mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1980 WINTER OLYMPICS IN LAKE PLACID
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the historic legacy of the Olympic Games in Lake Placid. This week marks the 40th Anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympics, which featured some of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. prgtoken The first Olympics held in Lake Placid took place in February of 1932. The intervening half century saw the massive upheaval of World War II and the rise of the Soviet Union. The Olympics returned to Lake Placid in the winter of 1980 and brought the tensions of the Cold War with them. It was during those games that the amateur USA Hockey Team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Hockey Team on their way to a gold medal in what was dubbed the ``Miracle on Ice.'' In addition, U.S. speed skater Eric Heiden's record-setting five gold medals helped cement the Thirteenth Olympic Winter Games as one for the ages. prgtoken Building this legacy has been an ongoing effort for over a century. Since long before the 1932 games, residents of Lake Placid have been working hard to make their community a destination for winter sports athletes and enthusiasts. Lake Placid and surrounding communities have sent at least one athlete to every Winter Olympics since the first one in 1924. In order to maintain that level of success, they have worked tirelessly to host other major international and national competitions that constantly foster new generations of world class athletes. It is for that reason that Lake Placid was chosen as the host city for the 2023 World University Games, where over 2,000 athletes from all over the world will come together to compete in 79 events. prgtoken To honor the 40th Anniversary of the 1980 games, throughout this week there will be dozens of events at all of the facilities celebrating athletes from the original winter games and athletes moving towards Olympic goals. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate the entire Lake Placid community on this important milestone. I look forward to working with local leaders to ensure the continued success of Lake Placid and its athletes.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF GIRLS INC.
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-2-25

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the non-profit organization Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, also known as Girls Inc. Indy. Stemming from the national program prgtoken Girls Inc Girls Inc. Indy opened its doors in 1969. It has since established programs in sixty-one different schools in the Indianapolis area with a mission to empower all young women to be strong, smart, and bold. The people of the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana are grateful for Girls Inc. Indy, and it is my pleasure to congratulate the organization in celebration of this special occasion. prgtoken In 1864, the national organization Girls Inc. was created in Waterbury, Connecticut to aid girls and young women in their navigation of society after the Civil War. The new organization dedicated itself to creating a safe environment for young women to further their self- confidence, independence, and education. Over time, Girls Inc. adapted its programs to fit society's changing social climate while maintaining its original values. In 1969, Girls Inc. reached Indianapolis. The Girls Inc. Indy branch was established, rooted in the fundamental values of the national organization but designed programs specific to young women in the Indianapolis area. Historically girls in our country have been excluded from opportunities due to gender, race, or socio- economic status. Recognizing the detrimental effects that this has on girls' self-confidence and mental health, Girls Inc. Indy fights to provide young women with a safe place to grow in their own capacities and be themselves. prgtoken This nonprofit organization is staffed by developmental professionals as well as trained volunteers, all of whom serve as mentors for girls in the program. Staff members are dedicated to providing girls with an emotionally stable environment in which they foster educational, professional, and personal growth. To embolden girls in their education and career fields, Girls Inc. Indy holds a variety of science and STEM initiatives, such as its Eureka! 5-year science program for middle school girls and its Girls Inc. Day for the inner scientist in girls of all ages. In preparing girls for their future endeavors, Girls Inc. Indy encourages their members to cultivate leadership skills and a streak of independence. It has adopted programs such as its Young Women in Leadership classes and its economic literacy classes for high school girls. However, because Girls Inc. Indy recognizes the irreplaceable value of high self-esteem, the organization has created numerous initiatives that focus on personal growth. Programs that discuss the definition of beauty and the importance of conflict management and empower young women as they embark on their journeys of self-discovery. Girls Inc. Indy has served a wide variety of young women around Indianapolis, welcoming all girls despite age, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic background. prgtoken
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-25

I have 8 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 2 p.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed briefing. prgtoken Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 2:15 p.m to conduct a hearing.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-2-25

I come to the floor to support the two pro-life bills being considered this week and to stand with my friend and colleague from Nebraska in his efforts to promote the legislation that is before us, for both of these bills promote respect for innocent human life. prgtoken Senator Lindsey Graham's Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would ban nearly all abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy. As a doctor, I know that it is medically proven that babies do feel pain at 20 weeks. Americans overwhelmingly oppose these third-trimester abortions. Yet the United States remains one of only seven countries in the world to allow abortions after 5 months. This group includes China, and it includes North Korea. We need to do much better. The Graham bill puts us on higher ground with the rest of the world. It says, at 5 months, which is 20 weeks, abortion on demand must stop. It includes exceptions for rape, for incest, and for the life of the mother. I strongly support this effort by Senator Graham, and I applaud him for his tremendous work on this issue. prgtoken I also stand here on the floor to say I strongly support what Senator Sasse has been saying about his specific bill, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Senator Sasse is another champion on life issues. The Sasse bill affirms that infanticide is illegal. It upholds the right of all U.S.-born babies to full medical care. Every baby born in this country deserves every chance to live. All doctors must do everything in their power to save babies who survive abortions. prgtoken Both the Graham and the Sasse bills fully protect mothers from either prosecution or penalty. Both measures demonstrate character, and they demonstrate courage. These are bills that care for our children, and they do what is medically right. prgtoken Thanks to all of those who work to protect innocent human life, we are here on the floor, debating, promoting, and asking for a vote to pass this legislation. I urge all Senators to support these life- affirming bills. prgtoken . prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING THOMAS MICHAEL SEILER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor Hollidaysburg native Thomas Michael Seiler as he retires from the Altoona Mobile Emergency Department (AMED) after many years of service as an EMT. prgtoken Throughout Mr. Seiler's career, he has touched the lives of many families in our community and has saved countless lives. In recognition of this service, he was recognized as the ``AMED EMT of the Year'' in 2013 and has been lauded multiple times for his ``out of hospital cardiac arrest saves.'' prgtoken In 1976, Mr. Seiler began his public service as a volunteer firefighter and rescue captain for the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department in Hollidaysburg. He first obtained his EMT certification in 1980. Before joining AMED in 2004, Mr. Seiler worked as an EMT at Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service. In addition to his work as a first responder, he also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1974 to 1981. prgtoken As he and his family begin a new chapter, I congratulate Mr. Seiler on his achievements and thank him for his tireless devotion to the citizens of Blair County and our nation.
RECOGNIZING CHARLES ``RANDY'' RANDAL BENJAMIN
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-2-25

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Charles ``Randy'' Randal Benjamin, who passed away on Wednesday, February 12, at the age of 70. Randy was born on February 23, 1949, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. He graduated from Hurricane High School in 1967 and later answered the call to serve our great nation in the United States Air Force. In 1970, Randy married Pat Graham, and they remained together for over 49 years and had two children. He started his business, Connect Two, Inc in 2001 in Pontotoc. Randy was an active member at First Baptist Church in Pontotoc and set an example of faith for his family to follow. He was an avid bass fisherman and a proud charter member of the Pontotoc Bass Club. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Pat Benjamin; his daughter, Tonya Shirley; his son, Chip Benjamin; his grandchildren, Lindsey Claire Shirley, Ryan Shirley, Harper Benjamin, and Tripp Benjamin, as well as many friends and extended family members. Randy's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN JEREMY WHITE
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-2-25

when you do nuclear theory research and classified national security work, you need a world-class protective security force to protect materials, facilities, information, and people. Fortunately, Idaho National Laboratory, INL, has a world-class protective force, Pro Force, as was recently affirmed through the presentation of the Colonel Sydnor Memorial Award. prgtoken Each year, the Colonel Sydnor Memorial Award recognizes an exceptional participant in the Composite Adversary Team--CAT--Program, which trains members of Pro Force teams across the Department of Energy's nuclear security complexes to act as attackers in simulated force-on-force exercises that test the strength of each lab's Pro Force team. This year, that recognition was given to INL Pro Force captain Jeremy White. White has an expansive career in law enforcement, including time as a juvenile detention officer and a deputy officer in adult corrections. Along with his duties as Pro Force captain, White also serves as Bingham County reserve deputy and is a member of the Special Tactics and Response--STAR--team, a multijurisdictional SWAT team. Before being presented the award, White was described as an individual who demonstrates ``excellence in the areas of character, ability to motivate others, physical fitness, tactical skills and teamwork'' by April Stephenson, Deputy Director for Department of Energy's Office of Enterprise Assessments. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I am honored to represent people like Jeremy White who are so dedicated to protecting the energy resources of Idaho. Congratulations to Jeremy and to all the members of INL's Pro Force team. You make Idaho proud, and I wish for your continued success in the Pro Force field.
RECOGNITION OF CHILDREN'S DENTAL MONTH
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-2-25

. Madam , February has been dedicated as the National Children's Dental Health Month. This is such an important cause and I am pleased to help bring awareness to the value of good oral health in children. Tooth decay is the number one chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S. The impact of not treating decay can lead to other harmful outcomes beyond just oral health. As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am pleased to support National Children's Dental Health Month and any activities taking place throughout the month of February. prgtoken Give Kids A Smile, which is sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) is at the center of National Children's Dental Health Month. Give Kids A Smile day is an important event for all children and dentists throughout the country. Because of this program, the ADA is able to provide assistance to more than 6,500 dentists and 25,000 dental team members, and other volunteers who proudly give their time and effort to make a difference in the health of children. Since this program has started, volunteers have graciously provided services to over 6 million kids across the country, and to all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well. They have truly made a huge impact in their communities and improved the oral health of so many children. prgtoken Throughout National Children's Dental Health Month, dentists and dental team members across the country will be providing oral health services for children in need, and this will continue throughout the year. These services will include oral health education, screenings, preventive care and restorative services. Some will provide this in their own dental practice, others will go right into schools and the community to reach the kids that need it most. There are also many major events at dental hygiene schools where hundreds of kids may receive oral health services. Continued public awareness on this issue is so critical. On behalf of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I would once again like to state our full endorsement for the month, and push for continued care for good oral health of children.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-2-25

I rise today to join my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Heinrich, in introducing the Two-Generation Economic Empowerment Act. Our bipartisan bill would support an innovative approach to fighting poverty, one that focuses on addressing the needs of children and their parents--two-generations together--in order to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. prgtoken Many current conversations about lifting families out of poverty highlight record low unemployment and the booming U.S. economy as proof that we are finally headed in the right direction. I see many encouraging signs, such as the U.S. poverty rate finally in 2018 falling below the pre-recession level and Maine experiencing the largest decline in child poverty in the Nation from 2016 to 2017, but I also know far too many families still struggle financially. Over 38 million people, or about one in eight Americans, lived below the poverty line in 2018. This sadly includes nearly 13 million children, including 35,000 children in Maine. Despite recent progress, Maine's child poverty rate is still higher than all the other New England states. prgtoken In addition to recognizing the continued need to lift up families and provide a brighter future for our Nation's youth, the economic motivation for addressing intergenerational poverty points to one simple fact--we must do something different. It is estimated that child poverty costs the U.S. between $800 billion and $1.1 trillion a year. For a sense of scale, the high end estimate of $1.1 trillion annually is similar to the amount Congress appropriated in December to fund programs across the entire government. prgtoken Our legislation marks an important first step toward reevaluating our approach to poverty-reducing programs and encouraging innovative, more effective uses of taxpayer dollars. We support an approach that is aimed at equipping both parents and their children with the tools they need to succeed and become self-sufficient. Oftentimes, Federal programs intended to help low-income individuals address certain issues in silos, overlooking the fact that the needs of family members are usually interconnected. Our bill aims to change that. For example, helping a mother secure safe, high-quality child care can have a positive impact on her ability to succeed in the workforce, as well as improving her child's ability to be ready for school. While that child receives care and an education, her mother can be connecting with skills training to help her improve her income. Connecting various Federal programs that target both parents and children with supports aimed at increasing economic security, educational success, social capital, and health and wellbeing has the potential to lift whole families out of poverty. prgtoken Listen to the story of Ambrosia Ross, a mother of three from Washington County, Maine, who was part of the first cohort of participants at Family Futures Down
RECOGNIZING THE WEST FARGO PACKATAHNAS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-2-25

the West Fargo, ND, dance team, the Packatahnas, has returned home from the National Dance Team Competition in Florida as national high kick champions. prgtoken This comes after winning championship titles competing this year with the Class A Large Varsity schools in North Dakota. It is always cause for celebration when students bring home a championship title, but this year's award is one of several the team has won. prgtoken After more than eight high kick first place finishes at the State level in the past 25 years, the Packatahnas were back-to-back national champions in 2006 and 2007. Now 14 years later and after finishing ahead of 22 other national teams, it has been especially meaningful for these teammates to place another trophy in the school's award case. prgtoken The passion, dedication, and time the Packatahnas devote to their dance team season rival that of other high school student athletes. For several hours every day, they first work to develop their routines. Then it is practice, practice, and more practice until they are ready for competition. prgtoken At their side throughout this year was their coach, Shayla Pennick, whom they credit for her commitment to them in this successful season. Shayla knows the thrill they feel as champions because she competed with prgtoken the team when the Packatahnas finished at the top 14 years ago. She deserves recognition and thanks for sharing her time and talents to help another team go as far as her high school team did. prgtoken , I join the West Fargo High School, the city of West Fargo, and the rest of North Dakota in congratulating these talented Packatahnas for finishing their season as champions. They are an inspiration to all of us by demonstrating the good that can come from combining a passion for excellence with plenty of hard work.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-2-25

before Senator Sasse leaves, I say to the Senator, I just can't thank you enough for the passion and the persuasion you bring to these issues. You speak from the heart. You speak with reason. You make a lot of sense, and over time, you will prevail. Just stick with it. Your day will come. prgtoken What he is saying is, if you try to abort a child, and the child survives the abortion, shouldn't the doctor and the nurses and everybody involved treat the child the same as if they came into the world some other way? I think the answer is yes. prgtoken Really, these two pieces of legislation are about us as a nation. This is 2020. Who are we as Americans? To me it is odd that we even need to have a discussion about this. I am just perplexed that this is even a problem. prgtoken Abortion is legal in the United States. There are certain restrictions on it, but I just can't believe we can't rally around the idea that if a baby survives the procedure and is alive and breathing and functioning, medical science doesn't kick in to save the baby. It is just--I don't know. I don't know what happened. What happened to our country that we are even talking about this? It is 2020, for God's sake. It is not 1020. prgtoken Anyway, just hang in there, Ben. Your day will come. prgtoken My legislation--I have been doing this for a few years now. We are one of seven nations in the world that allow abortion on demand at 20 weeks, along with North Korea, Vietnam, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Canada. What would this legislation do at 20 weeks? This is about the fifth month in the birthing process. prgtoken The bill is called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Why do we call it that? Medical science has determined that a child at 20 weeks is capable of feeling excruciating pain. So if there is an operation to save a child's life or to repair a medical defect at 20 weeks, they provide anesthesia to the child because, during the surgery, the child feels pain. You can see that when a child is poked, they actually repel against the poking. prgtoken The bottom line is, I find it odd that medical science requires anesthesia to save the baby's life, but during that same period, you can dismember the child. That is what we are talking about here. prgtoken What kind of Nation are we if, at the fifth month--this is 20 weeks into the birthing process--we are one of seven nations that allow abortion on demand? There are exceptions for the life of the mother-- that hard decision if the mother's life is impacted by the child, and we will leave that up to the family--and if the pregnancy is as a result of rape or incest. But beyond that, we want to eliminate abortion on demand at the 20-week period because, I would argue, that doesn't make us a better nation. It doesn't advance anybody's cause. prgtoken The bottom line is, based on medical science, we know that this child has nerve endings intact. Medical encyclopedias e