mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Jenna Quinn Law (Executive Session)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-9-17

I want to thank Senator Cornyn for his partnership and support his call. I urge my colleagues to support our legislation, the Jenna Quinn Law, and I, too, look forward to its being passed as part of wrapup this evening. prgtoken Every child has the fundamental right to be safe, to be treated with dignity, to be cared for, and to have the opportunity to seize their vast potential. Sexual abuse robs children of those rights. Too often, these horrific crimes go unrecognized or unreported, and children are left in dangerous situations without access to safety and justice. prgtoken During my time as Governor of New Hampshire, I worked with s and to sign into law a bill that mandated that child abuse prevention be taught as a part of the health education curriculum, and I am proud to work with Senator Cornyn to strengthen these efforts on a national level. prgtoken The Jenna Quinn Law would better protect children from sexual assault by helping ensure that teachers, caregivers, and other adults working with children are equipped with the tools and knowledge to prevent, recognize, and report sexual abuse and exploitation. It would also ensure that children receive age-appropriate education on how to recognize and report these heinous acts. prgtoken By encouraging States to provide training and education on child sexual abuse recognition and prevention, we can help keep our young people safe. But we know that there is much more work ahead of us. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating challenges that many vulnerable people face, including children who are abused, and as reporting of abuse has gone down during this pandemic, experts have made clear that it is because many children have been out of view of the people who often provide support and make reports, including teachers and school officials. prgtoken So as we work to pass the Jenna Quinn Law today, we also have to focus on passing a broader bipartisan reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide prgtoken even more tools to support children and families who are struggling. It is our duty to nurture and protect all of our country's children, and the Jenna Quinn Law is a strong step to help move us forward in meeting that responsibility. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation and to work together on additional bipartisan measures to protect the safety and well-being of children across the country. Again, I thank my friend from Texas for his leadership in moving this important bill forward, and I look forward continuing to work with him on these issues. prgtoken .
HEROES ACT FOR THE PEOPLE
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-17

nearly 200,000 Americans have tragically died from COVID-19 in the United States. In Riverside County, California, 1,136 have died and 56,201 people have been infected. prgtoken We have record-breaking unemployment in our Nation, with 13.7 percent unemployment in Riverside County. prgtoken They are our family, our neighbors, our friends. My constituents are struggling, and they urgently need relief. The Senate must get their act together. Their delay in stalling is a shame, and to make matters worse, their skinny-aid excuse of a proposal is much worse than a day late and a dollar short. prgtoken In fact, it has been 125 days since the House passed the HEROES Act. They must meet the HEROES Act at least halfway to provide another round of stimulus checks, extend unemployment benefits, small business support, and money for local and State governments to pay for essential services, like for police, firefighters, and teachers. prgtoken The Senate must act. The Senate must step up and bring this legislation for a vote. Meet us halfway to slow the spread and save lives as quickly and safely as possible. We need the HEROES Act for the people.
HONORING JUDGE LISA BLOCH RODWIN FOR HER DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor Erie County Family Court Judge Lisa Bloch Rod win as she retires from the bench after over thirty years of public service. Throughout her career as a judge, and previously as a prosecutor, Judge Bloch Rodwin's dedication and ingenuity helped secure the promise of equal justice before the law more fully for victims of domestic violence and others to whom it had previously too often been denied. prgtoken As an assistant district attorney, Judge Bloch Rodwin was the founder of one of the first domestic violence bureaus in a prosecutor's office nationally. Her work helped change the culture of the criminal justice system in Western New York; in important ways Judge Bloch Rodwin's efforts led the re-shaping of that system to more comprehensively address the scourge of domestic violence and related crimes with the vigor and the tenacity that justice requires. prgtoken After her appointment to the bench in 2007, and subsequent re- elections, Judge Bloch Rodwin continued this important work, developing and expanding programs to aid victims of domestic abuse and other crimes in under-served communities. She was the founding board chair of the Erie County Family Justice Center, as well as a founder of the Alexa Foundation, which serves child abuse and sexual assault survivors. We in Western New York have not been the only beneficiaries of Judge Bloch Rodwin's good work; she has been generous in providing the benefit of her widely sought-after expertise nation-wide to professionals in the criminal justice system, to national media outlets and to academics. It is appropriate that as a result of her work, Judge Bloch Rodwin has been the recipient of numerous national, regional and local awards and honors. prgtoken I ask my honorable colleagues to join me in thanking Judge Bloch Rodwin for her exemplary and courageous efforts, and in recognizing her extraordinary career and accomplishments. In specific, tangible ways, Western New York and the United States have become more just because of the Judge's good work, and we are all in her debt.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I submit for the Record a letter of support for this legislation from the March of Dimes. September 11, 2020. Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Dear Representative: On behalf of the March of Dimes, one of the leading non-profit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies and promotes the health of women, children and families across the life course, we enthusiastically support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bill would require employers to provide reasonable, temporary workplace accommodations to pregnant workers as long as the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. This bill is critically important because no one should have to choose between having a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. Three-quarters of women will be pregnant and employed at some point in their lives. Most pregnant workers can expect a normal pregnancy and healthy birth. However, healthcare providers have consistently recommended that some pregnant women make adjustments in their work activities to sustain a healthy pregnancy and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth or miscarriage. Workplace accommodations are medically necessary and can include allowing additional bathroom breaks, opportunities to stay hydrated, lifting restrictions, or access to a chair or stool to decrease time spent standing. Unfortunately, too many pregnant workers, particularly pregnant women of color, face barriers to incorporating even these small changes to their workdays. Workplace accommodations help safeguard a healthy pregnancy or prevent harm to a higher-risk pregnancy. Across the country, pregnant workers continue to be denied simple, no-cost or low-cost, temporary adjustments in their work settings or activities and instead risk being fired or forced to take unpaid leave to preserve the health of their pregnancy. Low-wage pregnant workers in physically demanding jobs, which are disproportionately occupied by people of color, feel the impact most acutely. This impossible choice forces many pregnant workers to continue working without accommodations, putting both mother and baby at risk of longlasting and severe health consequences. One of the main predictors of a healthy pregnancy is early and consistent prenatal care. Getting early and regular prenatal care can help ensure a healthy, full-term pregnancy. The costs of a healthy birth tend to be around $5,000, whereas the costs associated with a premature or complicated birth range closer to $76,000. Prenatal checkups are crucial and necessary, so that providers can answ
CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today in support of H. Res. 908, led by my colleague Representative Grace Meng. prgtoken I do feel compelled, though, to respond to my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Jordan. I was that subcommittee chairman. We held the first coronavirus hearing in this new pandemic addressing the issues. prgtoken Yes, we did identify it by its geographic origin as the Wuhan coronavirus. We also learned that as soon as we started to see instances of racism, violence against Asian Americans, that was a mistake. We stopped using that term. That is what we do as adults. prgtoken We are not here to instigate racism. We are not here to instigate violence against any ethnic group. prgtoken What we are here to do is actually defeat this pandemic. prgtoken In that hearing, what we talked about is it is fine doing a travel ban from a country. That would buy us some time. But we also rightfully identified that that travel ban wasn't going to prevent the virus from coming to the United States. It wasn't going to protect us. We had to get ready. prgtoken We squandered that time. prgtoken Look, this is a virus. It doesn't understand a country of origin. It doesn't know whether you are a or , what religion or God you worship. It is a virus. prgtoken It is shameful for Members of this body or anyone to continue to use language that potentially incites violence against any of our fellow citizens. That is what this resolution is about. Let's actually learn from that. prgtoken I don't call it by its geographic origin. It now has a name. At that time, it didn't have a name. It is called SARS-CoV2 or COVID-19. prgtoken We ought to call it by its name. We should not willfully or intentionally use language that potentially incites violence against any of our fellow citizens, that incites racism. We should be better than that. prgtoken Let's show the American public that we can actually learn, and let's lead by example. That is what we should be doing in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Again, we called it by its area of origin because the virus didn't have a name. We have learned from that. We don't do that. And we shouldn't intentionally use terminology that would incite violence against any ethnic group, religious group, or any of our fellow citizens.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , that is why the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act moves away from proving discrimination and creates an affirmative right to accommodation. Using the framework and language of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bill requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers, as long as the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. prgtoken Courts know exactly how to interpret that language. Employers know exactly what their responsibilities will be. But most importantly, women will have the certainty they can safely stay on the job. prgtoken That is why over 200 organizations have endorsed the legislation and why 30 States have passed pregnancy accommodations laws similar to the PWFA. prgtoken Providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers helps businesses, workers, and families. Passing this bill is long overdue. prgtoken I thank Mr. Katko for working with his Conference on this bill and Chairman Scott, Chairwoman Bonamici, Eunice Ikene, and the committee staff for shepherding the bill to the floor today. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote.
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN W. MATTHEWS, JR.
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and a true public servant. Senator John Wesley Matthews, Jr. is retiring after 46 years of service in the South Carolina State Legislature. He is renowned for his commitment to education and job creation especially in Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties, which he proudly serves. His leadership and tireless dedication will truly be missed. prgtoken John, a son of South Carolina, was born to Reverend John Wesley, Sr. and Victoria Williams Matthews. He is a graduate of South Carolina State College (now University), Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, and Lincoln Electrical Institute. prgtoken John began his career as a public-school teacher and rose to become a school principal. He was also a small business owner. These experiences led him to seek elective office and he ran for the South Carolina State House. He served as a State Representative from 1975 to 1984, when he ran for the State Senate. He has held the Senate District No. 39 seat since 1985. prgtoken While in the Senate, John served as a member of the Senate Education, Finance, Banking & Insurance Committee, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, and the Ethics and Interstate Cooperation Committee. He currently serves as the Assistant Minority Leader in the State Senate and as Chairman of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation. He has previously served as Chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and as a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Education Oversight Committee, a member of the 2016 ic National Platform Committee and a member of the Governor's Middle Grades Task Force. prgtoken In 2004, I was proud to be on hand, when the Orangeburg County Council named a 500-acre site at the intersections of U.S. Highways 301 and 176 the John W. Matthews Industrial Park. Our alma mater, South Carolina State also honored John in 2006 with the naming of the John W. Matthews, Jr. 1890 Extension Building. Last year, the South Carolina Senate unveiled a portrait of their colleague, currently the longest serving South Carolina State legislator. The portrait hangs in the Chamber. These honors are richly deserved and represent the impact that John has had on his native state. prgtoken In addition to his service in the General Assembly, John has served his community in many other capacities. He has served as a member of the South Carolina Education Association, the Orangeburg County Education Association, the Clemson University Board of Visitors, the Medical University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, the Winthrop Board of Visitors, the Human Affairs Commission Board of Trustees, the Voorhees College Board of Trustees, and the Claflin University Capital Campaign Steering Committee. prgtoken John has received numerous awards over the years including induction into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame and being named Minority Bus
Transportation (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-9-17

I come to the floor this afternoon to talk about the importance of aviation and continuing to focus on the workforce employed in aviation. I want to speak about the importance of the thousands of workers, including pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, baggage handlers, mechanics, catering workers, and many others, who are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken I believe we should continue to address the very important issues of the health aspects of the pandemic and the economic impact of the pandemic, but while we are working on developing a vaccine and developing better therapeutics and testing and stopping the spread of this virus, we also need to keep in mind that we do need transportation. prgtoken Prior to the pandemic, the aviation industry supported nearly 11 million American jobs, put $1.8 trillion to work in our economy, and contributed to about 5.2 percent of our GDP. In fact, civilian aviation is the seventh leading contributor of overall productivity. These are skilled, high-wage jobs that are critical to our economy that cannot be easily replaced. Maintaining our aviation sector is vital to the long- term economic success of our country. prgtoken When the pandemic hit, we saw a 96-percent drop in air travel, which instantly jeopardized thousands of jobs in this sector. We worked very hard in the CARES Act to create the right balance of capital for the aviation sector to continue because it is essential. We also have workers who are essential to their jobs, so we must keep moving to solve these problems from the pandemic. prgtoken The Payroll Support Program, which was created in the CARES Act and is being administered through the Department of the Treasury, was designed to compensate aviation industry workers and preserve jobs in order to help protect the essential aspects of aviation and airline services. The program continues to cover the costs of keeping people employed and keeping this vital piece of transportation moving. This is critically important because, in just a very short period of time, September 30, this program is going to expire. prgtoken Congress needs to act to extend the program. It is important that we provide this support through the PSP program for the aviation workers who are so essential to continuing to deliver these services. Aviation not only helps people move around the country for personal reasons and essential business reasons, but it also delivers good medicine and essential mail services. The fact is that most people probably have forgotten how important airlines are to delivering the U.S. mail, but they are important. prgtoken The CARES Act included requirements to ensure that smaller markets continue to receive air service and its associated benefits. As you can see, many of the airlines, in the uncertainty of what is happening with the CARES Act extension, are now cutting services to those communities. Doing another CARES Act
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and for bringing this vital legislation to the floor. prgtoken The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will ensure that no woman is unfairly fired or forced to risk the health of themselves or their pregnancy just to earn a paycheck. Our mothers deserve these Federal protections. prgtoken We want all to support our working mothers. Allowing them simple accommodations can ensure that they are able to continue working and provide a living for themselves and for their families. prgtoken Twenty-seven States have already passed laws that require certain employers to provide accommodations to pregnant women. It is time for federal action to ensure that all pregnant women are protected from discrimination and continue to support their families. This legislation is supported by both women's health groups and the business community. prgtoken I have here a letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce voicing strong support for this legislation, and I submit this letter for the Record. Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, September 14, 2020. To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 2694, the ``Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).'' As reported by the Committee on Education and Labor, this bipartisan compromise would protect the interests of both pregnant employees and their employers. The Chamber will consider including votes on this legislation in our How They Voted scorecard. Employers currently face great uncertainty about whether, and how, they are required to accommodate pregnant workers. The revised PWFA would clarify an employer's obligation to accommodate a pregnant employee or applicant with a known limitation that interferes with her ability to perform some essential functions of her position. The PWFA takes advantage of the widely known and accepted interactive process associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that is used to find reasonable accommodations for employees covered by the ADA, and also carries forward the 15-or-more-employee threshold from the
REMEMBERING THOMAS KANE GILHOOL
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-9-17

today I rise to recognize and pay tribute to Thomas Kane Gilhool, who championed the rights of inclusion for children and adults with disabilities and changed public policy in our country for all people with disabilities. His work was pivotal in affirming the constitutional right of children with disabilities to a public education, increasing community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, and creating a pathway for people with autism and other developmental disabilities to leave institutions and live with neighbors, friends, and family. prgtoken Tom Gilhool was an originating member of Philadelphia's Community Legal Services. At the start of his career, he helped to organize, train, and then represented the Philadelphia Welfare Rights Organization and the Residents Advisory Board, as well as other organizations representing residents in low-income neighborhoods. The recognition agreements he secured empowered those organizations to effectively represent welfare recipients and public housing tenants and served as models that were replicated throughout the country. prgtoken Tom Gilhool's seminal accomplishment was his groundbreaking representation of plaintiffs in the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC) v. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Nation's first civil rights case brought on behalf of children with disabilities. Kate Fialkowski, sister of two boys represented in the case, remembers Tom as ``an intellectual giant, lawyer, and legal historian,'' someone ``who used his gifts not for self-aggrandizement, but instead to raise up the lives of others, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.'' Prior to this case, children with disabilities were all but excluded from attending public schools. The decree of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in 1972 paved the way for the 1975 passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act--IDEA--which affirmed every child's right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. prgtoken Tom Gilhool's work on PARC v. Pennsylvania led to another landmark case on behalf of people with disabilities. In Pennhurst State School and Hospital v. Halderman, 1981, Tom Gilhool was lead counsel for residents of Pennhurst State School and Hospital, the residential home to almost 3,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By 1968, Pennhurst was exposed as an overcrowded, violent, and abusive setting. Through Tom's work, the right to habilitation in non-segregated settings was established. The ruling in Pennhurst v. Halderman was the forerunner of the 1999 Olmstead v. LC Supreme Court decision, establishing the right to treatment and services in community-based settings. Since that case, nearly 200,000 people have moved from abusive, segregated settings wh