mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020
Val Butler Demings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-5

47,000 Transportation Security officers just heard the comments of my colleague, Mrs. Lesko, and many of them we will see today as we cast our votes and fly home to our districts. I am sure many people on this House floor will say, ``Thank you for your service,'' to the 47,000 men and women who do the jobs to keep the flying public safe every day. prgtoken The behavior that Mrs. Lesko cited from LAX, that is offensive to, I am sure, everyone in this room. But let me be clear: There is nothing in this bill that will allow the TSA to hire individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes or offenses against a minor, a crime of violence, or terrorism. prgtoken And let me be clear. In the example, also, that she cited, there is nothing that would have precluded this person from being hired in the first place. The behavior took place after the person was hired. prgtoken This is a red herring. We decided not to offer this amendment because it simply isn't necessary. prgtoken TSA conducts rigorous background checks and will continue to do so. prgtoken Now, let me say this: I was assigned to the Orlando International Airport as a police captain during 9/11, and I did not come today to play political games, and neither did the 242 cosponsors of this bill. prgtoken , let me make this clear. A vote for this motion to recommit is a vote against the Transportation Security officers. They are the frontline prgtoken workers who worked through a government shutdown, without being paid, to keep America safe. They are still showing up today, each of them interacting with thousands of passengers even as we face a public health crisis. prgtoken Today, you have a choice: move this bill forward and provide TSOs the basic rights and benefits they deserve, or deny them those rights. It is just that simple. prgtoken , today, we have a bipartisan solution that will allow us to ensure that the workforce gets the same compensation, benefits, and protections as are available to most other Federal employees. It is about time that the TSA Federal workforce be treated like Federal employees. prgtoken This is the time not to just say, ``We appreciate you,'' but to show them how much we appreciate them. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this motion and in support of the bill on final passage. prgtoken , .
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-3-5

on Monday, the House will meet at 12 p.m. for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed until 6:30 p.m. prgtoken On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning- hour debate and 12 p.m. for legislative business. prgtoken On Thursday, , the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business, with last votes of the week expected no later than 3 p.m. prgtoken We will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. The complete list of suspension bills will be announced by the close of business tomorrow. prgtoken The House will consider H.R. 2214, the NO BAN Act. This bill would repeal the President's Muslim travel ban and prevent the administration from putting in place other discriminatory travel bans. prgtoken In addition, the House will consider H.R. 5581, Access to Counsel Act. This legislation would make certain that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel. That legal counsel, , would not be paid for by the government. prgtoken The current FISA authorization expires March 15, requiring action in this House. Conversations are ongoing, and I hope to bring legislation to the floor next week. prgtoken Lastly, following Senate passage of Senator Kaine's bipartisan War Powers resolution, it is possible that the House could also consider the resolution as early as next week.
TAIWAN ALLIES INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVE (TAIPEI) ACT OF 2019
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-5

as a strong believer in diplomacy and global cooperation, I believe it is vitally important for the United States to support Taiwan as they seek to gain membership in global organizations such as the WHA and Interpol. Furthermore, I believe that our nation should do what it can to allow Taiwan to foster and grow its diplomatic relationships around the globe. prgtoken Since 2016, the People's Republic of China has systematically been trying to undermine the diplomatic independence of Taiwan on the international stage, luring Taiwan's partners to change their allegiance from Taipei to Beijing under the ``One China'' policy. The People's Republic of China has also been blocking Taiwan's access to global organizations such as the World Health Organization. We have only recently started to see some of the negative impacts of these actions. prgtoken , the United States should continue to stand strong with our democratic partner and encourage other allies to strengthen their relationship with Taipei.
RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-3-5

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Thompson for his leadership on this important legislation and for his commitment to the men and women who keep our airports and travelers safe. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill because I share the chairman's commitment to ensuring that the TSA workforce receives the rights that they have earned. prgtoken I am also proud to lead this amendment, which would codify the administration's ban on TSA employees using or installing the app TikTok on their government-issued phones. prgtoken While to some TikTok may seem like a harmless app, TikTok presents a significant counterintelligence threat. Our intelligence experts are rightly concerned about the use of the TikTok app, especially on U.S. Government-issued devices. prgtoken As many of my colleagues know, TikTok, like other Chinese companies, prgtoken is required under Chinese law to share information with the government and its institutions. There are real concerns that this app could also collect information on users in the United States to advance Chinese counterintelligence efforts. And because it could become a tool for surveilling U.S. citizens or Federal personnel, TikTok has no business being on U.S. Government-issued devices. prgtoken While entrusted with keeping Americans safe, our security personnel should not use apps that could compromise Federal Government data. There is always a threat that TikTok could be used to compromise government devices, including those used in our airports and among our airport personnel. That is why this amendment is so important and why we should pass it without delay. prgtoken Recently, the TSA announced a prohibition on employees using or downloading TikTok on their government-issued work phones, and my amendment would make this ban law. Other government agencies and departments have instituted a prohibition on the use of TikTok on government-issued phones including the U.S. Army, the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken TSA is right to institute this policy, especially as TikTok refuses to provide more transparency into some of its more controversial practices and use. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment to keep our government devices and our airports safe from potential foreign surveillance, and .
CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise to speak in strong support of the H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, which will provide $8.3 billion in funding to combat the novel coronavirus. prgtoken The legislation includes $950 million for state and local health agencies to conduct vital public health activities, including surveillance, laboratory testing, infection control, contact tracing, and mitigation. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with the 9 families who lost a loved one to the coronavirus, and the many others who have contracted the disease. prgtoken We owe a special debt to First Responders who will be the lifeline for many who will need medical care to overcome this coronavirus designed as COVID-19. prgtoken Earlier this year, when I saw news reports in early January on the novel Coronavirus's rapid spread and the numbers of infected expanding so quickly, I knew this was not something to be taken lightly and that time was not on our side to mount an effective defense. prgtoken On February 10, 2020, I held the first press conference on the issue of the novel coronavirus at Houston Intercontinental Airport. prgtoken I was joined by public health officials, local unions, and advocates to raise awareness regarding the virus and the implications it might have for travel to the United States from China and to combat early signs of discrimination targeting Asian businesses in the United States. prgtoken On February 24, 2020, I held a second press conference on the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declaration of a ``public health emergency from the outbreak of the Coronavirus.'' prgtoken At that time, I formally requested the President of the United States by letter to immediately suspend any health-related cuts that impact efforts to contain and treat the coronavirus, including the $3.3 billion in cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the discretionary budget cuts for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of nearly 19 percent at $678 million, severely threatening the CDC's ability to respond to this and other epidemics in the future. prgtoken Additionally, I requested the President to suspend cuts in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. prgtoken On February 26, 2020, I sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security seeking a meeting with Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf to gain insight into the Preparedness of the Agency to address a possible pandemic. prgtoken On February 28, 2020, I spoke on the Floor of the House and Announced plans to form a Congressional Coronavirus Task Force. prgtoken I thank Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick, Dr. Raul Ruiz, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood for joining me as co-chairs of the Congressional Coronavirus Task Force. prgtoken Today, March 4, 2020, the House of Representatives is giving a full- throated response
HONORING CLAYTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Clayton Community Library as it marks its 25th anniversary. prgtoken The effort to establish a library in the City of Clayton began in March of 1989 with the Clayton Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Having decided that their community needed a library, the AAUW partnered with other community organizations to create the Clayton Community Library Foundation. The foundation raised money and worked with the City of Clayton prgtoken and the Contra Costa County Library system to receive $2.8 million in grant funding. In order to protect Miwok artifacts, the library was built on a floating foundation. On March 4, 1995, the Clayton Community Library celebrated its grand opening. prgtoken Close to the center of downtown, the library serves as a meeting place for organizations and individuals of all ages. The library holds numerous events and activities throughout the year including literacy tutoring, craft programs, all abilities play groups, and family story time. Having represented Clayton since 1994 and as an active library supporter, I am proud of the partnership between the county, cities, workforce, and volunteers. prgtoken Please join me in honoring Clayton Community Library's 25th anniversary.
TIME TO RAISE ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS AND FUNDING
Abby Finkenauer (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-3-5

it is an honor to represent the great State of Iowa and the First Congressional District. prgtoken We have been getting a lot of great things done here in the House, working across the aisle and moving a lot of bipartisan bills forward since I got sworn in over a year ago. It has been an honor to get to represent my district and have its back every day. prgtoken In the middle of all of this, I happen to have gotten engaged a couple of months ago to my very kind and supportive fiance, who is sitting up there in the gallery right now. He has been there through so much of it, and I am grateful every day. prgtoken You see, we are very much looking forward to one day starting our life together and are talking about raising a family and doing it in Iowa and how much that means to us. prgtoken So it would surprise most folks to know that just about 4 weeks ago, on a Friday after votes, I was back where I stay in D.C sitting on my bed, doubled over in pain, googling hysterectomies. prgtoken It was a pain familiar to me, stabbing in my lower left abdomen, and a tight pain like two fists clenched together in a vise grip in my lower back. prgtoken I know this pain well because I have been experiencing it intermittently for over the past decade because I have a condition called endometriosis. I have had this most of my adult life. prgtoken I was diagnosed at a young age, luckily, at the early age of 18. See, a lot of women don't get an accurate diagnosis until much later in life. prgtoken Endometriosis is a very painful condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside and can even attach to organs and nerves. Endometriosis is also the number one cause of hysterectomies for women ages 30 to 35. prgtoken I have already had two surgeries, laparoscopies, where they went in and cut off or burnt off the tissue. I have white-knuckled my way through more flights, events, and days knocking on doors than I can count. prgtoken There are so many women out there who have been told that the stabbing pain in your lower left abdomen is normal, or they are told that the tightness in their lower back that they are doubled over with in their beds is normal, but none of that is normal. prgtoken On this particular day, 4 weeks ago, I felt like I had enough. So I sat there, frustrated at the prospect of more delays in the airport in severe pain. I was looking at some of the most extreme options that are out there that would mean I couldn't even have children. prgtoken And to be honest with you, I just got frustrated because it shouldn't be this hard. It should be more well known, and there should be more options for treatment. prgtoken As I was looking up hysterectomies, I came across a place called the Endometriosis Foundation of America, and their website was full of information, some that I didn't even know as somebody who has been living with this for over 10 years, like the fact that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women
RIGHTS FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICERS ACT OF 2020
Scott H. Peters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1140, the Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Thompson for his work on this important bill to help get our Transportation Security officers, or TSOs, onto the General Schedule scale and give them needed workplace protections that other Federal workers receive. prgtoken Every week, other Members of Congress and I see the vital role Transportation Security officers perform in keeping our country safe. They are essential to national security. prgtoken Unfortunately, there is a serious employee recruitment and retention problem at the Transportation Security Administration. prgtoken In 2017, the TSA spent $75 million just on recruitment, hiring, and training costs. Over 1,900 TSOs quit that year, at a cost of $16 million to the taxpayer. prgtoken Putting these employees on the GS scale will help with these retention issues. prgtoken Additionally, Congress needs to ensure we recruit the most qualified individuals to combat terrorism and keep travelers safe. In order to do that, we need to know how the TSA is recruiting top candidates, including military veterans. prgtoken My amendment requires a GAO study on how the TSA recruits workers and, specifically, TSA's efforts to recruit veterans and military spouses. prgtoken In San Diego, where we have the third largest veteran population in the country, we often see vets continuing to serve their country through Federal employment. Security jobs like those in the TSA demand a competency often found in military veterans. Hiring vets is an asset to the TSA, but we have heard from TSOs in my district that job dissatisfaction prompts many of them to leave the TSA in favor of working elsewhere. prgtoken The GAO study I am proposing will also provide recommendations for improvement, enabling the TSA to continue cultivating a workforce that complements the goals of the agency and responsibly spends our tax dollars. prgtoken Many Members of this Chamber, on both sides of the aisle, have stood on this floor and championed the cause of hiring vets and military spouses. It is a policy that we have incentivized private corporations to implement, and we have criticized employers for not doing or doing improperly. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I ask that my colleagues support this amendment so that we can ensure TSA is effectively recruiting the most qualified candidates and spending our taxpayer dollars wisely. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
HONORING KELSEY KRUSE AND DANE KRUSE AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing two outstanding young Iowans, Dane and Kelsey Kruse from Silver City, Iowa. These two, brother and sister, are young farmers in Mills County continuing the family tradition on the farm. They were recently featured in a national advertising campaign that focused on the challenges young farmers face. Dane and Kelsey, or the ``Kruse Kids,'' are sixth-generation hog farmers that sell to Niman Ranch. Both in their early 20s, Dane and Kelsey are young faces in a profession where the average age is nearly 58. As Kelsey said, ``It's becoming very difficult for younger people to get themselves started'' in farming. I know many of my colleagues agree on how important it is to support young farmers like Kelsey and Dane. Nothing is more critical to the future of Iowa's rural economy than young people returning home to their community and carrying on the family tradition. Too often we see young Iowans moving away from their communities to seek opportunity elsewhere. Not only are the Kruse Kids helping their community by returning home after college, they are serving as incredible ambassadors for rural Iowa as the focus of national attention. Earlier this year, Dane and Kelsey joined other young farmers and participated in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day to kick off Chipotle's ``Cultivate the Future of Farming'' initiative. The Kruse family hogs are raised naturally with plenty of room, fed a vegetarian diet, and are antibiotic free. As consumers want to know more about where their food comes from, the Kruse Kids, along with their father Jeff, are proud to show off their farm and how they raise their Iowa hogs. I'm proud to honor Dane and Kelsey as our Iowans of the Week. As Dane shared to millions in the commercial, farming isn't easy. But why does he do it? ``You can say it is in my blood, you can say I'm crazy, I don't know, I just like farming.'' I hope you all will join me in recognizing Dane and Kelsey Kruse, along with all other young farmers across the country, and continue to work to ensure more kids have the resources they need to continue the family tradition.
CLAIRE ``NELLIE'' POOLE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of the Woodbury Heights, New Jersey resident Claire ``Nellie'' Poole. prgtoken On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, family and friends gathered to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of Mrs. Claire Poole a resident of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, and a loving and caring woman who dedicated her life to her family, workers and public service. prgtoken Mrs. Claire Poole, ``Nellie'' as many called her, worked for the Camden County Board of Social Services as a Social Worker before her retirement. In addition to her service with the county, Mrs. Claire Poole was heavily involved with labor unions and worker's rights organizations and served as the President of Women of Labor, Chairperson of the Union Organization of Social Services, President of CWA Local 1084 Union, and served as the 2nd Vice President of Central Labor Union-AFL CIO. prgtoken Community and public service were Mrs. Claire Poole's life-long passions. She was a member of Woodbury Heights Borough Council and was very involved with the Woodbury Heights ic Club. She even served as a delegate to the ic National Convention in 1984, 1988 and 2000. In addition to her public service and political life, she served on numerous United Way campaigns, was a former President of the Woodbury Heights Senior Club, and was a member of the Gloucester County Senior Club. In her religious life, Mrs. Poole was also involved in St. Margaret's Church where she was part of the bereavement committee. prgtoken Mrs. Poole was the wife of the late Joseph F. Poole. She was a devoted mother to Valerie Dzindzio (Mark) of Clayton, Robert Clayton (Elizabeth) of Woodbury, Maureen Leo (Dominick) of Clayton, and step- mother of Joseph ``Michael'' Poole (the late Diane) of Deptford, James Poole of Woodbury and the late Frank Clayton, Jr Russell Clayton (Theresa) and Kevin Clayton. She was the beloved sister of Edward Charlton (Theresa) of Collingswood and the late Frances Andrews, Teresa Logan and Hilda Minderjahn. prgtoken Additionally, she was a loving grandmother of 14 and great- grandmother of 11. ``Nellie'' leaves behind many nieces and nephews and her cat, Tabitha. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Claire Poole of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey.