mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PRESIDENT TRUMP
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-17

this morning I was planning to address a number of topics, but the President held a press conference yesterday afternoon that was so callous, so uninformed, so egomaniacal, so divisive that I am compelled to respond to it this morning. prgtoken We are in the middle of a global pandemic that has killed nearly 200,000 Americans, far more than the number of Americans who died in World War I--more than any other Nation on God's green Earth, more than countries with larger populations, and more than countries with mere fractions of our wealth and power. prgtoken Here is how the President spoke about the number of American deaths yesterday at his press conference: If you take the blue states out, we're at a level that I don't think anybody in the world would be at . . . [If you take the blue states out,] we're really at a very low level. prgtoken Yes, , if you don't count the total number of Americans who have died, you might think it is not so bad. If you close your eyes and pretend that half of the country doesn't exist, maybe some might think you didn't do such a spectacularly awful job. prgtoken What kind of person looks at the number of dead citizens in the country he is supposed to lead, and in an attempt to glamorize himself, dismisses every American who died in a State that didn't support the President politically? What a disgrace. It is monstrous. There is not a shred of empathy, not an ounce of sorrow. What kind of President do we have? prgtoken The President just wants you to see a graph about how his catastrophic failure to fight COVID-19 could have been worse. prgtoken I suggest President spend some time reading the stories of the men and women across the country who have passed away from this terrible virus. prgtoken This isn't about a number. Oh, no, it is about the people families and communities have lost, whether they be in red States or blue States. Many of these families have been unable to hold prgtoken funeral services to properly mourn their loved ones for fear of spreading COVID to another member of their family. That is why these remarks by the President are so horrific. prgtoken What does the outcome of an election determine if these lives should be counted? Isn't that awful? Why does the outcome of an election determine if these lives should be counted? Does he mean that the loss of Americans who lived in States with ic Governors shouldn't count? If that is the case, President is saying that the deaths of David Pickman of Somerset, CT; and Patrick McNamee of Ypsilanti, MI; and Virgil Sutton of Dallas, NC, don't count--don't count. How about Ralph Davis, the high school basketball coach in Milwaukee, WI? Did his life not count because he lived in a State with a ic Governor? What kind of demented person would say that those American lives don't count? prgtoken The President also said: ``But some of those states, they were
Agriculture (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-9-17

I rise to talk about what we need to be doing certainly to support the farmers across our country. I know colleagues spoke just a while ago about the need to refill what we call the CCC to make sure that we are providing the funding for the October payments for the farm bill. prgtoken As one of the authors of the farm bill, I certainly know we have to make those payments, and the good news is that there is enough money there now to do that, although we certainly also want to be providing emergency support, disaster support, for growers who have been hit and have had losses as a result of the chaotic trade policies, as a result of what has happened under COVID-19. Our farmers have been hit every which way, including what is happening on climate change and the weather, prices, everything else, and we certainly want to make sure that they have what they need. prgtoken I want to raise two points today. One is that in order to do that, the USDA should be focusing on a GAO report that was released on Monday that indicated and actually reaffirmed a report that I released with our Senate ic colleagues on the Agricultural Committee that, in fact, the payments going out to farmers have not been fair. They have been picking winners and losers; they have been picking regions in the South, big farms in the South, not over the Midwest or our smaller farmers and over many of those who, frankly, have had the biggest losses. prgtoken So when I hear my colleagues talk about the fact that we need to be supporting farmers and we need to make sure that the farm bill payments go out, I absolutely agree that money is in there right now to do that. If we are going to add other money, I think we ought to be paying attention to what the GAO has now affirmed, which is we should be making sure we are funding those with losses--those who need the help the most in these chaotic times for farmers. prgtoken But something has now come up today that is even more alarming to me, and that is related to what the administration appears to be considering right now, which is to take at least $300 million in funds, cash aid, and give it to U.S. oil refineries out of the funds we are talking about--that my colleagues just talked about--that were supposed to be going to farmers. prgtoken We have had 3\1/2\ years of this administration siding with big oil companies over our ethanol producers. And, by the way, ethanol biofuels are about jobs, about clean energy, and about supporting small towns in rural communities. Then, just this week, at the very last minute--it is election year--they announce that they are going to make a decision that will help ethanol and be able to deal with some of the waivers that they have been doing for the oil companies. They announced that earlier this week, and then, guess what. Through the back door, they are going to take--if this is accurate in Reuters--$300 million away f
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-9-17

today I rise to commemorate the International Day of Democracy. Since 2007, September 15 has offered an opportunity each year to reflect on the democratic values that we cherish and to recommit ourselves to promoting them around the world. prgtoken The democratic project is especially important at this moment. Although some communities are experiencing greater rights and freedoms than ever before, there is also an alarming trend of democratic backsliding in many corners of the globe. prgtoken Countries that were becoming increasingly open and egalitarian are moving back toward authoritarianism under unlawful, oppressive leaders. prgtoken Meanwhile, countries that were already unfree are suffering even more disturbing civil and human rights abuses. prgtoken If we turn a blind eye to these developments, it will embolden bad actors to continue undermining freedom, peace, and equality. The United States must lead all democracy-loving people in calling out subversions of democratic rights wherever they exist and holding those responsible to account. prgtoken One country that requires our urgent attention is China. The Government of China has not adhered to democratic norms for a long time, but we should never allow that failure to normalize ongoing human rights abuses such as the vicious opposition to the Uighurs. prgtoken International nongovernmental organizations have documented China's mass surveillance, arbitrary detention, torture, and political indoctrination of these communities for no reason other than their religious and cultural differences. prgtoken We must do everything possible to fight for the freedom and equality of the Uighurs to help end this atrocity. prgtoken We also need to stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong. Beijing's attempt to circumvent Hong Kong's independent legal system with a far-reaching, oppressive national security law is dangerous and in complete disregard of the one-country, two-system principle. I am likewise disturbed that the Hong Kong government inexplicably postponed the September regional elections for another year. The people of Hong Kong deserve to see their democratic aspirations realized and protected. I am pleased that there is bipartisan, strong support in the U.S. Senate and in the House for the people of Hong Kong, and I joined with Senator Rubio in introducing legislation to make that clear. prgtoken China is certainly not the only place where democratic rights are threatened. We need to look closer to home, as well, to countries like Venezuela. In Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro's illegal regime has produced one of the worst humanitarian crises by plundering the country's resources for personal gain and using the distribution of food as a tool for social control. Maduro has completely ignored the Venezuelan people's call to return to democracy and is using the current global pandemic as an opportunity to consolidate his own power. prgtoken In addi
CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam . I rise today to support H. Res. 908, which condemns all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Asian American community in Philadelphia and nationwide has seen an alarming surge in anti-Asian bigotry and in hate crimes. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has resulted in the spread of hate, racism, and xenophobia toward the Asian American community. prgtoken As you may already know, the FBI warned at the end of March that they expected to see hate crime incidents against Asian Americans to increase suddenly as the general public associated the coronavirus with the Asian American population. At its peak, there were nearly 100 hate incidents being reported each day. Yet, the President and his Administration failed to address this and fueled this misconception with their rhetoric. prgtoken Madam , words matter. This widespread racism against Asian Americans during this public health crisis is a serious and destructive issue that negatively impacts the lives of millions in our nation. Congress has a duty to address the ongoing anti-Asian sentiment and break the silence, raise awareness, and change the public perception surrounding it. prgtoken In my hometown of Philadelphia, we have witnessed far too many hate crimes. Back in February, a young man and woman were physically assaulted by a group of juveniles at a SEPTA station in what appeared to be a racially motivated anti-Asian attack. In March, several Asian American homes were harassed through letters. Later in April, an Asian American-owned restaurant in my Congressional district was vandalized with spray-paint graffiti that included a racial slur. Just last month, an Asian American pregnant mother was attacked on the streets by someone who deliberately mentioned her race during the attack. prgtoken The Asian American community has enriched the city of Philadelphia, and our nation, and we must do more to protect them. The prejudice against the Asian American community distracts us from finding real solutions to the pandemic at a time when they are much needed. prgtoken Madam , now, more than ever, it is important to stand in solidarity with the Asian American community. We cannot let the rise in hateful rhetoric and discrimination go unchecked. We must work together to build a more inclusive and diverse society, and this resolution is a step toward achieving that. urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to build on America's diversity, which has proven to be one of our greatest strengths.
CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding and also for his tremendous leadership. And also, I acknowledge Representative Meng for spearheading this important resolution. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H. Res. 908 to condemn all forms of anti-Asian hate speech related to COVID-19. prgtoken Now, this pandemic is leading to an alarming rate of hateful speech directed at people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. And the truth is, as an African American, I know what hate and racism is and I know the violence that results. prgtoken And the facts are: Since March, there have been over 2,500 reported cases of anti-Asian discrimination related to COVID-19, including over 1,100 cases in my home State of California. prgtoken At the same time, by no accident or coincidence, the White House continues to refer to COVID-19 as the ``China virus'' and ``kung flu'' trying to shift attention and blame away from this administration's inadequate response and poor leadership. They would rather scapegoat Asian Americans, exacerbating anti-Asian hate and violence. prgtoken Congress needs to send a clear message that we will stand with our AAPI community, especially during these challenging times, to fight bigotry and racism within our country. prgtoken Hate speech does lead to violence and discrimination. That is the truth.
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Observed from September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month honors those of Hispanic heritage, praises the extraordinary contributions that they have made to our society, and reaffirms our commitment to protecting their culture. prgtoken Hispanic Americans are among the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States. For evidence, simply turn to my home state of Texas. In the 30th District alone, Hispanic Americans account for nearly 40 percent of my constituents. The inclusion of their voices and values in the community make my district, and the United States, stronger as whole. prgtoken Sadly, as a result of systemic inequalities, Hispanic Americans face a higher risk of contracting and dying from the coronavirus. Additionally, many have been forced to choose between returning to work in unsafe environments or losing their jobs--quite literally a choice of life or death. prgtoken Madam , as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us be mindful of the pain this community has felt these past few months, and continue to push for the passage of bills--such as the HEROES Act, the DREAM and Promise Act, and Raise the Wage Act--all of which would greatly improve the lives of our Hispanic brothers and sisters.
Wildfires (Executive Session)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-9-17

I rise today to talk about what we are seeing in this country in the West with the horrific wildfires that are happening right now. I have to say, so many of my colleagues have been speaking out, and rightfully so. My heart, along with all of theirs, goes out to everyone who has been affected by the fires raging across the West and, most of all, to those who have lost members of their families or their homes. prgtoken You know, I am thinking of the hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon under evacuation orders, of the brave firefighters in California who are battling flames in the middle of a pandemic, of Nevadans whose skies are blanketed with hazardous smoke--everyone in the West who is pooling all of their efforts and resources to support one another from Washington to Oregon, to California, to Nevada--everywhere that we have seen prgtoken I also want to honor the efforts of two courageous pilots who died in a crash over Caliente, NV, in July while dropping fire retardant on the Bishop Fire. David Blake Haynes and Scott Thomas lost their lives while protecting the people of Nevada, and I join all Nevadans in sharing my condolences with their families. prgtoken You know, Americans are up against the brutal reality of the climate crisis. Science tells us that climate change is making the West hotter and drier and contributing to wildfires. Scientists have been sending a consistent message about climate change for the past 30 years. In the entire Western United States, we have seen just some of the dire effects scientists have predicted. That is why we need Federal action to slow the very clear effects of climate change. prgtoken We have seen those effects in my home State of Nevada where, this year alone, almost a quarter million acres have burned so far. Since I have been in the Senate, over 2\1/2\ million acres in Nevada have burned in tragedies like the Poeville Fire, the South Sugarloaf Fire, the Range 2 Fire, and the Martin Fire, which was the State's largest fire in our country. That is why the entire Nevada delegation has worked so hard to get Nevada the resources it needs to prepare for these fires, combat them when they occur, and rebuild afterward. prgtoken We have helped get funds to the University of Nevada, Reno, for its ALERTWildfire Program, which uses state-of-the-art cameras to monitor the fires. We have requested that the Nevada Air National Guard get the tools it needs to combat these fires, including C-130J aircraft that could fight fires all over the West. Yet, inexplicably, this request was turned down earlier this year. prgtoken Along with my colleagues in the Senate, we have worked to pass a bill to create a permanent Forest Service contingency account so that Federal agencies aren't left empty-handed when they need the money the most. prgtoken Last summer, I convened the first of its kind wildfire summit in Nevada. I was honored to join our firefighters, our rancher
CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I support this legislation because we have to stand to cure, to fix COVID-19, not to stigmatize and destroy the opportunity of saving America and doing the right thing by science. prgtoken Madam , as a senior member of the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, and the Budget Committee, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 908, which condemns anti-Asian sentiment in all its forms and manifestations, from whatever quarter, and from whomever, from the ordinary citizen up to and including the President of the United States. prgtoken Since January 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes and incidents against those of Asian descent and the danger accelerates as the number of deaths attributable to COVID-19, which currently stands at 197,000, continues to increase and is expected to exceed 250,000 by Election Day on November 3, 2020. The use of anti- Asian terminology and rhetoric related to COVID-19, such as the ``Chinese Virus'', ``Wuhan Virus'', and ``Kung-flu'' have perpetuated anti-Asian stigma and is reminiscent of dark and shameful chapters in America's past where Asian-Americans were escaped as the ``yellow peril'' and interned in relocation camps. prgtoken Madam , more than 23,000,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders account for 7 percent of the Nation's population in the United States and over 2,000,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are working on the frontlines of this COVID-19 pandemic in health care, law enforcement, first responders, transportation, supermarkets, and other service industries. Madam , there are approximately 2 million Asian American owned businesses that generate over $700 billion in annual revenue and employ nearly 4.5 million workers. prgtoken According to a recent study, there were over 400 cases related to COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination just between February 9, 2020, and March 7, 2020 with Asian Americans being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in March 2020, anti-Asian woman wearing a mask was kicked and punched at a New York City subway station; two children and two adults were stabbed at a wholesale grocery in Midland, Texas; a couple was assaulted and robbed by a group of attackers in Philadelphia; and a 16-year-old boy was sent to the hospital after being attacked by bullies in Los Angeles, California. prgtoken According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, during this pandemic a different curve has emerged in the County metroplex, one of outward racism toward Asian Americans, where the increased use of anti- Asian rhetoric has also resulted in Asian-American businesses being targeted for vandalism. prgtoken Madam , the Secretary General of the United Nations called for international solidarity and an end to any ill-founded discrimination of the outbreak's victims. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counsels aga
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today regarding votes I missed on September 14, resulting from a family emergency, and September 15, 2020, due to a historic signing ceremony at the White House of two agreements decades in the making. prgtoken Had I been present for Roll Call Votes 183, H.R. 4894, the Congressional Budget Justification Act, and 184, S. 2193, the CHARGE Act, I would have voted yea. These bills have my full support, and I hope they are swiftly signed into law. prgtoken Additionally, had I been present for Roll Call Votes 185 and 186, on ordering the previous question and agreeing to H. Res. 1107, respectively, I would have also voted yea. The bills brought to the House floor by this rule are long overdue for consideration. In particular, H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, of which I am a cosponsor, is vitally important legislation. No woman should ever be forced to choose between a healthy pregnancy and her career, but for too long, that has been the reality for many women. Despite existing laws, many workers still face pregnancy discrimination, including job loss, hiring discrimination, or an unsafe work environment. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act establishes clear, reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, and further ensures that pregnant employees cannot be retaliated against, denied employment opportunities, or be forced to take paid or unpaid leave due to their pregnancy. I look forward to supporting this legislation, as well as others brought forward by this rule.