pass this out in violation of H. Res. 660. prgtoken They used inflammatory rhetoric haunting them because this is what they had to do. prgtoken One said: I call for impeachment today because it is one heck of an emergency. prgtoken Another said: We have a crime in progress. We have an emergency in our national election that is going on right now. prgtoken But my favorite, in December: It is a crime spree in progress. prgtoken Oh, the hyperbole just reeks in this room. prgtoken When we understand this, if it was such an emergency, if it was in lieu to finding a 911 call, then why did we hold this for almost a month? Well, we have been told that it is to help have a Senate fair trial--be damned the House inappropriate process we had. prgtoken But even now that the process was bad, I am going to go back, and let's make sure the facts are here because they still haven't changed: prgtoken A phone call that was put out in a transcript in which no pressure was applied, there was no conditionality on anything given in that call or since to do that. prgtoken There was also n
HONORING SUSAN RITTER FOR 37 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY
Scott DesJarlais (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Mrs. Susan Ritter, who is retiring from her position as Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee (HBAT) after 37 years of service to the home building industry. prgtoken Susan has been a tireless advocate for the home building industry-- one of the key primary drivers of the American economy. Home ownership has long been one of the linchpins of the American dream, and the home building industry in Tennessee has long been in tune with the housing needs of local communities. I can personally speak of Susan's effectiveness in working on behalf of these goals. prgtoken Susan has served as the executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee since August 2000, serving as the point person for navigating the complex policy and regulatory world that members of the industry deal with as part of their day to day operations. It is not coincidental that a good number of these business leaders happen to be cornerstones of the communities they serve. All of these individuals that I have had the privilege of meeting and ask difficult questions say the same thing: ``Susan Ritter is the person to who you need to talk.'' prgtoken There have been many accolades for Susan's service over the years, and her service was appropriately honored by the National Association of Home Builders when they named her the State Executive Officer of the Year. She was also a recipient of HBAT Past Presidents' Special Award for her ``dedication and loyalty to the home building industry'' in 2005. As the chief officer in charge of Tennessee's association, she ran the daily operations of an association that includes 2,500 members while also monitoring the political and regulatory environments for the industry both in Nashville and Washington. prgtoken In addition to being an effective voice for the industry--whether through communicating with Members of Congress or state legislators or with members of the media, Susan also guided their charitable endeavors. She also served as chairman of the Executive Officers Council in 2009, co-chair of the NAHB National Membership Committee in 2000, and was a member of the NAHB Executive Committee in 2000 and in 2009, also serving as a founding member of the EO 20 Club. prgtoken Susan has been a successful and professional leader for many years, and while I know the industry will continue to be successful for many years to come, I also know that the home builders of Tennessee will miss her guidance. I would ask all of the Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Susan Ritter for her excellent work and sending best wishes to her and her family in their future endeavors.
THE 47TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-15

today, on behalf of the tens of millions of voices forever lost to abortion since Roe v. Wade, I come before this body to mourn the tragic loss of life our country has experienced in this last 47 years. prgtoken The Tennesseeans I represent overwhelmingly support the right to life; and like most folks in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, I firmly believe that life begins at conception. Throughout my first term in Congress, I have been proud to fight for the children still to come who cannot speak for themselves. prgtoken As a father, I am especially touched by the solemn and joyous responsibility our Heavenly Father entrusts to us through the blessing of little ones. Even one child's life shortened before reaching his or her own God-given potential is a tragedy, and yet that has happened tens of millions of times in the last 47 years since Roe v. Wade was decided in the Supreme Court. prgtoken Heartbreakingly, Norma McCorvey, also known as Jane Roe, was a real mother, and, ultimately, she was a real advocate for the unborn. Later in her life, Ms. McCorvey came to faith in God and joined the pro-life community in believing that every child's life is worth protecting. prgtoken Ms. McCorvey is no longer with us, but her story lives on. Today I call on my colleagues to search their souls, just as Ms. McCorvey--Jane Roe--did and choose life. prgtoken Who are we to decide which precious children designed by God have the chance to live on this Earth and which do not? prgtoken Our country was founded with this belief underscored: ``that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' prgtoken With the words of the Declaration of Independence in mind, I signed onto an amicus brief supporting life in the upcoming June Medical Services v. Gee Supreme Court case. It is well past time for the Supreme Court to uphold the right to life and overrule Roe v. Wade. prgtoken Ms. McCorvey--Jane Roe--agreed, and, overwhelmingly, so do the Tennesseans that I represent. prgtoken In this new decade, may our country's legacy be of life and a new generation of hope.
RECOGNIZING ZENA CARDMAN
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-1-15

I rise today to remember Frank Mitchell, a native of Springfield, Illinois, and the first African American House of Representatives page since Reconstruction. As a student at Feitshans High School, Frank was asked to interview for a position as a page for then-Congressman Paul Findley. When the school principal, my good friend, Irv Smith, called to say they had selected Frank, according to articles just recently, Frank said he went out and he bought some suits, got a haircut, and headed for Washington. prgtoken After his year-long stint as a House page, Frank graduated from Feitshans in 1967 and went on to work as a newspaper and TV reporter before accepting positions with the Illinois Attorney General's Office and eventually Cook County's Stroger Hospital. He is well-known across the State for his work with the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative. prgtoken Congressman Paul Findley's son, Craig, who now chairs the Illinois Prison Review Board, said Frank's appointment to the House as a page was one of his father's proudest accomplishments. Frank brought credit to the page system, Craig said, and I admired him for his service and his friendship for decades. prgtoken Almost everyone that knew Frank felt that way. They admired him for his service and his friendship. Frank was a well-loved part of the Springfield community for years. I had the opportunity to meet many of his family members and also those who helped Frank, and who Frank helped through his career in public service when I went to his services in Springfield just a few weeks ago. prgtoken For so many, Frank was a role model, he was a mentor, and he is part of the history in this institution that so many of us have had the opportunity to serve in this great Nation in the House of Representatives. prgtoken The House of Representatives is a better place because of Frank Mitchell and Washington, D.C is a better place because of Frank Mitchell. Everybody that knew Frank Mitchell knows that their life has been blessed. prgtoken , I thank Frank for his service, and he will be missed.
RECOGNIZING THE NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY BISON FOOTBALL TEAM
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-1-15

I rise today to talk about the North Dakota State University Bison football team, and I am really excited to be able to do that. Last weekend, the Bison capped another impressive football season by winning their eighth FCS national title in 9 years. The Bison broke their own record for the most FCS titles of all time, eight in the last 9 years--an unbelievable accomplishment. prgtoken They have now won 16 NCAA football championships. NDSU just had a truly impressive team this year, and they just have a tremendous program, as they have demonstrated year after year. prgtoken I had the chance to be in Frisco last weekend with Bison Nation. They have an incredible following. We call them ``Bison Nation'' because they go wherever the football team goes, and they make a lot of noise. I had the opportunity to be there with them and cheer on the team as they faced off against James Madison University, the Dukes. It was a hard-fought win for the Bison, and the Dukes should also be congratulated. They have a great program--a first-class program--and great fans. I talked to a lot of them. They could not have been not only more supportive of their team, but they could not have been more complimentary of the Bison and their great program. Again I just want to say: James Madison, a real great program and a real class act--their team, their program, and their fans. Kudos to them as well. prgtoken It was just a great effort by our team all around. Just a few stats: The win by the Bison on Saturday capped off an unbeaten season of 16-0. That is the first time a Division I team has gone 16-0, unbeaten, since Yale did it in 1894--pretty remarkable, a pretty amazing accomplishment. prgtoken You also have to realize that that brings their current winning streak to 37 consecutive games, so they finished the year unbeaten, and they are now up to a 37-game winning streak. prgtoken Next year, the second game of the season, we go to Oregon and play Oregon at Oregon. That should be a really exciting game. It just shows the caliber of football this team plays and just how great these student athletes are. They are great young men as well. I am very pleased that I was joined by my colleague Senator Cramer in sponsoring this resolution, so I certainly want to express my appreciation to him as well. prgtoken We recognize and we congratulate the players, including freshman quarterback Trey Lance, who became the first player in the history of the North Dakota State Bison football team and the first freshman player in history--the first freshman player--to win the Walter Payton Award. It is the first time a freshman has ever done so, which just shows you what a great player he is and is just indicative of the kind of athletes we have on that team. prgtoken We want to congratulate and honor the whole team. It was truly a team effort, a great team, led by Coach Matt prgtoken Entz and his staff. This is Matt Entz's first year as head
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA TRADE AGREEMENT
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-1-15

over the last several years, Congress has had significant debates on trade--the prgtoken importance of trade, what it means to our markets, what it means to exports, and what it means to States like mine, that being Colorado. The USMCA is incredibly important as we turn to that debate this week. prgtoken NAFTA and what it meant to Colorado was incredibly significant and the number of jobs that it created as was the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the number of jobs that its agreement created. We have seen the benefits of trade in a State like Colorado for a number of years, and we see the opportunity for additional trade agreements in the future. This past year and this past Congress, we adopted the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, which created U.S.-Asia trade partnership opportunities in energy--renewable energy and traditional energy. prgtoken This week, Congress turns its entire focus to the USMCA and its modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement. We have to continue looking for new trade opportunities--ways to open up trade around the globe. It is vitally important to agriculture, to our electronic sector, and to our service sector. People of all walks of life and business in Colorado understand the importance of trade and what it means to our industry. If we don't seek out new trade opportunities--it is not like we operate just by ourselves--we know what will happen. We will see China, India, and other countries displace us. We will see them build new supply chains and go around the United States, and we will end up losing those market opportunities, those investment opportunities, and the jobs that go along with them. prgtoken If we don't open up new trade opportunities, farmers and ranchers in my home State will suffer. We have already seen incredibly low commodity prices hurt our agricultural communities. One way to overcome that is to open up new markets and create value-added opportunities in those new markets. That is how we can add one more potential tool to our ag economy to help make it survive and thrive. We have new product flows all the time out of our State, and this USMCA agreement is one more way we can create that new flow of opportunity. The North American Free Trade Agreement supports, really, 14 million jobs around the United States. Those are thousands of jobs in all 50 States. prgtoken Despite its benefits, however, we can always do a better job of making sure it meets the needs of our modern-day economy by modernizing NAFTA. Modernizing NAFTA to increase market access, to expand energy exports, to maximize domestic energy production, including having provisions on intellectual property and e-commerce, will make this agreement even more beneficial to the United States. If you think back to 1994 and the timeframe of pre-iPhones and pre-iPads and of so much of the technology that we have today, this agreement was in place before that. That is
RECOGNIZING INDIANA WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-1-15

I rise to formally recognize an important event that will be occurring in my home State of Indiana this week. prgtoken On Thursday, January 16, the Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission will be hosting a celebration at the Indiana Statehouse to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indiana ratifying the 19th Amendment. Moreover, the Indiana General Assembly will present a resolution honoring this historic milestone and the Hoosiers who led the way to ensure equal representation for women in their government. prgtoken As we celebrate the anniversary, it is important we acknowledge that the record of Hoosiers seeking equal voting rights for women goes back to the 1850s, when Amanda Way, a Winchester native, organized the Indiana Woman's Rights Association and called for its first convention. This act of passionate leadership was just the beginning of a generation-spanning story of determination, sacrifice, and advocacy. Countless women and men followed in Amanda's footsteps and continued to campaign for the betterment of their society and government. Nearly 70 years later, these Hoosiers' tireless efforts led to Indiana becoming the 26th State in the Union to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting States from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex. prgtoken The centennial of women's suffrage is an opportunity to highlight Indiana's leadership in uniting communities, tearing down barriers to better relationships, and promoting representative governance. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I wish Indiana continued success as it commemorates and recognizes a proud history of supporting equality and constitutional freedom.