mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE PASADENA HOST LIONS CLUB'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Pasadena Host Lions Club upon its centennial anniversary. prgtoken Lions Club International began in 1917 with a mission to encourage volunteers to serve their communities, promote peace and international understanding, and improve the world with kindness by meeting humanitarian needs. Currently, Lions Club International has 1.4 million members in forty-seven thousand Lions Clubs. As the fifth Lions Club in the state of California, the Pasadena Host Lions Club was chartered on March 26, 1920. prgtoken For 100 years, Pasadena Host Lions Club members have provided innumerable hours of dedicated service toward the improvement of the Pasadena community, with an emphasis on persons with disabilities, seniors, youth and the homeless. Helen Keller referred to Lions Clubs as the ``Knights of the Blind,'' for their support of organizations that serve those impaired in sight. This is seen through Pasadena Host Lions Club supporting White Cane Safety Day--providing Lions the opportunity to raise awareness on safe navigation of the visually impaired, support of other local groups for the visually impaired, assisting the founding of Lions Eye Foundation of Southern California, and creating the Pasadena Lions Memorial Trust for the welfare of persons with disabilities and children. prgtoken Other organizations the club supports include the Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Pasadena Police Foundation, American Red Cross, Pasadena Senior Center, City of Hope, Union Station Homeless Services, Pasadena Jaycees, Young and Healthy, Pasadena YMCA and the Salvation Army. prgtoken In addition, the club provides youth scholarships, and currently has six charter LEO Clubs for youth that focus on leadership, experience, opportunity and service. prgtoken Pasadena Host Lions Club members have faithfully served the greater Pasadena area for one hundred years. I ask all Members to join with me in commending the Pasadena Host Lions Club on their celebration of hundred years of service.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF KATHERINE GOBLE JOHNSON
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-2-27

on Monday morning, our Nation lost a truly brilliant mathematician and pioneer, Ms. Katherine Goble Johnson. prgtoken While I knew Katherine and her family personally for many years, like so many Americans, I never fully appreciated her work until her untold story was revealed in the book and movie, ``Hidden Figures.'' prgtoken She had a long and illustrious career at NASA, but also had a tremendous impact on the Hampton Roads community that she called home. She was president of Lambda Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and she sang in the choir and served as a trustee at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News. prgtoken She served as a role model for countless children; and while she did not reach the stars like the astronauts whose trajectory she calculated, in her career, she did. prgtoken We remember her as a true American hero, and I send my deepest condolences to her family and all who were inspired by her remarkable life and work. prgtoken , I ask that all Members join me and Congresswoman Luria, who represents the Hampton area, the Virginia delegation, and others in a moment of silence in honor of Ms. Katherine Goble Johnson.
KEEP US SAFE FROM CORONAVIRUS
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-2-27

the American people deserve a coordinated, fully funded response to keep us safe from the coronavirus. But instead of taking the situation seriously, the President has mounted a confusing and chaotic response. prgtoken He designated to lead the public health response, , a man whose terrible public health polices as Governor of Indiana allowed the worst HIV epidemic in the State's history to take root in 2015. prgtoken The President's budget earlier this month slashed almost $700 million from the CDC. He has left vacant critical positions responsible for managing pandemics, and now he has proposed raiding funds that were appropriated by Congress for other life-threatening public health emergencies. prgtoken To be blunt, the President's response has been a disaster. prgtoken The American people deserve better, and that is why the House will advance prgtoken a strong, strategic funding package that fully addresses the scale and seriousness of this public health crisis. prgtoken Let's hope the President follows our lead.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2339, REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-2-27

. Madam , such time as I may consume, and let me simply say we can never go too far when we are protecting our children. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record a February 5 NBC News article titled ``Federal flavor ban goes into effect Thursday, but many flavored vape products will still be available.'' [From NBC News, Feb. 5, 2020] prgtoken Federal Flavor Ban Goes Into Effect Thursday, but Many Flavored Vape Products Will Still Be Available (By Erika Edwards) A nationwide ban on many flavored e-cigarette products goes into effect Thursday, but teenagers will still have access to nicotine vapes, experts say. The ban covers a number of kid-friendly flavorings, such as mint and fruit, though menthol and tobacco flavorings will remain legal. However, the ban only applies to specific types of devices: cartridge or pre-filled pod devices, like the ones made popular by Juul. All other devices will be left on the market. But limiting access to Juul, which stopped selling all non- menthol and tobacco flavored pods in November, is unlikely to have much of an effect on teens already addicted to nicotine. ``Kids have moved on,'' Meredith Berkman, co-founder of Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes, or PAVE, told NBC News. Teenagers know that teachers are now educated about how to detect vaping in classrooms, she said. So they're getting their nicotine fix in other ways, including products not covered by the looming ban. ``Kids are sucking on flavored nicotine pouches to get through the day until they can get home to their device,'' Berkman said. The pouches are reminiscent of chewing tobacco, but are advertised as being ``tobacco-free.'' Experts in teen addiction also said there's plenty of evidence that teens now favor highly concentrated, refillable nicotine vape products called Smok and Suorin Drops as well as cheaper, disposable vape pods called Puff Bars--also to be left on the market after Thursday. ``I'm not very optimistic,'' Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a professor at Stanford University who studies teen vaping, said. ``We really do need to have enforcement of the law across all tobacco products, regardless of these loopholes.'' ``The new policy does not solve the problem,'' Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said, adding parents need to keep their guard up and educate their teenagers about the harms of nicotine addiction. ``Millions of flavored products will remain available.'' Plans for restricting e-cigarette flavors on a federal level first came up in September, when key national data on teen vaping was released. It was revealed that from 2017 to 2019, rates of vaping had more than dou
BAHRAIN
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-2-27

9 years ago this month, citizens of Bahrain took up banners to demand a greater role in their society and political process. prgtoken Bahrain's ruling monarchy cracked down on the peaceful protestors; State police and security forces arrested hundreds and killed more than a dozen, according to press reports at the time. Bahrain's leaders promised accountability and reforms in response to international condemnation, but they would implement hardly any of them, and they rolled back some of the few they did implement. prgtoken Indeed, the situation in Bahrain has only grown worse. Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain wrote last year that ``since 2017, the government has intensified the repression through the arrest, detention, and conviction of individuals who draw attention to the kingdom's human rights record or criticise the government.'' prgtoken Last month, Human Rights Watch wrote, ``Bahrain's human rights record worsened in 2019, as the government carried out executions, convicted critics for peaceful expression, and threatened social media activists.'' prgtoken It gives me no great pleasure to point out the monarchy's increasing repression. I have no personal animosity toward Bahrain, which remains an important U.S. ally. prgtoken But the U.S. Government has a duty--an obligation--to be honest with friends and allies and to hold them to a high standard. I regret to say that the administration did not do nearly enough to hold Bahrain to that high standard, as I repeatedly came to this floor to discuss. The administration has, for its part, been even more callously indifferent to the regime's abuses, despite Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaking many times about the importance of human rights. prgtoken Just last year, Secretary Pompeo said America can effect change ``[b]y articulating abuses and pressuring noncompliant regimes.'' prgtoken I agree. prgtoken So where is Secretary Pompeo when it comes to articulating Bahrain's abuses and pressuring Bahrain's rulers to do better? The Secretary, like his boss, is missing in action. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to take a hard look at Bahrain's human rights record, to talk with victims of the regime and hear their stories of persecution. prgtoken As I do every year, I renew my call on Bahrain's rulers to change course and open space for dialogue, for free thought, and for peaceful expression and protest.
COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HISTORIC SEATING OF HIRAM RHODES REVELS AS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITED STATES SENATOR
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-2-27

over and over, we see the President and s in Congress trying to take healthcare away from people, particularly women. We see it with the President's lawsuits, trying to take away the consumer protections for preexisting conditions. We see the vote in the Senate--defeated by one vote, but a vote in the Senate--which would have scaled back the bipartisan Medicaid expansion in Ohio that my Governor--I am a --and we did bipartisanly in Ohio. We have seen attempts by s to take away healthcare then, and now we--especially just this week--see that with women's healthcare. That is what the bills we voted down this week were all about. They are about politicians putting themselves in the middle of the sacred doctor-patient relationship. It intimidates women, and it intimidates medical professionals. Doctors aren't sure what might happen to them in some cases. It takes away the freedom of women to make their own decisions. prgtoken We defeated them earlier this week, but they are not letting up. They tried again to pass yet another bill that has only one purpose: stigmatizing women's healthcare. prgtoken Supporters of these bills, including the President of the United States, have spread lies and misinformation. It is despicable. That is why doctors and medical experts alike oppose these bills. prgtoken Think about these groups: the American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Women's Association, the American Public Health Association--on whom we rely so much now on the coronavirus--the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology. All of these organizations oppose this bill because they see it for what it is: a compromise of women's health. It is politicians, it is elected officials in this body, it is Leader McConnell from his office down the hall always playing to his interest groups, always playing politics. It is Senator McConnell and his allies getting between the patient--the woman--and her doctor, as if mostly male politicians should be making these decisions about women's lives and about the relationship between a woman and her doctor. prgtoken All of these groups that I mentioned, again, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Women's Association, American Public Health Association--all of these groups have written in to oppose politicians interfering in the patient-provider relationship and the criminalizing of patient care. Do we want a bunch of male politicians, do we want people like President and Vice President from the Presiding Officer's home State, and do we want a bunch of politicians like Mitch McConnell--do we want them to be able to criminalize a doctor, get in the middle of a patient-doctor relationship and criminalize that?
HONORING DR. MOHAMMAD KHALID
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-2-27

I rise today to honor my constituent, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, a man who truly embodies the American Dream. prgtoken Dr. Khalid came here from Pakistan and settled on Staten Island in 1975 where he opened his dental practice and worked hard to provide for his children, both of whom are now successful attorneys. prgtoken Dr. Khalid says he considers it his moral and ethical duty to help, and he shows that every single day, not just in his professional life, but in all of his extraordinary community service. Dr. Khalid is a cultural ambassador on Staten Island, serving as the president of the Iron Hills Civic Association and the Pakistani Civic Association. prgtoken After the tragic events of 9/11, Dr. Khalid and the Pakistani Civic Association worked to bring Staten Islanders together. Now doing this for 15 years, they have served meals and shared their culture all for the betterment of our community. prgtoken I am proud to represent such a diverse and inclusive community full of leaders like Dr. Khalid, who exemplify the hard work, grit, and determination that make this country so great.
IN HONOR OF SHARON VAUGHN
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-2-27

. Madam , it is an honor and privilege to recognize a dedicated public servant who continues to make our community proud as a Ward Leader. As public officials, entrusted by their peers to oversee elections and party activity, Philadelphia Ward Leaders represent a corps of unsung heroes that help facilitate the progress that molds our city. I am honored to be joined by one of our most distinguished, esteemed Ward Leaders today, and in commemoration of Black History Month, ensure that their contributions to our city remain enshrined in our historical record for generations to recognize. prgtoken Black History Month is more than a mere byline on the month of February, it is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary contributions that the African American community has made, and continues to make, on our nation's history and culture. And I can think of no honoree more deserving of this recognition, who embodies the selfless commitment to their neighbors and peers, than Sharon Vaughn. prgtoken Sharon Vaughn, Leader for the 42nd ward, is transforming how this role can impact people's lives. Sharon, a dedicated employee of the City Council, serving as Chief of Staff to Councilman at Large Derek Clark, has used her ward position to ensure her constituents understand the impact of public policy on a granular level. The residents of Ward 42 are lucky to have such a knowledgeable, dedicated representative who can articulate intricate policies in a digestible way. Her understanding of how government can serve as a conduit for change is truly an asset for those living in Ward 42. I thank Sharon. prgtoken Taking after the long lineage of Philadelphians who have helped sculpt our democracy into an increasingly inclusive system that encourages public participation, Sharon Vaughn has left her own mark on our city. I look forward to years of collaboration so we can create a more inclusive, representative democracy throughout our community.
CONGRESS NEEDS LEADERS, NOT GUN LOBBY SHILLS
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-27

as Members of Congress, we have promised to serve the American people, and this means keeping American families safe and secure. But for too long, Congress has put fealty to the special interest of the gun lobby ahead of our safety. prgtoken I cannot afford to live in fear of special interests. Why? Because every single day when I send my three children off to school, I live in fear for their safety; because I have seen the pain on the faces of those parents whose children never came home from school, the parents who hugged their children good-bye in the morning, never knowing it would be for the last time; because no parent should ever have to mourn a child lost to preventable gun violence; and because, as your Member of Congress, I have the power to fight for change. prgtoken This is the power that Congress has, and this is why 1 year ago, we passed landmark legislation to reduce gun violence in this country. prgtoken Under current law, only federally licensed vendors must conduct background checks, but this creates loopholes for private sellers. This means that there are no background checks on private sales, including gun shows and online transactions. prgtoken The Bipartisan Background Checks Act closes this loophole and will ensure that nearly all gun sales are run through the National Criminal Background Check System. prgtoken This legislation is common sense. In fact, two former GOP Congressmen wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in support of the legislation. They said: ``This bill doesn't take away anyone's guns.'' It represents ``a critical step in the right direction at a time when more and more Americans are touched by gun violence.'' prgtoken This is a clear, commonsense, American solution that is now being held hostage by Senator Mitch McConnell, the President, and the gun lobby. prgtoken And this is a uniquely American issue. No other country experiences the same epidemic of gun violence. prgtoken In fact, guns are the second-leading cause of death for American children and teens; nearly 1,700 are killed by guns every year. In my home State of California, an average of 246 children and teens die from guns every year. prgtoken Since the beginning of 2014 in California, over 14,000 people, including, heartbreakingly, 120 law enforcement officers, have been injured or killed due to gun violence. prgtoken , 47 of those people hurt or killed were in my district in Orange County, the 45th. We have lost 34 members of our community in just 4 years to gun violence. prgtoken Orange County families have made their feelings heard, time and again, that they want us to strengthen gun violence prevention laws. I am standing here as proof that Orange County wants action on gun reform. Keeping our families safe is at the heart of our community's values. prgtoken I want to share a story of one Orange County family with my colleagues here in Congress. This is a story of a family who experienced loss from gun viol
RECOGNIZING MILLER MIDDLE SCHOOL'S EIGHTH GRADE CLASS
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-2-27

today I am here on behalf of the people of Nevada's Third Congressional District, and I rise to recognize the Miller Middle School eighth grade class, with whom I met earlier this week on their trip to Washington--and the timing couldn't be better since it is Public Schools Week. prgtoken We talked about topics from STEM education to encouraging creativity in the classroom. They had some terrific questions, but one really stuck out. One student asked me: Is investing in public education really worth it? prgtoken It is a tough question, a fair question, especially coming from a Clark County student. But the answer for me is overwhelmingly, undoubtedly yes. I just had to look around that room and see each of those students, whether they came from different backgrounds, having access to education. prgtoken And the answer is not just about investing, but it is about if we invest in public education as the national priority that it should be. In a time when public schools are being called upon to help kids beyond the classroom, investment in education should be our national priority.
HONORING ALBERT HENDERSON
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-2-27

I rise today to talk about the challenges facing our country and the world with the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. prgtoken This disease presents a serious threat that I think requires a proactive approach in a bipartisan fashion. prgtoken Unfortunately, the mechanisms put in place by the previous administration, the administration, to deal with pandemics like this have been dismantled over the last year. They were put in place to deal with the Ebola crisis and the SARS crisis years ago and to ensure that in the future, if possible pandemics occurred, we would be prepared. prgtoken In 2018, the President fired the entire pandemic response team. In the President's 2021 budget request, he proposed cutting over $700 million to the Centers for Disease Control. Hopefully, this proposal will be dead on arrival. In the face of this crisis, this is simply unacceptable. prgtoken We need to be on guard. The social and economic impacts of this pandemic could be devastating globally, but the public health crisis affects all Americans. prgtoken We have just had the first case, in the last 24 hours, in northern California that, it is believed, the cause, the origin, is from here in our country, not coming from China. prgtoken We require a robust response. The Congress and the President need to work together in a bipartisan fashion to ensure the well-being, public health, and safety of the American people. prgtoken Hopefully, the President of the United States' press conference yesterday reflects the administration's intent to work together. We need to. prgtoken I am committed to joining my colleagues to ensure that we have an effective strategy in place to protect all Americans' health and safety from this potentially deadly pandemic virus, otherwise known as coronavirus. prgtoken We need to be on guard. We need to do everything we can to protect the American people.