mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SENATE RESOLUTION 462--DESIGNATING JANUARY 2020 AS ``NATIONAL ONE HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH'' TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED ON PUBLIC HEALTH, ANIMAL HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH...
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-19

I rise to speak on the resolution that Senator McSally and I introduced to declare January as ``National One Health Awareness Month.'' ``One Health'' is a term used by health experts--including those at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--to focus on the connections between human, animal, and environmental health. prgtoken Our resolution will help raise awareness for the ``One Health'' approach and promote efforts that simultaneously improve the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. prgtoken By using the One Health approach, global health problems including antibiotic resistance, infectious disease spread, and sequestered medical knowledge can be addressed. prgtoken Antibiotic resistance is of grave concern for both people and animals. Public health specialists are working with physicians and veterinarians to minimize inappropriate antibiotic usage in their patients. prgtoken By 2050, according to the United Kingdom's 2014 Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, experts expect that more people will die from antibiotic resistant microbes than die from cancer today. The best way to solve this growing problem is for specialists across a variety of disciplines to collaborate to reduce antibiotic use by promoting good sanitation and developing alternatives for antibiotics. prgtoken According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 75 percent of new or emerging infectious diseases in people are spread by animals. Examples include Ebola, Zika, Rabies, Tuberculosis, and Plague. By destroying natural animal habitats through deforestation, natural disasters, and climate change, we are forcing animals and insects to migrate to new areas, thereby exposing humans to new diseases. prgtoken In 2013, a two-year-old boy was the first victim of the Ebola epidemic in Western Africa. In his small village, deforestation forced the bats suspected of carrying the Ebola virus to move closer to people. prgtoken Collaboration between physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse's aids, veterinarians, hygienists, anthropologists, epidemiologists, community engagement specialists, and military workers helped end the Ebola epidemic by attacking it from different angles. This was an example of One Health in action. Today, a similar collaborative approach is working to end the current Ebola epidemic in Central Africa. prgtoken In the United States, diseases such as Lyme disease, Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Zika carried by ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, respectively, are also spreading to new areas. prgtoken In 2015, an 11-year-old Louisiana boy was accidently scratched by a kitten with fleas. He was misdiagnosed by more than thirty doctors and he became wheelchairbound. However, a ``One Health'' approach saved his life. The boy was finally correctly diagnosed with a bacterial disease acquired by the kitten's scratch once he met with a medical team that included both a physician and a
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-12-19

I rise to speak on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. prgtoken The National Defense Authorization Act conference agreement provides crucial resources to our Armed Forces and our national defense, including a pay increase for our men and women in uniform. I am proud that the Congress was able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass this legislation to support our servicemembers, strengthen our national security, and invest in critical projects in my home State of Maryland. prgtoken While I have serious reservations about a number of items included in this legislation and am particularly disappointed by the exclusion of important priorities like the DETER Act to prevent Russian interference in our elections, I believe that, on balance, this NDAA will strengthen our national security. For that reason, I voted in favor of it. prgtoken With this bill, the Federal Government will now provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave to its workforce. We have been fighting for years to provide paid family and medical leave to workers throughout the country. Now the Federal Government will finally start to lead by example. Paid leave will reduce employee turnover costs for the Federal Government and help agencies continue to recruit and retain top-notch talent into the civil service. I was proud to help secure this, and we need to keep fighting until all workers around the Nation receive paid family and medical leave benefits. prgtoken The NDAA also repeals the military widow's tax. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's dependency and indemnity compensation are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the DOD Survivors Benefits Plan benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program. No other Federal surviving spouse is required to forfeit his or her Federal annuity because military service caused his or her sponsor's death. This is fundamentally unjust. In September, I met with a constituent and military widow who was subjected to this offset after the loss of her husband. Hearing her story hardened my resolve to ensure that we got this done this year, and I am proud of the Congress for coming together to repeal this offset. prgtoken Critically, this legislation also includes the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act, which I introduced with Senator Toomey. This legislation offers foreign banks and firms a stark choice: continue business with North Korea or maintain access to the U.S. financial system. Within 120 days of enactment of the law, this legislation mandates sanctions on the foreign banks and companies that facilitate illicit financial transactions for the ic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea continues to perfect its ballistic missile capabilities and produce more fissile material for nuclear weapons. Our aim is to cut off North Korea's remaining access to the internation
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-19

I rise in strong support of the US-Mexico- Canada Agreement Implementing Act. Updating NAFTA is crucial to America's workforce and our economy. Our vote today is not just about a trade bill. For our nation, trade has never been singularly about the exchange of goods and services across borders. This bill is about making monumental progress in the fundamental framework of trade negotiations. It is about America's competitive edge, the rights of our workers, the stewardship of our environment, and so much more. prgtoken Millions of American jobs depend on trade with Canada and Mexico. NAFTA is a 25-year-old agreement that has long needed an upgrade to meet the demands of our times. American workers and American businesses deserve the best possible update that we can negotiate, I believe that is precisely what we have here. prgtoken As a member of the New Coalition, and a strong supporter of international trade, I have for years fought for the advancement of key New Dem priorities to be included in trade bills. With USMCA I am pleased that under Pelosi's leadership negotiated for many of these priorities and they are in this agreement. prgtoken I am proud that we fought for and secured stronger labor and environmental provisions and the elimination of language in the implementing bill that would have allowed the administration to unilaterally lower the U.S. de minimis threshold. prgtoken The great state of New York shares a border with Canada. New York's connection with its top trading partner, Canada, is strengthened in this agreement. With USMCA, New York's sixteen billion dollars in exports to Canada can increase, jobs are secured, and we lay the groundwork for deeper economic ties while making progress in the best interest of citizens throughout North America. prgtoken America's strength has always been undergirded by our prowess in trade. New York has a special place in American history in that regard. With USMCA we safeguard our nation's ability to compete, while being caretakers of our environment and upholding the rights of our workers. After 14 months of negotiations, I am proud to support this bipartisan agreement, and push forward the framework for trade agreements in the years to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5430--The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-12-19

. I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Denise D'Ascenzo, the longtime anchor at WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News, the CBS station in Hartford, CT. She was a trusted journalist, a devoted mother and wife, and a dear friend. Sadly, Denise passed away suddenly on December 7, 2019. She will be remembered for her tireless grace, integrity, and humor. prgtoken Denise was born Washington, DC, and grew up in Rockville, MD, where she became editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper. She attended Syracuse University, where she got her first break in television at WIXT-TV doing the nightly weather forecast. Also at Syracuse, she met the love of her life and future husband, Wayne. After Syracuse there were stops at television stations in St. Louis and Cleveland, before moving to Connecticut in 1986 to join WFSB. prgtoken In Connecticut, she provided special coverage of political conventions, the U.S. visit of Pope John the II, 9/11, the arrest of the DC sniper, and the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Denise had a passion for health and medical reporting, taking viewers inside operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and neonatal intensive care units, as well as onboard Life Star, the critical care helicopter service. She was a leading voice in raising awareness for conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, obesity, and preventive healthcare. prgtoken During her 33 year career at WFSB, she was honored with 2 Edward R. Murrow Awards, 7 Associated Press Awards, 11 Emmy's, and a national Gabriel Award. She was recognized for her work with a number of charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mary's Place, and the Channel 3 Kids Camp. In 2013, Denise was elected to the Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her significant contributions to broadcasting. In 2015, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. prgtoken Connecticut has lost a broadcasting legend. We all also lost a dear friend who came into our homes with dignity and decency to tell them the news of the day. She was deeply dedicated to uncovering and conveying the truth of every story. She was there for almost 30 years to guide us through tragedy and triumph, and we miss her immensely. prgtoken My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest sympathies to Denise's family during this difficult time, particularly to her husband, daughter, and coworkers. May their many wonderful memories of Denise provide them solace and comfort in the days ahead.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACRAMENTO STATE'S EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-19

. Madam , I rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at Sacramento State. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service that Sacramento State's Education Opportunity Program provides to our community. prgtoken Sacramento State's EOP has graduated thousands of students, supporting the success of first-generation and low-income scholars from educationally-disadvantaged and historically-underrepresented communities. Sacramento State was one of the original California State University (CSU) campuses to embrace an Education Opportunity Program. Under the leadership of Dr. Edwin Klingelhofer, the program began with a successful pilot for 36 students and has expanded to now serve over 1,500 students each year. Soon after the program began at Sacramento State, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1072, which established similar programs at all CSU campuses. Since then, Sacramento State's EOP has thrived under the leadership of Dr. Marcellene Watson-Derbigny and the exceptional staff of the Student Academic Success and Educational Equity Programs office. Their dedicated service has paved the way for equity at Sacramento State and does not go unrecognized. prgtoken EOP was Sacramento State's first equity program. It provides admissions assistance, a special orientation to university life, the Summer Bridge Academy, academic advising, personal counseling, tutoring, financial assistance, and various other programs. EOP is vital in ensuring the access, retention, and graduation achievements of underserved student populations. EOP is a major pathway for first- generation and low-income college students to succeed through its provision of a quality educational experience at Sacramento State. I wish the university's faculty, staff, students, and alumni success as they work to help individuals earn a college degree and fulfill their college dreams. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Education Opportunity Program at Sacramento State. As Sacramento State and the wider community elebrate, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the accomplishments of Sacramento State's Education Opportunity Program's staff and students, as they have paved the way for the success and representation of historically-underserved students.
RESTORING TAX FAIRNESS FOR STATES AND LOCALITIES ACT
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-12-19

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 5377 to finally deliver the tax cuts so desperately needed for families and businesses in my district in northern New Jersey. prgtoken I thank Chairman Neal for his leadership on this legislation which will ultimately save the Fifth District tax filers $5.6 billion each year. That is just in my district alone. prgtoken Today, I released a tax cut model to show, at every income level, the massive tax cuts that families in the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey will see as a result of this bipartisan bill. Not only will this bill cut taxes, prgtoken but it also helps increase our property values and drives economic growth, which is why the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Realtors have both come out in support of the legislation. prgtoken We have to fix the mess caused by the 2017 tax hike bill in the moocher States and provide actual tax cuts for New Jersey families, first responders, and small businesses. prgtoken Ever since I joined and s in voting against the tax hike bill, I have been fighting to fully reinstate SALT and finally cut taxes for north Jersey families. It is time we fought back against the moocher States who literally stole $800 billion right out of our pockets. I am sick and tired of paying the bill of the moocher States. This is a huge win for New Jersey families and an actual tax cut. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
12 DAYS OF SALT
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-12-19

. Madam , to conclude my earlier remarks on the 12 Days of SALT, I rise to include in the Record the testimonials of mayors from New Jersey's 11th District attesting to the harm that the SALT cap has had on their communities. prgtoken On this ninth day of SALT, a bipartisan group of mayors in my district have shared with me, statements about how SALT is harming our residents in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. Today, I'd like to share their words: prgtoken Mayor Molly Whilesmith of Sparta said: ``The exodus from New Jersey is nothing new. Our state and local property taxes have been amongst the highest in the nation for decades. New Jersey Snowbirds flocked South upon retirement. The current trend is to sell the house and pack the moving truck right after the youngest child graduates from high school. The cap makes NJ much less attractive for the average hardworking New Jersey Family.'' prgtoken Mayor Keith Kazmark of Woodland Park: ``The full SALT deduction must be reinstated for the benefit of New Jersey middle class families. Folks in our area were hardest hit by this change in the tax code. 51% of Woodland Park taxpayers pay more than $10,000 in local property taxes and that does not include their state taxes. That's over 1,800 residential property owners in our town.'' prgtoken Mayor Bruce of Chatham Borough said: ``The story for Chatham Borough is pretty simple. The average property tax bill is about $14,100, so 40% is no longer deductible. Obviously, that impacts people's pockets; it also impacts housing values. NJ is a payer state--it sends much more to the federal government than it receives back.'' prgtoken According to Mayor Jeff Grayzel of Morris Township: ``We all teach our children to play fair, because fairness in one of the key elements that makes our democracy the great thing it is. However, the cap on SALT deductions is simply unfair and penalizes the residents of New Jersey. Let's be fair to all and drop this penalty on New Jerseyans.'' prgtoken Mayor John Kelley, Borough of Caldwell: ``Caldwell taxpayers are directly impacted and blindsided by the limits put on SALT deductions. Caldwell families manage their finances and tax liability closely and for many years have relied upon their state income taxes and Caldwell property taxes to reduce their federal income tax through itemized deductions. The impact of the limits on SALT deductions are felt throughout our community.'' prgtoken Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany: ``Parsippany is a community similar to many across the country, but unlike towns in other states, Congress decided to target our residents with a tax bill that limits their ability to deduct state and local taxes. Homeowners in Parsippany shouldn't have to pay more in federa
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5377, RESTORING TAX FAIRNESS FOR STATES AND LOCALITIES ACT
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-19

I include in the Record another article, and this one is from CNBC, titled: `` Tax Cuts Did Little to Boost Economic Growth in 2018, Study Says.'' [From CNBC, May 29, 2019] prgtoken Tax Cuts Did Little To Boost Economic Growth In 2018, Study Says (By Jeff Cox) An in-depth look by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service indicated that not only did the rollbacks in business and personal rates have little macro impact, but they also delivered the most benefits to corporations and the rich, with little boost to wages. In all, GDP rose 2.9% for the full calendar year, the best performance since the financial crisis. But that came in an economy already poised to move higher, economists Jane Gravelle and Donald Marples wrote. ``On the whole, the growth effects [from the cuts] tend to show a relatively small (if any) first-year effect on the economy,'' the report said. ``Although examining the growth rates cannot indicate the effects of the tax cut on GDP, it does tend to rule out very large effects in the near term.'' had touted the cuts as a key step toward generating GDP growth of at least 3%. The legislation, passed in late 2017, slashed corporate tax rates from 35% to 21%, reduced the number of brackets, lowered rates for many individual payers, and doubled the standard deduction in an effort to make most income tax-exempt for the lowest earners. Employment continued to boom in 2018 and average hourly earnings have in recent months passed 3% on a year-over-year basis for the first time since the recovery began in 2009. However, the economists said wage gains could not be tracked to the tax cuts. ``This growth is smaller than overall growth in labor compensation and indicates that ordinary workers had very little growth in wage rates,'' the economists wrote. The study indicated that the tax changes contributed only marginally to the overall economic economic gains--maybe 0.3% of a ``feedback effect.'' The economists say that for the tax cuts to pay for themselves, as has promised, GDP would have to rise by 6.7%. ``The initial effect of a demand side is likely to be reflected in increased consumption and the data indicate little growth in consumption in 2018,'' the report said. ``Much of the tax cut was directed at businesses and higher- income individuals who are less likely to spend. Fiscal stimulus is limited in an economy that is at or near full employment.'' At the same time, tax receipts from 2018 indicate that corporations got an even bigger break than expected. While the Congressional Budget Office had forecast a $94 billion break that still would have generated $243 billion in
MEASURES PLACED ON THE CALENDAR
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-12-19

I want to thank everybody for joining Senator Shelby and I on this vote. It is going to help us move forward, and, as I said in my earlier remarks, s and came together and worked extraordinarily hard on these appropriations bills, and it shows what can be done when we work together. I think the vote here is an indication of that. prgtoken If nobody is seeking recognition, .
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION ACT
Kendra S. Horn (Democrat, OK) \u2014 2019-12-19

. Madam , I thank Chairman Neal for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong support of the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. prgtoken I am proud to support this bipartisan agreement that strengthens trade and is good for both economic growth opportunities and for our workers. prgtoken A stronger trading relationship with Mexico and Canada is good for a stronger economy for Oklahoma. These two countries are already the Sooner State's largest trading partners, accounting for $2.4 billion in Oklahoma exports in the last year alone. prgtoken This newly-agreed-to USMCA is a monumental step in strengthening this trading relationship. This agreement not only ensures fair trade for Oklahoma businesses and workers--who continue to create world-class products--by guaranteeing that exports that enter Canada and Mexico are all tariff-free, but it also gives Congress the necessary tools of enforcement to combat the high cost of prescription drugs and is good for our workers. prgtoken This strongly improves labor standards, as well as allowing workers to compete on a level playing field. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this USMCA and other bipartisan solutions.