mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WE CAN'T BREATHE
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , ``I Can't Breathe'' is a poem I delivered on this floor 6 years ago when Eric Garner got choked out by the police. prgtoken Today, I am here for George Floyd, another Black man who died facedown on the hot pavement, suffocated to death by a police officer as he begged for his life for 8 minutes. prgtoken Black folks in America in 2020 are caught between being suffocated to death by the COVID-19 coronavirus or being choked to death by rogue, uncaring, and unconcerned police officers. prgtoken Black folks in America are caught up in three pandemics, when you add the reality that our businesses are getting choked out of PPP. Black people bear an unparalleled burden in this country. prgtoken When just 12 percent of Black and Latino business owners who applied for PPP report receiving what they asked for, something is wrong. prgtoken When we make up 13 percent of the population but 60 percent of COVID deaths, something wrong. prgtoken When we have armed vigilantes and rogue police officers killing us on the streets, something is terribly wrong. prgtoken The American Dream should not be a nightmare for any of her people. It is time to bring an end to open season on Black people in America. We can't breathe.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO HEALTHCARE ISSUES
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-28

with so much uncertainty in our future, families shouldn't have the additional burden of worrying about the state of their healthcare. Unfortunately, though, COVID-19 has only further exposed the cracks in our healthcare system and forced us all to face the urgency with which we must work to address them. prgtoken As we continue to respond to the public health crisis, I have been working with my colleagues here in the House to find innovative and timely solutions for the problems that COVID-19 continues to exacerbate. prgtoken Over the past several months, I have fought for the price of insulin and other drugs to be lowered immediately because families that are struggling need access to lifesaving medication. I fought alongside my colleagues for more supplies for our healthcare workers, for hospitals, and for community healthcare centers. prgtoken We can't let up now. We must continue to take steps that address the health disparities that place a significant and dangerous burden on American families. prgtoken I would like to join my colleagues and constituents in remembering the lives tragically lost during this pandemic and recommit to working together to help families across our country stay safe.
RECOGNIZING ASIAN AMERICAN SENIOR CITIZENS SERVICES CENTER (AASCSC) IN HONOR OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize Asian American Senior Citizens Services Center (AASCSC) and their invaluable contribution to the community they serve. prgtoken The Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC) is a non- profit organization founded in 1989 that follows the philosophy of ``caring for elders as if they were our own.'' The Orange County service center office of AASCSC was established in 1991. Their mission is to dedicate their time to raising awareness of the needs of the Asian American elders, providing assistance by accessing essential health care and social services, and promoting a dignified living in the community. prgtoken AASCSC is a leader in service and advocacy for the elderly who are determined to provide thorough direct services, policy advocacy, and capacity building for the Asian Pacific American community. For over 30 years, AASCSC has been an essential resource to ensure the most vulnerable, low-income seniors receive access and equity to quality social and health programs and services. With their bilingual staff and volunteers, AASCSC works to serve and empower their diverse aging community. prgtoken These challenging times have impacted AASCSC's vulnerable and high- risk senior citizen community beyond the prevalent public health threat, such as difficulties in obtaining basic needs like toilet paper and food, reduction of income or ability to run their businesses, and an increase in xenophobia towards the Asian American community. prgtoken Despite these hardships, AASCSC continues to provide exceptional service and care to their communities by continuing the work towards the 2020 Census, coordinating packaging and distribution of food and basic necessities to thousands of vulnerable seniors, and collaborating and supporting other non-profit organizations with the mission to provide resources to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedicated service of the Asian American Senior Citizens Services Center in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
COVID-19 ON THE NAVAJO NATION
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , since the beginning of this crisis, I have heard from Tribal leaders about the human tragedy of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation: whole families ravaged by the disease, doctors overwhelmed by the surging cases, and insufficient Federal help. prgtoken These leaders are sounding the alarm for a community in crisis, and I have been working to ensure the medical professionals who serve the Navajo Nation have every tool at their disposal to treat patients and protect themselves. prgtoken But instead of doing right by the Navajo Nation, this administration, ProPublica found, awarded a $3 million contract for personal protective equipment to an 11-day-old company headed by a former White House staffer. As a result, the IHS received hundreds of thousands of masks that may be unsuitable for medical use. prgtoken This lack of leadership endangers lives. That is why I am working with the New Mexico delegation and our colleagues from Arizona to hold the administration accountable. prgtoken The Navajo Nation deserves the full support of the Federal Government during this crisis and not to have this administration turn a blind eye while the Nation loses one more parent, grandparent, son, or daughter. This administration must act as an honest partner to the Navajo people, and I will fight to ensure that happens.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ARMY SPC. JUAN MIGUEL MENDEZ COVARRUBIAS
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias of Hanford, California, who gave his life in service to his country on March 11, 2020. While deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve at Camp Taji, Iraq, his unit was engaged by enemy indirect fire and he lost his life. He was 27 years old. prgtoken A Central Valley native, Juan Miguel was a beloved son, brother, and husband. In 2018 he married his longtime girlfriend Bianca Meza and that same year he enlisted in the United States Army as a Signal Support System Specialist. Juan Miguel was assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. prgtoken Juan Miguel aspired to make the world a better place and always pushed himself to lead by example. He is remembered fondly as someone with a big heart and who always put the needs of others before his own. Our nation has lost a great warrior. He is a true American Hero and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who love him. prgtoken Juan Miguel's awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of remembrance for Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias, and for all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. prgtoken Juan Miguel is survived by his wife Bianca, his mother Monica Mendez, his father Alfredo Covarrubias and his younger brother and sisters.
ADVOCATING FOR CRITICAL FUNDING FOR TRIBAL NATIONS IN THE HEROES ACT
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today in support of the Heroes Act and to address the critical need for emergency funding for tribal nations. prgtoken Native Americans have been hit disproportionately hard by the COVID- 19 pandemic. The Navajo Nation has experienced nearly 5,000 positive cases and the loss of more than 100 lives. In addition, the Colorado River Indians Tribes on the border of my district and Arizona have seen a sudden rise in cases over the past weeks. prgtoken Native Americans remain at particular risk because they face greater health disparities and have higher rates of underlying health conditions than the general population. In addition, those living on rural reservations have reduced access to health services and preventative care. prgtoken The toll on tribal nations isn't just affecting those who are sick. Many Native Americans work in service jobs that have disproportionately been lost, and many tribal governments rely on income from business enterprises that have closed their doors to comply with stay-at-home orders. prgtoken The Heroes Act was written with these communities in mind. prgtoken This bill represents the House of Representatives' commitment to fulfilling the trust and treaty responsibility of the United States government to tribal nations across the United States. prgtoken The Heroes Act provides an additional $20 billion to tribal governments in the form of grants to help address the catastrophic impact of this virus and the economic toll it has taken on Indian Country and their surrounding communities. prgtoken The Heroes Act expands the use of the funds provided by the CARES Act to account for lost revenue, which is critical to providing effective relief for tribal governments. prgtoken It is important to note that unlike the portion of the Coronavirus Relief Fund provided to states and local governments, the fund for tribal governments explicitly does not prescribe a population-based formula for distribution to tribes. Such a formula would be inappropriate given that population is not a proper measure of economic impact that a tribal government and tribally-run businesses have experienced. prgtoken This bill also does not codify the current Indian Housing Block Grant formula that the Department of Treasury is using, because such a formula is not representative of the intent of the program. prgtoken It is the intent of Congress that the Department of Treasury works with the Department of Interior and tribal governments to develop a new formula that accounts for the tribes' aggregate expenditures and the total economic hit they have taken as a result of this pandemic. prgtoken This is an issue that is critical for Indian Country. I am proud to have voted for the Heroes Act and look forward to seeing the program implemented as Congress intended to support tribal governments.
H.R. 7010, PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2020 AND H.R. 6782, THE TRUTH ACT
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , today the House of Representatives is voting on two pieces of legislation designed to improve upon the Paycheck Protection Program--the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, and the TRUTH Act. prgtoken Although I am a cosponsor of both pieces of legislation and will vote in favor of them, I remain concerned that these bills fall short of the Paycheck Protection Program fixes which were already included in the HEROES Act--legislation that the House has passed and which is pending action by the Senate. prgtoken For example--I am glad that the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 includes provisions to modify the use of PPP loans, providing businesses with 24 weeks (instead of just 8 weeks) to use the loan. This bill also makes more flexible the requirement imposed by the Small Business Administration that 75 percent of the loan be used for payroll, and instead only requires 60 percent of the loan to be used for payroll in order to receive the full amount of forgiveness. prgtoken Unfortunately, this bill fails to include many of the provisions from the HEROES Act that are urgently needed to assist in our nation's economic recovery. For example, the HEROES Act extended eligibility for PPP loans to nonprofits of all sizes and would carve out funds specifically for the smallest businesses--those with 10 or fewer employees--ensuring that they are not left behind. By expanding PPP to all nonprofits, the HEROES Act would allow chambers of commerce and other nonprofit entities that are not classified as a 501(c)(3) to take advantage of this important assistance. Additionally, the HEROES Act removes the size restrictions for nonprofits, allowing nonprofits with more than 500 employees to still maintain payroll during this time of economic hardship, while their services are needed more than ever. prgtoken The HEROES Act--section 20235--also clarifies that expenses paid or incurred with proceeds from PPP loans (or EIDL grants) would not result in the denial of any federal tax deduction. Small businesses need as much support as possible at this time, and tax provisions such as this in the HEROES Act would provide a much-needed boost to our economy. Unfortunately, the two PPP bills we are voting on in the House today fail to include the full gamut of improvements from the HEROES Act, including this additional tax assistance for small businesses. prgtoken I will be voting in support of these bills but believe that it is essential that we not stop here--Congress must improve the PPP and small business assistance beyond what these bills would provide. The HEROES Act provides a strong model for what these changes should entail, and I urge my colleagues to continue improving these programs, even after these PPP bills pass the House.
CONGRATULATING THOMAS ``TOM'' TROMPETER ON HIS RETIREMENT
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise to honor and congratulate Thomas ``Tom'' Trompeter, President and CEO of HealthPoint in Washington State, on his retirement. prgtoken Tom Trompeter's career spans over 30 years in the non-profit, healthcare, and social services sectors. Tom began his career as Executive Director for Northwest Regional Primary Care Association (NWRPCA) and the Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Tom left NWRPCA as CEO before moving on to work at Community Health Centers of King County, now known as HealthPoint. In 1998 Tom transitioned into the roles of President and CEO at HealthPoint and has dedicated 20 years of his career in those roles. prgtoken Tom's three prominent areas of impact at HealthPoint were public policy to support the expansion and financial health of community health centers, developing vital partnerships and networks to strengthen the work being done by HealthPoint, and good stewardship as a passionate and dependable leader. prgtoken Tom led with the belief that when we make even one person healthier, we help not only that one person, but also that person's whole community. And that's both a privilege and a gift. It is clear Tom has led with that belief from the beginning. Tom has guided HealthPoint's growth to its current state of over 17 comprehensive primary care centers that provide innovative, integrated care beyond traditional healthcare models. prgtoken Tom's influence can be seen in the 100,000 plus patients served annually, 900 current employees, and the students who have had the opportunity to learn under Tom's leadership and go on to pursue a career in community health. prgtoken Madam , it is with great admiration that I recognize and congratulate Tom Trompeter on his retirement and the legacy he will leave in the healthcare community in Washington State.
MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2020
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 3414, the Major Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2020. prgtoken Each year the Department of Veterans Affairs submits an annual budget request to Congress, and then it is our job to authorize and appropriate the funding that VA needs to care for America's veterans and their families. prgtoken Within that larger funding request is VA's request for funds to replace and modernize its medical facilities. This year's major construction requests total $2.27 billion, and will build a new critical care center in West Los Angeles, California; complete construction of a medical facility project in San Juan, Puerto Rico; construct a spinal cord injury center with a community living center in San Diego, California; complete flood recovery construction at the medical center in Manhattan, New York; and fully fund the medical facility replacement project in Louisville, Kentucky; as well as construct an outpatient clinic and a national cemetery in Alameda, California; and finally, realign the Livermore, California campus. prgtoken , with a major construction need that totals more than $15 billion, this authorization takes needed steps to reduce the backlog of major construction projects. prgtoken It is no secret that VA's infrastructure is old. The average age of its facilities is 60. The Secretary of the VA himself, Secretary Wilkie, emphasized this point by making the statement: There are several VA facilities that Abraham Lincoln would recognize. prgtoken Even with outdated facilities, the Annals of Internal Medicine found in a 2018 report that VA provides better care than private options in most cases. That is right. VA provides better care, even though they are working from outdated facilities. What would those findings look like if VA was competing with a modern infrastructure? prgtoken , not only does VA provide better care, veterans want to use VA-delivered healthcare. A survey conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars found that 92 percent of veterans who participated in the survey responded that fixing VA facilities was the best way to improve VA's delivery of healthcare to veterans. prgtoken Ninety percent of respondents who use VA stated they would recommend VA healthcare to another veteran. prgtoken It is clear that veterans, given the option, want to preserve the VA healthcare system and feel that it is a quality option for veterans to receive care. prgtoken , that is why I support S. 3414. I thank Senator Moran, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for prioritizing and passing this legislation. prgtoken , .
HONORING JUDY GEARHART
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-5-28

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate and thank Judy Gearhart for her leadership at the International Labor Rights Forum. Judy, the executive director of ILRF since March 2011, will retire in June. While she will leave that position, I know that she will never leave the fight to protect the rights of workers around the world. prgtoken In 2013, 1,134 garment workers were killed and 2,500 injured as the 9-story Rana Plaza factory collapsed--the deadliest garment factory disaster in history. The vast majority of those killed and injured as a result of corporate neglect were women. Like the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in the United States, the disaster spurred activists to push for reforms. Judy Gearhart helped lead the fight and won agreements with the garment industry to make improvements--although much progress remains to be made. I had the privilege to work with Judy in the aftermath of Rana Plaza and have continued to support her and ILRF on international labor rights campaigns since then. Like so many others, I have relied on her expertise, her experience and her passion for improving the lives of working women, men and children around the world. prgtoken Judy has made it her practice not to promote herself, but she focused on lifting up the Labor Rights Defenders who are organizing and mobilizing every day, often at great risk to themselves. She has brought workers' leaders to meet with members of Congress, the Administration, the media and the public--making sure that they have the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own words. She has spotlighted those who face violent attacks, jail and worse for their courage in speaking out, heroes like Tola Moeun in Cambodia, Mahmud Rajab in Uzbekistan and Gaspar Matalaev in Turkmenistan. Because of Judy and ILRF, there are networks of organizers and advocates around the world who are able to provide needed assistance to those fighting for labor rights. prgtoken Judy's work exemplifies the concept of intersectionality. She has seen that there are many different forces used to oppress the rights of workers, and she has worked to bring together those fighting them. Laborers in the fields don't just face poor working conditions but live in societies rife with poverty and racism. Children in the tobacco fields are not just being exploited for their labor but are subjected to environmental and chemical hazards. Women in sweatshops are not just subjected to poverty-level wages, they are often the target of gender- based violence and harassment. As a result of Judy's leadership, last year, the International Labour Organization adopted a convention and recommendations on violence and harassment in the world of work. prgtoken Judy Gearhart has done the work, at UNICEF's monitoring and evaluation office, working on women's rights and democratization efforts in Mexico, with the ILO's International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor in Honduras, on dev
SMALL BUSINESS TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING FOR THE UNDERBANKED AND TAXPAYERS AT HOME ACT
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-5-28

I thank Chairwoman Velazquez for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to talk about truth. prgtoken Now, you would think that truth would not be up for debate in this Chamber, yet here we stand literally prgtoken debating my bill, the TRUTH Act, which simply injects transparency and accountability into the very largest expenditure of taxpayer money in American history. prgtoken That is it. There is no hidden agenda, just a straightforward requirement for the Small Business Administration to publish information about how Federal relief dollars are flowing and where they are going. And that truth should be important to every American: business owners and patrons, bankers and borrowers, s and . prgtoken We cannot accept a situation in which bigger businesses with access to other sources of liquidity are pushing to the front of the line at the expense of those with the greatest need, particularly minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses that are struggling the very most during the pandemic. prgtoken I won't accept it. prgtoken I am on a mission to restore Americans' faith in their government. But trust is earned by action, not by words. So I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the TRUTH Act, in allowing the American people to see where their money is going and in ensuring that businesses that need relief the most are getting it. prgtoken They say that sunlight is the best disinfectant, and we could surely use more of it here.