mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SANCTUARY CITIES ACT
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I thank my friend and fellow North Carolinian, Mr. Budd. prgtoken From San Francisco to my district in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, cities across the country are declaring themselves sanctuary cities. The term sounds peaceful, but the results are exactly the opposite. prgtoken For example, North Carolina sheriffs in a few urban counties released over 500 illegal aliens last year, who were convicted or accused of serious crimes, including domestic violence, indecency with a child, even rape, and murder. prgtoken Rather than hand over these vicious criminals to the Federal authorities, sanctuary cities and counties release them into your community to prey on you and your family. prgtoken What is the purpose of this policy? Clearly, it is not public safety. Nor is it for the protection of immigrant communities; indeed, they are the most victimized by these predators. Rather, it is meant to serve a national liberal agenda that prizes open borders over community safety. prgtoken Across the Nation, we were horrified to learn last year about a 92- year-old woman brutally raped and murdered at the hands of an individual who should have never been released--whom ICE asked to hold. prgtoken So, the increasing breakdown in the relationship between Federal and local authorities isn't just theoretically dangerous. prgtoken Further, sanctuary policies put dedicated law enforcement officers at risk. When criminals are released, despite an ICE detainer, ICE has a statutory responsibility to collect them. Rather than have a secure transfer, ICE must go into the community to track down the individual for an uncontrolled arrest. prgtoken Ironically, if the situation turns violent, the very local police who arrested the alien the first time will be there to back up ICE. prgtoken To hold these jurisdictions to account, I was proud to sign on to the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, which would allow victims of crimes committed by individuals released under sanctuary city policies, or their survivors, to sue sanctuary jurisdictions. prgtoken For example, in the New York City case, the woman's family would be able to sue the local government for allowing the release of her killer, who should have been safely in ICE custody. prgtoken Often, cities and towns claim immunity from being sued like this, denying victims' rights. This bill would allow communities to maintain that practice, but not at the expense of American taxpayers. prgtoken I have heard across the aisle that sanctuary cities only release individuals who pose no community harm. If you believe that, you should have no issue with this bill because those who are released won't endanger the community, and no one would ever be enabled to sue. prgtoken I, however, believe we must take this threat seriously and impose concrete costs to communities who refuse to follow the law. prgtoken I am proud to support this bill introduced by my friend, Congressman Budd, and urg
EFFECTIVE APPRENTICESHIPS FOR VETERANS
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , I rise today in support of the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act. I am so proud to be coleading this bipartisan bill with Representative Clark, and I want to, in particular, thank Senator Gary Peters from the great State of Michigan for his leadership in driving this legislation through the Senate. prgtoken When we make the decision to send men and women to fight for our country, we make that decision to support them for the rest of their lives. That means veterans should have every opportunity to enroll in an apprenticeship that connects them with good-paying jobs. prgtoken The bill before us today expands the number of programs veterans can access with their GI benefits. GI benefits can cover things like housing and living expenses when they are going through their apprenticeship. prgtoken This bill came straight from concerns raised by veterans in the district. In particular, I want to thank Rick Donovan, a veteran from Oakland County, who brought this idea to our attention. prgtoken Just last month, I visited Lansing Community College with Senator Peters, which has some amazing apprenticeship programs. prgtoken This bill has already passed the Senate with bipartisan support. It is a great example of what can happen when we work together on issues that matter to all of us across Chambers and across parties. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill and send it to the President's desk.
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2020-3-10

from Wyoming for his comments. I come here today to express some very similar ones. prgtoken I come here today at a sad time--a sad time for Americans and especially a sad time for Montanans. You see, at the end of January, we lost three great Americans who paid the ultimate price for risking their lives for our allies down under. Those three great Americans are Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson, and Captain Ian McBeth, who is a Montanan. They all lost their lives when their plane went down fighting a devastating bush fire in Australia. prgtoken Captain McBeth lived in Great Falls, MT. He was a dedicated pilot and servicemember. He was a member of both the Montana and the Wyoming Air National Guards and he completed several combat deployments, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken Captain McBeth was one of the best pilots Montana had to offer. It was as if he was born to fly C-130s. But even more, he was born to be a caring father, husband, brother, and son to the incredible family he has left behind. At 44 years of age, he was taken from them far too young. prgtoken Captain McBeth was devoted to his family, leaving behind his wife, Bowdie; his kids, Abigail, Calvin, and Ella; and his parents and siblings, whose hearts have to be aching right now. prgtoken My wife Sharla and I are keeping them in our prayers and in our hearts through this trying time. prgtoken Captain McBeth heard the call to serve this country and did so honorably, taking that call to duty even further to help the folks in need on the other side of the world to fight wildfires. prgtoken Now, Montanans are no stranger to the risks that come from fighting wildfires, but that doesn't make it any easier when we lose one of our own. Captain McBeth and so many other Montanans who bravely run into danger when others run out--these are our heroes, plain and simple. We owe a debt of gratitude to Captain McBeth that can never be repaid. Montana has lost one of its finest, and he will be missed. prgtoken .
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM CORONAVIRUS
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-3-10

. Madam , as the number of coronavirus cases rises, it is important that our constituents have the information they need to protect themselves, so I am going to use my 5 minutes today to walk through what doctors and health experts know and what Congress has done in response. prgtoken First, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus, so taking steps to protect yourself is paramount. prgtoken As much as possible, avoid contact with individuals who are already sick. If you yourself are sick, stay home. There is no need to go to work and risk getting other people sick as well. prgtoken Try to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. prgtoken If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, use your sleeve. prgtoken Be sure that you are cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, like doorknobs and phones. prgtoken If you feel compelled to wear a face mask, be sure that you check the CDC's recommendations. Face masks are not recommended for people who are trying to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. This includes coronavirus. However, face masks are recommended if you are showing symptoms of coronavirus or another respiratory disease. prgtoken Most importantly, the CDC recommends that you wash your hands frequently. Do so with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should especially wash your hands after using the restroom; before you eat; and after you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze. prgtoken If you are unable to wash your hands but have a sanitizer available, the CDC recommends that it be alcohol-based with at least 60 percent alcohol. prgtoken As the coverage of this ongoing outbreak continues and the number of positive cases grows, it is also important that the American people know what the symptoms of coronavirus actually are. prgtoken According to the CDC, coronavirus symptoms may appear as soon as 2 days and as late as 14 days after exposure. These symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. prgtoken If you are suffering from these symptoms, you should stay home. Do not rush to the emergency room, a minute clinic, or another medical facility. prgtoken While you are at home, do your best to stay away from your family or other people you may regularly encounter. prgtoken The next step is to call your doctors and let them know that you are exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus. They will tell you the next steps you should take. prgtoken If they want you to come in for a test, this call will allow your healthcare provider to take the necessary steps to keep other people from getting infected. prgtoken If you are going to the doctor or out in public with symptoms, now is the time to wear a face mask. prgtoken If your symptoms continue to worsen, call your doctor and seek prompt medical attention. prgtoken Be sure that your doctor is in contact with your local or State health department. This will make the monito
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2020-3-10

Shakespeare's great play ``Hamlet'' began with the phrase: Something is rotten in Denmark. prgtoken Well, something is rotten in Congress, and what is rotten in Congress is dark money. Citizens United--perhaps one of the most foolish decisions ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court--opened unlimited spending into our politics, which benefits whom? It benefits those who have unlimited money to spend and a motive to spend it in politics. That is not a group of people whose voices were not being heard here already. That is the favored group. But Citizens United opened the door for them to spend unlimited money, and then the Supreme Court failed to police its own decision. Its own decision said this unlimited spending was going to be independent of candidates and transparent to the public. Well, they are 0 for 2. It has been a decade, and they have never even tried to enforce the basic predicates of their decision. It is a shameful, shameful effort by the Court. Now, as a result, we have throughout our politics this dark money tsunami of slime. prgtoken How bad is it? These groups have spent $4.5 billion since Citizens United--$4.5 billion trying to influence Congress. Do you think they were doing that in the public interest? Of course not. Do you wonder why bills die here in the legislative graveyard of the Senate? Take a guess. prgtoken Outside groups--these phony-baloney front groups for these big special interests--are now outspending candidates in races. In fact, in the decade after Citizens United, outside groups outspent candidates in 126 different congressional races. And it is a very small group of people behind it. The top 10 donor households gave a combined $1.1 billion to these front groups. Do you think they were looking out for the public interests? Dream on. prgtoken Who are the big spenders of this dark money? National Rifle Association; Americans for Prosperity, which is the Koch brothers front group; Crossroads GPS, which is Karl Rove's front group; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the champions of climate denial and obstruction. prgtoken Do you want to know why we are not getting things done around here? It is because billions of dollars are being spent secretly by special interests to shut things down, and it is creeping now even into the courts. The Federalist Society, which is picking our judges, is at the center of a $250 million dark money network. A group that ran the campaigns against Garland and for Gorsuch and then afterward for Kavanaugh got an individual $17 million donation for each of those two campaigns. It is actually probably the same donor, which means somebody out there anonymously gave $35 million to determine the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, and we don't know who that is. We don't know what business they have before the Court. prgtoken As I said, Hamlet begins with ``something is rotten in . . . Denmark.'' Something is rotten in Congress, and the rot i
ADVANCED GEOTHERMAL INNOVATION LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2019--Continued
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-3-10

I want to thank Senator Udall for his leadership on the For the People Act, and I want to thank Senator Merkley for his leadership on this bill. prgtoken This bill contains many provisions that deal with the fundamental values of this country. I also am proud of my colleague in the House of Representatives, Congressman Sarbanes, who is the lead sponsor of H.R. 1, which is the For the People Act. It passed the House of Representatives over a year ago, and there has been no action on the floor of the Senate as a result of the majority leader's decision not to bring these bills to the floor. prgtoken As I said, it includes a lot of different bills that all deal with America's values. These are the values that are the strength of this Nation--free and fair elections. That is what we promote globally because we know that is key to a stable democratic society. Yet when you look at the way we conduct elections in this country, we are not setting a very high example. Look at how much money is involved in elections in this country. From the President of the United States to our local offices, too much money speaks to who is going to be able to get the attention of the voters. We need to change that. prgtoken We know that suppression of voters has been institutionalized as a strategy to win office. That should have no place in America. We should want the maximum amount of voters to participate in our political process, not try to prevent people from exercising their right to vote. prgtoken The For the People Act brings about meaningful change so that America, which is the shining example of democracy, can lead the world by the way we conduct our own elections. Let me mention two provisions that I am particularly pleased are included in the For the People Act. One is democracy restoration; that is, to allow those who have been convicted of crime, after they have served their penalty, to be able to participate in elections. We are one of only a few western democracies that permanently disenfranchise an individual who has been convicted of a felony. There are 6.1 million adults who currently are disenfranchised as a result of that provision, yet only 22 percent of those individuals are incarcerated. The other 78 percent have paid their penalty, have done their time, and are now reintegrated into society. It is in our interest to have them participate in our democratic system. It reduces recidivism. And, quite frankly, it is targeted at people of color. They are who have been most disenfranchised as a result of this provision. Thirty-four States still have restrictions, and 12 have lifetime restrictions on those convicted of a felony. The Democracy Restoration Act would remedy that situation. prgtoken The second bill I am going to refer to very briefly is the Deceptive Practices and Voter Prevention Act that targets primarily minority voters to suppress their vote. It is the modern Jim Crow laws in which
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO BORROWER DEFENSE INSTITUTIONAL...
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise to honor a leader in the fight for justice, a great Ohioan whom we lost last month, Judge Nathaniel Jones. prgtoken At a ceremony dedicating the Federal courthouse in honor of Judge Jones in 2003, former Congressman Louis Stokes said that the courthouse served as a testament to the outstanding public service by ``a local who made good.'' Judge Jones certainly was that. prgtoken Born in Youngstown in 1926, he served a country that did not yet recognize his full legal equality. He served his country in World War II. He went on to become a respected lawyer. He went on first to be a journalist who worked for the Youngstown and Pittsburgh News. He worked for the Youngstown newspaper. He covered Jackie Robinson when Jackie Robinson played in AAA and became a friend of his. He went on to become a respected lawyer, a Federal judge, and an international civil and human rights advocate. He was a local who made good, but more importantly, he was a man who did good. He committed his life to the pursuit of justice and equality. We are all the better for it. prgtoken He led efforts to end employment discrimination as the Executive Director of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. He was the first African-American U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. He served as Assistant General Counsel for President Johnson's Kerner Commission. That Commission issued a landmark report warning that racism and poverty were the root causes of violence in our Nation's cities during the 1960s. prgtoken As general counsel for the NAACP, Judge Jones directed efforts to fight discrimination faced by African-American soldiers and worked to desegregate public schools in the North, stepping in personally to argue several cases. prgtoken Nominated by President Carter, he was confirmed in 1979 to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals--one of only 39 African Americans to ever serve on the Federal Circuit. As a judge, he felt it was his duty to be an instrument of change in a system that too often denied justice to people of color. In many of the cases that came before the court, he so often sided with those taking on powerful interests and fighting for their rights--something we see far too little of in this body and in this government. prgtoken As South Africa began to move beyond the dark days of apartheid and chart a new future of inclusion and equality, Judge Jones was called to help draft the country's new Constitution. prgtoken In Cincinnati, which he called home for some 45 years, the footprints of his good work can be seen across the city. Some of my favorite times were sitting in Judge Jones's office and listening to him tell about his days as a reporter knowing Jackie Robinson, talking about his days at the NAACP, and talking about his belief in justice and his passion for fair play. prgtoken He was one of the early supporters of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He mentored numerous young law
FEDERALLY REQUIRING EARNED EDUCATION-DEBT DISCHARGES FOR VETS ACT
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-3-10

such time as I may consume. prgtoken As my colleagues have heard today, this legislation would require the Department to continue ensuring that veterans who are totally and permanently disabled can have their student loan debt discharged without unnecessary complexity. prgtoken Think about it, without unnecessary complexity. prgtoken All this legislation does is streamline a process so those who have been totally and permanently disabled can have peace of mind and economic freedom. We owe it to those who have served our country to make this process as simple as possible, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. prgtoken , .
CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-10

I rise today as a doctor and a public health expert, someone who has spent his time in Congress thinking about global health security and pandemic preparedness. I rise today because the novel coronavirus is on everyone's mind. We have to talk about it, and we have to think about how we got here, what we know, and where we are going. prgtoken First, let's think about how we got here. If you think about it, in late 2019, prgtoken we heard the first reports that there was a novel virus occurring in China. In early January, we saw China take unprecedented steps to enact containment, locking down Wuhan and large portions of their country. prgtoken We had our first briefing about 7 or 8 weeks ago. At that briefing, I identified four areas that the administration really had to focus on: prgtoken Number one, you need a command control structure. You have to identify one person who is not political and not partisan but is a public health expert who has that ability to work across the interagency process. prgtoken Number two, you had to do an emergency supplemental and get resources out to the hospitals, the public health experts, et cetera, to make sure those who were on the front line had what they needed. prgtoken Number three, we had to get our scientists and experts--we have the best in the world at the CDC and NIH--to the epicenter, to the hot zone in China. That was delayed not because we didn't want to get there, but the Chinese would not allow us direct access. prgtoken Number four, we had to be transparent with the public. We had to let people know the facts as they were occurring. prgtoken Fast-forward, 6 weeks ago, I held the first hearing in my Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation on what was going on. We focused on the first step: containment. It was evident at that hearing with the public experts that we had that you really couldn't contain this novel coronavirus now known as COVID-19. We knew, based on the public health recommendations, that we would likely be seeing community events and community spreading; that was pretty evident. prgtoken We lost time. The fact that China tried to contain things gave us a little bit of time, but the fact that we didn't develop a test and we didn't put things in place really set us behind the eight ball. prgtoken Two weeks ago, we had the first community case in my home county, Sacramento County. That patient was transferred to UC-Davis, which is my home facility. Based on that, we changed the testing criteria. We still don't have enough tests out there, but we changed the criteria to allow the health professionals, if they suspect a case of coronavirus, to be able to order that test. Now we have got a problem though. We don't have the tests that are available. prgtoken We now are moving into the second phase of coronavirus, which is mitigation. In order to do that, Congress took the first important step last week with the $8.3 billion emergency supplemen