mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-6-11

on March 27 Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in response to the ongoing public health and economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act included a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which prgtoken provided nearly $14 billion in funding to ensure institutions of higher education could make the transition to distance learning, provide students with essential supports and resources, and cover the enormous costs they've incurred during this time. Unfortunately, the Administration has not followed Congress' intent to provide these colleges and universities with the increased flexibility they need to meet the needs of their students. prgtoken This is why I'm introducing the Coronavirus Relief Flexibility for Students and Institutions Act, which would fix several implementation issues with the higher education funds in the CARES Act by providing institutions of higher education and students with the flexibility Congress intended. This bill would make an additional 7.5 million students eligible for emergency financial aid by expanding eligibility beyond just those who have filled out a FAFSA and are eligible under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Additionally, it would allow institutions of higher education to use CARES Act funds to cover revenue losses incurred as a result of COVID-19, rather than limiting the funding to the U.S. Department of Education's narrow interpretation that funds can only be used for new expenses associated with the transition of instruction to distance learning. It would also ensure that colleges hardest hit by COVID-19 are receiving the support they need by requiring an application to demonstrate such needs, rather than providing all colleges with $500,000 in taxpayer funds regardless of size. prgtoken In this difficult time, colleges desperately need the flexibility to best serve their students. This bill will help ensure that Secretary DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education follow Congress' intent to stabilize our institutions of higher education that are hurting from COVID-19 and provide emergency financial aid for the students who need it, not just those that who have met bureaucratic requirements. I hope the Senate passes this bill quickly to ensure that institutions have the flexibility and supports they need to continue providing high quality and equitable access to education for all students as we continue to weather this pandemic.
TAXPAYER FIRST ACT OF 2019--Continued
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-6-11

last week I attended a memorial service for my constituent Mr. George Floyd, who was murdered by Minneapolis police. Like so many Minnesotans, my heart is broken for Mr. Floyd and his family and for a Black community that has been here too many times. I will once again add my voice to the chorus demanding that the police officers responsible for his death face justice. prgtoken But I keep finding myself thinking that Mr. Floyd's death wasn't just a tragedy and it wasn't just a crime. It was a failure. It was our failure. Systemic racism is built into every level of our society, and for 400 years, Black and Brown and Indigenous people have paid its price. prgtoken Racism isn't just evil, though it is. It is dangerous. And racism isn't just a moral issue, though it is. It is a public health issue. And the death of Mr. Floyd, like the deaths of so many Black and Brown people before him, is an indictment of our failure as policymakers to fulfill our first and most important duty, which is to protect the lives of the people whom we serve. prgtoken Black lives matter. We need to say it loud and often, with strength and with purpose, and if we truly mean it, then we need to be very clear about why it is that so many Black and Brown lives are being stolen, and that means we can't just point to systemic racism writ large. We have to talk about the police. prgtoken This is about the impunity with which police officers are allowed to kill Black and Brown Americans. This is about a society in which police departments have become fundamentally unaccountable institutions. This is about the fact that law enforcement in America does not deliver equal justice for all. prgtoken The institutional racism that plagues American law enforcement is real. This is not just a few bad cops. It is the entire culture of policing--a culture that far too often encourages violence, condones abuse, and resists reforms and accountability at every turn. prgtoken This culture kills, and it will continue to do so unless we stop it. If we can't see that, if we can't say it, if we aren't ready to use our power and our privilege to address this unforgiveable failure, well, then we might as well say nothing at all. prgtoken So why is it so hard for us to talk about these issues? Why is it so hard to even admit that there is something dangerously wrong about the role that police play in our society? prgtoken Well, I think, in part, it is because of the respect that we have for police officers themselves. We ask these men and women to put their lives on the line every single day. Their job is to run to trouble, and hundreds of thousands of police officers in my community and in all of yours fulfill their duty with skill and with courage every day. prgtoken But I think there is something else lurking behind our inaction. The vast majority of policymakers, especially here in Washington, are White, and the vast majority of the interactions that W
REMEMBERING HECKY POWELL
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-6-11

even during this pandemic, people have been forming lines--6 feet apart and masked--at the corner of Emerson and Green Bay Road in Evanston, IL, to pick up Hecky's Barbeque. They come for the pulled pork, chicken wings, and especially the sauce. And for years, Hecky Powell was there with his family's recipes, his hard work, his smile, and his wisdom. Sadly, on May 22, Hecky passed away from pneumonia after a diagnosis of COVID-19. He used to say that people kept coming in for the sauce--that is what made the food great. Well, part of what made Evanston great was Hecky. For 37 years, he brought good barbeque, leadership, and kindness to Evanston, and today we pay tribute to him. prgtoken Harry William ``Hecky'' Powell was born in 1948 at Cook County Hospital. prgtoken Verna, his mom, had to give birth there because there was no room at the Community Hospital of Evanston, the only hospital in town that accepted Black patients. Hecky was one of nine siblings. He had a successful career in public service, serving as the director of several nonprofit agencies. prgtoken One day, Hecky got an idea for a restaurant. He was dating Cheryl Judice, a sociologist who would later become his wife. They didn't know much about food, but Hecky's mom did. Verna had lost her job at a restaurant, and his dad was unemployed at the time. So when the restaurant next to Hecky's office went on the market, he figured he would buy it, and his parents could actually run the restaurant. On October 13, 1983, Hecky's Barbeque opened up with only $100 in the register. Many of the first recipes came from Verna and his Creole grandmother's native New Orleans. prgtoken Everyone enjoyed Hecky's. Chicago Bears legend William ``The Refrigerator'' Perry was an early customer, drawn to the sauce-drenched ribs, fries, and two slices of Wonder Bread. Chicago Bulls great Scottie Pippen had Hecky's cater the team's private plane on occasion. When the Northwestern Wildcats faced off with the University of Southern California Trojans in the Rose Bowl in 1996, then-mayor Lorraine Morton and Hecky bet the mayor of Pasadena that the Wildcats would win. The Trojans won 41 to 32, and Hecky made ribs and chicken for the entire Pasadena City Council. prgtoken But it was more than a restaurant. Hecky used his place to help high school kids learn responsibility and social skills, giving many of them their first jobs. He worked long hours, starting early in the morning, but he always had fun. No task was too small. He was cook, cleaner, and manager alongside his mother and the kids he was mentoring. prgtoken Hecky was a champion for local youth. In 1994, he founded the Forrest E. Powell Foundation. Named after his father, the foundation offers grant and scholarship opportunities. In 2016, he started the Evanston Work Ethic Program, which helps young people prepare for vocational or trade school. prgtoken In 2011, Hecky left work early, thinking he had
HONORING EAGAN RESIDENT RICK KLEVEN
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise together with my Minnesota colleague Representative Emmer to honor my Eagan constituent, Richard ``Rick'' Kleven, on the incredible milestone of his retirement from Thrivent this month after more than 39 years of dedicated service. It has been a great experience working with Rick through the years and knowing his passion for Thrivent's unique mission as a fraternal benefit society connecting financial security and community impact. prgtoken A lifelong Minnesotan and proud ``Iron-Ranger'' who grew up in Grand Rapids, MN, Rick is a true Minnesota sports team fan, particularly a diehard for our Vikings. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.A. from the University of Minnesota- Duluth. Rick has led Thrivent's Government Affairs activities for more than 17 years, and served previously in a number of roles as legal counsel and manager of corporate legal functions within the organization through his long arc of service which began in 1981 when Thrivent was Lutheran Brotherhood. prgtoken Rick has been a great advocate on policy matters on Thrivent's behalf, but also walks the walk of Thrivent's mission of service-- something he learned from both of his parents, including his Dad who was awarded Itasca County's Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2018. Rick has volunteered as a Big Brother, served as a board member for multiple nonprofit organizations, and epitomizes the ubiquitous Thrivent t-shirt that says ``Live Generously.'' Recently, he served as Chairman of the Board of Gilda's Club Twin Cities, and played a crucial role in helping to raise money to build the organization's clubhouse that provides support for people with cancer as well as their families and friends. Rick also served for 8 years on the board of Person to Person, a charitable organization that operates Meals on Wheels and various other programs to help the needy in the Twin Cities area. He also was part of the original start-up board of FINNEGANS, the first beer company in the world to donate 100 percent of profits back to local food shelves. Rick currently sits on the board of the American Fraternal Alliance, the nationwide coalition of not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies. prgtoken I know that Representative Emmer and I speak for many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle from Minnesota and beyond when I say that Rick's presence will be missed here in DC. However, I hope to see Rick back home most likely either walking his dogs or still Living Generously helping our neighbors in need. We wish Rick the best in retirement. Congratulations.
HONORING THE SCOUTS, SEA SCOUTS AND VENTURERS OF THE ALOHA COUNCIL OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , today I rise to honor the Scouts, Sea Scouts and Venturers prgtoken of the Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as they undertake the BSA Mapathon. prgtoken Headquartered in Hawaii's First Congressional District, the Aloha Council prepares young people in Hawai`i to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lifetime by instilling in them the traditional Hawaiian values of responsibility (kuleana), helpfulness (kokua) and taking of the land (malama i ka 'aina) with aloha. prgtoken The BSA launched the BSA Mapathon on May 8, 2020. This national effort encourages Scouts to contribute to the Missing Maps Project. This project will update and improve the Red Cross' maps for regions at the greatest risk of humanitarian crises. The Missing Maps Project enables anyone with access to a computer to participate in humanitarian mapping by crowdsourcing volunteer efforts using a free and open-source mapping software. prgtoken In Hawai`i, the Aloha Council has embodied the values of responsibility (kuleana) by advancing the mission of humanitarian mapping. Their helpfulness (kokua) in this noble national effort and their taking care of the land (malama i ka 'aina) with their act of aloha will be remembered in Hawai`i and our nation, especially if there is new crisis. prgtoken I am proud to join with the Scouts in promoting humanitarian mapping, especially in Hawai`i where we have done so while promoting Hawaiian cultural values. I urge the House of Representatives to recognize the work of the Aloha Council and other councils throughout our nation who have joined in on this important endeavor.
TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN MARITIME WORKFORCE
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-11

I offer remarks to honor the men and women of the American maritime workforce and to thank them for their service. June 5, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Commonly referred to as the Jones Act, the act has served over the last century as the foundation of the Great Lakes and domestic shipping industry. This vital maritime law ensures that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are American-built, American-owned, and American-flagged, which in turn strengthens and supports U.S. homeland security while driving economic benefits to local communities. Each and every day, 365 days a year, the Jones Act functions to protect our Nation's 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways, limiting inland access to foreign vessels and crews while mariners serve as the eyes and ears to strengthen border and homeland security. prgtoken America's dependence on the Great Lakes and the seas is integral to our economic health and our sovereignty. Nowhere is this more evident than in my own State of Michigan. According to The American Maritime Partnership, Michigan's Great Lakes domestic maritime industry contributes $2.8 billion annually to our State economy, including 12,140 jobs and $703.6 million in worker income. With 37 deep-draft ports, Michigan has more than the 7 other Great Lakes States combined. prgtoken Over the last 100 years, the men and women of the U.S. maritime workforce prgtoken have also unfailingly answered the call to duty, providing vital services to support the Nation in times of crisis. Their service was never clearer than during the activation of civilian merchant mariners amidst the Second World War. These men and women moved critical supplies to overseas troops and allies, while enduring the highest rate of casualties of any service. More recently our domestic maritime workforce has respond swiftly to a range of crises facing the Nation, including facilitating the largest boatlift in world history following 9/11 and the current and ongoing delivery of essential medical supplies and goods to communities in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken On this week's centennial anniversary of the Jones Act, I thank the men and women of the U.S. maritime industry for their service, and I vow to continue to work here in the Senate to uphold the integrity of the act's protections for our Michigan and Great Lakes workforce.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-11

I rise today to introduce the ``Helicopter Safety Act.'' prgtoken On January 26, 2020, a helicopter carrying nine Californians flew into foggy weather, ultimately crashing minutes later. Los Angeles and the world soon learned that among the crash victims were basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. prgtoken And in the time since, we have learned the names and stories of John, Alyssa, and Keri Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Chester; Christina Mauser; and Ara Zobayan. These were spirited friends and family members connected by their love of sport, traveling to a weekend basketball tournament. prgtoken The sudden and shocking nature of the accident touched many, and I have been moved by the public remembrances in Los Angeles and elsewhere in honor of the victims. prgtoken But this tragedy is one that could have been averted. While the National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the incident, a preliminary report indicates the helicopter was flying through thick clouds and fog, yet was not equipped with a terrain awareness and warning system among other safety technology. This technology provides pilots real-time, in-flight warning signals and an image of surrounding terrain. prgtoken Since 2006, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that all new and existing helicopters capable of carrying six or more passengers be equipped with terrain awareness and warning system technology. However, FAA has only required these warning systems for air ambulances. prgtoken The lack of a terrain awareness and warning system left the pilot vulnerable, without an adequate understanding of his surroundings. This technology has become standard on new helicopters from Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky since December 2018. prgtoken This bill also requires crash-resistant flight data and voice recorders. Otherwise known as black boxes, this technology is important for when accidents do happen and mistakes are made. It would allow agencies like the NTSB to have a better understanding of the incident and provide more information to the FAA to prevent future accidents. prgtoken It is clear that additional steps are needed to ensure that helicopters can fly safely, both for the sake of passengers and those on the ground. Our bill offers a commonsense approach to preventing further accidents like this one. It would simply direct the FAA to implement the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations to require terrain awareness and warning systems and flight data and voice recorders on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers. prgtoken I appreciate the hard work of the National Transportation Safety Board in developing these important recommendations, and it is long past time that the FAA heed its call. prgtoken My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their loved ones impacted by this heartbreaking accident. Our bill
JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-11

the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery catapulted the issues of racial justice, police violence, and systemic racism to the forefront of this Nation's conscience. These issues are not new. Some are even older than the Nation itself. The anger felt by hundreds of thousands of protestors is about that historical and pervasive injustice. It is rooted in our decades-long failure to reform police departments and the yawning gap between our ideal of equal justice under law and the reality of equal justice for only some. prgtoken America is an experiment. The Founding Fathers said that. We know it deep in our bones. An experiment means you can change, and some of the best observers of the difference--I think de Tocqueville was one of these--of America and the difference between us and other countries--we are willing to change. prgtoken I am touched and moved--I was with the demonstrators on Saturday in New York, in Brooklyn--by how many people were there--great diversity-- and how many were young and idealistic and doing things for just the right reasons--not selfish reasons but for the betterment of the country, to make us a more perfect union. prgtoken We must seize this moment. We cannot let it pass. This isn't about simply renewing a national dialogue, although dialogue is always important. It is about action. It is about making real and meaningful progress. And the way to do that is with comprehensive police reform legislation in Congress. prgtoken House and Senate have already drafted legislation that would ban the use of choke holds and other tactics that have taken the lives of Black Americans like George Floyd and Eric Garner; that would also ban the use of no-knock warrants in drug cases, which is one of the reasons for the death of Breonna Taylor; that would limit the transfer of military equipment to police departments; and, crucially, that would make it easier to hold police accountable for misconduct, as well as institute several reforms to prevent that misconduct in the first place. prgtoken The moment does not call for cherry-picking one or two things to do; it calls for bold, broad change--whole-scale reform, not piecemeal reform. I know the inclination of some of my Senate colleagues would be to cherry-pick a few small improvements and say the job is done. It will not be. We need to start--start--with the Justice in Policing Act, a strong, comprehensive bill that people, particularly Senators Booker and , the CBC, spent a lot of time with experts who have studied this issue for many, many months and years. prgtoken For too long, when major issues wash over the country, the waves of change and progress crash against the rocks of a disinterested Senate majority. prgtoken When Americans watched in horror as another spate of mass shootings rocked the Nation, they rose up and demanded change. President and Senate s initiall
IN CELEBRATION OF JEFF ZIARKO
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the fortieth birthday of an exceptional policy advisor and advocate, Mr. Jeff Ziarko. prgtoken Jeff has spent over a decade of his life designing and advocating for economic policy initiatives on Capitol Hill and in the private sector. He is a respected member of the economic and tax policy communities in Washington, and he has a record of effectively working with both sides of the aisle to advance sound public policy. prgtoken Jeff served as Senior Economic Policy Advisor for the House Ways & Means Committee and its former Ranking Member, Representative Sandy Levin. During his time on Ranking Member Levin's staff, Jeff led successful initiatives to promote access to capital for small businesses and communities, promote domestic manufacturing, support the deployment of alternative energy technologies and improve the fairness of the tax code. Jeff has had a hand in so many of the policies that improve the lives of hardworking Americans today. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in reflecting on the forty years of life Jeff Ziarko has spent contributing to his community, and to our country at large.