mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-3-11

each week the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship recognizes one small business that exemplifies the hard work and perseverance of the American Dream and the American entrepreneur. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 250,000 small businesses of all types from mom-and-pop shop bakeries to world renowned cybersecurity firms. In fact, about 99 percent of all business in Nevada are small businesses. Nevada's small businesses are the driving force behind our State's rapidly growing economy and the engine that powers our communities. It is therefore my honor to recognize Nevada's Fallon Food Hub, a small business with a strong and deeprooted commitment to prgtoken improving lives and a desire to give back to the community, for recently having been named the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken The Fallon Food Hub's mission is to educate the northern Nevada community about the benefits of eating seasonally in order to create a thriving and expanding local food scene, resulting in increased opportunities for producers and local businesses. Fallon Food Hub believes that through educational opportunities for the community about health and wellness, members of the community can gain a greater sense of cooperation and appreciation for the area producers, local farmers, and specialty food producers that serve the Silver State. Through increasing awareness of and appreciation of local farming and proper nutrition, people can learn a healthier lifestyle while also supporting local producers. prgtoken The Fallon Food Hub conducts frequent surveys to get a sense of what the community is interested in learning, hosts monthly classes on the benefits of eating seasonal produce, and keeps the community informed through a monthly newspaper. The Fallon Food Hub provides an outlet for local farmers, ranchers, and value-added producers to sell their goods. prgtoken I would also like to recognize the work that Fallon Food Hub does to advocate on behalf of local farmers. Through ongoing education for members and surrounding communities about farmers and the origins of local food, Fallon Food Hub is encouraging our community to connect with one another on a new level. They are an example of an outstanding business with deep love for our community and one of the many reasons why they were a clear choice for this recognition. prgtoken Small businesses truly are the driving force for development and growth not just in Nevada, but across our entire Nation. Small businesses like Fallon Food Hub not only help our economy succeed, they also give back by uplifting our communities, inspiring others to open businesses of their own, improving people's health and well-being, and changing lives for the better. prgtoken Again, I would like to recognize Fallon Food Hub and all the employees there for their contribution to Nevada and our Nation and congratulate them for being named the Senate S
DIRECTING THE REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FROM HOSTILITIES AGAINST THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN THAT HAVE NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-11

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken I have said all along that this is not a partisan issue, and it isn't. Executive branch officials from both parties have tried to sideline Congress when it comes to war. It is time we said: ``Enough.'' It may be in the executive branch's interest to keep Congress out, but that doesn't make it legal or make it right. prgtoken Madam , no one in this body mourns Qasem Soleimani, certainly not me. No one doubts that he was a hardened terrorist with the blood of Americans and others on his hands. But that is not the issue before us today. prgtoken The issue is that the administration decided to kill him without authorization from Congress, without any prior consultation with Congress, then misled the American people about why that was necessary. And then, when the administration's explanation couldn't withstand scrutiny, they tell us Congress had already authorized military action against Iran. prgtoken Madam , I think we would know if we had voted to authorize military action against Iran. Those aren't the kinds of votes you easily forget. prgtoken So, today, we will vote on this resolution and send it to the President's desk. And it carries with it a very clear, very important message: Congress has not authorized war, and Congress has not authorized war against Iran. prgtoken It is remarkable that we even need to say this, but as is often the case, up is down, down is up, laws don't matter, and Congress doesn't matter because the Constitution doesn't matter.
HONORING THE LIFE OF GERRILYNN ``LYNN'' NISHIMURA
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of Gerrilynn ``Lynn'' Nishimura, whose leadership in the labor community has improved the lives of countless people in Washington State. prgtoken On February 5, 2020 Lynn Nishimura unexpectedly passed away after beginning her retirement that was set to be filled with two things she was most passionate about--travel and continued service to her community. prgtoken Lynn Nishimura had an admirable career. She worked her way up at a variety of banking institutions, starting as a teller and retiring as a Senior Vice President. After her retirement in 2018, Lynn resumed her position as an unpaid volunteer of the Puget Sound Labor Agency as their Executive Director, where she had been since 2013. The Puget Sound Labor Agency credits Lynn Nishimura for providing crucial leadership and steering the organization through difficult times with her expertise in finance management and her devotion to their mission. Lynn Nishimura worked tireless hours during her time with Puget Sound Labor Agency to ensure people got the help they needed, from guaranteeing wheelchair ramp installations were completed to ensuring union member hardship assistance would continue to be available to the thousands of people who needed those services. Lynn is remembered for her warmth and fearlessness to rise to challenges in order to improve the lives of everyone around her. prgtoken Madam , it is with great pleasure that I recognize the life of Gerrilynn ``Lynn'' Nishimura. Her life and dedication to service is a reminder that it only takes one person to make lifechanging impacts in a community.
DISABLED VETERANS EDUCATION RELIEF ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , today, I introduce the Disabled Veterans Education Relief Act, which would reinstate VA education assistance for disabled veterans in vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) training in the event their school closes or courses are disapproved. Section 109 of the Forever GI Bill law extended these protections to students using GI Bill benefits but did not include students using education benefits under the VR&E program. By extending these protections to the over 100,000 veterans who participate in the VR&E program every year, our nation will ensure that all veterans can access relief when their studies are disrupted by school closures or disapproved courses through no fault of their own. prgtoken The bill requires the VA to protect VR&E students on the same basis as their counterparts using GI Bill benefits as mandated by section 109 of the Forever GI Bill law. These protections include the restoration of benefits for those affected by school closures or the course was disapproved as a result of a modified policy, regulation, or law. In addition, my legislation authorizes the VA to continue paying subsistence allowances to VR&E students through the end of the academic term during which such closure or disapproval occurred. VA will also be required to notify affected students of imminent and actual school closures and inform them how the closure will affect their VR&E benefits. prgtoken The Act has the support of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, AMVETS, Association of the U.S. Navy, Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. prgtoken The gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Bost, is an original cosponsor of the bill. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , this past Monday and Tuesday, I was unavoidably detained in my congressional district and was not present for Roll Call Votes 91 and 92. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On Roll Call 91, I would have voted AYE, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 410, Encouraging reunions of divided Korean-American families; and on Roll Call 92, I would have voted AYE. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1771, Divided Families Reunification Act.
IN RECOGNITION OF ART OWENS, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY SONS' SWINGLE AWARD
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Art Owens, who will receive the Francis Swingle Award from the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He will be honored at the group's 106th annual gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. prgtoken Art was born January 12, 1959 to Sheldon and Eleanor Owens in Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania. He attended grade school in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in 1979. He earned an associate degree in social science from Luzerne County Community College and a bachelor's degree in liberal studies in social services, along with a certificate in gerontology from College Misericordia. prgtoken Art's career serving others began in 1975 in the dietary department at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. As the volunteer director, Art was integral to the management of the volunteer department, developing therapies and projects like the Angel/Golden Tree Project. During his 20-year career at the hospital, he successfully built professional relationships with area social service organizations, and served on the Policy and Procedure Committee. Art was also vice president of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. For his efforts, he received the Mercy Leadership Award and the Mercy Community/Professional Involvement Award. prgtoken In 1996, Art accepted a position with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern Pennsylvania as a wish granting director/volunteer supervisor. He continued to make wishes come true for critically ill children, advancing to the position of program services director and then vice president of program services. He worked to secure over $100,000 in donations by building relationships with local businesses and organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He recruited, hired, trained, and coordinated volunteers in wish granting and development during his time with the foundation. prgtoken In 2006, Art transitioned to the Luzerne Intermediate Unit No. 18, assisting children in the Behavioral Health and Rehabilitative Services Department. He currently provides services to children who attend the Greater Nanticoke Area School District. prgtoken In addition to the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Art is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 353, and currently serves on the Scholarship Committee to help raise funds for local students to assist with college expenses. prgtoken It is an honor to join the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick as they recognize Art Owens as the recipient of the Francis Swingle Award. He has had a successful career in service to his community, and I wish him all the best on this St. Patrick's Day.
TRIBUTE TO ALEXIS SANCHEZ--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Alexis Sanchez of the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. prgtoken As a native Angeleno, Alexis Sanchez is a transgender woman and a fearless supporter of transgender rights in her community and across the country. Ms. Sanchez displays powerful personal initiative and leadership as an advocate for transgender rights empowering those who may not realize they have a voice. Dedicated to public service, she devotes her time to community organizing, media advocacy, and volunteering to support the LGBTQ+ community. prgtoken Alexis serves on the board of directors of Still Bisexual, a non- profit that seeks to raise bi+ visibility and advocate for mental health resources for bi+ individuals. Ms. Sanchez is involved in planning the City of West Hollywood's Transgender Day of Remembrance and advocating for the creation of the first Transgender Day of Visibility in Los Angeles. prgtoken Ms. Sanchez is also a member of the City of West Hollywood Transgender Advisory Board, which is responsible for addressing issues concerning transgender rights, as well as making recommendations regarding the adoption of policies that would benefit the community. She has led the City of West Hollywood Transgender Advisory Board delegation that travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with Members of Congress and the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus to discuss the importance of the transgender rights movement in federal policy. prgtoken Alexis works within the field of public policy to implement change that benefits her community. She is an Assistant Program Manager at the Institute for Public Strategies, where she oversees a program centered on substance use disorders within the LGBTQ+ community. Alexis is currently collaborating with a coalition of state representatives to create a tool for law enforcement, researchers, community groups, and local municipalities to track methamphetamine data and research in the LGBTQ+ community. prgtoken Ms. Sanchez spends her free time as a volunteer and mentor with Brave Trails, a leadership camp for LGBTQ+ teenagers and is an enthusiastic hiker and mountaineer. prgtoken I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Alexis Sanchez.
INTRODUCTION OF THE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE FOR TRANSATLANTIC ENGAGEMENT (LITE) ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Leadership Institute for Transatlantic Engagement (LITE) Act--a bill that will create an institute to assist in strengthening ties with our allies, protect democratic institutions, and support visionary leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. prgtoken In the 116th Congress, under my leadership as chair, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, has held events on the importance of international election observation, good governance, and focused on democratic backsliding in particular countries as part of our continued commitment to the underlying principles of the Helsinki Final Act adopted by the 57 North American, European, and Eurasian countries that make up the region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). prgtoken We identified numerous challenges in western leadership that are putting our democracies and the transatlantic partnership at risk, including as continuing disparities in wealth, health, employment, education, justice, and other sectors that lead citizens to question whether democracy can deliver. Common to among these issues is the role leaders can play in ensuring laws are equitable, transparent, and enforced; elections are free and fair; and laying the groundwork to ensure the same protections, rights, and laws, are extended to all in their constituencies. prgtoken The LITE Act will establish an institute to assist western democracies in living up to these ideals and restoring faith in democracy, by equipping transatlantic policymakers with legislative, communications, conflict resolution and other leadership tools to strengthen democratic institutions in their societies and the transatlantic relationship. Given demographic change on both sides of the Atlantic, the activities of LITE, as established by this legislation, will also include a focus on inclusive and intergenerational solutions to current challenges with the goal of empowering individuals across generations and from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, tools, opportunity, and access to fully participate in their democracies. In addition, LITE will seek to reunify communities by assisting leaders with strategies that build resilience against the exploitation of community grievances that can lead to dangerous divisions in our societies. prgtoken In February, we hosted young parliamentarians from the OSCE region here in the U.S. Congress to discuss how we can strengthen their political inclusion to advance peace and security efforts. Last year, we held hearings featuring European lawmakers, and on global leadership, democracy and public diplomacy. These hearings were the capstone in a decade of events that began in 2009 whereby the Commission has convened U.S. and European policymakers under the banner of the Transatlantic Minority Political Leadership Conference and Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Netw
INTSEL STEEL WEST
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Intsel Steel West for receiving Commerce City's Business Appreciation 2020 Economic Development Award for Leadership. The Economic Development Award for Leadership honors a business or individual that has been a catalyst toward economic vitality in Commerce City through creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, collaboration or through contribution of resources. Triple-S Steel, the parent company of Intsel Steel West, was founded in 1960, and sells nearly 700,000 tons of steel per year for bridges, stadiums, barges, and large buildings throughout North America, Central and South America and Asia. Triple-S Steel consolidated and expanded the company's existing operations in Denver and at 6300 Clermont St. in Commerce City with a new 234,000 square-foot facility at 8573 Ulster St. The Commerce City operations are now a subsidiary called Intsel Steel West, employing nearly 100 people. I extend my deepest congratulations to Intsel Steel West for this well-deserved recognition from Commerce City.
REMEMBERING CHARLES FREEMAN
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-3-12

On April 29, 1983, Justice Charles Freeman made history as the first African-American jurist to swear in Chicago's first, elected African-American mayor, Harold Washington. Justice Freeman went on to become the first, and so far the only, African- American justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. During his more than four decades, Justice Freeman helped shape Illinois's history through his achievements, his jurisprudence, and his mentoring of a generation of new lawyers he guided to the bench. On March 2, he passed away, and I rise today to honor his memory. prgtoken Charles Freeman was born in Richmond, VA, in 1933. He was descended from slaves freed by Quakers before the Civil War. As a child, he brought newspapers to legendary civil rights attorney Oliver W. Hill's office. His father was a hard-working man who loved to read and always stressed that he wanted Charles and his brother to become lawyers. The Freemans lived walking distance from Virginia Union University in Richmond, and that is where Charles and his brother went to college. Charles Freeman graduated from college in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, stationed in South Korea. After his service, he married Marylee Voelker and moved to Chicago. While in Chicago, he attended John Marshall Law School at night, and he worked for the Cook County Department of Public Aid. prgtoken After law school, Justice Freeman started working as a precinct worker for former Representative Ralph H. Metcalfe, cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus. Justice Freeman befriended Harold Washington while helping Metcalfe, and they formed a law practice partnership. In 1965, Governor Otto Kerner appointed Freeman arbitrator for the Illinois Industrial Commission administrating workers' compensation cases. In 1973, Governor Dan Walker appointed him a commissioner for the Illinois Commerce Commission. prgtoken In 1976, Justice Freeman was elected to serve as a judge on the Cook County Circuit Court. In 1986, he was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court, and 4 years later, he became the first African American elected to the Illinois Supreme Court. His peers chose him to serve as chief justice in 1997 until 2000. As chief justice, Freeman reorganized the rotation of appellate judges in the First Judicial District. Before, appellate judges sat on the same panels for prgtoken their entire careers. He helped improve the Family Violence Prevention Program. Justice Freeman also improved the educational program for judges statewide and pushed for the creation of a special committee to study the death penalty and reforms. prgtoken While Justice Freeman was a great jurist, his legacy is also reflected in his efforts to promote a diverse judiciary. He appointed 11 of the 16 African Americans who have served on the First District Appellate Court since 1990. It was important to him that people saw in the courtroom judges and lawyers that refl
UNITING TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , this week, coronavirus impacted my north Jersey community in a heartbreaking way. prgtoken Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Bergen County resident John Brennan, New Jersey's first life lost from coronavirus. Mr. Brennan was a lifetime horse trainer, a fixture at Yonkers Raceway, and a remarkable individual. prgtoken As of this morning, New Jersey now has 22 other presumed positive cases, several in my district alone. prgtoken North Jersey's hospitals and frontline medical professionals are working to contain the outbreak and keep our residents safe. I commend our counties and hospitals in New Jersey's Fifth District--New Bridge, Valley, Atlantic, Hackensack Meridian, and Holy Name--for working so hard and working together and for holding daily calls to coordinate efforts to help combat the spread of the virus. prgtoken This week, I led members of our congressional delegation to ask the CDC when New Jersey should expect to receive confirmation of our pending presumed positive cases. We still have not received CDC confirmation of the tests that have been sent to the agency. prgtoken I know the CDC is working diligently to fight this crisis, but gaps in testing confirmation hinder our ability to mitigate the spread. prgtoken Now is the time for our country to come together--our great hospitals, the CDC, all levels of government--to ensure all Americans are safe. prgtoken There is nothing partisan about this moment. We must, as a country and as government, come together to fight the coronavirus and keep our families safe.