mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING YOUNG ARTISTS OF FLORIDA'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-10-2

. Madam , creativity often spearheads innovation, paving the way for our Nation's future. prgtoken As such, I want to take a moment to recognize the talented young artists of Florida's Eighth Congressional District who competed in prgtoken the 2020 Congressional Art Competition. Due to the coronavirus, this year's competition was held remotely. The theme of this year's artwork focused on the Indian River Lagoon. prgtoken This year a total of thirty-one students from high schools across the Space and Treasure Coasts submitted artwork--all very talented students with creative and imaginative pieces. Three finalists were chosen, and two entries were also selected for special recognition. prgtoken This year's winning piece, titled ``The Promise'' by Michael Spears of Master's Academy will be displayed in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. His teacher is Gerry Geary. prgtoken The runners up included: Adam Hicks of West Shore Jr./Sr. High for ``Mosquito'' earned the Third Place Award. His teacher is James Finch. Rain Perlman of Merritt Island High for ``At the Beach'' earned the Second Place Award. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. prgtoken This year the judges also selected two pieces of art for Special Recognition. Krystal Reither of Merritt Island High earned a Special Recognition for her piece ``Lagoon Panoply''. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. Kevin Olson of Indian River Charter High School also earned a Special Recognition for his piece ``Goo Lagoon''. His teacher is Amelia Strazzulla. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these fine students for their creative efforts and saluting all students across the United States who accepted the challenge to participate in this year's Congressional Art Competition.
OPENING OF THE CHEYENNE NATIONAL CEMETERY
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-10-5

I rise to speak on the opening of the Cheyenne National Cemetery and the hard work that has been put in to this project over the past few years. prgtoken This is a historic accomplishment for Wyoming. The Cheyenne National Cemetery is the first veterans cemetery in Wyoming that is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Before I became a Senator, Wyoming was campaigning for a national cemetery within the State. Once I was in the Senate, I had the opportunity to help advance this project with the help of veterans, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, and the patriotic people of Wyoming. They are all to be congratulated, and I know all are thankful this day is finally here. prgtoken The opening of this national cemetery will allow veterans in rural areas to be buried in their home State. Before it was constructed, veterans had to go to neighboring States in order to be laid to rest. Now, the Cheyenne National Cemetery will be used to serve approximately 22,000 veterans and their families. Wyoming has worked for a long time, in conjunction with the VA, to give our State veterans what they deserve: a place to rest in peace alongside their fellow servicemembers. Burial services have also been expanded to veterans' spouses and other eligible family members, for they too have sacrificed so much for their country. prgtoken National cemeteries are a way to honor our service men and women and serve as a constant reminder that freedom isn't free. It comes to us at great cost and tremendous personal sacrifice. Each name that has been enshrined has a story to tell about someone who left family and friends, safety and security behind to be part of a cause much greater than themselves. In the end, many of them gave up all of their tomorrows so that today's world might be a better place for us all to live. prgtoken I am extremely proud of the steps that the VA and the great State of Wyoming have taken in order to honor our veterans. We must never forget the sacrifices of these brave men and women.
TRIBUTE TO MEL THOMPSON, GILDA LINTZ, KAY SHARP, AND CHAD TENPENNY
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-10-5

. ; I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1980 and then the Senate in 1996. I have enjoyed the privilege of becoming the longest serving member of Congress in the history of the Sunflower State and representing Kansans in Washington, DC, for 40 years. prgtoken It has been an amazing ride, a great partnership in government and many people have been a tremendous help to Franki and me. We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the friends we have made along the way. prgtoken My first boss in public service was a true gentleman from Concordia named Frank Carlson. Senator Carlson was the first person to hit the political trifecta and serve our State as Senator, Congressman, and Governor. The always modest Senator Carlson routinely said, ``There are no self-made men or women in public service; it is your friends, family and staff who make you what you are.'' prgtoken Through the years I have repeated Senator Carlson's words on many occasions, and I truly believe that Members of Congress are only as good as their staff. Well, I have been blessed because, for four decades, I believe that I have had the best staff both in Kansas and on Capitol Hill. prgtoken While I could offer a long list of current and former aides who have truly made a difference for Kansas and America, there are three unique, humble, and accomplished individuals who deserve special recognition. Mel Thompson, Gilda Lintz, and Kay Sharp have all served quietly and effectively behind the scenes on my Kansas staff for nearly a quarter century. prgtoken First, there is Mel Thompson who serves as my State agriculture representative. Actually, Mel and I first worked together on the Washington staff of First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Mel has taught me a lot about agriculture and even more about people. Nobody is better at listening to frustrated farmers and ranchers and few know more about the complex and often burdensome regulations offered by USDA and EPA. This incredible knowledge and Mel's neighborly presence led to well-deserved recognition by the Kansas Farm Bureau who honored Mel with a Distinguished Service to Agriculture award. Mel has been a strong advocate for me and, in fact, a brother. prgtoken Next, there is Gilda Lintz who serves as the district director in my Topeka office. Gilda is what we call a casework specialist, serving as the court of last resort when communication has broken down between a Kansan and a government agency. Gilda has invested her heart and soul into assisting veterans to obtain service awards or unrealized benefits. Additionally, Gilda has led my service academy nomination board that meets each October to identify the best and brightest Kansans capable of graduating from our Nation's military academies and defending our Nation. I call her ``golden.'' Thank you, Gilda, for nurturing America's heroes. You are a true ``Kansas treasure. prgtoken I
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-10-5

I rise today to commemorate the University of Akron's sesquicentennial and congratulate them on 150 years of extraordinary research, education, and contributions to northeast Ohio. prgtoken In 1870, Buchtel College was founded in Akron, OH. It was the predecessor to today's University of Akron. The opening enrollment at Buchtel College was 46 collegiate students with an additional 171 students in the preparatory program. Today, the University of Akron has an enrollment of more than 19,000 students between the main campus in Akron and four regional locations, and the school has more than 175,000 alumni living in 138 countries around the globe. prgtoken The University of Akron is home to a beautiful 218-acre campus and top programs in psychology, business administration and accounting, secondary education, the world's largest polymer academic program, and more. UA has a $2.7 billion economic impact in its primary service area, which includes the Ohio counties of Summit, Cuyahoga, Stark, Medina, Portage, and Wayne. prgtoken On October 10, 2020, UA will be celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary with 150 independent celebrations around the world, concluding with a live message and toast from current University of Akron President, Gary Miller. The evening will honor UA's past 150 years of education and research and recognize the impactful, imaginative, and innovative work faculty, researchers, and staff at UA have done over the years and continue to do today. prgtoken UA is a prominent institution of higher education with a long history of playing an active role in serving the community in Akron and beyond. Congratulations to the University of prgtoken Akron for 150 years of excellence, and I wish them the best of luck as they keep the lamp of learning burning for many years to come.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-10-5

it has been said that the United States is like a brilliant tapestry woven from a dazzling array of colors and patterns into a unique whole. If that is true, then the contributions of Hispanics are surely among the largest and most vibrant swaths in our rich national tapestry, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to reflect on those contributions. prgtoken This celebration runs each year from mid-September to mid-October. The dates were chosen to coincide with the dates in which several Latin American nations--including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile--celebrate their own independence from colonial rule. This national celebration used to be just a week long, but in 1988, Congress wisely and unanimously voted to expand Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month. The legislation was sponsored by Congressman Esteban Torres and my friend and political mentor, Senator Paul Simon. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, a proud, conservative who understood that America's heritage as a nation of immigrants is one of our greatest sources of strength--economically, politically, culturally and morally. prgtoken The contributions and influence of Latinos on our Nation has grown dramatically in the three decades since the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month. Today there are more than 60 million Latinos in the U.S. Illinois is proud to be home to one of the largest Latino populations in the country, including many people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Guatemalan heritage. Latinos and Latinas are leaders in every walk of life, including business, the arts, sciences, education, sports, entertainment, and public service. A ``wise Latina,'' Justice Sonia Sotomayor, now serves on the U.S. Supreme Court. Ellen Ochoa, an engineer and the first Latina astronaut, is now director of NASA's Johnson Space Center. Latinas are literally helping America reach for the stars. prgtoken In my home State of Illinois, Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr is the president of the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute, based in Chicago. He and his organization are doing critical work to educate and motivate Latinos to vote and to fill out the Census, ensuring that Latinos are seen and their voices heard. Alexis Esparza is president of Economic Strategies Development Corporation. For nearly half a century, his organization, ESDC, has worked in the Pilsen community of Chicago to preserve historic buildings, build affordable new housing, and help create new commercial and industrial economic development opportunities. They are part of a long and proud tradition of Hispanic men and women whose work has made America's economy more prosperous and fairer for all of us. prgtoken Many Americans know the names Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. In 1966, these two brave labor leaders helped organize farm workers in Delano, CA, to form the United Farm Workers of America. Standi
TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-10-5

I rise today to pay special tribute to the proud Michigan residents who have served in our Nation's military and their families. prgtoken When our country was at risk of fracturing in a brutal Civil War, the people of Michigan volunteered. When fascism threatened freedom around the world, the people of Michigan fought back. And when faced with new dangers--from terrorism to pandemic diseases--the people of Michigan remain willing to put our lives on the line on behalf of the American people. prgtoken Whenever and wherever our Nation needs us, the people of Michigan always respond. In some families, this spirit of service stretches back generations. prgtoken The Armsteads are one such Michigan family. Peter Armstead was originally from England, but when his new Nation needed him, he answered the call. He fought during the Civil War prgtoken and barely survived his time in a Confederate prisoner of war camp in Mississippi. prgtoken Earl Armstead, Peter's grandson, served in France during World War I, where he was put in charge of destroying enemy bridges. He came home suffering from post-traumatic stress and, like so many of our veterans, struggled to talk about what he had seen. prgtoken And Robert Armstead, Earl's nephew, also fought in Europe during World War II. He served in the Tank Destroyer Battalion and took part in the Po Valley campaign in Italy. His unit was being readied for the Pacific Campaign when the war ended. prgtoken All three of these veterans were willing to sacrifice everything in defense of our Nation. This past August, a grateful nation honored them with side-by-side burials at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. prgtoken Dr. Robert Armstead II, Robert's son, worked to make this historic interment happen. He believes veterans deserve to be remembered and honored for their service. I couldn't agree more. prgtoken My own father, who served during World War II, always told me that veterans should not stand at the back of any line. Our Nation must keep its promises to our heroes who have served, whether it is healthcare, education, a chance at a good job, the military recognitions they earned in service, or a place of honor in our national cemeteries, places that Robert Armstead II calls ``sacred holy ground.'' prgtoken On this Veterans Day and every day, I salute all of Michigan's veterans past and present. I salute their families, who sacrifice alongside them and help ensure that their stories are never forgotten. prgtoken Thank you.
CORONAVIRUS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-10-5

I would like to add, on behalf of my ic colleagues, the concerns expressed for the President and First Lady, that they recover quickly and fully. prgtoken Having had coronavirus--likely contracted here when we were working on the CARES Act in March--I understand how tricky this can be and, knowing four people who died of coronavirus, how serious it can be. Our prayer is that this is a mild case, and it passes quickly. prgtoken I also extend the same concern on behalf of my ic colleagues for the Members of the Senate who have recently tested positive and hope that they either have no symptoms or the symptoms pass quickly. prgtoken I couldn't help but notice, as I came into the Senate today on the subway from the Russell building, that there is an advisory that has been posted for months down at the entrance to the Senate that says that we are trying to follow CDC guidelines, but the advisory placard says nothing about masks--nothing. prgtoken I have wondered about that as I passed before it in the past, but in light of the experience over the last few days, I think in order to fairly follow science-based guidelines and give people warnings about what they should do to protect their health, we might consider a different placard. prgtoken Briefly, with respect to the majority leader's comments--I would love to be working on a COVID bill. The House passed a ic preferred COVID bill--the Heroes Act--in May. I understand the majority leader and his colleagues find things about it they don't like. prgtoken There is no expectation that they would just take up the House ic bill and pass it, but we waited through May and then June and then July and then August, until finally, in mid to late September, the majority put a bill on the floor that we viewed, frankly, as insufficient. prgtoken It contained no funds for State and local government aid, no funds for rental or mortgage assistance, no funds for SNAP benefits or food aid. It would have stricken State laws, such as those that had been passed in Virginia to try to provide a workplace safety standard for people returning to work in the days of COVID. prgtoken We voted the bill down, as the majority leader knows, but we did so with the expectation that that no vote would function much like the no vote in March functioned when we came in on a Sunday and we voted down a partisan proposal, and a few days later, we had a bipartisan proposal--the CARES Act--that has helped millions and millions of Americans, small businesses, hospitals, families. prgtoken We hope that no vote would lead to the same negotiation that could potentially find a solution for Americans who are still looking for relief, but the majority wants to now move to a different topic. They want to now speed through a Supreme Court nomination with an unprecedented speed and, indeed, an unprecedented process. prgtoken I understand that the majority leader might categoriz
EMPOWERING OLYMPIC, PARALYMPIC, AND AMATEUR ATHLETES ACT OF 2020
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-6

I am glad that today the House is considering S. 2330, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act, the Senate companion to legislation I introduced in the House along with Representatives John Curtis, Diana DeGette, and Susan Brooks. I am incredibly thankful for the courageous survivors who stepped forward and whose advocacy made this legislation possible, and to Senators Jerry Moran and Richard Blumenthal who authored this legislation. prgtoken In 2016, I was shocked and angered when more than 300 brave gymnasts, including some from my congressional district, began to come forward with claims of sexual abuse against Larry Nassar, who had been the USA Gymnastics team doctor and a Michigan State University faculty member. prgtoken I was similarly upset when only two years later, the Daily Breeze, a newspaper in my district, released the results of its investigation into USA Swimming. That investigation revealed, ``a culture within American swimming where the sexual abuse of underage swimmers by their coaches and others in positions of power within the sport was commonplace and even accepted by top officials and coaches.'' prgtoken The widespread and longstanding nature of the abuse as well as the knowledge that many allegations of abuse were brushed under the table have laid bare the deep systemic failures of the organizations charged with protecting athletes. The exposure of these abuses has necessitated immediate and aggressive reform of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the National Governing Bodies. prgtoken That is why I was proud to introduce H.R. 7881, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act. This bipartisan legislation helped build broad support for the reforms in S. 2330 and ultimately usher them through the House of Representatives and onto the President's desk to become law. prgtoken Our legislation seeks to protect amateur athletes from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in numerous ways. To strengthen accountability, it imposes legal liability for the USOPC and the NGBs when coaches or employees sexually abuse athletes. In addition, it establishes mechanisms to allow Congress to dissolve the entities if necessary. To empower athletes, the bill requires the establishment of clear procedures and reporting requirements, imposes clear responsibilities to protect athletes, and bolsters the Office of the Ombuds to give athletes an independent resource if they have been abused or assaulted. Finally, the bill strengthens and provides a steady funding stream for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which provides abuse prevention education and training and investigates allegations of sexual abuse. prgtoken We all owe a debt of gratitude to those survivors who bravely spoke up about the horrific abuses that they endured and then turned their grief into advocacy. It is my hope that their work and this legislation will bring lasting, positive change to the
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF LEWIS W. BUTLER
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and work of Lewis W. Butler. prgtoken Lewis was born in San Francisco, California, on March 27, 1957, the son of Lewis H. and Sheana Butler, and died on September 17, 2020 at the age of 63 at his home in San Francisco. prgtoken Lewis grew up in San Francisco with the exception of the two years spent in Malaysia while his father served as the Director of the Peace Corps there, and time in Washington, D.C. while his father served in what was then the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Lewis earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Stanford and a Master's in architecture from Harvard University. After their Harvard graduations in 1985, he and his wife Catherine Armsden formed Butler Armsden, a successful architecture firm in San Francisco. prgtoken Lewis is described as an inventive modernist residential architect with a prominent clientele. He is also described as a teacher, a mentor, and a confident man with a can-do attitude. He possessed a great sense of humor and a humble demeanor. prgtoken He was a true gentleman, a winner of countless merit awards who took no particular pride in showing them off. He was a surfer and a vintage British motorcycle afficionado and he built sand castles as part of a non-profit fundraiser. He was devoted to his community and served on the boards of the Hamlin School, University High School and the San Francisco Girls Chorus. prgtoken Lewis W. Butler leaves his wife of 37 years, Catherine Armsden, his son, Tobias, his daughter Elena, his father Lewis H. Butler, and his sisters Serra and Lucy. He also leaves four nephews and three nieces. prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and work of this good and great man. He has left an indelible imprint on the architecture of the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond, and his friendship has left an imprint on the lives of so many who had the good fortune to know him. Lew Butler was a national treasure. He strengthened our community, bettered our nation, and was a true blessing in every way imaginable.