mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER MICHAEL ``MIKE'' MEADOR
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Michael ``Mike'' Lloyd Meador for his honorable 28 years of public service as Precinct 1 Commissioner in Montgomery County. prgtoken The Meador family roots in Montgomery County extend back over 100 years, and Mike has carried on the family legacy with his leadership and integrity. Mike was born to W.L. and Poodle Meador in Willis, Texas, and graduated from Willis High School. Staying near his roots, he went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. prgtoken Always a dedicated member of his community, Mike has served as Montgomery County Commissioner of Precinct 1 since January of 1993. In fact, in December of 2019, Mike was recognized as the longest-serving commissioner in the history of the county. After 28 years in service, Mike announced he will be stepping down from this position in January of 2021. prgtoken Mike's time in public service has been as accomplished as it has been lengthy, and his exceptional management has helped attract commercial and industrial businesses to the precinct. Under Mike's leadership, several successful developments have been established; two community centers, multiple Justice of the Peace and Constable buildings, 17 baseball fields, and the acquisition of a grant to build a recycling center. Mike's tenure has been defined by honesty, integrity, and humility. He's always prided himself on maintaining an open line of communication with constituents, and remained constantly engaged with those he serves. It's no wonder he was named ``Elected Official of the Year,'' by the Lake Conroe Rotary Club. prgtoken Mike's involvement in our community extends well beyond his role as commissioner--he is a member of First Baptist Church of Conroe, a lifetime member of both the Montgomery County Fair Association and Friends of Conroe, a member of the Montgomery County Historical Society and an active participant in the Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Mike's commitment to his community is matched only by his commitment to his family. He and his wife of 50 years, Janie Houser Meador, have three children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I join them all in thanking him for his exceptional service to Montgomery County. Our community has been blessed to have Mike, and I wish him all the best as he embarks on his next endeavor.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-11-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , workforce programs like apprenticeships will aid in closing the skills gap and put more Americans to work, but only if employees and job creators are given the flexibility to innovate and develop high-quality earn-and-learn programs without overreach from Washington. prgtoken That is why s want to expand employers' opportunities to address the needs of their current and prospective workers through an all-of-the-above approach to apprenticeships rather than closing potential pathways to work. prgtoken Unfortunately, H.R. 8294 doubles down on a narrow and prescriptive approach and gives Washington bureaucrats, not job creators, more control. This flawed legislation will prevent more job seekers from accessing apprenticeship opportunities. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on H.R. 8294, and .
IN HONOR OF THOMAS REED HAUN
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a special man, Mr. Thomas Reed Haun. Mr. Haun is part of a special group of heroes that served our nation during World War II. He passed away on November 14, 2020. prgtoken Mr. Haun was born on July 27, 1924. He grew up in Sweetwater, Tennessee, where he lived until moving to Nicholasville, Kentucky for his final years. On August 3, 1943, he entered service in the United States Army. He served in the United States Army's 34th Division, 168th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Lt. Gen. Mark W. Clark. Mr. Haun earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and served in the European- African-Middle Eastern Theater. He was wounded in the Po Valley in northern Italy on September 29, 1944. He was shot 9 times, from shoulder to ankle. Mr. Haun was hospitalized for a year, first in Italy, then transported on a hospital ship to New York and then Florida. He was given an experimental drug called penicillin. Mr. Haun was honorably discharged on July 2, 1945. For his brave service to our country, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star. prgtoken Upon returning from military service, Mr. Haun married Betty Ruth Ramey on October 6, 1946. They were married for 67 years. He worked as a manager at Sweetwater Hosiery Mill and then as a Deputy Clerk in the General Sessions Court. He served the people of Sweetwater and Monroe County on the City Commission, as a Trustee for 32 years, and as Fire Department Commissioner. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church. Mr. Haun was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. prgtoken Mr. Haun and his fellow veterans are true heroes. As members of the ``Greatest Generation'', they willingly served and sacrificed to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. I am humbled to honor the service of Mr. Thomas Reed Haun before the United States Congress.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Mr , I rise in opposition to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act. This bill, while well intentioned, fails to deliver on the goal of strengthening our registered apprenticeship system and expanding earn-and-learn opportunities for Americans across the nation. prgtoken Our country's workforce is facing a unique crisis, and we must ensure that our apprenticeship system is up to the task to meet the needs of our evolving workforce. For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that connectivity and the digital world are an integral part of our daily lives. Developing a high-skilled workforce is critical as we seek to expand technologies like broadband and 5G to underserved areas across the country, including my district in Michigan. prgtoken Winning the global race to 5G will have a lasting economic benefit to the United States. In fact, 5G will create 3 million jobs and contribute $500 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years. However, as wireless technology evolves, the workforce needs to evolve along with it. Unless the U.S. has a large enough and properly trained workforce, we will not be able to fully reap the economic and technological benefits of 5G. prgtoken Apprenticeships are a proven solution for meeting workforce needs, especially in wireless technologies. They provide the in-the-field experience and the necessary classroom instruction to build these advanced wireless networks. Congress and the Department of Labor should be laser focused on encouraging and incentivizing apprenticeship for 5G and advanced wireless deployment. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering would hinder the flexibility of employers to create earn- and-learn programs to teach job seekers the skills they need to build- out and deploy the 5G and wireless infrastructure America so desperately needs. prgtoken For these reasons I must oppose H.R. 8294 and urge my colleagues to work on a bipartisan solution that will empower workers and employers to create apprenticeships that are responsive to our modern economy.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF VINCENT ``PIKE'' ANDERSON
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores), for yielding. prgtoken Madam , today, I rise to recognize the outstanding life of service to the community of Mrs. Ruby Thompson Green. prgtoken Mrs. Green, for the better half of her 103 years on this Earth, exhibited true altruism and love for the city of Biloxi. prgtoken She was born June 5, 1916, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She earned her bachelor of science from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Mrs. Green also spent some time studying at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, before attending the University of Southern Mississippi. prgtoken Mrs. Green married Mr. P. Irving Green on July 26, 1941, and they moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1947. prgtoken Mrs. Green founded and operated Green's Kindergarten for 17 years, and she was the first African-American teacher at Biloxi High School. Mrs. Green also worked in the Star Program and worked as the assistant education director of the Head Start Program. prgtoken Mrs. Green joined the New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend E.H. Potter, and she served as a teacher of the intermediate class, superintendent of the Sunday school, director of the vacation Bible school, member of the senior mission, member of the kitchen committee, and member of the bus committee. She also served as assistant secretary of the Shiloh District of the Congress of Christian Workers. prgtoken After retiring from her many years of dedication to her students at Biloxi High School, she volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi. Along with her volunteer work, she was a member of the Cheerios Homemakers Club and the Senior Citizen Group. prgtoken Mrs. Green spent a great many years contributing to her community, and for many of her students and brothers and sisters in Christ, she was a strong pillar in the community. prgtoken Of the 103 years, 11 months, and 23 days that she spent with us, most of her time was spent bettering the lives of those around her. prgtoken Mrs. Ruby Thompson Green was an outstanding citizen of the kingdom of God, the United States of America, Mississippi, and Biloxi, and her contributions stand as a reminder to all of us that it is better to serve than to be served. prgtoken It is my honor and privilege to recognize the wonderful life of Mrs. Ruby Thompson Green.
HONORING LEE PAULL III
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of my long-term friend, Lee Paull III, of Wheeling, West Virginia, who passed away earlier this month. prgtoken There was nothing Lee loved more than his family and being from Wheeling. He was an absolute pillar in the community, a successful business owner, an active member of the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and a passionate supporter of the Linsly School and Wheeling Hospital, as well as numerous other organizations. prgtoken His active role in political circles earned him the nickname of ``Mr. .'' prgtoken Lee was a proud supporter of conservative values and principles. But most importantly, Lee worked hard to try to make Wheeling, West Virginia, a strong and vibrant community for generations to come. prgtoken He and his wife, June, touched the lives of thousands in our area. prgtoken Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, their three children, and six grandchildren as we all mourn his passing. prgtoken Lee, you made a difference. You will be missed.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-11-19

I thank Ranking Member Foxx. prgtoken , as our Nation recovers from the economic toll of the COVID pandemic and strives to restore the livelihood of America's workers, we must take every opportunity to strengthen the pathways to meaningful, family-sustaining careers. prgtoken The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven approach to equip workers with the skills they need for lifelong success. prgtoken Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs immediately enter into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that often saddles our younger generation of workers. prgtoken Despite this track record of success, apprenticeships remain the pathway to opportunity for far too few. Less than 3 percent of the workforce comes up through the apprenticeship system, and the vast majority of registered apprenticeship programs are concentrated in just a handful of industries. prgtoken This stark reality leaves one of the strongest workforce development strategies vastly underutilized in developing talent for the modern economy. In order to achieve our common goal of expanding apprenticeships to a more expansive set of occupations, we must develop a system that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century workplace and accessible to employers in emerging industry sectors. prgtoken , my amendment offers a simple step in the right direction: removing a barrier for employers who seek more freedom to design a program that fits their unique needs. prgtoken For the nontraditional occupations and sectors, the mandated minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning may not fit the nature of the job and thus prevent interested employers from ever developing an apprenticeship program. While H.R. 8294 provides a process for these employers to pursue an alternative time-based model that fits their industry, the legislation requires approval from both the State registration agency and the Secretary of Labor. prgtoken A State apprenticeship agency seeking to foster the growth of apprenticeships in their State could grant approval to an innovative model only to have these efforts stifled by Department officials in Washington. The bureaucratic nature of this process may discourage employers from even attempting to use this flexibility in the first place. prgtoken My amendment removes the Department of Labor from the process and leaves it solely at the discretion of States to approve alternative program models, empowering workforce leaders across the country to inject needed dynamism in the age-old system. prgtoken Yet, this amendment alone cannot atone for the countless missed opportunities to incorporate additional amendments, amendments that would have allowed innovation to thrive while still upholding the safety and accountability standards necessary to underpin the taxpayers' investment in apprenticeship programs. <
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 8294, NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , the gentleman from New York suggested that we, on this side of the aisle, should talk to the President of the United States about what he has or hasn't done. prgtoken Well, he is all the way down on Pennsylvania Avenue. I would suggest the gentleman from New York might want to talk to a lady, probably in this very building right now, and that is the , who can bring up a second round of PPP loans. We have got the votes. prgtoken s and both agree we ought to do this, but she wouldn't bring it up for a vote. So we tried to go through the discharge petition process. And no in this House would sign it and let us have a vote. So we are trying again, because a lot of small businesses really need this. prgtoken Madam , an important holiday is coming up. Next Saturday is Small Business Saturday. It is the day when we take time to support the restaurants and shops and other small businesses that create two out of every three new jobs in America. Normally, this is an occasion to eat a delicious meal, get a head start on Christmas shopping, and say hello to friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, this year, an awful lot of those small businesses are struggling due to COVID-19. prgtoken A recent NFIB survey indicated that over half of small businessowners expect to seek additional financial assistance over the next year. If they can't access that help, they may be forced to lay off employees again or cease operations. That is just unacceptable, because we can help them. prgtoken We have a program that has already supported over 50 million jobs all across this country. It even has over $130 billion ready to go. We already have the money. We don't have to appropriate additional dollars at all. The money is there. That program, the PPP, or Paycheck Protection Program, stopped accepting applications back in August. prgtoken Instead of quickly passing a bill to reopen the program, the ic leadership in this House used it as a political football for over 3 months while small businessowners had to drain the last of their funds to stay in existence and to continue to pay their employees, and they nervously continued to worry about how they are going to make payroll. prgtoken Madam , today, we have a chance to do the right thing and do right by these small businesses. They are, after all, the heartbeat of each and every one of our communities. prgtoken Madam , if we defeat the previous question, which is before us now, we can move directly to the legislative package that includes the bill that I just mentioned, my bill, the PPP, again, to reopen and improve the Paycheck Protection Program. prgtoken Madam , let's defeat this previous question and send aid to those small businesses all across the country who desperately need it. I can think of no better way to celebrate Small Business Saturday.
TRIBUTE TO MIKE R. VASQUEZ
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding individual, Mike R. Vasquez, who passed away at the age of 82 on October 27, 2020. As a restaurant entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mike was a dedicated and integral member of the Corona community who will be deeply missed. prgtoken Mike was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 8, 1938, and was later raised in San Bernardino, California. Known to close friends as Mickey and Don Miguel, Mike met his wife Mary Sanchez during a trip to Mexico. In 1973, Mike and Mary moved to Corona and bought an existing restaurant that they re-opened as the first Miguel's full-service restaurant serving Mary's family recipes. Just two years later, the couple expanded the family business by opening their first fast food restaurant, Miguel's Jr. Over the decades since then, the Vasquez family has expanded the chain to more than 20 restaurants throughout southern California. The City of Corona, and its residents, are extremely proud to be home to the original Miguel's restaurants and they are second to none in the quality of food and service. prgtoken As a hard-working small business owner, Mike became increasingly active in his community throughout his life. He was incredibly generous to both his employees as well as causes and organizations throughout our region. In recognition for their significant contributions, Mike and Mary were selected as Citizens of the Year in 2009 by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken As a fellow Corona resident and small business owner, I had the pleasure of knowing Mike and his family and I can personally attest to his numerous achievements and the countless lives he touched. He was a great American, a leader in our community, and a dedicated husband, father, and friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mary, to their children, Eva, Danny, Michael, Carol, Sylvia, and Javier; and 14 grandchildren. Although Mike may no longer be with us, he will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of his family and community.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 8294, NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I am worried that, once again, we are not rising to the occasion as the American people continue to suffer from both this health crisis and the subsequent economic disaster. As the American people continue to call for justice for their fellow Americans, we are back here in D.C for the first time in 7 weeks, and not one item on the 's docket is to answer the American's people call or provide them relief. I am disappointed because I know that we can do better. prgtoken Madam , 2020 has been a tough year, but we have seen some wonderful moments of bipartisanship. In the early months of this pandemic, s and came together to pass the CARES Act, which created lifesaving programs for small businesses and helped provide families financial relief. prgtoken Additionally, in response to calls for nationwide justice reform, I introduced the bipartisan JUSTICE Act, legislation cosponsored by both s and that will improve our policing and reestablish trust between our law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. prgtoken Unfortunately, despite the JUSTICE Act's bipartisan nature, leadership does not want to address this issue. Despite the CARES Act's bipartisan nature, leadership continues to walk away from relief package discussions. Partisanship has once again taken priority over the needs of the American people. prgtoken Madam , if the previous question is defeated, we will take up legislation that I introduced that will provide $850 million for better training of police officers; $500 million to increase the number of body cameras; and $1.2 billion in grants to police departments to invest in community policing, which is the philosophy that you don't police your community, you police with your community. prgtoken Madam , I said this on the House floor in August, and it is unfortunate that I am saying this here once again in November: It is time for this Congress to get back to work.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 8294, NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2020
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-19

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding, and truly it has been a privilege to serve with the gentleman from Georgia on the Rules Committee. I have learned a lot from occupying that seat beside him there. prgtoken Madam , there is still a pandemic raging through our country. Every community in this country has been affected, and community spread is unfortunately going in the wrong direction as the virus rages across our land. My home State of Texas has had over 1 million cases of this novel coronavirus. We have been awaiting relief packages for months and passing partisan packages does not help when our Nation needs us most. prgtoken Where has the sense of urgency been from House ic leadership? prgtoken In February I called for hearings on the coronavirus at the Energy and Commerce Committee, and my requests were dismissed. Congress has since provided support in the form of funding for vaccines, testing, and more, but we should continue to support our Nation's pandemic response in these ways, especially as cases are now raging across the country. prgtoken We could come together to provide our country with the resources to fight this invisible enemy. House ic leadership does not seem to be up to this task. prgtoken My legislation, H.R. 8086, provides funding for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to develop additional medical countermeasures and vaccines. In fact, in the past 2 weeks we have received incredibly encouraging news that early data shows two of the coronavirus vaccine candidates to be more than 90 percent effective. A safe and effective vaccine is the strongest arrow we could have in our quiver to allow our people to return to normal. We also have new antibody treatments that could be used in nonhospitalized mild to moderate coronavirus patients. prgtoken At this point I would give credit to the administration that recognized the need for these medical countermeasures, antivirals, antibodies, and vaccines and really put the entire strength of the whole of government response into Operation Warp Speed. The public sector and private sector are now delivering on that promise, and we are likely just days away from the Food and Drug Administration providing emergency use authorization for one or both of these new vaccines--again, vaccines that are over 90 percent effective--when we didn't even have the genetic sequence of this virus until the end of January. That is a phenomenal accomplishment. prgtoken But now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. The House continues to waste its time on partisan bills that are going to be dead on arrival in the Senate instead of delivering results for Americans. There are commonsense, bipartisan ways to help our Nation respond to the coronavirus, including my bill to increase funding for the coronavirus response, Mr. Chabot's bill to improve the Paycheck Protection Program, and Mr. Stauber's bill to fund better training for