mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 3372
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-3-12

I rise today to call up and pass legislation to keep the American people safe. prgtoken The number of coronavirus cases in the United States is now over 1,000, including 10 confirmed cases in my home State of Nebraska. prgtoken In China, there are over 80,000 cases and over 3,000 people have died. The Hubei Province, which contains the city where the virus originated, has been under lockdown since last January, quarantining an unprecedented 56 million people. Italy, a country of 60 million people, is completely shut down. The World Health Organization has now declared that this outbreak is a pandemic, meaning it will likely spread to all countries on Earth. prgtoken Dr. Fauci echoed this yesterday in his testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. We will see more cases, and things will continue to get worse. prgtoken As the virus spreads, our healthcare providers and emergency responders are at the forefront of this health crisis. When someone tests positive for this disease, our emergency responders are the first ones there transporting them to the hospital. At the hospitals, medical personnel, doctors, nurses, and technicians are all working around the clock to provide lifesaving care and treat this illness. These people-- our healthcare providers and emergency responders--need access to the proper equipment so they can stay healthy. We can take action right here right now to make sure that that happens. prgtoken I introduced this bipartisan bill with the senior Senator from Arizona. It would update our current law to ensure healthcare workers and first responders have access to respiratory protective devices, specifically, standard N95s. prgtoken Under current law, the Federal Government can give targeted liability protection to people and entities to make, distribute, and administer certain drugs and protective equipment that are needed in a public health emergency. While surgical N95s are eligible for this protection, standard N95s are not. That doesn't make sense, and it doesn't make sense for two reasons. prgtoken First, these devices are the same when it comes to protecting against airborne contaminants like we are dealing with for coronavirus. Second, the CDC has issued guidance listing standard N95s among the recommended products for use in this emergency. That makes it more difficult for the people and entities supplying, distributing, and manufacturing this equipment to do so, and we need to change that. prgtoken We need to make sure that these devices are readily available, and this legislation has bipartisan support in this body, and it has bipartisan support in the House. It was introduced by my colleague from Nebraska, Congressman Don Bacon. prgtoken The White House supports it. Vice President said on Tuesday this legislation is ``important . . . to ensure that our healthcare workers are properly protected and outfitted.'' prgtoken I mentioned that this bill has
RECOGNIZING DAN OHL OF MALTA
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dan Ohl of Malta for going above and beyond to answer the call of duty and personally fly blood platelets to his local hospital in a time of need. Dan loves to fly. He says there's nothing like seeing Montana's stunning landscape from a different perspective. As a Montana Highway Patrolman, Dan spends a lot of time on the ground, lending a hand to fellow Montanans. It wasn't until this past December that his love of flying and helping others came together. In December 2019, Phillips County Hospital contacted Montana Highway Patrol for assistance delivering blood from Great Falls to their clinic in Malta. The troopers came up with a plan to use a series of relays to transport the blood to Malta but ran into a problem when there wasn't enough staff to execute it. That's when Dan stepped up. Dan jumped into action and using his own Beach Craft Bonanza 6- seater, started the over 200-mile flight to Great Falls to meet the Red Cross at the local airport. He says it was the most precious cargo, aside from his family, he has had on his plane. When he touched down in Malta, he met with hospital staff who transferred the blood to the hospital. His quick delivery of blood saved a life. For Dan, this is why he went into serving in the Montana Highway Patrol: he wanted to help Montanans. Whether he's on or off duty, as a patrolman, he's called to step up in times of need and that's exactly what he did. Madam , for selflessly helping his fellow Montanans, from the air and on the ground, I recognize Dan Ohl for his Spirit of Montana.
HONORING JACK CAMPBELL
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of Jack Campbell, former commander of the Indian Trail VFW Post 2423. Sadly, Jack passed away March 10, 2020. prgtoken At 19 years old and weighing 100 pounds, Jack was too light to be drafted, but ``things changed,'' in his words, and soon he was in Vietnam. prgtoken Jack's service to his country did not end abroad. Upon returning, he became prgtoken commander of VFW Post 2423, captain of the Honor Guard, and District 13 commander for VFW North Carolina. prgtoken Jack was a patriot who valued service, the national anthem, and the American flag. prgtoken Citizens of Indian Trail have lost a pillar of the community. prgtoken May we all look to Mr. Campbell's example: a life well lived, dedicated to our country and everything for which it stands. prgtoken Jo and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.
WELCOME BAKER ADDISON MORRIS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I am happy to congratulate Alexander Fancourt Morris and Rebekah Livingston Morris, of Gaston, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby boy, Baker Addison Morris. Baker was born at 4:48 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. He weighed eight pounds and fifteen ounces and measures twenty-one inches long. prgtoken Congratulations to his grandparents Debra Morris of Columbia, and Major General (Ret) Robert Livingston and Barbara Livingston of Gaston. He will join his older brother, Alexander Fancourt Morris, Jr.
AUSTRALIAN WILDFIRES
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-3-12

for over 100 years, Australia and the United States have enjoyed a mateship made possible by our mutual commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. prgtoken After signing 1951's Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty, or ANZUS, Treaty, our two nations entered into a new level of cooperation on military matters; and for the past 15 years, we have shared our firefighting resources with one another. prgtoken In August 2018, over 100 Australian firefighters rushed to our aid as wildfires threatened to destroy communities in California, Oregon, and Washington. prgtoken When our Australian friends asked for support last year as they struggled to contain devastating bushfires, we were happy to return the favor. prgtoken I am especially pleased today to honor two Tennesseans who heard the cries for help and, in spite of the danger, asked, Where do I sign up? prgtoken Janan Hay Sharp, who serves with the Forest Service, and Tommy M. Barnes, who serves with the National Park Service, embody the values that set Tennesseans apart: bravery, compassion, and an eager willingness to lighten another's load. prgtoken This month, I was happy to support S. Res. 527, a resolution led by my friends Senator John Barrasso and Senator Ben Cardin recognizing the longstanding partnership between the United States and Australia and honoring firefighters like Janan and Tommy, who rushed toward the flames to save a friend in danger. prgtoken They are a rare breed indeed, and today, I encourage all Tennesseans to take a moment to reflect upon their bravery and their commitment to a very special ally.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 6172
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-3-12

earlier today, when the President of the United States issued a statement about the Pelosi-Nadler-Schiff bill purporting to but utterly failing to meaningfully reform the three expiring foreign intelligence surveillance provisions at issue, the President expressed grave concern over the process. He expressed grave concern over the content of the Pelosi-Nadler-Schiff bill, which the Senate reviewed, voted on, passed without amendment, without adequate debate, violating the House of Representatives' own 72-hour rule in order to get there. Perhaps he was talking about that, or perhaps he was talking about the fact that the Pelosi-Nadler-Schiff bill really doesn't fix the problem. In fact, look at the fact that there was overt, politically motivated targeting that took place against the President of the United States. prgtoken Now, look, I know--I know--those were different provisions under title I of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. I get that. But it is still part of the same legislative package. It is still part of the same set of laws we are concerned about here. The only time where we have the meaningful opportunity to take a deep breath and debate, discuss, and possibly amend these provisions is when they are set to expire. prgtoken I referred earlier to the USA FREEDOM Act, which I authored and sponsored, along with my distinguished friend and colleague Senator Leahy, the senior Senator from Vermont, back in 2015. That was brought about as a result of and during the moment when we were approaching the expiration of these very same provisions. prgtoken That is how we bring about reforms. In fact, we brought about some reforms in that very legislation that were outside the narrow context of the three expiring provisions in question. There is no rule, no law etched in stone, written into the rules of the Senate, the Constitution, or anything else that tells us that we cannot, that we may not, that we should not edit or amend or reconsider any provision outside the narrow expiring provisions that we are facing with FISA. Quite to the contrary, we have a pattern and practice in the past that has established that this is the way we do things. prgtoken Look, in fairness, I wish we debated and discussed and amended these things a whole lot more because these laws are really messed up. We ought to be reviewing them and updating them a lot more often--not because the people implementing them are bad. Maybe some of them are. I don't know them. They have done some bad things, some of them. I am sure there are a lot of people who have access to these tools who are hard-working, well-intentioned, well educated, and highly specialized. I am even willing to assume most of them fit that description and wouldn't ever knowingly, intentionally violate that law. But the fact is, the law has been violated. There are very few instances that we actually know about. Why? Well, because this whole thing o
COMMEMORATING CAROL MERNA AS CENTRAL ILLINOIS' WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I would like to recognize Carol Merna, CEO for the Center of Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) in Peoria, IL, for being recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year. prgtoken As the CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Carol has led Illinois' efforts for education and prevention of human trafficking, domestic violence, and abuse. During her time with the CFPA, Carol and the CFPA team have provided survivors more than 9,000 nights in safe shelters while also reaching over 35,000 Illinois students with prevention education. Carol's work with the CFPA has helped changed the fundamental attitudes of society and institutions so that violence and abuse are never promoted, tolerated, or condoned. With over three decades of community and philanthropic experience, Carol's boundless devotion to the promotion of the well-being of thousands of central Illinoisans has enhanced and bettered the lives of those men and women. prgtoken Carol's commitment to the Peoria community and central Illinois is unmatched. Her prgtoken dedication to human services is not limited to just the CFPA. She serves on the Board for the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute and the Dirksen Congressional Center. She also served the public in the 18th congressional district for two decades. Additionally, Merna is a member of the Peoria Rotary Club, Illinois Human Services Partnership, and serves on numerous committees, like the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Building community and investing in Central Illinois, large or small, has long been a passion for Carol. prgtoken Our community has greatly benefited from the hard work and leadership of Carol Merna. I extend my sincere congratulations to her on being recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year. I wish her much success as she continues to lead a life of service to the Peoria community and central Illinois.
HONORING OFFICER BRENT SCRIMSHIRE
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-3-12

I rise to honor Hot Springs Police Officer First Class Brent Scrimshire, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, March 10. prgtoken A native of Malvern, AR, Brent Scrimshire graduated from Malvern High School and Henderson State University. prgtoken Officer Scrimshire was an exemplary member of law enforcement. He had served on the Hot Springs police force for a number of years and was recognized as the department's Employee of the Quarter just recently in acknowledgment of his unique dedication, work ethic, and professionalism. prgtoken Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also named him the Southwest Region Officer of the Year in 2016, which, according to media reports, he earned in part because of his lifesaving action when he helped to control the bleeding of a stabbing victim. ``Scrim'' was known for treating his brothers in blue, as well as those he encountered while doing his job, with kindness and dignity. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. prgtoken Officer Scrimshire deeply loved his wife and two children, who are now left behind to go through life without the devoted husband and dad they adored. prgtoken Our hearts break for them, the rest of his family and friends, and his entire family at the Hot Springs Police Department. His death is a tragic reminder of the risks our law enforcement officials face each time they put on the uniform. prgtoken I send my deepest condolences to Officer Scrimshire's loved ones. We honor his service and his sacrifice and pray all those fortunate enough to have known him will find comfort in his legacy and in the outpouring of love and support from so many. prgtoken On behalf of all Arkansans, we celebrate Officer Scrimshire's life and example of courageous, willing, and selfless public service. May he rest in peace. prgtoken .
HONORING AMORY ``AMO'' HOUGHTON JR.
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-3-13

. Madam , Amo Houghton was a dear friend and for many of us, probably the most respected member of Congress from either party. He was thoughtful, positive and constructive. When Congress was bitterly divided during the Newt Gingrich era, it seems almost quaint now, Amo stepped up to bring us together. He was always the voice for civility, thoughtful policy and bipartisanship before that became merely a talking point. prgtoken Amo was a modest, quiet, unassuming gentleman. You would never know that he was the only fortune 500 CEO to ever serve in Congress, coming from a distinguished family long successful in business, politics and philanthropy. Yet, he was unpretentious. He cared about good policy and more important than the institution, he cared about the people . . . members and staff. prgtoken He was a thoughtful conservative who voted against gimmicks like a balanced-budget amendment despite its popularity with his colleagues. He was against the Iraq war when it had overwhelming support from not just the administration and fellow s, but the majority of the American public. prgtoken Amo was ahead of his time in so many ways. prgtoken He was deeply concerned about the human dynamic. He didn't just care about ``people.'' He cared about you. He was a strong supporter of the ``Faith and Politics'' program and efforts at racial reconciliation. His was a unique voice. His positions would be almost unimaginable in today's Congress, but anyone who knew Amo would respect him and more than a few would quietly agree with him. prgtoken When I was first elected, I luckily moved into an office next to Amo's. He helped this former freshman member in innumerable ways. His wife Priscilla was herself an amazing person: strong, thoughtful, understated, and civil. She was a dedicated bike rider and was cremated in her favorite dress, wearing a bike pin as did all the ushers at the funeral. prgtoken Amo was a consistent voice for people in Congress to do the right thing. He and Priscilla touched many of our lives and made us better people, His participation and example can, and should, live on in this Congress and beyond. His friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and admirers share a profound sense prgtoken of loss in the wake of his passing. But we are all better people for having known him and the influence he had on our lives.
FEDERALLY REQUIRING EARNED EDUCATION-DEBT DISCHARGES FOR VETS ACT
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-3-13

I would like to correct the Record. Earlier in my remarks, I stated that the Department of Education's automated loan discharge for these loans had been stalled. While they were stalled for three months, the department has resumed forgiving hundreds of millions of dollars in student loans owed by veterans with severe disabilities. This bill will require the Secretary to continue matching borrowers with data from Veterans Affairs to identify and automatically discharge the debt of matched individuals, eliminating burden on our veterans.
FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-3-13

I rise in strong support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which is designed to put families first, protect and stabilize our economy, and provide Americans with assurance that this House has their needs and interests at the top of our priority concerns. prgtoken I support this measure because--during this period of uncertainty--it helps provide critical paid sick and family leave for workers affected by this public health crisis. prgtoken Approximately 80 million workers aged 16 and older are paid hourly, which means they typically lack paid sick and family leave. prgtoken Around 75 percent of workers live paycheck to paycheck. prgtoken These benefits will help cover employees who are sick, quarantined, or caring for loved ones who must remain at home. prgtoken If a worker is furloughed, laid off, or exhausts their paid leave, it provides enhanced unemployment benefits and flexibility in eligibility requirements to help. prgtoken The bill provides free testing to determine who is affected. prgtoken It provides substantial dollars to nutrition for low-income individuals--including pregnant women, mothers with young children, food banks, students receiving free and reduced lunch whose schools have closed, and seniors. prgtoken It safeguards Medicare benefits and payments, protects frontline health care workers, and directs special attention to the hardest hit communities. prgtoken I am pleased to support this bill because it is an important step by our country's leaders to say to the American people that we've got your back. We are not done. This House will take further action when needed to help our residents weather this crisis.
PROMPT ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-3-13

. Madam , I rise in support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. prgtoken Our Nation is confronting an unprecedented pandemic, unlike what any of us can remember. prgtoken Our role in the Congress is to be proactive and ensure public health officials have the resources and tools that they need to keep our communities safe in the coming weeks and months. prgtoken Prompt action is needed to address this extraordinary situation, and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act begins to meet the needs of many people in our communities. prgtoken The legislation ensures testing is 100 percent covered and paid sick leave. It ensures that food and economic assistance goes directly to hardworking men, women, and families deeply affected by the outbreak. prgtoken It also provides much-needed financial assistance to the States to meet this critical public health challenge that they are facing right now. prgtoken Leaders must lead. People are legitimately afraid, but we have to work together to address this issue.
FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-3-13

we have once again been called to respond to a crisis. prgtoken In the past, we have faced national security threats and natural disasters. But today, it is something radically different: A pandemic. prgtoken What started half a world away has now spread to more than 100 countries, including the United States. Layoffs have begun, schools have cancelled classes, and large gatherings have been banned. prgtoken The impacts of this virus are cascading across society. People's health is at risk. And for many their economic reality has changed overnight. prgtoken People need to get tested. Quarantined workers are wondering how they will pay their bills. Healthcare workers are putting their own health at risk. And children are missing their school lunches. prgtoken They need help. prgtoken They need help now. prgtoken The coronavirus knows no border. It knows no political party. And Mr our response shouldn't either.