mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. prgtoken For 50 years, NIAAA has been the leader in generating and disseminating fundamental information about the effects of alcohol on our health and well-being and applying that knowledge to improve the lives of those struggling with alcohol-related problems. prgtoken In the United States alone, nearly 15 million people have an alcohol- use disorder. An estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually, and alcohol misuse has immeasurable impacts on families and communities across our Nation. prgtoken While NIAAA has made significant achievements toward improving public health over the past 50 years, such as illuminating the negative effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and supporting the development of effective behavioral therapies and medications to treat alcohol use disorder, more work is needed. prgtoken With technological advances and an expanding knowledge base, NIAAA is poised to advance alcohol research to the next frontier toward the goal of helping more Americans live healthier, more productive lives.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR CATHERINE ``CATIE'' SHUTTERS SUNDIN-
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-11-18

today, I rise to pay tribute to MAJ Catherine ``Catie'' Shutters Sundin and her service as an officer in the U.S. Army. I am especially grateful for her support to my office as an Army congressional fellow from January to December 2017 and, later, as the Army congressional budget liaison, where she supported my responsibilities as the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Major Shutters Sundin will complete her military service in November after more than 12 years of honorable service. prgtoken A native of Muskegon, MI, Major Shutters Sundin entered the military as a paralegal in the Indiana Army National Guard. After completing her initial military training, she attended Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College in Lexington, MO, where she commissioned as a second lieutenant. She completed her undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of Central Missouri and accessed nto Active-Duty status as an aviation officer. She attended flight school at Fort Rucker, AL, in 2008, graduating as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. She also has a master's degree in legislative affairs from the George Washington University. prgtoken Major Shutters Sundin has served in a number of assignments during her Army career. Her first assignment as an aviation officer was with the 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. As a small unit leader in Alpha Company, she deployed her platoon to multiple joint training exercises and ultimately to Khost Province in eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12-13. While in combat, she served as task force intelligence officer, where she was charged with leading an intelligence unit that provided threat analysis, briefings to aircrews and leadership, and assisted military decision making. prgtoken Upon redeployment, Major Shutters Sundin attended the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning, GA, in preparation for her company command at Hunter Army Airfield, GA. There, she commanded Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade from January 2014 to February 2016. Major Shutters Sundin's team of 42 personnel and 10 UH-60M assault helicopters supported a number of training exercises to include a 9-month deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Bravo Company was the first aviation unit to be a prgtoken persistent presence in Eastern Europe, where they flew across the Baltic States and Poland to strengthen NATO relationships while deterring against the threat of Russian aggression. prgtoken In 2017, as an Army congressional fellow, I had the privilege of working with Major Shutters Sundin in my office for a year and during her subsequent assignment as the Army congressional budget liaison. She worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and their staff to accurately represent the Army's budget positions to the Senate
MAGNITSKY ACT
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-11-18

earlier today, Senator Wicker and I participated in a call with our colleagues from Europe in regard to their efforts to pass a Global Magnitsky statute. I mention that because this month represents the 11th year anniversary of the tragic death of Sergei Magnitsky. prgtoken Sergei Magnitsky was a lawyer in Russia, representing a client when he discovered the largest tax fraud in modern Russian history--$230 million. Many of the individuals who were involved in this corruption had ties with Russia's President, Vladimir Putin. prgtoken Mr. Magnitsky did what any lawyer is required to do, he reported the fraud that he discovered to the local authorities and asked for them to investigate the issue. Instead, Sergei Magnitsky was arrested. He was imprisoned without parole; he was beaten; he was tortured; and he died in jail without medical help in November of 2009. prgtoken There was no accountability for the perpetrators of this atrocity. In fact, prgtoken many of the perpetrators actually were promoted. We did something about it. As members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, we recognized, in 1975, the countries that comprise the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, including Russia, committed to basic human rights for their people, that their government would be honest, and that they would protect the rights of their citizens. The Helsinki Final Act gave every member state the right to question what other States were doing in compliance with the Helsinki Final Act ideals. prgtoken It is legitimate for us to question what Russia is doing in carrying out its commitment, so we did something about it. I introduced legislation known as the Magnitsky Act. I want you to know this was a bipartisan effort. My partner in the passage of the Magnitsky Act was the late Senator John McCain. My partner in passing the Global Magnitsky Act and the Magnitsky Act is my good friend Roger Wicker, who is the chair of the Senate U.S. Helsinki Commission. We worked together to make sure that we passed these Magnitsky Acts. prgtoken What does it do? What it does is the country does not hold accountable those who violate basic global human rights of its citizens; we impose sanctions. Those sanctions prevent that individual who perpetrated these acts from visiting the United States through the issuance of a visa or participating in our banking system. prgtoken Why do we do this? Today, we heard from Mr. Kara-Murza, who is one of the activists on human rights in Russia who has been poisoned twice by the Russian Government. What he said about the mantra of the Kremlin is: They steal at home and spend abroad. They don't want their money in rubles; they want their money in dollars. So if we can prevent them from using our banking system, we can really make it hurt. prgtoken Let me tell you how important this is. It is not limited to Russia. We passed the Global Magnitsky law so it applies to all of the countries where
REJECTION OF DEMOCRAT POLICIES
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , today, I rise to welcome my new colleagues who will join the 117th Congress. This group includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including a historic number of conservative women. prgtoken The ideals that these conservative Members stand for are a rejection of the ideals of the radical left. prgtoken The American people have spoken and voted against defunding the police, against overreaching legislation to take election independence away from our States, against adding Justices to the Supreme Court, and against moving our country toward the failed policies of socialism. prgtoken Instead, the American people are interested in issues that will move our country forward, like supporting our veterans, securing our border, addressing our aging infrastructure, and ensuring our country remains a safe place to live, worship, and raise a family. prgtoken In short, the American people want and deserve from their leaders real solutions to problems facing our Nation, and I will continue to work with others toward finding those solutions and advancing our conservative principles.
HONORING THOMAS LOWRY
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor Tom Lowry of Taylorville, my friend, who passed away last Sunday. prgtoken In 1971, Tom opened a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in our hometown and operated it until he retired in 2015. Tom will be remembered in the community for his dedication to running the KFC and making everyone who walked through the door feel like family. prgtoken For a long time, he was also on the board of directors at First National Bank. prgtoken But I am going to remember Tom the most because he was my neighbor. After every single snowfall, since I lived right by him, and all of us on the same street, we would never have to wake up to an unplowed driveway because that is just what Tom did. prgtoken I am going to miss seeing Tom with his dog on his golf cart rolling down our street, but he is also going to be mostly remembered for the love of his kids and grandkids. prgtoken His passing is a loss for Taylorville and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. prgtoken Shannon and I send our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Fran; his kids, Cheryl and Jerry; his grandkids, Joel, Anna, and Jillian; and his sister, Gloria. prgtoken Tom, we will miss you, man. May you rest in peace.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-11-19

even though IRAPs are in the early stages, we are already seeing many new stakeholders getting involved. The program is showing tremendous promise, and we are finally starting to grow apprenticeship programs in industries that have never used them before. prgtoken We believe in allowing businesses to make the decisions they believe are best for their employees to learn the skills that they need. That is the fundamental difference in the approach to apprenticeship. prgtoken I will be offering an amendment that will allow the law to reach the full potential of apprenticeships to help fill in-demand jobs by addressing some of these issues.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise in honor of National Rural Health Day and to commend our healthcare providers across the 25th District of Texas for their determination during this once-in-a-generation public health crisis. prgtoken Throughout COVID-19, these men and women have stepped up to continue serving Texans and protecting the well-being of our families. prgtoken I am proud to closely partner with rural health facilities in our district like Goodall-Witcher in Clifton and Baylor Scott & White in Marble Falls, and to provide them with tangible relief and resources under the CARES Act. prgtoken To further support their mission, I introduced the Ensuring Telehealth Expansion Act that would help ensure ease of care for both physicians and their patients, especially during the pandemic. prgtoken As our world becomes more dependent on technology for healthcare delivery, it is crucial we adapt by creating policies that ensure the highest quality of care possible. prgtoken To our central Texas doctors, nurses, physicians, first responders, and all other medical professionals, we simply say thank you. prgtoken May God bless you, may God bless Texas, and may He continue to bless the United States of America. prgtoken In God we trust.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-11-19

I thank the distinguished leader of our Education and Labor Committee for yielding and for her service. prgtoken , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. prgtoken Originally passed in 1937, the National Apprenticeship Act established the registered apprenticeship system that we have come to know. prgtoken For more than 80 years, this system has provided many Americans with opportunities to learn tangible skills they need for high-wage, high- skill, and in-demand jobs that will lead to fulfilling careers. prgtoken Most recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships surge as more employees and small businesses are recognizing the critical role that they play in the development of a skilled workforce. prgtoken This law is in desperate need of reforms that will both strengthen and expand this traditional system while empowering employers and others to pursue work-based learning innovation. prgtoken As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have always supported, and will continue to support, legislation that promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy. prgtoken With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be suitable by itself for a modern workforce. prgtoken And on this point, this bill ignores the needs of our workers and our economy now in the 21st century. prgtoken The administration has taken tremendous steps to grow the number of high quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS. prgtoken This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving economy. prgtoken , there is room for an all-of-the-above approach that both improves the registered system while also allowing for future innovation and other earn-and-learn models. prgtoken However, this legislation does not change the current status quo. prgtoken For that reason, I must urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. prgtoken We must craft a bipartisan bill that encourages employers to innovate and develop apprenticeship programs that meet the needs of the current workplace. prgtoken Employers are struggling enough with the challenges presented by COVID-19. The last thing they need is additional red tape and tenuous requirements.
HONORING JOAN HARDIE MUNFORD
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise in honor of Joan Hardie Munford, who passed away on November 11, 2020. Mrs. Munford was a businesswoman and represented parts of the New River Valley in the Virginia House of Delegates, where she was a legislator of accomplishment. prgtoken Joan Hardie was born on October 25, 1933, in Blacksburg, Virginia to John D. Hardie and Hester Price Hardie. Her family owned businesses including the popular Hardie House restaurant in the area. She attended Blacksburg High School, where she met her eventual husband Thomas William Munford Jr and graduated in 1951. She then attended Radford College, now Radford University, and earned a degree in Education. prgtoken Mrs. Munford embarked on a business career, participating in the founding of a property and nursing home development corporation in the early 1970s. She worked as a licensed nursing home administrator for Heritage Hall in Blacksburg, and it became a chain with seventeen nursing homes across Virginia. She eventually rose to the position of Vice President of Operations. prgtoken In 1981, Mrs. Munford was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the Thirteenth District and become one of the few women in the General Assembly. In the House, she served on the Corporations, Insurance, and Banking, Labor and Commerce, and Education Committees. She was an accomplished legislator involved in passing laws regarding education, child labor, and workplace regulation among other topics. By the time she retired from the House of Delegates in 1993, she had risen to chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee. prgtoken Retiring from the House of Delegates did not end Mrs. Munford's community service, as she served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank of Christiansburg and the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and as a member of the first planning committee for Virginia Tech's Choices and Challenges Forum Series. She was an active member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and loved music, especially playing the piano, throughout her life. prgtoken Mrs. Munford is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and David Harder; her grandsons, James Harder and Benjamin Harder and his wife, Jacquelyn Harder; and great-grandchildren, Cole and Airlie Harder. I offer my condolences to them on the loss of this community servant and advocate.
HONORING U.S. ARMY STAFF SERGEANT KYLE McKEE
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-11-19

I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kyle McKee. prgtoken Staff Sergeant McKee was killed on November 12 in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during a routine peacekeeping mission in Egypt. He was one of five American soldiers who lost their lives in that crash, all members of the Multinational Force and Observers, which oversees the peace agreement reached between Egypt and Israel as part of the Camp David Accords of 1978. prgtoken This tragic loss of life came less than 24 hours after our Nation observed Veterans Day, and it is a somber reminder that the security and the freedoms we enjoy each and every day are not free. They are paid for by the service and sacrifice of brave men and women in uniform like Staff Sergeant McKee. prgtoken Originally from Leroy Township, Staff Sergeant McKee graduated from Riverside High School in 2003 and followed in both his father's and brother's footsteps when he enlisted in the Army that same year. prgtoken In the 17 years that have passed since, he served as a crew chief in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, receiving numerous awards and decorations, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and both the Army Commendation and Achievement Medals. prgtoken I could go on. The list of Staff Sergeant McKee's military accolades is not a short one. prgtoken But he wasn't just a patriot who stepped up to serve his country. He was also a dedicated husband to his wife, Nikki, and a father to not only two sons but his daughter, who is expected to be born any day now. prgtoken As a father of three myself, I can't begin to imagine the pain his family is feeling right now. prgtoken I invite the entire northeast Ohio community to join Kelly and me in keeping them in our prayers and giving them strength and support during this difficult time. prgtoken I know this entire Chamber is forever grateful to Staff Sergeant McKee for his service, so I would like to conclude by requesting a moment of silence to honor his life and pray for his loved ones.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-11-19

I would like to, with the other people, say it was very enjoyable working with Congresswoman Davis. I wish she would have given me a chance before she made a decision to try to convince her to stay here because we are going to miss her. prgtoken Apprenticeships are very important. We have a good apprenticeship program in Wisconsin. We are told that, right now, people who complete both the work and classroom requirements of the apprenticeship program have a median income of $80,000. That shows the importance of having a bill like this brought to the floor. And I will tell you, it is not only an $80,000 salary but, I am sure, a much lower debt load than many people who use a 4-year degree. prgtoken I think it is important for everybody in this Chamber to continue to emphasize to young people the pathway to a career through apprenticeships, which probably results in more job security, more income, and less debt than other things. prgtoken It is with great regret I am going to vote against this bill today. prgtoken I do believe that there is such a high demand for what I call skills- based education that it is important we open up alternative avenues to apprenticeships. prgtoken We have talked today about a need to recognize the apprenticeship programs. That is certainly one way. It is unfortunate that didn't make it in this bill. I know a lot of effort was made to make this a bipartisan bill, and maybe we can come back in the appropriations process or something and somehow make a few tweaks in there to make it something that would be more bipartisan. prgtoken But I am glad the bill is coming this far. It provides us all an opportunity to go back home in our districts and bring it up to young people and tell them about the benefits of apprenticeships and that you are missing something big-time if you don't take advantage of it.
1982 VOTE MACHINE RIGGING
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-11-19

this is my third speech in a series. Earlier, I cited constitutional and Federal law mandating that Congress, not the Supreme Court, determines whether to accept or reject State electoral college votes, and Congress, not the Supreme Court, has the final verdict on Presidential elections. prgtoken My remaining speeches describe voting system failures that threaten our Republic. prgtoken For emphasis, all republics depend on election processes that give candidates and citizens confidence that results accurately reflect voter will. Unfortunately, America's election process has systemic weaknesses that too often allow voter fraud and election theft, and fail America. prgtoken Today, I share my personal experience as a voter fraud and election theft target. prgtoken In 1982, dominated Alabama. All Alabama statewide elected officials were . The legislature had 136 to only four s. held every single partisan elected office in Alabama's Tennessee Valley, from Mississippi on the west to Georgia on the east. prgtoken In 1982, I ran as a in Alabama House District 18. On election day morning, angry voters called me nonstop about voting machines blocking them from voting for Mo Brooks. prgtoken At first, I blew these phone calls off as isolated problems, naively trusting America's election system. That trust was soon shattered. prgtoken I am a former prosecutor. After the election, another attorney and I investigated. We questioned witnesses, examined documents, and inspected voting machines. prgtoken Our investigation revealed that 11 of 45 voting machines, 25 percent of all voting machines in my district, were rigged to block votes for Mo Brooks. In contrast, not a single machine blocked voting for my opponent or any other candidate on the ballot. prgtoken At one voting precinct with five rigged voting machines, poll workers told voters that to vote for Mo Brooks, they had to give up their secret ballot right and sign a sheet on a wall for all to see. prgtoken After the election, officials declared the voting machine problem was possibly caused by jostling in transit that somehow affected me, but nobody else. prgtoken What bunk. prgtoken My hometown is the birthplace of America's space program. We know math. Mathematically, if there are 26 candidates and a machine blocks one candidate's votes, the odds of that candidate being blocked are 1 in 26. If there are two machines and each block only one candidate, the odds of that candidate being blocked both times are 1 in 26 squared, or 1 chance out of 676 chances. prgtoken Similarly, if there are 11 machines and each block a single candidate's votes, the odds that all 11 blocked out Mo Brooks and no one else are a 1 chance in 26 to the 11th power, which equals 1 chance out of 3.6 quadrillion chances. Hence, the probabilities that these 11 voting machines were rigged is an overwhelming 3.6 quadrillion to 1. prgtoken