mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-8-6

before they leave the floor, I just want to compliment my colleagues from Alaska and Ohio on making a very important point. You would think, from the press, that there are negotiations taking place, but the truth is that Pelosi and the minority leader in the Senate, Senator Schumer, have shown zero interest in resolving the differences on this next COVID-19 package. I think it is just very important for my colleagues to lay out the facts because there is a tendency to ignore the facts in favor of a mythical or a fantasy construct, so I appreciate their statements. prgtoken Hopefully, sometime soon, now that the enhanced unemployment benefits have been allowed to expire as a result of ic objections and where the Paycheck Protection Program, which was the single most successful part of the CARES Act legislation that we passed, is likewise scheduled to terminate here soon, I hope ic negotiators will get serious about providing a fifth coronavirus relief package to support our country through this unprecedented crisis. prgtoken We are doing pretty well. During the previous legislation, we virtually passed these trillion-plus-dollar bills, multitrillion-dollar bills, essentially by unanimous vote because we knew we were in the middle of an emergency. We knew that it was not a time for politics; it was a time to try to help people who were out of work or needed help from our beleaguered healthcare providers. prgtoken So we rose to the occasion, previously, by bolstering our healthcare response, making testing free of charge, providing vital funding for our hospitals, and arming our medical workers with the personal protective equipment and other medical equipment they needed in order to sustain the fight. We have poured funding into the research and development of a vaccine, therapeutics, and treatments, which are coming along, and we are all hopeful an American company will win the global race for a vaccine in addition to these therapeutics. prgtoken The legislation we passed so far has buoyed the workers and families in need of financial assistance with direct payments, bolstered unemployment benefits, as well as conferred the ability to defer student loan payments prgtoken with no penalty, and we have supported our wobbly economy with assistance for Main Street businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program that I mentioned a moment ago and other loans for industries that our State and counties rely upon, as well as countless jobs. prgtoken While s and were negotiating these bills in good faith, it was clear we had some different ideas about the best way to support our country through the crisis, but what mattered most was that we shared the same goal. At least we did then. I am beginning to doubt whether we share the same goal now. The goal then was to help people in distress, economically and from a public health standpoint. Now, it seems like Pelosi an
HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE BRAVERY AND HEROISM OF ANSELM ``JERRY'' CRAMER AND CALLING ON THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY TO AWARD MR. CRAMER THE PURPLE HEART
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a great American and veteran in my district, Mr. Anselm ``Jerry'' Cramer. prgtoken Mr. Cramer joined the Navy Reserve in 1948 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 during the Korean War. In December of 1950, Mr. Cramer fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he suffered severe frostbite wounds to his hands and feet. Mr. Cramer spent weeks in the hospital for treatment to his injuries. Since then, Mr. Cramer has been denied a Purple Heart four times. prgtoken As a member of the 1st Marine Division, Mr. Cramer fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, braving subzero temperatures without shelter for ten days. In conditions this harsh, frostbite can develop in a matter of minutes, hypothermia and death setting in shortly after. Mr. Cramer has described how his duties included loading dead Marines onto trucks, their bodies frozen solid from the cold and wind. prgtoken By the time he made it to the safety of an aid station, Mr. Cramer's hands and feet were black from frostbite, and he could no longer grip or feel anything with them. He was evacuated to a hospital in Japan for immediate treatment. Mr. Cramer watched as military personnel on his ward received a Purple Heart for prgtoken frostbite wounds, but he was overlooked. Mr. Cramer has never fully recovered from his frostbite injuries and currently receives a forty percent disability rating for the wounds he sustained in December of 1950. prgtoken Mr. Cramer has repeatably been denied a Purple Heart due to a change in regulation made months after his injuries occurred. In inquiries submitted by my office, the Board of Corrections of Naval Records has acknowledged Mr. Cramer's injuries, but maintains that he does not qualify due to the Secretary of the Navy's 1951 decision to disqualify frostbite for the Purple Heart. They also state that fellow Marines were ``erroneously awarded the Purple Heart''. This is not a medal that is given out in error. The Purple Heart that is awarded due to an injury or wounds inflicted from an outside force or element, which is exactly how Mr. Cramer received his injuries. prgtoken Mr. Cramer is now in his 90s; he has fought and sacrificed a great deal for the country he loves. This December will mark 70 years since Mr. Cramer sustained his injuries. It is past time that he receives the recognition he has earned.
HONORING JOSEPHINE GUTIERREZ
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ms. Josephine Gutierrez for her 25 years of service to Natividad Hospital and to congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. Through her dedication and selfless service, Ms. Gutierrez has made an immeasurable impact on the hospital and our communities on the central coast of California. prgtoken Ms. Gutierrez began her career in 1995 in the Managed Care Department working at the Medically Indigent Program (M.I.A) as a Patient Account Representative I. She worked diligently, adjudicating claims, answering phones, and completing tasks as assigned. On weekends and evenings, she went door-to-door, visited farmworkers in the fields, and attended events to educate the community about available healthcare programs. With her passion and ability to help others, she was soon promoted to a Health Education Assistant where she began her work developing Outreach, Enrollment, Retention and Utilization initiatives that continue to this day at Natividad Hospital. prgtoken Throughout her 25 years of service, Ms. Gutierrez has collaborated with community agencies such as Head Start, Migrant Education, American Red Cross, United Farm Worker's Foundation, and local schools to successfully identify and enroll families and children into affordable- low-cost healthcare programs. She also participated in community health fairs and events throughout the Salinas Valley and-organized monthly forums for the Monterey County Immigrant Services Network of Empowerment of Monterey County (CISNE) that helps immigrant communities access information and services. prgtoken Ms. Gutierrez's devotion to her work has resulted in many accomplishments, including being selected as Employee of the Quarter twice. However, one achievement she is most proud of is enrolling thousands of children and families into affordable health programs, giving them access to quality healthcare and preventative services. This work has resulted in a healthier and more equitable community and will undoubtably impact the lives and health of generations to come. prgtoken Madam , please join me thanking Ms. Josephine Gutierrez for a lifetime of service to our communities on the Central Coast. I have no doubt that she will continue to find ways to positively impact the lives of those around her in retirement.
CITIZEN COSPONSORS OF THE GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , on June 25, the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address systemic racism and police misconduct, increase accountability and transparency, and change the culture of law enforcement. Since passage, thousands of Americans have visited the website Justice in Policing us to learn about the bill, weigh in with their support, and sign on as citizen cosponsor in support. I would like to include in the Record the following names of citizen cosponsors: Claudia DeRubeis, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Tairay Skolnick, Oxnard, CA; Bella Gottlieb, Chicago, IL; Maggie Hollennan, Chicago, IL; Kathryn Pensgard-Trevino, Harwood Heights, IL; Lisa Sullivan, Chicago, IL; Elizabeth Jackson, Norfolk, VA; Alexus Holmes, Lawrenceville, GA; Ann Phillips, Chicago, IL; Elizabeth Lycans, Blissfield, MI; Cherene Saradar, Chantilly, VA; Vicki Jean Bonham, Tulsa, OK; Diane Dresdale, Summit, NJ; Ruth A , Houston, TX; Candace Derbyshire, Indianapolis, IN; Zachariah Oquenda, Hayward, CA; Dr. Nely Navas de Rentas, Chicago, IL; Margaret Williams, Stockton, CA; Gwen Macchione, Whitehouse Station, NJ; Sara Novak, Chiago, IL; James Donegan, Portland, OR; Mike Tucker, Long Beach, CA. Jim Simonis, Chicago, IL; Tangie Scales, Mechanicsville, MD; Megan Calderon, Chicago, IL; Emily Drexler, Chicago, IL; Geoffrey Detweiler, Chantilly, VA; Robin Johnson, Portland, OR; John Lalich, Long Beach, CA; Kerry Sandler, Stevens Point, WI; Anne Kupillas, Long Beach, CA; Willis Johnson, Santa Monica, CA; Elliot Ransom, Chicago, IL; Claudia, Wilmette, IL; Bev Vanderstar, Geneva, FL; Melissa Diaz-Viera, Arlington Heights, IL; Paul, Stanton, CA; Chelsea Witmer, Chalfont, PA; Mimi, Dallas, TX; Glenda M. Loveless, Succasunna, NJ; Tiana Schlottman, Chicago, IL; Tiffany Alvarez-Thurman, Dallas, TX; Pamela Wilson, Manassas, VA; Terri Freedman, Los Angeles, CA; Wade Buchanan, Chicago, IL; Breanne Lee, Cypress, CA. Jon Kelly, Hardy, VA; Spencer Williams, Plano, TX; Julia Sarr, Manassas, VA; Kael Lalonde, Long Beach, CA; Suzanne Freiberg, Newbury Park, CA; Joannie Weisberger, New York, NY; Leslie Davis, Long Beach, CA; Chaz Shields, Long Beach, CA; Omar Rodriguez, San Pedro, CA; Kayla Bell, Los Angeles, CA; Mark Henderson, Hillside, IL; Mary A Carroll, Chicago, IL; Joe Campbell, Washington, DC; Mary Sullivan, Huntington Beach, CA; ERIKA Applewhite, Glenn Dale, MD; Michael Ross Kupillas, Delray Beach, FL; Emily Hector, Fort Mill, SC; Thomas, Bell Gardens, CA; Kathryn S, Ashburn, VA; Amy Owen, Chicago, IL; Maggie Nakachi, Chicago, IL. William Grier, Melrose Park, IL; Deborah, Chicago, IL; George F. Barnes, Jersey City, NJ; Shannon Sewell, Ladson, SC; Rebecca Lyric Taylor, Chicago, IL; Aaron Clark, Stephenson, VA; Pamela Sevoian, Si
HONORING BETTY FAIRFAX
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Betty Harriet Fairfax, who passed away on November 7, 2010. An educator philanthropist, and community leader, Betty devoted her life to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunity and access to the American Dream. Teaching in public schools for nearly 70 years, Betty's life was marked by service and generosity and today Arizona is a more just and equal place because of her work. prgtoken From an early age, Betty was ingrained with the belief that all children deserve a quality education. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio with her parents, Dan and Inez Wood Fairfax, Betty was an accomplished student and received degrees from Kent State University and Western Reserve. After graduating with her master's degree, Betty began a public school career that would reflect the arc of the moral universe. Initially recruited by Phoenix Union High School District to teach at Carver High School, the legally segregated school for Black children, Betty ended her career over a half-century later as a beloved Dean of Students and with a high school named after her. Her lifelong devotion to public education was honored many times and upheld as an example of a selfless leader who dedicated her career--without fanfare or in pursuit of recognition--to the students she taught and counseled. prgtoken Betty's commitment to education extended beyond excellence in teaching and into creating endowments for those who suffered most from educational inequities. Together with her sister Jean, Betty formed permanent financial legacies that support the spectrum of public education, from scholarships for Black students committed to being public school teachers to funding professional development opportunities for educators. Today, students and teachers across the nation benefit from Betty's generosity and philanthropy, and her visionary leadership has created intergenerational prosperity and opportunity for families in Arizona. prgtoken Arizonans owe a debt of gratitude to Betty. Her investment in public education will be felt for generations to come and will ensure that more students be included in the American Dream. In this spirit of gratitude and remembrance, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Betty Harriet Fairfax.
HONORING HUEY D. JOHNSON
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Huey D. Johnson, who passed away on July 12, 2020, at the age of 87 after an extraordinary lifetime of public service to his community and the environment. prgtoken Born in 1933 and raised in rural Michigan, Mr. Johnson graduated from Western Michigan University in 1957 with a degree in biology. Upon graduation, Mr. Johnson began working for Union Carbide where he traveled to many places including the San Francisco Bay Area. After leaving Union Carbide, he worked in Alaska and then obtained a master's degree from Utah State University. During this period, Mr. Johnson's passion for natural resources and public land was enhanced. prgtoken Mr. Johnson became the first western regional director for the Nature Conservancy, a position he held from 1968 to 1972. Through this role he became a champion for sustainability and conservation and a leader in protecting land from development. In 1972 the Nature Conservancy was able to acquire 2,100 acres of land in the Marin Headlands to protect it from a large scale development that was to be called Marincello. The land was transferred to the National Park Service initiating the creation of what is now the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with 82,000 acres of protected public land. This achievement is renowned in the region and around the county and recorded in the 2012 documentary, ``Rebel with a Cause.'' prgtoken In 1971 , Mr. Johnson helped co-found The Trust for Public Land to bring the legal and financial strategies of modern business to the cause of conservation. Today the Trust for Public Land is one of the largest environmental organizations of its kind in the country, with conservation projects spanning the country from urban communities to rural areas. prgtoken In 1978, Mr. Johnson was selected by then-California Governor Jerry Brown to join his cabinet as Secretary of Resources, a position he held until Governor Brown left office. As Secretary of Resources, Mr. Johnson was the driving force behind California's 100-year sustainability plan, and he earned a reputation for living by example, riding his bike to work and limiting his impacts on the environment. In 1982, he established the Resource Renewal Institute, a non-profit organization based in Mill Valley that focuses on innovation related to sustainability. His work with the Resource Renewal Institute led to many accomplishments including his co-founding of the Grand Canyon Trust in 1985. In 1995, Mr. Johnson published a book titled ``Green Plans: Blueprint for a Sustainable Earth.'' Among his notable honors, the United Nations recognized him in 2001 for his many environmental achievements with the Sasakawa Environment Prize--one of the organization's highest honors. prgtoken Throughout his life and until his passing, Mr. Johnson delivered on his mission to protect, preserve, and restore natural landscapes, mentored many generations of environmentalists, and completed
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF THE REVEREND DOCTOR NATHANIEL EDMOND OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF ELGIN
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the upcoming retirement of the Reverend Doctor Nathaniel Edmond of the Second Baptist Church of Elgin, and to commend his many decades of service to our community. Pastor Nate can begin the next chapter of his life secure in the knowledge that he built a foundation of spiritual leadership that continues to support the youth he mentored, the local entrepreneurs he advised, and the faithful who found comfort in his ministry. prgtoken Pastor Nate began his professional life at Alcoa Corporation, rising to a position of high executive leadership. Although committed to excellence in his chosen career, Pastor Nate found time lo assist his church, serving as an Associate Minister, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, spiritual advisor to several church organizations, and coach of many church sports teams. After 31 years in the world of business, Pastor Nate answered a call to the ministry, and on February 20, 2000 was installed as Pastor of Second Baptist Church. prgtoken Under his stewardship, Second Baptist Church delivered strong moral leadership and tended to the needs of communities devastated by poverty, disaster, famine and disease. Under his guidance, the church partnered with local schools lo mentor at-risk youth, and led initiatives including the Prison Ministry, ``Operation Joshua'' street ministry, and SAFE Ministry (to break the often multi-generational cycle of domestic violence). In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Second Baptist Church rallied to aid families rendered homeless by the storm's devastation, and in 2007, as part of its effort to support the ongoing ministry of World Vision, extended its compassion lo the people of Africa, helping to build a housing complex for teachers in Tanzania, and pledging continuing monetary support to over 130 Tanzanian children. prgtoken This ever-expanding circle of service to others was accompanied by growth in Second Baptist's membership. Pastor Nate can take great satisfaction in the organization that will continue after his retirement, a structure that has evolved in size and sophistication enabling 32 active ministries to flourish and attend to its members' spiritual needs. He can rest easy knowing that under his leadership, Second Baptist Church acquired and constructed a campus sufficient to serve its community for years to come. prgtoken Pastor Nate's ministry extended well beyond his church. He served on boards or in other capacities for many important organizations in the Elgin area, including the Alignment Collaborative for Education, Advocate Sherman Hospital, the United Way, Judson University, U-46 School District, the NAACP of Greater Elgin, and the African-American Christian Minister's Alliance. He has been honored for his work by the Rotary Club of Elgin and received the Partner in Peace Award from the Community Crisis Center for Domestic Violence, the City of Elgin's Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitar
HONORING THE LIFE OF LANCE CPL. MARCO A. BARRANCO
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the tragic loss of Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco from Montebello, California. Lance Cpl. Barranco, known to his loved ones and friends as ``Andy,'' proudly served our country as a United States Marine in the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Pendleton. prgtoken On Thursday, July 30th, Lance Cpl. Barranco was training on an amphibious assault vehicle off the coast of San Clemente Island, California. Due to an incident that is still under investigation, the vehicle sank hundreds of feet into the water. Lance Cpl. Barranco and seven other Marines and one Sailor of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit were killed or presumed dead. Seven Marines were rescued following the incident, two of whom were injured. prgtoken I offer my deepest condolences to Lance Cpl. Barranco's loved ones and friends for their heartbreaking loss. He exemplified the best of our armed forces and was known to his family, friends, and neighbors as an incredibly kind man who would do anything to help those in need. His sister, Selma, noted that he always wanted to serve his country, even as a boy when he dressed up like a G.I. Joe for Halloween. prgtoken Though Lance Cpl. Barranco was taken before he had the chance to fully live out the promise of his life, he had already fulfilled so much of that promise as a rifleman in the United States Marine Corps. His passing is a loss not just for all who were lucky to know him, but for a nation for which he put his life on the line. He is survived by his two sisters, a niece and an unborn nephew, and both of prgtoken his parents. I ask my colleagues to join me in keeping Lance Cpl. Barranco's loved ones in our prayers. As the investigation into the cause of this tragedy continues, I hope all the families of the fallen find peace during this painful time.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN W. RUFFIN, JR.
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-8-7

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of my dear friend and fraternity brother, John W. Ruffin, Jr. John was a natural born leader who understood the importance of education and his duty to give back to the community. He passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. prgtoken John first moved to South Florida in 1980 as an executive with Food Fair/Pantry Pride, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit always drove him to start his own businesses. He made this dream a reality when, in 1986, he and his business partner purchased WRBD, establishing the first black-owned radio station in South Florida. John and his wife, Dottie, fanned a partnership with a travel retailer and to this day operate shops throughout Florida, while also providing consultation services to new businesses. prgtoken As a philanthropist, John tirelessly advocated for a number of community and civic groups. As Chairman of the United Negro College Fund, he helped raise more than two million dollars in scholarships for Broward County students. He also served as the Chairman of the Urban League of Broward County, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University. As Chairman and Board Member of the Internet Coast Initiative Council he helped to provide high tech access to underserved communities in South Florida. John's dedication to helping those less fortunate is inspiring and his presence in South Florida will be missed. prgtoken Madam , John always gave back to the community, earning him numerous awards. He truly was selfless and determined to make a difference in the lives he touched. I extend my heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends, during this extremely sad time. John's legacy and loving memory will always live on. He will be dearly missed.