mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CEILING FAN IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2020
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-9

I also thank Representative Guthrie, who cosponsored this legislation with me, and also Chairman Pallone and Chairman Bobby Rush for their help in moving this bill forward. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill that provides an important fix to an energy conservation rule for ceiling fans that the Department of Energy finalized in January 2017. prgtoken However, minor technical changes to the rule were needed in order to prevent a major unintended consequence. Without this bill, some of the most energy-efficient, large-diameter ceiling fans would have to be taken off the market in the United States. So we fixed that. prgtoken The bill will also provide consistent labeling requirements for residential ceiling fans and simplify the ENERGY STAR program. Both of these changes will make it easier for Americans to choose the right products for their homes. Representative Guthrie and I worked together with ceiling fan manufacturers, the energy efficiency community, and other stakeholders to clarify the standard. The Department of Energy was consulted throughout the drafting process. prgtoken What pleases me really the most about this legislation is that it highlights how we need legislation, big and small, to tackle the climate crisis. prgtoken This bill also highlights how we can work together across the aisle to enact commonsense policies that directly impact energy usage in homes and save American families money on their energy bill at the same time. prgtoken , I look forward to continuing to work together with my colleagues in the next Congress.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2020-12-9

. I am going to be very, very short. prgtoken The truth is that serving with Doug Jones has been a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for me. This guy's last name shouldn't be Jones; it should be ``Justice.'' He is somebody like nobody I prgtoken have ever seen, whose moral compass is so tuned into right that it has just been an incredible pleasure for me to be able to serve with him and to know him and to also wish him the best moving forward. prgtoken I don't think we have heard the last of Doug Jones. Doug is not the kind of person who will shrink away. There will be another moment where he can exhibit his ability of common sense, as he has done here in the U.S. Senate for the last 3 years. prgtoken I am deeply going to miss his friendship and his ability to sort the wheat from the chaff because he has been able to do that from day one and continued today with his farewell speech. prgtoken I just want to say, God bless you, Doug Jones, and God bless your family. prgtoken .
ALS DISABILITY INSURANCE ACCESS ACT OF 2019
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-9

. Madam , I rise in support of S. 578, the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation that enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support in the Congress. prgtoken This bill ends the five-month waiting period for people with ALS to access Social Security Disability. For some in the country, a five- month wait would not be a great burden, but for those with ALS, which is fatal, many die waiting, never receiving the benefits they earned by paying into Social Security. prgtoken ALS is an aggressive neurodegenerative disease that robs people of their muscle movement, their employment, and their lives in a brief time following diagnosis. By ending the harmful waiting period, this bill will allow Americans who face an ALS diagnosis to immediately receive the Social Security benefits they've earned and deserve. prgtoken I salute my friend and colleague, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for authoring this important legislation and I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill and for the President to immediately sign it into law.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2020-12-9

I also rise to acknowledge my dear, dear friend Doug, but I do it in a different vein. So many good things have been said, and I think anyone who knows Doug or who has paid attention to what has been said today had found it has been very accurate as far as his having a commitment to the rule of law and his compassion for any person, especially for those who haven't had the same opportunities as all of us have had in life. That is what has moved us all. Yet I have gotten to see him in a different light. prgtoken He and Louise invited me down. I got to campaign with them, and it was all about Alabama. I got to go down and spend a couple of days. That tells you of the true person. It not only tells you what he believes and what he feels for the people of his State and how he represents them, but it truly tells us what the people of his State think of him. I saw it firsthand. I saw it at a football game. Now, Nick Saban and I grew up together in a small, little coal mining community. prgtoken I want you to know that Coach Saban and Terry, his wife, send their best. They want to thank you for your service. prgtoken To see the fans gather around Doug and to see the happiness that he and Louise had when we were just out, going through the tailgates, was a wonderful, wonderful sight. That tells me everything about his purpose for being here. I hope those in Alabama know how truly fortunate they are to have this gentleman, who loves Alabama with every fiber and bone in his body. He has given them everything he has and has represented their State better than any State I have ever seen represented with the true passion that he has. prgtoken I love you, buddy. Thank you
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-12-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act. In recent years, including in this most recent election cycle, many States have taken action to allow cannabis use. While States are moving ahead with this action, there is a significant need for more research about the use of cannabis products in these States and the safety of products on the shelves. prgtoken According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 36 States, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia have approved medical cannabis programs, while 15 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands have approved adult-use cannabis. This is a major shift in cannabis policy, and the United States is not the only one making these changes. prgtoken Just last week, in a vote by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the body acknowledged the medicinal and therapeutic potential of cannabis and removed it from the most restrictive classification category. While still voicing a need for control, the United States voted in favor of this move, stating that the legitimate medical use of cannabis has been established through scientific research. prgtoken Unfortunately, American researchers seeking to study the products widely available and used by consumers in these States and territories face restrictions and numerous hurdles created by U.S. Federal policy. It is time we break through this catch-22. This bipartisan bill begins to address this issue by reducing barriers to cannabis research. prgtoken In January, the Committee on Energy and Commerce heard from Federal officials about the difficulty researchers face when it comes to conducting research with cannabis. As an example, for years, there has been only one source of marijuana made available by the University of Mississippi that can be used in the U.S. for research purposes. Another difficulty is that the current Federal registration requirements can be time-consuming and add unique and additional responsibilities than what is required for other types of medical research. prgtoken The Council on Governmental Relations, an association of research universities and other entities, says that this more cumbersome process often requires 6 to 12 months to complete. prgtoken In testimony before our committee on this bill, Dr. Nora Volkow, who is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, underscored this point. She testified that barriers in the current process ``present challenges to advancing cannabis research.'' As a result, she said, we have a gap in our understanding of cannabis products on health. prgtoken , now this bill, H.R. 3797, addresses some of these barriers by streamlining the registration process for those who want to advance cannabis research. The bill does this while still maintaining appropriate oversight from both the De
TIMELY REVIEW OF INFRASTRUCTURE ACT
Michael F. Doyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-9

I am pleased that today the House will consider the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act introduced by Representative Pete Olson of Texas and myself. I would like to thank Mr. Olson for his leadership and partnership on this bill and commend him and his staff on their tireless efforts to get it across the finish line. prgtoken The United States has always been a global leader when it comes to energy development and that is just a true today as it has ever been. However, in order to maintain and grow our energy sector, we need to ensure that we are building the necessary energy infrastructure to do so. Investing in our domestic infrastructure is more important than ever as we look to get through the current health crisis and rebuild our economy. prgtoken Indeed, just as we passed the Water Resources Development Act yesterday, today we have an opportunity to pass a bill that, while smaller in scale, will help hasten the buildout of critical energy infrastructure such as hydroelectric dams, pipelines, transmission equipment, and energy terminals. This will not only help the economy recover but will ensure that we have a secure and strong domestic energy system. prgtoken Unfortunately, too many energy infrastructure projects are delayed or do not have as vigorous a review as you would expect. And that is due to the fact that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for reviewing proposed projects cannot hire or retain enough qualified engineers for the simple reason that salaries in the private sector are too high for FERC to compete with given its current pay scale limits. This lack of engineers not only doesn't allow FERC to fully and robustly do its work, but it is a barrier to communities benefiting from the good paying jobs the construction of these projects provides. prgtoken If we want FERC to ensure that the projects that come up for review, now and in the future, are stringently but quickly reviewed, then we must make the pay for the engineers who review the applications more competitive. That is exactly what the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act would do, by allowing FERC to offer higher salaries for these high demand engineering positions, ensuring that critical infrastructure projects can get the review and approval they need to move forward. prgtoken The bill has bipartisan and bicameral support and FERC Chairman Chatterjee has stated his support for this legislation saying that it would enhance the Commission's ability to recruit and compensate the skilled staff needed to lessen the backlog of projects awaiting review and to review future projects in a more timely manner. prgtoken Our bill would not only help get rid of the backlog of projects currently awaiting review, but would allow FERC to have the proper staff in place as we build out a sustainable energy system. I view it as an important piece of getting our economy back on track and ensuring that America remains the
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-12-9

during the last year Americans everywhere have experienced the health, social, and economic impacts of COVID-19. prgtoken Millions of workers and families have experienced unemployment or underemployment, and millions more have struggled to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and other everyday living expenses. prgtoken People in Hawaii have fully experienced these challenges. We went from having one of the lowest to one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States. At the height of the pandemic in May, Hawaii's unemployment rate reached 23.5 percent--an unprecedented number for our state. prgtoken Family-owned businesses have closed, in many cases permanently, putting pressure on those families, their employees, and the communities they serve. Larger and medium-sized businesses have also closed, meaning furloughs, fewer hours, and reduced wages for their employees. prgtoken Because of this, many families have had to make difficult decisions regarding their household finances. prgtoken Some families have had to use whatever limited resources they have saved over the years, including retirement savings, to keep their heads above water. Others have had to find different ways to make ends meet and pay their bills--despite fewer hours and reduced wages. prgtoken Simply put, the economic downturn has been widespread, deeply-felt, and shared. 2020 has been a difficult year, and businesses, workers, and families will continue to feel its effects for many years to come. prgtoken Congress needs to continue its work to provide relief for workers and families, so today I am introducing the Social Security COVID Correction and Equity Act. prgtoken Specifically, this bill would provide temporary emergency relief for individuals who rely on Social Security, including retirees, disabled workers, dependent children and grandchildren, and others. prgtoken Separately, the bill would also make a technical correction (or ``fix'') to the Social Security ``notch'' to make sure individuals who turn 60 this year (those in the ``1960 cohort'') are not unnecessarily penalized for the recent economic downturn. prgtoken Social Security benefits are calculated based on an individual's lifetime earnings, but are indexed to account for wage increases over time. As a result, lower wages this year will mean permanently lower benefits for certain beneficiaries unless Congress acts. This bill addresses how wages are indexed to calculate earnings when determining benefits. prgtoken By some estimates, the downturn could reduce benefits by around $960 per year for the average worker. prgtoken Preventing these reductions is a bipartisan issue, and I hope we can work together to address the issue for the millions of individuals who would be affected nationwide--including the 17,800 seniors in Hawaii who turn 60 this year. prgtoken While most of these individuals will not receive their benefits for another two years, future retirees and o
MORNING BUSINESS
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-9

today I rise to discuss the dangerous practice we have in this country that forces people with disabilities to wait for benefits and healthcare coverage. I would first, however, like to congratulate my colleague, the senior Senator from Rhode Island, for his diligence and persistence in working to eliminate the 5-month waiting period for those who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS. His perseverance is admirable, and I congratulate him for eliminating this misguided policy for people with ALS. prgtoken My hope is we can expand this victory to eliminate the waiting periods prgtoken for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Medicare coverage to all eligible Americans. prgtoken Forcing Americans to wait 5 months to begin cash benefits and then another 24 months for Medicare coverage is a dangerous policy. In many cases, applicants have little or no income while they are waiting for government benefits to begin. We should not be forcing someone with stage-4 breast cancer or Huntington's Disease or any of the disabilities or diseases that qualify a person for Social Security Disability Insurance to wait to receive benefits. Those who have been determined eligible are American workers who have paid into the Social Security system throughout their lives. We have an obligation to assist Americans in their time of need in a timely manner. When a person receives a diagnosis, bills do not wait 5 months to be paid, healthcare costs are not put on hold for 2 years. Their rent, their utilities, their healthcare copayments come due immediately. Therefore, the benefits these American workers have paid for through their Social Security contributions should be made available to them when they are found eligible. prgtoken I would again like to congratulate the senior Senator from Rhode Island. His bill is an important step forward for people with ALS and for all people eligible for SSDI benefits. Let's use this moment to move forward and make comprehensive change to the way we administer SSDI benefits to all eligible Americans with disabilities. Every eligible applicant continues to have essential expenses and needs the cash benefits and healthcare coverage provided by Medicare. prgtoken My bill, S. 2496, the Stop the Wait Act, would eliminate the waiting periods for those eligible for SSDI benefits, regardless of diagnosis. It would eliminate the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits, and it would eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage. It would help keep people from slipping in to poverty and would ensure they have healthcare coverage. prgtoken Today, let's celebrate the policy victory and the great work Senator Whitehouse has accomplished to improve the lives of Americans with ALS. Tomorrow and for the days to come, let's work to secure that victory for all Americans who are eligible for SSDI. They cannot wait.
RECOGNIZING SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. SHIRLEY A. REED
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-12-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor South Texas College Founding President Dr. Shirley Reed. Dr. Reed has retired after more than 26 years serving as the founding President of South Texas College. prgtoken I first met Dr. Shirley Reed in the middle of a dusty field in Rio Grande City for the groundbreaking of South Texas College's Stan County campus. Even though the wind was raising the dust and getting into our eyes, both of us were excited about the opportunities this new campus would bring for students and our community. Dr. Reed invited me to speak at this groundbreaking ceremony because as Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on Appropriations in the Texas State Legislature, I secured funding for fast-growing colleges throughout Texas, including South Texas College. Since then, we have been working together to fund projects that advance access to quality education for the people of South Texas. prgtoken South Texas College was founded back in 1993 and Dr. Reed was selected as its founding President. At that time, it was known as South Texas Community College and had about 1,000 students enrolled. However, through her steady leadership it grew into a multi-campus college with an enrollment of just under 30,000 students. It is also recognized as the only community college in the State of Texas to offer 5 baccalaureate degrees. This was all accomplished despite the considerable doubt and obstacles that she faced when she was working towards her vision for the school. Now, she is a source of inspiration and a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. prgtoken I want to congratulate Dr. Reed on her tenure at South Texas College. Her passion, hard work, and leadership has created a revered education institution, driving regional and economic prosperity in the region. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate President Reed and all the educators who dedicate their lives to preparing the next generation for their futures. However, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize the career and service of Dr. Reed.
COVID RELIEF FOR AMERICANS
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-12-9

it has been 257 days since the first major COVID relief package was signed into law--257 days. In that time period, COVID cases in the U.S. have skyrocketed, and we have lost almost 290,000 Americans. prgtoken The devastation this virus has wrought on our families, our communities, and our economy is enormous. But it would have been so much worse if we had not provided that early relief to our families, our small businesses, and workers impacted by the spring surge. And economists are clear that we need to provide more direct relief in order to buoy the economy, much less to keep people safe. prgtoken The relief that we are seeking, that the American people are seeking is not a handout. It is a lifeline. It is critical to get relief in the hands of families, small businesses, frontline workers, and local governments so we can get the virus under control. But, also, so we can get the country back to work once we do so. prgtoken , time is of the essence. Unemployment is running out, small businesses--and especially, restaurants--are closing. Families are facing eviction and foreclosure. prgtoken , fighting this pandemic has been hard enough on the American people. Getting them the relief they need to stay safe and healthy shouldn't be.