mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF KENNETH LEVENO, MD
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the exemplary work and life of service of Kenneth Leveno, MD with Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Leveno was instrumental in developing a number of the innovative programs that are an integral component of Parkland's Women and Infant's Specialty Health division for decades. prgtoken He earned his undergraduate degree at Notre Dame University and his medical degree from Chreighton University School of Medicine. Dr. Leveno joined the Parkland medical staff in the 1970s and passionately sought to provide the best obstetrical care for patients entrusted to Parkland's care. His clinical studies demonstrated that access to prenatal care could mitigate health disparities among patients who face high levels of socio-economic hardship. He collaborated with medical, nursing and administrative leaders to create a highly organized, evidence-based system of care that led to excellent clinical outcomes and became known as the ``Parkland Way.'' prgtoken Dr. Leveno was a pioneer in the deployment of advanced practice providers to expand prgtoken services to an ever-growing population of patients in need of care. In addition to the development of a low-risk delivery unit, he initiated the nurse-midwives program at Parkland. In 1987, Dr. Leveno recruited midwives across the U.S. and even abroad to launch Parkland's program, now one of the largest and most respected Certified Nurse-Midwives services in the United States. His groundbreaking research and development of innovative obstetrical care practices transformed Parkland's obstetric service and created a unified system that integrated prenatal delivery and postpartum care. prgtoken Dr. Leveno devoted more than fifty years of his life to the medical profession, including serving as the UT Southwestern Jack A. Pritchard Chair in Obstetrics & Gynecology and was recognized as the Distinguished Physician Award by Parkland Hospital in 1998. His positive impact and worthwhile contributions to the medical profession will be sorely missed by the patients he so diligently served and by the colleagues who held him in great esteem. I am deeply grateful for his friendship and service and pray for comfort and peace for his wife and family.
RECOGNIZING LOHGAN DENNEHY OF BUTTE
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Lohgan Dennehy of Butte for her work providing handcrafted personal protective masks to health care, school district, and community workers as Montana combats the COVID-19 outbreak. prgtoken At 10 years old, Lohgan knows what she wants to be when she grows up--a fashion designer. To encourage her dream, Lohgan's parents bought her a sewing kit, and her mother taught her how to sew. She's become a natural. prgtoken Her parents say she has a heart of gold, that she's one of the most kindhearted human beings you've ever met. She enjoys making a difference. It was no surprise when Lohgan wanted to help when she heard there was a shortage of masks in Butte. prgtoken Lohgan watched YouTube videos on the proper way to make a mask with her sewing machine and materials. She admits it was difficult at first, but eventually she mastered the process and can make one in just 20 minutes. Lohgan sends her special masks to doctors and nurses at both St. James Healthcare in Butte and the Community Hospital of Anaconda, Butte's public transportation drivers, school district employees delivering meals to kids, soldiers at the local military enlistment offices, and anyone who has a pre-existing condition. Montanans throughout our state embraced Lohgan in her efforts, donating money and supplies to keep her going. prgtoken So far, she's made 120 masks and has another 50 requests to make more. It's a lot of work for Lohgan, who's completing her fourth grade assignments from home, but she's committed to doing her part to keep people safe and healthy. prgtoken Madam , for using her talents to help her fellow Montanans amid a public health crisis, I recognize Lohgan Dennehy for her spirit of Montana.
COMMEMORATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF). prgtoken As the world responds to the novel coronavirus pandemic, it is more important than ever to invest in science and the next generation of scientists who will lead us through future global challenges. prgtoken My state is proud to be home to one of the eight NSF-funded Mathematical Sciences Institutes--the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics (ICERM). prgtoken In early 2019, scientists gathered at the Institute to study mathematical models related to treatment and prevention of infectious disease, research that has become glaringly necessary in light of the COVlD-19 pandemic. prgtoken Investments like this are vital to prepare us for future challenges to Americans' health and welfare and are why I continue to champion America's research enterprise. prgtoken I hope you will join with me in celebrating the many accomplishments of NSF over the last 70 years, as well as the crucial work it continues to do.
IMMIGRANT HEALTH HEROES
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-5-12

Americans owe a great debt of gratitude to the healthcare heroes on the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, I would like to spend a few minutes talking about one special group of healthcare workers: immigrants. prgtoken Consider this: 1 in 6 healthcare and social service workers--3.1 million out of 18.7 million--are immigrants. These immigrants are playing a critical role in the battle against the pandemic, yet our broken immigration system does not allow many of them to fulfill their dreams of becoming part of America's future. prgtoken I have come to the floor today to tell a story of one of our immigrant health heroes, and I will continue to highlight these stories in the coming weeks. I am also inviting my colleagues from across the Nation to come tell their own stories on social media or on the floor with #ImmigrantHealthHeroes, shown on this chart. prgtoken Thousands of immigrant health workers are suffering because of a serious problem in our immigration system: It is the green card backlog. This backlog puts them and their families at risk of losing their immigration status, and it hinders their ability to participate in the fight against COVID-19. Under our current laws, there are not nearly enough immigrant visas, also known as green cards, available each year. As a result, immigrants are struck in crippling backlogs not just for years but for decades. prgtoken Close to 5 million future Americans are in line waiting for green cards. Hundreds of thousands of them are already working in the United States on temporary visas, while many more are waiting abroad, separated from their American families. Only 226,000 family green cards and 140,000 employment green cards are available each year. The backlogs are really hard on these families who are caught in this immigration limbo. For example, children in many of these families age out and face deportation as their parents are waiting in line for their green cards. prgtoken The green card backlog includes thousands of doctors--medical doctors--who are currently working in our country on a temporary basis. These doctors face many restrictions due to their temporary status, such as not being able to volunteer at hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots where they are so desperately needed. prgtoken The solution to the green card backlog is clear: Increase the number. In 2013, I joined a group of four s and four who authored a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill. The bill passed the Senate with a strong vote, 68-3, and it would have eliminated the green card backlog. prgtoken Last year, I introduced the RELIEF Act, legislation based on the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill that would clear the backlog for all immigrants waiting in line for green cards within 5 years. I will keep fighting to help all immigrants who are stuck in this backlog. prgtoken Last week, I joined with my colleagues,
RECOGNIZING TEJ PATEL AS CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Tej Patel and his team at Fluxergy, a local company developing rapid COVID-19 testing, as my April Constituent of the Month. During this time of uncertainty and crisis, Americans are looking for beacons of hope in the fight against COVID-19. Tej and his team answered the call. Founded in 2013 by engineers Tej Patel, Ryan Revilla, and Jonathan Tu, Fluxergy, a medical diagnostic company based in Irvine, worked in collaboration with UC San Diego Health to create a testing system designed to diagnose COVID-19 in under an hour. prgtoken Tej saw a deficiency in the turn-around of testing for COVID-19, and knew there was a better way to address testing in the most efficient way possible. Many tests sent to outside labs range from days to weeks for a patient to receive their results. Fluxergy's on-site test for COVID-19 requires a very small sample, typically a nasal swab. This swab is mixed with a reagent solution, loaded onto the Fluxergy card and inserted into the Fluxergy Analyzer that produces results in under an hour. prgtoken During a rapidly spreading global pandemic, it is imperative to know the results of a patient's test as soon as possible. The quicker prgtoken we have results, the sooner we can implement proper precautions and care. Solutions like the testing system that Fluxergy developed can help us save lives. prgtoken I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region and our country a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. There are countless health care workers, first responders, grocery workers and many others who deserve recognition. Today, I am proud to recognize Tej and his team's innovation during this time of crisis for our country, which is both inspiring and encouraging. I am honored to recognize Tej Patel and the Fluxergy team as my Constituent of the Month and I thank them for being beacons of light and hope for our community as we fight this global pandemic together.
HONORING IOWA'S TEACHERS AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, I am recognizing the incredible educators of Iowa's Third Congressional District as our Iowans of the Week. Their daily contributions to our children's lives have perhaps never been more evident than during the past couple of months while our nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic. As distance learning has become the new norm, parents-turned-home-educators have developed a whole new appreciation for the academic, social, and emotional support teachers provide our children. prgtoken It has been remarkable to see educators and school staff rise to the challenge of serving their students in the face of this unprecedented crisis. With little time to plan and while coping with the pandemic themselves, they transitioned lesson plans to fit the constraints of distance learning and have worked hard to find creative ways to keep students engaged. Within the Des Moines Public School district alone, teachers have now moved more than 6,300 Pre-K through 8th grade classes to an online learning platform and distributed nearly 21,000 laptop computers to students across grade levels. In districts across central and southwest Iowa, teachers have also packed countless bags of books, school supplies, games, and other supports for students and families. And at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, teachers are now hosting activities like Anime Club meetups via Google Hangouts. prgtoken Their efforts extend far beyond traditional lesson plans. Teachers were among the first to recognize and fill the void of food insecurity for many students in their school districts; for weeks now, they have stepped up to pack and serve tens of thousands of meals weekly for students who might otherwise go without. They know many students still need a wellness check, so educators have donned masks and knocked on doors to make sure students are safe and secure. And at the end of the day, teachers still find the energy to organize parades through their school districts just to put a smile on their students' faces. prgtoken Their contributions to our community don't end with their students. We even have teachers who are working around the clock to produce face shields for health care workers on their school's 3D printers. prgtoken Teachers deserve special recognition this week and every week for their willingness to go above and beyond for the benefit of our students and families. In many ways, educators are the heart of Iowa's communities. They are thoughtful caretakers and mentors of our generations to come, and it is a role they approach with purpose and compassion. While educators face various professional challenges, many see teaching as their life's calling. I am grateful for every person who has chosen to spend their careers sparking curiosity and creativity in our children. So please allow me to express my deep appreciation and thanks to every teacher in Iowa's Third Congressio
HONORING QUITMAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT LORENZO ``DC'' WINDLESS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , it is an honor and privilege to recognize the Honorable, Mr. Lorenzo Windless, fondly affectionately known as, `DC', was born and reared in Darling, MS. He is a supportive and dependable brother to six siblings and a dedicated and loving son to his mother, Ms. Fannie Windless of Sledge, MS. Lorenzo has a genuine love for family, for friends, for the community, for our nation and to simply put it he has a love for people. prgtoken We would like to share a few of Mr. Windless' accomplishments and positions that he has proudly and effectively held within our communities: Lorenzo was born with a heart to help others-at the age of 18 he was Asst Fire Chief of Sledge MS's volunteer Fire Department, and being the trailblazer that he is, he began as a Security Officer at Sam's Town Casino in 1994, onto a Police Officer in 1998 promoted to Police Chief in Sledge, MS by 2000 (tactical training at Ole Miss University) and Mayor of Sledge MS 2001 to 2005. During his tenure, as the 1st African American male Mayor of Sledge, MS, a new and robust water system was installed, and the town of Sledge celebrated their very 1st `Sledge Day.' With the sole purpose of engaging, understanding, and assisting and impacting the lives of other African American men, DC began a career as a Bail Bondsman in 2010 to current. prgtoken Mr. Windless is a `Man of many gifts.' He started mowing lawns, transporting, and cooking for the elderly within the community or those less fortunate. Lorenzo became an entrepreneur and community-made businessman from 2008 to 2014: owning and operating such businesses as; Lorenzo Lawn Service, Big Dog BBQ Catering and Liberty Transportation, Wrecker Service and Used Cars. prgtoken Always seeking to inspire, motivate, nurture, and cultivate, Lorenzo became a member of the School Board and has served for two terms and is currently serving as President of the Quitman County School District. He is a board member of the Marks Project Community Work Force alliance, where they provide job training, certification and skill enhancement. Mr. Windless is also the Lambert Community Housing Manager. In the midst of it all, he is pursuing his own educational goals as a student of Strayer University College, studying Business Administration with an expected end of an MBA Degree. prgtoken All that we do is for naught if we are not doing it for the glory and edification of God. Minister Windless accepted his calling as a preacher in 2003, where he began as the Youth Minister at St Phillips Missionary Baptist Church in Sledge, MS. He became a pastor in 2004 and is currently the shepherd of the Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in Farrell, MS. He was also the Chaplain for Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care. Pastor Windless believes that it is the heart of a man that rules him and if he can touch hearts, then minds will be changed, and our black heritage will thrive. Moreover, he works tirelessly and consiste
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-12

. One final matter today. Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that will determine whether the President can block access to his tax returns and other financial documents. prgtoken You may not think this is related to COVID, but in a certain sense, it is. In a sense, the case about the President's tax returns has something in common with the President's response to coronavirus: President wants to hide the truth. He wants to hide the truth about coronavirus and the depth of the problem and how we deal with it. He wants to hide the truth and not release his tax returns. prgtoken For 40 years, every President has disclosed his personal financial information to avoid even the perception of impropriety or self- dealing, but this President has used every avenue to deny such transparency. What is President hiding in his taxes? The President is not an ordinary citizen anymore; he is President of the United States. The American people have a prgtoken right to see how he has dealt with his taxes. President has an obligation to show them. Why has President fought so hard to deny the American people this information? prgtoken If this Court wants to prove, at least in one step, that they are not highly political and don't always side with President , I hope they will step up to the plate and rule that the President does not have the unilateral power to shield his tax returns from the American people. On this issue, like so many others, the American people deserve the truth--not what the President wants us to believe but the truth. prgtoken prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2020
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-5-12

. Madam , I rise today in solemn recognition of the selfless sacrifice made by law enforcement officers across this great nation and to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. Ever since President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officer's Memorial Day, we as a nation have paused to show our support and eternal gratitude for the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their fellow citizens. prgtoken I embrace this opportunity to pay tribute to our fallen law enforcement officers. These are true and brave public servants who made the conscious decision to stand in between the men, women, and children in their communities and those who would do them harm. While these courageous individuals hail from a broad spectrum of social and economic backgrounds, they all share the common instinct to protect and serve their fellow citizens. These officers are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. They understand the perils they face every day when they go to work in service of others, but they are defined by a rare sense of duty and a love for their fellow human beings. They keep our roads and highways safe. They safeguard our property. They secure the event sites and venues where we gather. They respond to incidents of domestic violence and calls for help. They bring criminals to justice. They are the ones who are moving toward the sound of the gunfire when everyone else is running away. prgtoken Law enforcement officers engage in thousands of face-to-face encounters throughout their careers. They do so in most cases without knowing, even in the midst of the encounter, if the individual or individuals they are confronting are in need of their help or intend to harm them. Too often, these encounters end tragically. 128 officers died in the line of duty in 2019. Including officers identified from previous years, 307 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial here in Washington, D.C. this year. Eight of those names are from my home state of Maryland. prgtoken Officer Kyle David Olinger was a husband, a father, and a Police Officer in the Montgomery County Police Department. On August 8th, 2003, while serving the citizens of my home district, he initiated a traffic stop in Silver Spring, MD on a vehicle with three passengers. Officer Olinger observed one of the occupants attempting to conceal a handgun under the seat, and he ordered the man to drop the weapon. A struggle ensued, and Officer Olinger was shot in the neck and paralyzed below the chest. Despite his wounds, Officer Olinger, a former U.S. Marine, continued to serve his department until his injuries forced him to retire in 2007, demonstrating the type of man he was and his commitment to the service of others. On April 18th, 2019, Officer Olinger succumbed to complications from the gunshot wound he suffered in the line of duty
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-5-12

today I will vote to oppose the nomination of Mr. Brian Montgomery to serve as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. My vote today is not because I believe Mr. Montgomery is incapable of doing the job. Across multiple administrations, Mr. Montgomery has shown himself to be a dedicated public servant with an impressive understanding of the programs and policies he would oversee if confirmed. During prior administrations, Mr. Montgomery demonstrated his commitment to HUD's mission and helped respond to the early days of the financial crisis. And over the past year, Mr. Montgomery has done important work strengthening HUD's reverse mortgage program. prgtoken But I will vote against Mr. Montgomery's nomination today because, like too many people in this administration, over the last 2 years he has helped advance policies that will have devastating effects for millions of families. In addition to his role as Federal Housing Commissioner and Assistant Secretary for Housing, Mr. Montgomery began performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary at HUD nearly a year and a half ago. Since that time, he was involved in the decision to advance a revised disparate impact rule that the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights wrote that it was very concerned would ``impose substantial new obstacles for victims of discrimination'' and ``undermine the protections of the Fair Housing Act, thereby substantially undermining necessary civil rights protection in an area about which the Commission and its state advisory committees continue to receive compelling evidence of need for meaningful federal corrective action.'' prgtoken Mr. Montgomery also helped advance HUD's Housing Finance Reform Report, which would increase the cost of an FHA-backed loan for those who can least afford it, restructure FHA in a way that could undermine HUD funding, and restrict consumers' choice between an FHA and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac-backed loan. But when confronted with questions about these issues that are critical to low- and moderate-income families, Mr. Montgomery offered little explanation. prgtoken Throughout Mr. Montgomery's time performing the duties of the Deputy Secretary--the No. 2 person at HUD--HUD's budget requests have repeatedly zeroed out critical housing and community development accounts, like the community developmental block grant, HOME investment partnerships, and public housing capital funds, while proposing to raise rents for the lowest income renters. When asked to justify these disastrous proposals, Mr. Montgomery again offered no explanation. prgtoken Our Nation is facing an affordable housing crisis and a crisis of equity across our housing system. Before COVID-19 hit, there was a nearly 30-point gap between the Black and White home ownership rates, and more than one in four renters paid more than half of their income for housing. With COVID-19's economic devastation disproportiona