mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING HEALTHIER LIFELONG IMPROVEMENTS IN FOOD AND EXERCISE ACT OF 2020
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise to introduce the Promoting Healthier Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise Act (LIFE Act), which authorizes a national initiative to attack a major health problem in the United States that cannot be remedied through the health care system alone. Increasing rates of overweight and obesity are now found among Americans of every age, race and major demographic group, and threaten the health of Americans like no disease or condition. In fact, the key to eliminating many of the most serious health conditions is not only to reduce overweight and obesity, but also to encourage exercise of all kinds. prgtoken The LIFE Act would provide $25 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a coordinated national effort to reverse increasingly sedentary lifestyles and diets that are high in fat and sugar. Specifically, my bill would require the CDC to establish the first national strategy to combat the overweight and obesity epidemic. The CDC, either directly or through grants to states or local organizations, would train health professionals to recognize the signs of overweight and obesity early in order to educate Americans about proper nutrition and regular exercise; conduct public education campaigns about how to recognize and address overweight and obesity; and develop intervention strategies for use in everyday life, such as in the workplace and community settings. prgtoken In 2017, estimates from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics showed that since 1971 to 1974, the percentage of children and adolescents who are obese has increased from 5 percent to 18.5 percent. The CDC also reports that Type 2 Diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is now widespread among children. The rising cost of the health care system, including insurance premiums, reflects this epidemic. Today, chronic diseases, many of which are caused or exacerbated by overweight and obesity, account for 70 percent of all deaths in the U.S and 75 percent of U.S. medical care costs. A focused national health initiative would provide guidance to the states to engage in similar programs, as mayors of some cities have done. prgtoken A national focus could lead to changes, such as greater participation in high school physical education classes, which dropped from 42 percent in 1991 to 25 percent in 1995 and has remained constant through 2015. Changes in nutrition are equally critical because more than half of all young people consume too much fat, a factor in the increase of overweight youth. Data also show an increase in unhealthy eating habits for adults and no change in physical activity. prgtoken To cite an example of the need for action, the District of Columbia is one of the fittest cities in the United States, according to a 2019 study by the American College of Sports Medicine, yet even here, obesity continues to be a severe problem. Approximately one-fifth of District residents are conside
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2020-1-27

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Today, I had the opportunity to attend the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau celebration that was held at the United Nations. prgtoken It was a stirring program with testimony from two survivors who told of the awful situation they had to survive, the loss of their parents, the atrocious conduct of the Nazis, and a systematic attempt to destroy the Jewish community. prgtoken There were survivors, a lady and a man, and the lady said: ``Hitler did not win.'' She had her family with her, and she said that her family is a sign that Hitler did not win. And he did not win. prgtoken But there is anti-Semitism in this world and in this country that is in greater numbers and greater volume and greater threats than any time since the Holocaust. We must stand up to it. prgtoken Many of the speakers talked about the importance of education and, indeed, that is important. prgtoken In 1984, I passed a Holocaust education program in the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, which exists to this day and is now a standing program. We need those programs in States, and we also need education in the classroom. The bill we passed today was important and good. But we need to do more than just talk about it. prgtoken When the Klan raises its ugly head in Charlottesville, Virginia, and other places, we have to condemn the Ku Klux Klan whose whole basis is against African Americans and against Jews because of their race and because of their religion. prgtoken Every person who is against anti-Semitism should be against racism, should be against all kinds of intolerance and discrimination because it starts with the Jews, but it never ends with the Jews. The Jews are, indeed, a canary--African Americans have been, too--of other problems in the society and the ugly head of racism and ethnic oppositions based on xenophobic conduct, so we have to be concerned. prgtoken When the Klan speaks up, we can't say in any way at all that there are fine people among the Klan's people. Nor can we do that with other groups. And when David Duke speaks up, we have to realize that David Duke hates Blacks and hates Jews and needs to be condemned by all people on both sides. prgtoken I want to read a quote that I saw on social media. I am not a big fan of social media. I use it to some extent, but much of it is hateful. prgtoken But this is from a man who goes by the name of Julius Goat. I think his real name is A. R. Moxon: ``Historians have a word for Germans who joined the Nazi party, not because they hated Jews, but out of a hope for restored patriotism, or a sense of economic anxiety, or a hope to preserve their religious values, or dislike of their opponents, or raw political opportunism, or convenience, or ignorance, or greed. ``That word is `Nazi.' Nobody cares about their motives anymore.'' prgtoken The motives which brought about the Nazi Party and the Holocaust need to be confronted in its
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-1-27

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, to honor the memories of the 6 million Jews and 5 million others murdered during the Holocaust and to tell the world that we will never forget. Today, we remember the lives lost during this incredibly dark period in human history. prgtoken Jewish children of my generation grew up seeing the dark numbers etched into the arms of friends, neighbors, and family. We heard the stories directly from survivors about the families they loved and lost, the unspeakable brutality they endured, and the freedom they felt so lucky to have secured here in America. prgtoken But today's children are the last generation who will have the opportunity to see and hear for themselves the stories of survivors. It is, therefore, our responsibility to keep their voices alive, to tell their stories, to be certain they know this history, and, most importantly, to absorb the lessons of the Holocaust so we can prevent future evil, inhumanity, and brutality. prgtoken Sadly, we know that, in the United States today, fewer people are learning about the Holocaust. A Pew Research survey recently found that only 38 percent of American teens knew that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. prgtoken At the same time that Holocaust education is declining, we see a significant rise of neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements being fueled by the ability to communicate online and a rise in anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and around the world. prgtoken If there is anything we can do to honor the lives of those murdered in the Shoah, it is to ensure that we don't allow time to erase their stories, their memories. prgtoken We can't just look back. We must apply the lessons learned from the Holocaust, as painful as they are, to fight against hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and to remember the words of Dr. King: ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' prgtoken Our burden as policymakers is to make certain that we are engaged in that fight against hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. I pray on this day of remembrance that we honor those who suffered and died at the hands of Nazi Germany by standing up to injustice wherever we see it. prgtoken s for their support on this somber day, and I urge Americans everywhere to never forget.
ADVANCING RESEARCH TO PREVENT SUICIDE ACT
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4704) to direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to support multidisciplinary research on the science of suicide, and to advance the knowledge and understanding of issues that may be associated with several aspects of suicide including intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to areas such as wellbeing, resilience, and vulnerability, as amended.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER TORRANCE MAYOR KEN MILLER
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Ken Miller--a beloved husband, father, and grandfather--who passed away on January 19, 2020 at the age of 97. Ken was a beloved community member who formerly served as the Mayor of the City of Torrance in my congressional district. prgtoken Born on August 20, 1922 in Torrance, California, Ken remains the only Mayor of Torrance to have been born in Torrance. After graduating high school in 1941, Ken joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in China, prgtoken Burma, and India during World War II. Upon the conclusion of the war, Ken returned to his education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College. He later received his teaching credential from the University of Southern California. Shortly after receiving his credential, Ken discovered a love for real estate and founded Ken Miller Realty. Ken met his wife, Judy, in 1952, and they married that same year. prgtoken Ken's career in local government began with his service on the Torrance Planning Commission from 1960 to 1962. Ken went on to serve as a City Councilmember from 1962 to 1970. Following his service on the City Council, Ken was elected Mayor in 1970. Ken served two terms as the Mayor of Torrance, leaving office in 1978. prgtoken During his tenure as Mayor, Ken successfully spearheaded efforts to impose a two-term limit on the mayoral office through changes to the City Charter. The City of Torrance also owes much of its park space to Ken and his efforts to acquire land for public use. While in office, Ken helped to establish the Torrance Sister City Association, a program that aims to foster relationships between two different countries. Through his efforts, the City of Torrance developed a relationship with the City of Kashiwa, Japan that still exists today. prgtoken After ending his political career, Ken co-founded South Bay Bank in 1982, serving as a chairman until 2007. Ken's civic service commitments extend to his presidency of the Torrance-Lomita Board of Realtors, his board membership at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and his presidency of the Switzer Center Board of Directors. In 1990, the City of Torrance honored Ken with the Jared Sidney Torrance Award. prgtoken Ken is survived by his wife, Judy, their three children, Randy, Jim, and Cathy, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson, whom I hope take comfort in the way Ken lived his life serving the city that he loved. Torrance loved him back. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

I rise in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. prgtoken Last week, I was honored to join the 's congressional delegation to Poland and Israel, where we visited Auschwitz and participated in the Fifth World Holocaust Forum. prgtoken We cannot fight the scourge of anti-Semitism without remembering the horrors that can occur when hate is allowed to flourish. As we commemorate this important day, we remember those lost, and let the lessons from the Holocaust guide our work today. prgtoken As a co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti- Semitism, I will continue to work with my prgtoken colleagues from both sides of the aisle to identify long-term solutions to this age-old problem.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3621, STUDENT BORROWER CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 550, MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD WAR II CONGRESSIONAL...
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Everything we have talked about has been partisan and divisive. What you have just heard from the gentleman from Oregon is to say, in the midst of why ever it is the majority has chosen to use this rule today to move partisan priorities, to make statements instead of policy, that we have one opportunity to make policy, actual policy, policy that passed the Senate unanimously, policy that America needs, desires, that is going to expire next week, and that, if we added it today, would go straight to the President's desk for his approval. prgtoken I can't count the number of times my colleagues have said that issues deserve debate. I didn't come here to be part of a debating society. I came here to be a part of a getting-something-done group, conscientious men and women who want to do the best they can to serve their constituents. prgtoken My friend from Oregon is offering us a chance to do exactly that today, and I would ask my friends--they have seen fit to use a very strange procedure to turn a Congressional Gold Medal for merchant mariners bill into a bill on war and peace. They have seen fit to strip away an opportunity for any voices to be heard on any of those measures whatsoever. prgtoken They could, as long as they are setting precedent, go ahead and support our defeat of the previous question today to add one more item so that we don't leave here today having just made a point, so that we can leave here today having made a difference, as my friend from Oregon is giving us the opportunity to do.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3621, STUDENT BORROWER CREDIT IMPROVEMENT ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 550, MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD WAR II CONGRESSIONAL...
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-28

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Again, just to recapitulate, today's rule provides for consideration of legislation to do two things: one, to limit funding for any military action in or against Iran; and, two, repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force. I do believe it is correct to advocate for Congress to retake Article I powers, and it is correct to negotiate a new Authorization for Use of Military Force. prgtoken I was not here in 2002. I was not able to vote on that legislation. However, we should not repeal the existing 2002 authorization without a hearing, without a markup, and without fully assessing how it will affect our troops in the region. Further, we should evaluate whether or not a new Authorization for Use of Military Force should take its place. prgtoken In fact, 2 or 3 weeks ago, ic leadership of this House brought H. Con. Res. 83. The House passed this earlier this month. In the findings, the majority stated: ``The United States has national interests in preserving its partnership with Iraq.'' Yet, here we are now just a few weeks later considering a repeal of that very authority. prgtoken If it was important 3 weeks ago, how did it become unimportant today? We don't know because we haven't had a hearing. prgtoken Limiting funding for any military action in and against Iran simply broadcasts our plans or lack thereof to the enemy, potentially inciting further aggression. Weakness is provocative. prgtoken I voted for an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act prohibiting funding for authorized military action in Iran because it was offered, considered, and voted on following regular order. But neither piece of legislation addressing war authorities before us today has been marked up or has had committee consideration. prgtoken We heard last night in the Rules Committee that there have been hearings focused on Iran and that, in fact, suffices. But, realistically, regional hearings do not allow for the serious discussion required for an Authorization for Use of Military Force and including funding for military action. prgtoken In addition, currently, the ic majority is using a vehicle that removes minority s' ability to offer that one opportunity to amend the bill that is known as the motion to recommit. That is a long-honored tradition of both sides that there should at least be one opportunity for the minority to be heard. prgtoken So, I believe it is wrong to rush to limit war authorities, and it is irresponsible. prgtoken Do you know what, Madam ? In a dangerous world, it is downright dangerous. Congress should be authorizing action through a renegotiated Authorization for Use of Military Force rather than passing a resolution prohibiting funding for military activity. prgtoken I remember on the floor of this House, a former colleague, Rob Simmons from Connecticut, a , when there was an effort to limit funding du
IOWA CAUCUSES
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-1-28

this coming Monday, the first in the Nation Iowa caucuses kick off the Presidential nomination process. The Presidential preference part of the caucus is just one part, however. In truth, the Iowa caucuses are an example of grassroots democracy. Iowa voters for each political party gather in each of the 1681 precincts across my State. At these neighborhood meetings, voters discuss issues of local and national importance and elect party officers and convention delegates. The platform planks approved and the officers and delegates elected often have a longer lasting impact on the political parties than the Presidential preference votes. prgtoken , in a week, all political focus will be set on my home State of Iowa for the first in the Nation precinct caucuses. Many pundits ask why Iowa should be awarded this much impact in the Presidential nomination process? Iowans take this job seriously. They study the candidates' backgrounds and positions on issues and they thoughtfully listen to the debates. In Iowa, Presidential candidates must explain and discuss their positions and answer tough questions directly to citizens instead of relying on advertising. Candidates who have done this successfully will be rewarded with momentum and excitement that could launch the rest of their candidacy.
TRIAL OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-28

the impeachment trial of President has devolved into a parade of last-minute red herrings meant to distract this body from the issue at hand. The near-hysteria over books, boredom, and beef jerky has provided a convenient vehicle for the House managers, who are trying their best to peddle outrage as evidence. prgtoken We learned nothing new from the House managers' presentations, but outside the Senate Chamber, they have been doing their best to convince us that we are one ``bombshell'' away from, at last, having all the elements needed for a speedy conviction. These efforts to keep unfounded allegations in the limelight have not gone unnoticed by those who should be commanding our attention: the American people. prgtoken Outside the beltway, Americans have grown weary of trials and talking points. They have heard enough, and they have had enough. prgtoken Taking that feedback into consideration, I thought it might be helpful to offer an update on what we could be focusing on instead of this farcical partisan grudge match. prgtoken Behind the scenes, we are limping along as best we can, but our focus is necessarily distracted from regular business. Before our time was monopolized by impeachment, the Senate was making wonderful progress on filling the Federal bench with well-qualified, constitutionalist judges. prgtoken When we weren't interviewing those nominees, members of the Judiciary Committee spent time hearing testimony on privacy, competition, and the crisis on our southern border. prgtoken Before impeachment, Senators serving on the Veterans' Affairs Committee were hard at work considering a comprehensive mental health bill that would strengthen veteran mental health and suicide prevention programs. My own IMPROVE Act is part of this effort. We were also working on the IT Reform Act, which would improve information technology projects at the VA, and the Network of Support Act, which would help VA officials guide veterans through the emotional upheaval of transitioning between Active Duty and civilian life. We were doing all of this in addition to our continued oversight of the VA MISSION Act, and check-ins on struggling clinics such as the one in Murfreesboro, TN, which just reduced bed space for veterans struggling with opiate addiction and thoughts of suicide. prgtoken This Thursday, we have an Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S.' role in AFRICOM. When I visited with our troops in Djibouti and Somalia at the end of last year, I saw firsthand the importance of our advisory support on the African continent. Drawing down resources or personnel in AFRICOM would harm our position as we compete with Russia and China--but we won't have much time to discuss this potentially disastrous change. Every day, work grinds to a halt at 1:00 p.m so that we can sit in our seats in the Senate Chamber and focus on the impeachment trial. prgtoken We could be paying attention to the full-blow
TRIBUTE TO BRANDON ROBERTS AND STACIA FUZESY
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-1-28

this week I have the honor of recognizing Brandon Roberts and Stacia Fuzesy of Chouteau County for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. prgtoken Brandon and Stacia opened the Golden Triangle Brewing Co. in Fort Benton. Their craft beers showcase the rich history of Montana ag and the grain growers of the Golden Triangle. Working with local farmers, Brandon and Stacia are energizing the local economy and crafting beers that Montanans can call their own. prgtoken They have also worked with local historians to help create unique names for their craft beer that highlight Montana history such as Shepweizen and Bentonbier. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Brandon and Stacia for opening up this thriving Montana small business that promotes our rich history and values. Small craft breweries like the Golden Triangle Brewing Co. are helping drive the economy across Big Sky Country. Keep on brewing.