mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-3-3

55 years ago, a courageous band of civil rights activists, including the fearless John Lewis, began a march for what many of us considered a sacred right to vote. They marched from Selma to Montgomery, and they marched in the face of unspeakable violence. They shed their blood for access to the ballot. While much has changed in the last 55 years, this struggle for voting equality, and this march for progress, continues. prgtoken On Sunday, I was inspired yet again by my hero, my dear friend, now- Congressman John Lewis, who summoned depthless strength to lead thousands in commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. This was not merely a commemoration; it was a clarion call to action. Those of us who know the Congressman know he has been seriously ill but has not given up the fight. In fact, Congressman Lewis's voice booming over the crowd reminded us all to ``continue to fight . . . now more than ever.'' ``I'm not going to give up,'' he thundered. ``I'm not going to give in.'' I am proud to stand with my dear friend, Congressman John Lewis. prgtoken In the past several years, a number of States have done all they could to disenfranchise tens of thousands of minority voters. Their tactics were often brazen and transparent. While these voter suppression schemes took many forms--from sweeping purges of voter rolls to arbitrary, new identification requirements--they all shared one purpose and one purpose alone: making voting more difficult for minorities and the marginalized. As a Federal judge observed when he struck down one such State's voter ID law, it sought to disenfranchise ``African Americans with almost surgical precision.'' prgtoken Today, we are seeing a reprise of these efforts ahead of one of the most consequential elections in the history of our democracy. Those doing the suppressions don't even pretend to hide their intent. prgtoken In November, a senior adviser to President 's reelection campaign came right out and said the quiet part, but he said it out loud. He observed that ``traditionally . . . s [suppress] votes,'' and then he predicted that voter suppression is ``going to be a much bigger program, a much more aggressive program'' in 2020. prgtoken In May 2019, Tennessee enacted a draconian law imposing criminal penalties against voter registration groups who submitted so-called deficient registration forms. In October 2019, Florida's State legislature tried to undo a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by Floridians to restore voting rights to former felons. This is something we take for granted in Vermont--that they can vote. These efforts have thankfully been halted, at least temporarily, in the courts. There will be other States that attempt what Florida and Tennessee tried--or even worse. And those who value the sanctity of the vote will be engaged in an endless war of Whac-A-Mole in the courts to stop these un-American efforts to
CALLING FOR BIPARTISAN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-3-3

I rise today to address three issues of critical importance to my constituents. prgtoken The first is the urgent need to prepare for the coronavirus. prgtoken , public health officials are now reporting the first presumed positive test in my home State of New Hampshire. prgtoken As Members of Congress, our foremost responsibility is to keep our communities safe. That is why, yesterday, I joined Governor Sununu and my colleagues in the New Hampshire congressional delegation to receive an update from public health officials on our State's ongoing efforts to combat this epidemic. prgtoken The State of New Hampshire is currently ramping up testing capabilities, investigating potential cases, communicating with Federal partners, and working with individual communities on containment and mitigation. prgtoken Here in Washington, we must ensure that the emergency coronavirus spending package is responsive to the urgent needs of State and local public health officials who are on the front lines of this situation. prgtoken We can only succeed in containing the virus if States like New Hampshire can depend on the full support of the Federal Government for costs associated with the response effort. prgtoken , if there were ever a moment for a renewed spirit of bipartisanship in Congress, this is it, as our country focuses on the deadly virus outbreak. prgtoken We must communicate health information clearly. We must develop effective and affordable vaccines that are made available to all who need them. And we must ensure that State and local governments, as well as medical facilities, can sustain the arduous task of containing this outbreak in the weeks and months ahead. prgtoken The American people are looking to us for levelheaded leadership that rises above politics, and we can't let them down. prgtoken Let's pass a robust coronavirus package as soon as possible. prgtoken , I continue to encourage all of my constituents to follow the CDC safety guidelines and to visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website for updated health information. Progress Needed on Care for Veterans
TRIBUTE TO DR. WILLIAM WALLACE COVINGTON
Kyrsten Sinema (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-3-3

I rise today to honor the esteemed career and public service of Dr. William Wallace Covington, who is retiring as regents' professor of forestry at Northern Arizona University, NAU. prgtoken As founder and director of NAU's Ecological Restoration Institute, Dr. Covington's research has substantially contributed to our understanding of the conditions necessary to maintain healthy forest ecosystems. His demonstrations that selective thinning and controlled fires may mitigate more intense, destructive fires have undoubtedly helped save significant swathes of southwestern ponderosa pine forests, including those found in Arizona. prgtoken Dr. Covington was recognized as an Outstanding Teaching Scholar by NAU, and received the Biswell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Fire Ecology, has testified before both congressional and State natural resource committees and advised a former Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and former Secretary of the Interior. Dr. Covington's dedication to novel research and evidence-driven outcomes has been essential in safeguarding our communities from uncontrolled fires. prgtoken I thank Dr. Covington for his years of dedicated work and public service on behalf of Arizona, the Southwest, and the American people. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a letter from Bruce Babbitt recognizing Dr. Covington.
HONORING DENISE WILKERSON
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-3

I rise to honor a great public servant from my district, Denise Wilkerson. prgtoken Ms. Wilkerson is the council president for the city of Roselle, New Jersey, but her dedication to her community extends far beyond her city council work. She also is the president of the Union County National Organization for Women. She served as second vice president of the National Council of Negro Women in Roselle, as well. prgtoken She is actively involved in her local NAACP chapter, and, in addition, she is the executive director of Abounding Women Community Outreach. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering women through their community events and professional skills training. prgtoken She is a vibrant part of my community, and I am glad to commend her from the floor of the United States House of Representatives on this day. She deserves all the accolades we can give her and much more.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-3

the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States has recently surpassed 100. As more Americans are tested in the days and weeks to come, that number is expected to increase. Just this morning, we learned that a second New Yorker, from New Rochelle in Westchester County, has contracted the virus and is in serious condition and currently in a New York hospital. Our prayers are with him and his family. prgtoken This only underlines the urgent need to respond to the coronavirus on a national scale. The only appropriate response in Congress is to come together quickly and in a bipartisan fashion to deliver the resources and authorities our Federal agencies need to track and combat the virus, treat Americans with the disease, and develop a vaccine and additional treatments. We also must aid the States and localities in their efforts to deal with the disease because they are on the frontlines. prgtoken I am glad that Congress is headed in that direction. I expect that, today, appropriators will announce an agreement on an emergency, bipartisan funding package to deal with the coronavirus. The agreement is expected to include between $7 billion and $8 billion of funding-- very close to the $8.5 billion that we Senate requested last week--and over four or five times the amount of new funding initially proposed by the administration. prgtoken That is good news. When it comes to Americans' health and safety, there is no reason to be penny wise and pound foolish. If the bean counters at OMB unnecessarily cut the money we need, it will cost us more in the long run. It is far better to get our public health professionals, experts, and agencies the funding they need, up front and all together, rather than be forced to pass additional appropriations in the coming months. We may have to, but we ought not skimp now. If we did skimp, the scenario would make no sense. Yet, left to its own devices, that is what the administration would have done. So I am glad we pushed them earlier, despite the fact that President didn't want to hear anything contrary to what he was proposing. prgtoken I am pleased that both parties in Congress, in both Houses of Congress, are coming together to do the responsible thing. I hope and expect that we can pass the emergency appropriations through the Senate before the end of the week. prgtoken As Congress does what is necessary to respond to the coronavirus, unfortunately, the administration's efforts leave much to be desired. While the administration's response is slow, halting, loose with the facts, and President blames everyone but himself, Congress-- and s, House and Senate--are acting like the adults in the room. We are not letting President 's accusations and nastiness, his false statements and his inability to really grapple with the problem--and, instead, try to brush it away-- get in our way of doing what
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CAPT. BRIAN F. BOYCE, USN (RET.)
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Captain Brian F. Boyce, of Norfolk, VA, who died peacefully on February 22, 2020 at the age of 75. Brian was born in New York City on November 7, 1944, to Donald Campbell Boyce, from Dingwall, Scotland, and Mary Gibbons, from New York City. He graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1962, Chambersburg, PA. Upon graduation from the University of Notre Dame, Brian entered the U.S. Navy, serving 28 years, including hazardous duty in several theaters. He commanded Amphibious Squadron FIVE, USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), USS MOUNT VERNON (LSD 39), and SWOS Coronado. Post-retirement, he worked as a trainer in a virtual-reality navigation, seamanship, and ship-handling. He was also an expert witness in maritime litigation and an accident reconstruction specialist using computer-generated maritime simulations with a software application he developed. Brian was a loving, supportive, and kind husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Respectful of all, he selflessly volunteered his time and talents to help others and believed in the importance of engaged citizenship. He enjoyed golf, the outdoors, reading, history, travel, duplicate bridge, and being the family handyman. He was not the first in his family to serve his country. His maternal grandfather, Neil Gibbons, an immigrant from Donegal, Ireland, served in the U.S. Navy and as a Sergeant in the New York City Police Department, where he lost his life in the line of duty. In later years, Brian, an avid genealogist, revived the memory of his grandfather by researching the details of his military service and the accident that resulted in his tragic death. Brian is survived by Pam, his wife of 51 years, originally from Greensburg, PA; children Suzanne, of San Carlos, CA; John, of Alexandria, VA; and Tom, of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren Jimmy, Ben, Dava, and Mairin; and siblings Neil, of New York City; Bobby, of Wallingford, PA; Mary Jane, of Middle Haddam, CT; Margaret Ann, of Tolland, MA; and Barry, of Halifax, Nova Scotia. His eldest brother, Donald, died in 1994. I am very proud of a long-time friend of Brian's brother, Barry. My deepest sympathies go out to Barry, his entire family, and to all whose lives were touched by Brian.
RECOGNIZING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SETH EAKER-MORGAN
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life of Seth Eaker-Morgan and his incredible contributions to the City of Seal Beach. Mr. Eaker-Morgan truly made an incredible difference and touched countless lives. prgtoken Mr. Eaker-Morgan worked tirelessly to make an impact in our community, including through his involvement in the Lions Club, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Seal Beach Police Foundation. Mr. Eaker-Morgan was also the founder of Black Marble Consulting and worked with many large and small businesses throughout the United States. prgtoken A well-respected member of our community, Mr. Eaker-Morgan held numerous leadership roles. He was selected as Grand Marshal of the Seal Beach Christmas Parade in 2012 and was named Seal Beach Citizen of the Year by Cypress Community College in 2014. prgtoken Mr. Eaker-Morgan was unexpectedly taken from us much too soon on December 18, 2019. His legacy will continue to impact people across Orange County and our nation for years to come. prgtoken I ask that all Members join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Seth Eaker-Morgan and extending our condolences to his family, friends, and all of those whose lives he touched.
REMEMBERING WILLIAM FULGINITI
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-3-3

I rise today to pay tribute to a great New Mexican, William Fulginiti, who for 43 years led the New Mexico Municipal League. Sadly, Bill passed away February 25, 2020, at the age of 78, surrounded by family and those he loved. prgtoken Bill held the position of executive director of the State municipal league for over four decades because, for all those years, he led the organization with skill, energy, commitment, and vision. The New Mexico Municipal League is 106 incorporated municipalities and 14 other organizations strong because of Bill's work over the years growing the organization. The league functions as one of the most effective voices for New Mexico communities in our State. Over two-thirds of New Mexico's population resides in incorporated municipalities. While Bill's responsibility for promoting those communities was great, he gladly took on the challenge and achieved enormous success over the years. prgtoken Bill was a staple in New Mexico politics, a staple at the State legislature. His work was, in large part, responsible for giving the municipal league the strong voice it now has. Bill knew the facts. He knew the programs. He knew the laws. He knew the people. He understood the complexities of how cities work and brought his deft negotiating skills to the table to further the interests of communities around the State. He was, according to Roundhouse veterans, ``a force to be reckoned with.'' prgtoken Bill helped launch the New Mexico Self Insurers Fund and the National League of Cities Mutual Insurance Fund, and he initiated the first bond pool for New Mexico cities so they could access national bond markets and save money on interest rates. prgtoken Bill's reach was wide. At various times, he served on the board of directors of the National League of Cities. He testified before Congress on the infrastructure needs of cities. At the time of his passing, he served as vice chair of the New Mexico Finance Authority, a legislatively created agency that helps finance important infrastructure projects for cities, counties, and State agencies. And he was serving as a member on the State water trust board, a board that funds water projects critical to our arid State. prgtoken Over the years, Bill's work earned him the Governor's Distinguished Public Service Award and the New Mexico Distinguished Public Administration Award, among other awards. prgtoken Bill's many decades of public service also included serving our Nation for 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Bill earned his master's degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University. prgtoken Bill served our State with integrity, honesty, and a sense of humor, and he helped mentor the next generation of public servants. prgtoken Bill's influence in our State was far and wide. His work will continue to have a positive impact in the years to come. We will miss you, Bill, but we will not forget you.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-3-3

I am here today for the 267th time to call this Chamber to wake up to the threat of climate change. My chart here is getting a little dog-eared with use. prgtoken Let me dive right in with a report from over 30 years ago that was presented to a major conference here in Washington, DC. On the very first page of this report it says: Increases in atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other key gases . . . that are opaque to portions of the infrared spectrum result in the ``greenhouse effect'' or global warming. When short wavelength infrared radiation from the sun warms the earth's surface, and this heat is later radiated from the earth, some gases in the atmosphere are not transparent to the longer wavelength re- radiation, the heat does not escape, and the atmosphere becomes warmer, much as does the interior of a greenhouse. prgtoken That is a flawless description of climate change. I wonder who wrote it. Well, let me continue. prgtoken After some hedging about the state of the science and the uncertainty surrounding how much climate change could be attributed to humans at that point in time, this same report delves into the expected effects of climate change on our planet. It reads: There is qualitative agreement among prognosticators that sea levels will rise, wetlands will flood, salt water will infuse fresh water supplies, and there will be changes in the distribution of tree and crop species and agricultural productivity. prgtoken Wow. That is really accurate. That is all the stuff we are actually seeing happen right now. Gosh, I wonder who wrote that. Let's continue on through the report. A significant rise in sea levels will flood now habitable land in some countries. . . . Developed countries may be able to protect their cities, at least for some years, by building levees and dikes at a considerable cost to avoid major displacements of people and their economic bases. prgtoken We are also seeing that. Impressive--whoever wrote this report really got this quite accurately 30 years ago. prgtoken Let me go on with the report: These same actions will affect wetlands and it may not be possible to protect both coastal and wetland areas. prgtoken Once you have built your dike, it pushes water out into wetland areas. prgtoken The report says: Flooding will intrude into water supplies, such as coastal cities (e.g. Miami and New Orleans) . . . . prgtoken Wow. Who wrote this? This is good. prgtoken It continues: Changes in temperature patterns will affect natural ecosystems by altering the distributions of species, and affecting forestry and silviculture. Under various scenarios, commonly harvested species will move north and try to grow in different soil types. Ranges of particular species are likely to change because trees
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-3

the U.S. Senate used to be called the greatest deliberative body in the world. It is the Senate where, at this desk, Hugo Black wrote labor law reform. Essentially, he and another Senator in the U.S. Senate and President Roosevelt created collective bargaining. It is the desk in the Senate Chamber where Senator McGovern from South Dakota passed legislation with Senator Dole across the aisle for feeding programs for hungry people in the United States. prgtoken I just met with a number of people from the Cleveland Food Bank, the Middle Ohio Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank. The McGovern-Dole legislation also fed hungry kids around the world. prgtoken This is the body that used to do those kinds of things--the greatest deliberative body in the world. But under Leader McConnell, whose office is down the hall, we see something different. The focus of this body has pretty much been one job, and that is confirming young, 38-, 40-, 42-, and 45-year-old judges--extreme judges--who always put their thumbs on the scale to support corporations over workers, to support Wall Street over consumers, and who put their thumbs on the scale to support insurance companies over patients and drug companies over patients. Even by the low standards--and, my gosh, they are low--we have come to expect from Senator McConnell and the majority in always, always supporting the rich, always fighting for the largest corporations, always fighting for the people who have privilege against struggling families, against workers--40 percent of people in this country don't have $400 to their name if they have an emergency to meet. Instead of dealing with that issue, it is more tax cuts for the rich. It is more cuts to Medicaid or to food stamps or to the SNAP program or any of these things. prgtoken Even by the low standards we have come to expect from Leader McConnell and President , this nomination I am going to talk about today, Stephen Schwartz, is appalling. In one sentence, he wants to abolish Social Security--not scale back the cost of living, not throw a few people off Social Security disability, not eliminate survivors' benefits; he wants to abolish Social Security. You heard that right. prgtoken President , on the stump--he came to Ohio many times, my State, and around the country--promised he would protect Social Security, but now he puts Stephen Schwartz on the bench, a judge who wants to abolish it. prgtoken Stephen Schwartz wrote that Social Security benefits were intended to prevent ``outright starvation.'' He wasn't sitting at this desk, to be sure, in the 1930s when Social Security was started. Obviously, he didn't understand that Social Security was one of three legs of the stool: Social Security, private pension--we don't have too many of those anymore--and then savings that workers were able to accrue. prgtoken He says that Social Security was there to prevent ``outright starvation,'' that Social