mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WAGE-GRADE WORKERS IN THE CIVIL DEFENSE INDUSTRY WILL BE PAID FAIRLY
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-7-24

I rise this morning to congratulate the House for passing the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken It is a win for Pennsylvania, and it is a win for civil defense workers all over this country. prgtoken Namely, Tobyhanna Army Depot in my district is a winner here, because this fixes a problem. prgtoken There is a wage and salary disparity between the maps. There is a map mismatch that has been going on that I have been fighting ever since I got to Congress. prgtoken This year, my bill, the Locality Pay Equity Act, got in the NDAA. prgtoken , I am so grateful to Chairman Smith of the Armed Services Committee and the entire Armed Services Committee and the overwhelming vote on a bipartisan basis of the U.S. House to pass this. prgtoken At long last, wage-grade workers in the civil defense industry in these particular districts will be paid fairly and equally alongside the salaried people they work side by side with. prgtoken This is a great day for Tobyhanna and a great day for the people who have the backs of the people who are our warfighters all over the world.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Nita M. Lowey (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-7-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I share my colleague's concern about China's malign activities. That is why, last year, I negotiated $300 million on a bipartisan basis to counter Chinese influence. And that is why I wrote this bill to give the State Department the flexibility to spend more than $300 million, if that is necessary. prgtoken A President who has America's best interests at heart would use this flexibility to invest in a whole-of-government response to the China threat. Unfortunately, President refuses to spend the money that we have appropriated and have given to him. prgtoken On Twitter, President , I am told, lavishes praise on President Xi. In private, according to his National Security Advisor, President begged Xi for help in winning reelection. prgtoken The administration has turned a blind eye to Xi's human rights abuses and endorsed a trade deal that allows China, frankly, to continue to cheat. prgtoken Worse still, this motion to recommit is really an attack on America's environmental leadership. That is what this motion to recommit is all about. As the whip has announced, this MTR slashes funding for the Green Climate Fund, which is essential to combat climate change. prgtoken This amendment ratifies the administration's head-in-the-sand approach to climate change, which weakens our standing in the world and leaves our Nation vulnerable to this existential threat. prgtoken At its heart, the motion to recommit asks us to weaken American leadership in climate while trusting President to prioritize the United States' national security against our enemies. prgtoken The last four years makes clear that this just is not correct. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose the motion to recommit, and .
HONORING JUDGE MICHAEL W. KWAN
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2020-7-24

. Madam , today I wish to recognize the treasured life and significant contributions of Judge Michael W. Kwan, a pillar of our community, who passed away on July 21, 2020. prgtoken Judge Kwan was a trailblazer in my State, known for leading on innovative judicial programs that respect the rights of the accused and improve public safety for Utahns. prgtoken A pioneer in his field through offering a drug court, Judge Kwan's forward-thinking approach emphasized rehabilitation. This has served as a model for other courts across the United States. prgtoken Judge Kwan stood as an example to many of those dedicated to public service, holding fast to our common ideal of justice for all. prgtoken Judge Kwan was a stalwart voice in Utah's Asian-American community, fighting for the full story and to recognize the significant contribution of Chinese workers to the completion of the transcontinental railroad over 150 years ago. prgtoken As the great-grandson of one of those workers, Judge Kwan helped found the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association. prgtoken I was privileged to have known Judge Kwan. I mourn the loss of this extraordinary public servant together with his prgtoken family, loved ones, and our entire community. I am certain that his impact will be felt for decades to come.
HONORING CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-7-24

. Madam , I join in the tributes to John Lewis with great personal appreciation for his extraordinary life and work and for the opportunity to have served alongside him as friend and colleague for more than thirty years. prgtoken My wife Lisa and I first got to know John and his late wife Lillian as new members of the House, classmates first elected in 1986. I have seen him advance to a senior position on the Ways and Means Committee, fighting especially to secure good, affordable health care for all. He has also invested great effort in protecting, and then restoring, the Voting Rights Act after the Supreme Court eliminated the crucial preclearance process. prgtoken From the start, however, John used his position to interpret and educate as well as to legislate. Most famously, he led the annual Faith and Politics pilgrimage to that bridge in Selma, the site of Bloody Sunday, where John almost lost his life, among other civil rights sites. But a day did not go by that he did not recount to colleagues or constituents or total strangers the history and meaning of the Movement. He was never too busy--I expect all of us have witnessed this--to stop whatever he was doing to greet a school group with a word of inspiration or to answer a visitor's questions. prgtoken While John's place in history is secured by his bold and visionary civil rights leadership, exemplified by his courage to press forward on that bridge, his greatness also consists of a lifetime telling and retelling the story and calling our country and all of us to our better selves. His leadership had biblical qualities, evoking both the call to justice of the Hebrew prophets and the love ethic of the Sermon on the Mount. We often say that someone was ``one of a kind'', but of John it was really true. prgtoken John's death leaves a huge void. His memory leaves us profoundly grateful to have shared some portion of his journey and also compels us to carry forward his vision of justice that ``rolls down like waters'' and the struggles it requires.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-7-24

I would like to express my support for H.R. 7608, the State and Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This year's legislation includes a number of priorities that I have advocated for which will benefit my home state of Rhode Island, protect our environment, benefit families, serve our nation's veterans, and strengthen our national security. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger, as well as the Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members for their work on this year's House legislation. prgtoken The State and Foreign Operations division makes important strides in strengthening our national security. For the past three and a half years, the Administration has made us less safe. The State Foreign Operations and Related Agencies funding bill, however, would make the country, and Rhode Islanders, safer. Along with funds for diplomacy--something that the United States should be investing in, prgtoken rather than making a mockery of--this bill invests in emergency appropriations for global coronavirus preparedness, response, and relief efforts. Because if we do not address the global pandemic, it will continue to come back to us. prgtoken In addition, this bill supports global reproductive health and family planning programs; and promotes equality for LGBTI people and people with disabilities. In particular, it contains my increase-decrease amendment to draw attention to the State Department's shameful attempt to turn back time and strip women and LGBTQI individuals of their civil and human rights. prgtoken Members of the House and Senate have now sent five letters to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing our strong, continued concern regarding the work of the Department of State's Commission on Unalienable Rights (``the Commission''), but we have received no reply. It is simply inexcusable that the Department of State would not respond in any way to our repeated oversight attempts, in particular as the Commission has proven time and time again that it could undermine our nation's ability to lead on critical human rights issues, including with respect to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and protections for millions of people globally in the LGBTQI community. prgtoken As a member of the House Foreign Relations Committee I am particularly disturbed that the Secretary has chosen to create the Commission rather than honor the advice of the State Department's Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which is vested with the authority to advise the Department on U.S. foreign policy related to human rights. I believe that the Department's strategic priorities should be guided by the Assistant Secretary, Congressionally mandated reporting on human rights, and well established and lasting human rights standards, rather than the Commi
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT DELAYS
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-24

I am outraged that the CARES Act stimulus checks, the economic impact payments, have not arrived to many of my constituents months after being signed into law. prgtoken The stimulus checks provide timely and critical relief to families and individuals across our country who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic, but many constituents have told me they were forced to wait months for their stimulus checks or have yet to receive them at all. prgtoken To make matters worse, when my office has contacted the IRS on their behalf, the responses have been wholly inadequate, merely quoting what is on their website or failing to answer questions altogether. prgtoken This is unacceptable. prgtoken Families are unable to make ends meet, workers are choosing between keeping the lights on and buying groceries, and people have been laid off and are wondering where their next meal will come from. prgtoken My constituents are in dire need of urgent assistance. prgtoken The IRS must act immediately to expedite these stimulus checks so the American people can get through this tumultuous time.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-7-24

. Madam , if I had been present in the House of Representatives on July 20, 2020 for consideration of H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, I would have voted YEA on roll call no. 141, Escobar of Texas Amendment No. 3; YEA on roll call no. 142, McAdams of Utah Amendment No. 4; and YEA on roll call no. 143, Smith of Washington Amendment En Bloc No. 1.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR CHRISTIE PAPILLA CUNNINGHAM
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-7-24

. Madam , I rise to pay special tribute to Major Christie Papilla Cunningham for her exemplary dedication to duty and service as she transitions from her previous position as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). prgtoken A native of Los Angeles, California, Major Cunningham was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer upon her graduation from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She has also earned a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University. prgtoken For the past 13 years, Major Cunningham has honorably served in command and staff positions in the California Army National Guard, U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. She has been assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Meade, Maryland. Christie deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, first as the Executive Officer for the Bagram Theater Joint Interrogation Facility and then as the Joint Intelligence Officer for Joint Task Force Paladin South, a Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. prgtoken In 2018, Major Cunningham was assigned as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army's Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller. In this role, Christie effectively managed the Army's Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation portfolio and worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget position to the Appropriations Committees. Christie's professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the mission are unmatched. prgtoken Christie cherishes family. Her husband, Patrick, also an active duty Major in the U.S. Army, and her children, Esai, Kai, Kaleo, and Kira, are the foundation of Christie's success. As we know, military families share in the sacrifices made by our servicemembers. The Cunninghams' selfless service to the U.S. Army and to their community is a shining example of what makes our military the best in the world. prgtoken Throughout her career, Major Cunningham has positively impacted countless soldiers of all ranks. Our country has benefited tremendously from her extraordinary leadership, intelligence, and passion. I join my colleagues today in honoring her dedication to our nation and her invaluable service to the U.S. Congress as a Congressional Budget Liaison. prgtoken I must also note that, as a Defense Legislative Fellow in my office, Major Cunningham consistently provided me with sage advice and quickly became a trusted source of counsel to me, my personal staff, and the House Appropriations Committee. Christie's sterling intellect, versatility, and team-first disposit
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2020-7-24

I rise in support of H.R. 7608, a bill to provide Fiscal Year 2021 funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Veterans Affairs, among others. This package includes critical programs that help address important priorities such as helping our most vulnerable escape hunger and our veterans to receive the care and benefits they have earned. prgtoken Our country has been hit by an economic freight train and many families have been reeling for months and will continue to do so if the federal government does not step up in the fight against this deadly virus. Food insecurity was a challenge before COVID-19 but it has only gotten worse as tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs. We have seen long lines at food banks and pantries. prgtoken The bill before us ensures that SNAP can continue to help struggling Americans. It blocks ongoing attempts by the Administration to force more people to lose food aid. It supports the WIC program to ensure that we help some of our most vulnerable pregnant women, infants and children. prgtoken It also increases funding for grants to help increase access to school breakfast, a priority for me. Unfortunately, too many kids begin the school day without a healthy breakfast and participation in school breakfast lags well behind school lunch. Studies repeatedly show that students who consume nutritious breakfasts have better health outcomes, and better educational outcomes. These dollars will help support innovative and proven interventions that can help increase participation. prgtoken I appreciate Chairman Bishop's leadership in helping to make sure that more families can keep food on the table. prgtoken Likewise, I appreciate Chairwoman McCollum's continued efforts to protect our environment and the Great Lakes. I am pleased that the committee provides a $15 million increase for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative which has been an unmitigated success in working to help our communities address some of the biggest challenges facing these valuable waters. prgtoken This bill also increases funding to help protect water quality. woman as well as Congresswoman Lori Trahan who worked with me to help push for greater funding to help address combined sewer overflows, which endanger both our waters and the public's health. A great number of CSO's are in the Midwest and Northeast and communities need all the support they can to help make the investments to reduce this threat to our waterways. The bill's investment of $57 million in regular appropriations and $400 million in emergency funding will go a long way in helping address this problem. prgtoken The bill also includes funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which are the main federal programs supporting investments in critical water infrastructure. Our communities are struggling to prgtoken deal with aging infrastructure and the funds in this bill are sorely
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN LEWIS
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-27

. Madam , I rise today to pay homage to John Robert Lewis and his remarkable life as we mourn his passing on July 17th. prgtoken John Lewis was my trusted friend and colleague and his passing leaves me, my colleagues, and our entire nation with an aching sadness. He was an icon, the tireless champion for justice, equality, civil rights, and human rights. He fought for the most vulnerable in our society and never stopped working to perfect our union. prgtoken John Lewis shaped the course of history in America. Profoundly moved by the Montgomery bus boycott as a young man which he said ``changed my life more than any other event before or since,'' he threw his mind and body into the civil rights movement to advocate for equal access to jobs, housing, education, health care, public accommodations, and voting rights. prgtoken John recognized at a young age the transformative power of knowledge and education to build a better life and a better world for himself and others. He loved school and vividly remembered the hope he felt after the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education requiring public schools to desegregate. He dreamed of attending Troy State University and first met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1958 when he attempted to desegregate the university. He would remain a fearless advocate of Dr. King's Beloved Community for the rest of his life. prgtoken John was a man of extraordinary faith . . . faith in God, faith in the country he loved and served with passion, and faith in the inherent goodness in all of us. He began preaching at a young age and after graduating high school he enrolled in the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville and was ordained a Baptist minister. While in Nashville, he was introduced to the concept of civil disobedience and ``redemptive suffering'' and helped organize sit-ins to desegregate public accommodations. His efforts served as a catalyst for Nashville to become the first southern city to integrate its lunch counters. prgtoken John went on to become a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating prgtoken Committee and once again demonstrated his courage by becoming one of the 13 original Freedom Riders, allowing himself to be beaten and jailed in pursuit of justice while remaining true to nonviolence. He was one of the `Big Six' who helped organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 and pushed the Kennedy Administration to take up the cause of civil rights. prgtoken John Lewis revered the sanctity of the right to vote and he was willing to die for it. He was at the vanguard of the struggle for equal voting rights and made history during the Selma to Montgomery marches when he led activists across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and was savagely beaten during `Bloody Sunday.' Eight days later, President Lyndon Johnson addressed a Joint Session of Congress to call for the passage of the Voting Rights Act which would be signed into la
Unanimous Consent Agreement (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-7-27

when people talk about this body being fundamentally broken under leadership, this is exhibit A. This is exhibit A. prgtoken This body has had 2 months to consider legislation that would stand up a national effort to squash this pandemic once and for all and to make sure that people don't die, don't go hungry, don't get pushed out into the street at a moment when unemployment is higher than at any time in this country's history since the Great Depression. prgtoken We didn't consider any legislation for all of the last work period. We went on recess for 2 weeks. Now we are 3 days before unemployment benefits expire--the additional unemployment benefits--and we are now getting the introduction of what appears to be a dozen different pieces of legislation from Senate s tonight. prgtoken We still don't have the details, but it looks as though there is not one bill being introduced but that there are about 13 bills being introduced. We don't have enough time before the expiration of unemployment benefits to negotiate 1 bill--1 bill--never mind 7 or 10. prgtoken We wasted months of time when and s should have been talking together. Instead, Senate s were talking amongst themselves and have now waited until the zero hour to come out with a piece of legislation which calls for a $400-per-week cut in unemployment benefits for people who are out of work. prgtoken That is the economic stimulus plan: a $400-per-week cut for families in this country who have been relying on unemployment benefits because the economy is not coming back. prgtoken But I come to this floor tonight to tell you why the economy is not coming back. It is not because we haven't appropriated enough money. It is because we are losing the fight against the virus. In 15 days, this country has gone from 3 million cases to 4 million cases, and there is not enough funding in these proposals that were just outlined in order to help States beat the virus. prgtoken We are, once again, experiencing a PPE shortage in this Nation. Doctors at Memorial City Medical Center in Houston are using single-use N95 respirator masks for 15 days before throwing them out. prgtoken Schools are, right now, planning to spend $25 billion in order to buy masks and cleaning supplies that are escalating in cost. prgtoken There is nowhere close to enough money in this legislation to help schools get ready. There is nothing in this bill that requires the operationalization of the Defense Production Act to make sure that we are producing enough PPE in this country. prgtoken There are still States in this Nation that are refusing to open up the health insurance systems so more people can get access to health insurance. There is nothing in these proposals to require open enrollment periods in States, to make sure that everyone who is contracting this virus has the chance to get health insurance. prgtoken The reality is that the St