mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING OUR HEROES
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , today we will be considering the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act, or the HERO Act. prgtoken This has been an unprecedented time of stress and pressure on our first responders: firefighters, police officers, and our frontline healthcare workers. This is a no-nonsense bill that will provide necessary resources to understand first responder suicide and pressure, but also to provide grants to provide peer-to-peer conversation and proactive reaching out to these first responders who are our heroes. prgtoken So, again, I urge all my colleagues to pass this bill unanimously. It has passed previously. It will make a difference, and it will help save lives and help treat these heroes as they have taken care of us.
HONORING FORMER AMBASSADOR AHMET SHALA
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate and honor the first Minister of Finance for the Republic of Kosovo and former Kosovo Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Ahmet Shala, on earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from James Madison University. prgtoken Mr. Shala was one of the first entrepreneurs to establish his own business in Kosovo, where he founded The Cambridge School, which is considered one of the leading institutions for English Language Teaching in Kosovo. prgtoken Mr. Shala began his career in public service when he was named the Deputy Managing Director at the Kosovo Trust Agency, where he was responsible for directing and managing the privatization of Kosovo's socially-owned enterprises. He later became the co-head of the Department of Trade and Industry, where he developed strategies and procedures for commercialization, again helping to transform Kosovo's socially-owned enterprises into private-sector development. prgtoken After being named the first Minister of Economy and Finance for the Republic of Kosovo in 2008, Mr. Shala laid the building blocks of the country's current economic system and successfully coordinated Kosovo's membership to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in 2009. Mr. Shala ran the Ministry of Finance until 2012, when he was appointed Kosovo's Ambassador to Japan. prgtoken After serving as Ambassador, Mr. Shala continued his service to the international community as a lecturer and professor in European and American educational institutions such as the London School of Economics, James Madison University and Harvard University. prgtoken Since losing family and friends to the horrific war crimes committed during the Kosovo War, he has been an avid human rights advocate and works to provide a voice for those facing oppression by expanding access to doctoral and master's program opportunities. At James Madison University, Mr. Shala has worked to ease tensions in the Balkan region by improving the quality of education in Kosovo and by partnering Kosovar students with high-impact graduate programs in the United States. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Former Ambassador Shala for his academic accomplishments along with his distinguished service to Kosovo, the United States and the global community.
TRIBUTE TO LISA MORRIS
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-5-11

I rise today to recognize Lisa Morris, New Hampshire's director of public health at the State department of health and human services, for her years of service to the Granite State. Throughout her career, first serving the people of New Hampshire's Lakes Region at the Partnership for Public Health and later the entire State at the New Hampshire Division of Public Health, Lisa has made it her mission to improve the health and well-being of the New Hampshire public. I am grateful for her service to our State, especially her work to address the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year. prgtoken Prior to her time as the New Hampshire director of public health, Lisa served for over a decade as the executive director of the Partnership for Public Health in Laconia, providing invaluable public health information and services to the people of the Lakes Region. In this role, Lisa was a leading voice in advocating for resources to meet the health needs of the region and solve the most pressing public health concerns. During her time as executive director, the Partnership for Public Health was able to provide the region with invaluable services such as a community emergency response team, an immigration welcome center, flu vaccine clinics, and other community health education programs. I especially commend Lisa for her attention to the substance misuse crisis during her time as executive director. prgtoken Lisa has served as the director of public health for the State of New Hampshire since 2016 and has provided essential leadership through several public health challenges. In 2014, contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances--PFAS--was first discovered in New Hampshire at the site of the former Pease Air Force Base. In the time since, more contamination has been found throughout our State, including in the town of Merrimack and at the Coakley Landfill in North Hampton. While information about the toxicity and human health impacts of PFAS was only just emerging as the contamination was discovered, Lisa and her team worked diligently to keep the public and physicians updated with necessary information. The division of public health, which Lisa led, conducted PFAS blood testing for more than 1,800 individuals who reported exposure from contaminated drinking water while living, working, or attending childcare on or near the campus of the Pease International Tradeport. This information has been invaluable for those individuals worried about their health, and I thank Lisa for her leadership to provide this information to families. prgtoken I also commend Lisa for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all know, a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has been difficult for us all, but Lisa's leadership has been an incredible asset to the State of New Hampshire. From New Hampshire's announcement of the first case of COVID-19 in March 2020 to the present, the New Hampshire Division of Public Health
PURSUING EQUITY IN MENTAL HEALTH ACT
Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , from New Jersey for those kind words, and from the other side of the aisle for supporting what I think is a very important piece of legislation. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to call on all of my colleagues to support the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act. prgtoken Over the last several years, data has indicated an alarming increase in the suicide rates for Black children and teenagers, while a recent study has shown that suicide intervention programs--while successful among White, Asian, and Hispanic children--have done little to help African-American and Native-American youth. prgtoken Two years ago, I launched the Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus. The task force's report that inspired this bill is an urgent call to action. prgtoken Regardless of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, every individual should have access to mental health resources and treatment. prgtoken This bipartisan bill will provide much-needed grants for culturally competent mental health services, increase funding for the Minority Fellowship Program, and direct research and resources at Federal departments and agencies. I basically am echoing what my colleagues have already shared with you. prgtoken We must pursue this equity in mental health because the systems we have in place simply do not address the mental health needs of all communities. prgtoken Madam , I call upon all of my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MS. BONNIE BRUESHOFF
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-5-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career of Ms. Bonnie Brueshoff, Director for the Dakota County Public Health Department located in West St. Paul, Minnesota, who is retiring after 27 years of service and dedication to the public health efforts of Minnesota. prgtoken Throughout her career, Ms. Brueshoff exhibited a commitment to bettering our community by chairing numerous health official boards, such as the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Time and time again, she contributed her expertise on both a state and national level to molding the next generation of public health practitioners. With her leadership, in 2019, the Dakota County Public Health Department was nationally recognized for its innovative initiatives to promote health awareness in our state. prgtoken As we continue to persevere through these unprecedented times, we must never forget to recognize our heroes at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Ms. Brueshoff, alongside so many others, exemplifies the true meaning of public service in the realm of civic wellness. Her career is a testament to the character of our district and our determination to assist those in need. prgtoken I rise on behalf of the 2nd Congressional district of Minnesota, expressing my deepest gratitude to her commitment to the health of our community. She created a legacy I know many hope to emulate. I congratulate Ms. Brueshoff for her many years of leadership and wish her the best as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-5-11

. s for their vote on this resolution, which was so important to protect people from being abused by payday lenders. S.J. Res. 15 will be a big deal, saving a lot of money for a lot of low-income people who have been fleeced far too many times. prgtoken I thank the leader. I thank, in my office, Laura Swanson and Jan Singelmann for their terrific work in making sure that everybody was here and everybody was learned on this issue so well and how important that was for our State and for our country. I thank them. National Police Week prgtoken , each year during Police Week, we honor the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. prgtoken This year, we add the names of four Ohioans to the National Law Enforcement Memorial who laid down their lives last year: Corporal Adam McMillan of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Detective James Michael Skernivitz of Cleveland, Patrolman Anthony Hussein Dia of Toledo, and Officer Kaia Grant of Springdale. prgtoken Sadly, we already know of two names who will be added to the memorial next year: Officer Brandon Stalker of the Toledo Police Department and Jason Lagore, who worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Each one of these losses is a tragedy for a family, for a community, and for their fellow officers. prgtoken Ms. Grant's mother, I know, and I talked to her about how tragic this is for her, for her family, and for the families of all of these officers who gave their lives in service to others. prgtoken Over the past year, we have had many reminders of the work that must be done to reform and reimagine public safety and to rebuild trust between law enforcement and communities. These Ohioans' lives are a reminder of the ideals we should strive for--officers who are true public servants in the best sense of the word, people who gave themselves to their communities. And these Ohioans gave so much. prgtoken Officer Anthony Dia was the father of two young sons. He married his high school sweetheart. In a letter he wrote to his family during Ramadan, the devout Muslim wrote: Every day I put on the uniform, it is with the intention to protect the innocent and the weak in my community. prgtoken The imam who spoke at his memorial service said: When you think of Islam, think of this man who gave his life on the Fourth of July to defend the values of the United States. prgtoken Detective James Skernivitz served my city of Cleveland. He served in neighborhood policing districts, and in 2013, he joined the Gang Impact Unit, working to reduce violence in Cleveland. He was a devoted father and played softball for many years, traveling to tournaments with the Steel City Enforcers. prgtoken Corporal Adam McMillan spent 19 years serving the public at the sheriff's office in Hamilton County, Cincinnati. So many in his community spoke about his kin
HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-5-12

I thank the gentleman and I appreciate his leadership on this Special Order of standing with those who stand for us each and every night. prgtoken These are folks, members of our law enforcement, who, because of what they do, because of their courage, because of their commitment, we can sleep without concern and fear and we can make our way throughout the day. prgtoken , I rise today during this National Police Week to honor these men and women in blue. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week plays a special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and the protection of others. prgtoken National Police Week is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and supported by a variety of organizations to honor the law enforcement community. The mission of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is to tell the story of American law enforcement, honor the fallen, and make it safer for those who serve. prgtoken Over the past year, our law enforcement officers have been in the spotlight. Bad actors must be held accountable, but it is dangerous to villainize all police officers, and it is even more dangerous to seek to defund the police. prgtoken , I am proud to support the National Police Week resolution, which honors by name the 384 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2020. prgtoken This resolution underscores the steadfast support and appreciation for law enforcement. As we honor National Police Week, it is important to take a moment to remember the sacrifices many officers, as well as their families, have made.
HONORING RALPH PUCKETT
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a remarkable individual from my district, Colonel Ralph Puckett, a 94-year-old veteran who will soon receive the Nation's highest award, the Medal of Honor. prgtoken Colonel Puckett is a Georgia native and a graduate of West Point. Soon after graduating, he was deployed to fight in Korea in the 8th Army Ranger Company. In November of 1950, he heroically led his Ranger company on a freezing day at the Battle for Hill 205. His platoon was overcome by an onslaught of Chinese attackers and a barrage of artillery fire. Colonel Puckett sustained severe injuries during this attack. prgtoken Although his injuries incapacitated him, Colonel Puckett selflessly ordered Private First Class Billy G. Walls and Private First Class Davis L. Pollock to leave him on the battlefield. He could see the Chinese soldiers within yards of attacking his Rangers, but his comrades returned to carry him to safety, despite the danger. prgtoken Colonel Puckett went on to serve honorably in Colombia, Germany, and Vietnam until his retirement in 1971. prgtoken Though his Active Duty has ended, he continues to serve as Honorary Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and he still inspires young people in his community today. prgtoken Colonel Puckett was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame and received a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, in addition to two Silver Stars, five Purple Hearts, various awards from Vietnam and Colombia, and a Distinguished Graduate Award from West Point. His bravery is a testament to his strength and patriotism, and he is an inspiration to the people of the Third District of Georgia, as well as our country. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Puckett and extending our sincere appreciation to him and all of our men and women in uniform. As a nation, we are forever grateful for their service and their sacrifice.
American Families Plan (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-5-12

we are now in the final week of tax- filing season. While filing season typically ends on April 15, this year, taxpayers have until May 17 to file or to request an extension. prgtoken This is also the third filing season under the tax cuts and reforms that the s enacted in 2017. For the vast majority of Americans, this means they are paying significantly less in income taxes than they were under prior law. Moreover, thanks to a nearly doubling of the standard deduction, most Americans are paying less without having the headache of itemizing their taxes. prgtoken More importantly, prior to the pandemic, tax reform contributed to the best economy America had seen in decades. Unemployment reached a 50-year low and was at or below 4 percent for 24 consecutive months. Family incomes and workers' wages experienced robust gains. In fact, wage growth was the strongest for low-wage workers. As a result, we actually saw income inequality decline. prgtoken Unfortunately, the current administration's ambitions to use the pandemic as an excuse to pass a Big Government, anti-growth agenda threatens our return to a thriving economy. prgtoken First came its $2 trillion untargeted COVID relief bill that focused more on enacting a liberal wish list rather than on pandemic relief. A lot of my colleagues have referred to only 10 percent of that $1.9 trillion bill actually being related to problems caused by the pandemic. prgtoken The dangers of passing this untargeted and largely unnecessary spending are already beginning to weigh on our economic recovery. Throughout the economy, prices are soaring, and job growth is tepid. April's jobs growth data fell short of expectations by more than 700,000 jobs. This is deeply concerning, and it ought to be to every one of the Members of the Senate. prgtoken I have heard firsthand from business after business in my State of Iowa that they are desperate for workers but that job applicants are scarce. As my colleagues and I have warned our ic colleagues for months, this is the natural result of the ic policies that pay people more not to work than to work. Yet, despite the obvious overreach of their liberal agenda, my ic colleagues are preparing to double down with an additional $4 trillion Big Government spending spree. Then, in turn, to finance their progressive dreams, they are proposing trillions of dollars of job-killing tax hikes. prgtoken You just heard from my colleague from Ohio, Senator Portman, who went into that very deeply, how those tax policies are going to hurt our economy and the workers in our economy. prgtoken Their proposals to roll back critical reforms to our corporate tax system would result in the United States once again having the highest corporate tax rate among our major trading partners and incentivizing companies to move headquarters abroad prgtoken Small businesses are also in their crosshairs. Family busine
COLONIAL PIPELINE ATTACK
Madison Cawthorn (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-5-12

. Madam , the energy crisis created by the Russian hack of the Colonial Pipeline is impacting my district in the worst possible way. Gas prices have skyrocketed. Lines are forming all across the great State of North Carolina. prgtoken Madam , I am here today to say what few politicians will, but what most of the Americans believe. We were attacked. We were attacked by a foreign entity, and the current administration has done nothing in response. prgtoken When our leadership is weak, our Nation suffers. prgtoken You don't believe me? prgtoken Take a look outside. Our border has dissolved into ruin, gas prices are skyrocketing, and the dollar is worth less and less each day. Israel is burning, China is rising, and Russia attacks our homeland. prgtoken All the while, the American people wonder when this administration will finally grow a backbone and stand firm against a growing wave of international tyranny. President is weakening our defenses. The wolves are at the gates, and America's leader is asleep at the wheel. prgtoken But you know what? prgtoken Thank heavens we have a President who doesn't tweet mean things anymore.
National Correctional Officers and Employees Week (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-5-12

our Nation just concluded National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. Because the Senate was not in session last week, I want to take this opportunity to recognize these heroes and everything they do to protect our people and uphold the rule of law. prgtoken Every day, correctional officers go in to work to guard and operate our Federal prisons, State prisons, and local jails. They not only administer justice on behalf of innocent victims, but they also defend the guilty from unjust adversity. prgtoken They combat the drug trade so that addicts can recover. They fight back against vicious prison gangs so that inmates can have a chance to find redemption instead of recidivism. They confront the most violent offenders so that persons with short minimum-security prison sentences don't turn out to have what is a death sentence. prgtoken Without safety, security, and structure, our prisons and our jails would devolve into anarchy, into chaos, and crime. Correctional officers combat these forces of disorder so that these facilities can instead be centers of self-improvement and, indeed, correction. As a result, many inmates are able to pursue education, learn marketable skills, and find solace in God. prgtoken The profession of a correctional officer is both noble and very dangerous. Fewer than 450,000 correctional officers protect and police approximately 1.5 million inmates in a normal year, around the clock, every minute of every day. prgtoken Riots, jailbreak attempts, and targeted anti-police violence are common and result in particularly high-risk situations for correctional officers. In a 9-year period measured by the National Institutes of Health, correctional officers suffered over 125,000 work-related injuries and 113 tragically lost their lives. prgtoken Correctional officers willingly endure this danger, suffer these injuries, and sometimes give their lives so that our families, neighborhoods, and communities can be safe. The least we can do is to recognize their sacrifice and express our gratitude. prgtoken This year, our correctional officers did even more than usual. For the past 14 months, they have worked tirelessly to keep our inmates healthy in the middle of this global pandemic. They shifted normal confinement arrangements, and they maintained order among the population under enhanced stress due to coronavirus protocols. prgtoken Correctional officers have done an amazing job and saved so many lives during this crisis. Sadly, some even paid the ultimate price for their work. They should be proud of their work, and we ought to be proud of them. So from the floor of the U.S. Senate, I certainly can say I am proud of our correctional officers. prgtoken But our Nation should go beyond gratitude. We ought to give correctional officers the funding, the wages, the equipment, the facilities, and the support that they need. prgtoken To start, Congress can finally crack down on contraband