mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL PURPLE HEART HALL OF HONOR COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Wm. Lacy Clay (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2020-12-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 1830, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act. prgtoken The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most recognized American military medals awarded to servicemembers who were killed or wounded by enemy action. prgtoken The mission of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in New Windsor, New York, is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of the Armed Forces and across all generations. prgtoken The Hall of Honor serves as a living memorial to these servicemembers and ensures that all recipients are remembered. Currently, there are over 200,000 names installed at the Hall of Honor. prgtoken This bill would provide tangible support to the Hall of Honor by directing the West Point Mint to produce commemorative coins in recognition of the work of the Hall of Honor. Proceeds from the sale of this coin would fund improvements to the museum itself to help expand the understanding and respect for those who have served and sacrificed. prgtoken This bill passed the House last September, but the version we are considering today incorporates changes made by a Senate amendment that updates the time period for issuance of the commemorative coins to fiscal year 2022, and includes financial assurance language that minting and issuing coins under this act will result in no net cost to the Federal Government. prgtoken I thank Mr. Maloney, Mr. Takano, and Mr. Gallagher for their work on this bill, and I urge Members to vote ``yes.'' prgtoken , .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-12-2

today I wish to recognize Mark Davis on the occasion of his retirement. prgtoken Mark dedicated over five decades to broadcast journalism, including an impressive near 37 years with News 8. An award winning-radio news director in Boston, Mark quickly adapted to TV news when he arrived in Connecticut. Throughout his career, he set an example with his honest, unstinting reporting. Mark covered the administrations of seven Connecticut Governors, always speaking truth to power. prgtoken His thorough, efficient responses to stories earned Mark the respect of his colleagues. Holding himself to the highest standard, Mark was always a consummate professional. Mark's outstanding and reliable work leaves a remarkable legacy in Connecticut journalism. prgtoken As chief political correspondent, Mark remained nonpartisan while demonstrating tireless grit. He was courageous and never shied away from asking the tough questions. At the same time, Mark had an uncanny ability to put politicians at ease, facilitating discussions and ensuring he could provide a thoughtful, complete story. Trusted by constituents, he was voted our State's best local TV reporter 2 years in a row by Connecticut Magazine. prgtoken Mark's exceptional record as an insightful, driven, and honest reporter leaves a historic mark and emphasizes the vital role he and his fellow reporters play in keeping people well informed in Connecticut and across the Nation. His professional partnership with Joe Sferrazza established a model of unmatched teamwork that will have an impact for years to come. prgtoken I applaud his lifetime of tenacious commitment to comprehensive, fair work focused on uncovering the truth, and I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Mark for his extraordinary contributions to regional reporting.
IN HONOR OF SENATOR MARTHA FULLER CLARK
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-12-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor State Senator Martha Fuller Clark, who is retiring from public service after three decades of service to the people of New Hampshire. She has been a fierce advocate for the Seacoast, first serving as a State Representative for 12 years before serving as a State Senator for 12 years. prgtoken During our time serving in the state Legislature together, I saw firsthand Senator Fuller Clark's passion, grace, and civility. She is unflaggingly committed to the ideals of public service, always bringing the voices and experiences of those she represents with her to inform her work in Concord. Senator Fuller prgtoken Clark has also served as a mentor to so many women in public service, both in New Hampshire politics and across the nation through her involvement with the ic National Committee. prgtoken Throughout her career, Senator Fuller Clark has been a champion for women's rights and equality, always standing up to advocate for reproductive rights and to make all workplaces, including New Hampshire's State House, more accommodating and welcoming. In addition, Senator Fuller Clark has been a leader on energy and environmental issues, putting forth ambitious and durable approaches to put our state on a pathway to a low-carbon future. She has been a stalwart supporter of the arts and historic preservation, and I know her commitment to these issues will continue through her involvement with Strawbery Banke and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. prgtoken While Senator Fuller Clark may be stepping away from elected office, I know she will continue to serve our community in many ways. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Senator Fuller Clark and her family for their decades of dedication to our state. The Granite State is a better place because of the public service of Senator Martha Fuller Clark.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ELAINE RASBERRY
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-2

. Madam , Elaine Rasberry was born on January 31, 1956 in Chicago, IL to the union of Christine Davis and Leroy Williams, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother Calvin Davis and granddaughter Jurzee Hopson. prgtoken Elaine accepted the Lord as her personal savior at an early age under the leadership of Pastor Hackline of Chicago, IL. She realized you find God the moment you realize you don't need to seek him. Later she joined Garden of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Johnnie Haynie. prgtoken Elaine loved her family and her friends. She was your favorite cousins' favorite cousin. She stayed connected to everyone in her extended family including the Davis, Williams, Houston and Rasberry families. She was known for her famous lemon pies and German chocolate cakes. Her brother Calvin traveled miles for a taste of her butter cookies. prgtoken Elaine graduated from Lucy Flower High School in Chicago and received a business certificate from the Murdock Institute. She always had a passion for children, serving as an associate at Mark's Day Care and a teacher's aide at St. Eulalia Elementary school. Most recently, she served as a student monitor for children with special needs at Student First. prgtoken Elaine's hobbies included cooking, traveling, watching The Young and the Restless and Tyler Perry movies, eating Red Lobster, posting on Facebook and of course she loved shopping. prgtoken She always had a deep affection for helping people, serving as the Vice-President of the Van Buren Block Club where she hosted school supply drives to help poverty-stricken families. One of her biggest honors was meeting and taking a photo with President and First Lady Michelle . prgtoken Elaine made her transition to be with the Lord on November 25, 2020. She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband Eugene Rasberry, her son Jarvis Houston, her daughters Latrice Houston (Giovanni), Latrina Houston (Jeff) and son Devin Rasberry (Diana), sister Tamesha Hawkins (Stanley), sister Lawana Davis, eight grandchildren (Giovanni Jr, Gialin, Amerika, Jurnee, Amina, Gili, Ezekiel, Jaylen) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-3

the legislative year is quickly drawing to a close, but the lights on the 116th Congress haven't gone out yet. Before the House and the Senate gavel out for the final time this Congress, we still have a lot of work to do. prgtoken Headlines have focused on the large, ``must-pass'' legislation, which will require a good amount of debate and compromise in the coming days--things like government funding, the National Defense Authorization bill, and another COVID-19 relief package. But there are actually countless other bills that have already passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support and continue to linger in purgatory on the House's legislative calendar. prgtoken After weeks, months, and, in some cases, more than a year of waiting, the and the House leadership refuse to let these commonsense bipartisan bills have a vote on the House floor. Just to give you an idea of the type of legislation they are holding up, let's start with the Jenna Quinn Law. This legislation carries the name of an inspiring young Texan who is a survivor of child sexual abuse and who has made it her mission in life to end the cycle of abuse that harms our children in communities across the country. prgtoken Jenna was the driving force behind a 2009 Texas law requiring training for teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse. You can imagine the teachers, in particular, who spend--at least before COVID--day after day after day with children. They are actually in the best position, sometimes, to identify symptoms of sexual abuse, if properly trained. prgtoken Since 2009, a number of other States have passed similar laws, but the training often lacks adequate funding, and that is where our Federal legislation comes in. I introduced this bipartisan bill with Senator Hassan from New Hampshire to finally back that training with Federal funding through grants from the Department of Health and Human Services. At a time when the experts believe that abuse is on the rise as families are isolated at home due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, this legislation could not be more urgent. prgtoken Despite the fact that this bill will deliver real change for the most vulnerable in our communities and that it passed the Senate with unanimous support, the House refuses to even vote on it. House have chosen to hold this lifesaving legislation hostage in order to advance a partisan bill that they know has no chance of becoming law. prgtoken Unfortunately, those are the types of games that, sadly, we have had to become accustomed to when it comes to House . But, as I said, this is only one of a long list of bills that they are sitting on. prgtoken Over the summer, the Senate passed legislation that had taken aim at another crisis harming our children, which is e-cigarettes. Prior to COVID-19, headlines were dominated by stories prgtoken about mys
TRIBUTE TO BRENT HILL
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-12-3

along with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, I rise today to recognize Idaho State Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill's 19 years of service to the State of Idaho. prgtoken In 2001, Brent Hill was appointed to lead Idaho's 34th District as a State senator. He quickly developed a reputation as a legislator who led with integrity, civility and kindness--characteristics that earned him reelection to serve nine consecutive terms in the Idaho State Senate. prgtoken In the Idaho Senate and throughout the 34th District, Brent was known as a stalwart supporter of small businesses, family values, natural resources, and public education. Brent's expansive knowledge of the Federal and State tax codes from his experience as a CEO, CPA, and a financial planner allowed him to shape Idaho's tax policy and communicate complex tax legislation to fellow legislators and constituents. He considered tax dollars sacred and took great care in spending them responsibly. prgtoken As he climbed the ranks of leadership to become president pro tempore, Brent never forgot the people he served in Madison and Bonneville Counties and always demonstrated true concern for their challenges and concerns. Despite the demands on his time, he continued to serve his community on the board of the Citizens Community Bank and as president of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce and Rexburg Kiwanis Club. He never stopped advocating on behalf of his constituents, regularly contacting our offices to secure assistance for those needing help with Federal agencies. prgtoken Senator Brent Hill leaves behind a legacy of service and integrity, and we wish him and his wife Julie, their children and grandchildren the best as he transitions back to private life. His steadfast leadership will be missed in the Idaho Senate, but we know his community and our State will continue to be blessed by his influence for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE STAFF OF SENATOR ALEXANDER
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-3

here is my view of serving in the U.S. Senate: It is hard to get here, it is hard to stay here, and while you are here, you might as well try to accomplish something good for the country. Accomplishing something good in the U.S. Senate means working with a superior staff. prgtoken Today, I want to pay tribute to the 270 men and women who have served on my staff since I came to the Senate in 2003, in my personal office, both here in Washington, DC, and in the six Tennessee offices; in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; the Senate Rules Committee; the Senate Appropriations Committee; and at the Senate conference. prgtoken Some who started with me in 2003 are still working for me after 18 years, and some have moved on to other opportunities, but each has played a major role in the Senate, whether they were helping to pass laws, serve our constituents, or answering the front-office phone. prgtoken We have some important traditions here in the Senate, including the maiden speech, which I delivered 17 years ago, in my case, and the farewell speech, which I delivered yesterday, but for me, something is missing. Usually staff is acknowledged in the farewell address, which either makes the address way too long or at least too little time to properly acknowledge their contributions. I am here today to make a ``Salute to the Staff'' speech. I know my colleagues agree that their own accomplishments are the result of working with superior staff, so perhaps, if I may not be presumptuous, a ``Salute to the Staff'' speech might become an additional Senate tradition. prgtoken When I say ``superior staff,'' here is what I mean: superior in being what Senator Howard Baker used to call an eloquent listener--that the constituent on the phone might be right or even the staffer in the other office might be right; superior in courtesy to the Tennesseans for whom we work; superior in insight; superior in resolving complex issues and wrapping up the result in a nice package with a ribbon tied around it, ready to be passed and signed into law whenever the moment came that it could be passed, which would usually be a surprise and at an inconvenient time; and superior in writing and speaking plain English in order to persuade at least half the people we are right; and superior in working well together--something you are supposed to learn in kindergarten--so we have a good time while we are working. prgtoken Unlike almost every other Senate office, at the suggestion of my chief of staff, David Cleary, we created a single team composed of personal office staff here and in Washington, DC, and the committee staff, with David in charge of all of that. I originally thought that was a big mistake. I didn't see how anyone could be in charge of all of that, but I was wrong about it because what it did was break down barriers and eliminate jealousy, improve communication, and create a much hap
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3884, MARIJUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVESTMENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT OF 2019
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-12-3

first, before I talk about the bill at hand, I prgtoken want to say just what an honor it has been serving with you on the Rules Committee, Mr. Woodall. prgtoken You know, I didn't know Mr. Woodall, really, before I served on the Rules Committee with him, and I found him to be very witty, a very good debater as well. You do it in such a nice way. You really win the debates, but you do it with a smile, and you do it in a friendly way. I really appreciate the way you conduct yourself and how you actually win arguments, but you are very friendly about it. prgtoken I don't know what your future holds, but I wish you all of the best. You are extremely talented, and it really is an honor to serve with you. prgtoken , let me talk about the bill. I find it crazy, quite frankly, that the American people and small businesses are hurting, because of the COVID crisis, and they need COVID relief, and we are not concentrating on a bipartisan COVID relief stimulus package right now that will actually be signed into law. prgtoken I find it just incredulous that, instead, my ic colleagues are focusing on legalizing marijuana nationwide. prgtoken Sometimes I think that the world is turned upside down, when you have a State--I think Oregon--that bans plastic straws but legalizes cocaine and heroin. It is just insane to me and I think to a majority of my constituents, whether they be , Independent, or , quite frankly. prgtoken It is interesting to me--I sit on the Rules Committee and the Judiciary Committee--that on a lot of these tobacco bills that the have been promoting, it says, okay, we don't want flavored tobacco. But yet on marijuana, they don't seem to care about that. They don't care. prgtoken In this bill, there is nothing about we shouldn't have flavored edibles or candies or brownies that would be enticing to children. As far as I know, that is not in this bill at all. Yet, we want to ban that with tobacco. This makes absolutely no sense to me and no sense, I think, to the American public. prgtoken At a time when parents are trying to get their children back into school with an in-person option, because their children are falling so far behind because of the lockdowns of schools, here we are with a bill that will make it easier for these same children to get marijuana products. prgtoken I am sorry. I just don't get it. I don't understand the motivation. I am absolutely opposed to this bill.
GIVING TUESDAY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-3

the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been known as Giving Tuesday. I suppose this Giving Tuesday is receiving more attention than usual because of the virus pandemic that we have been in for the last 12 months. Like many sectors, the nonprofit industry is hurting because of COVID-19. prgtoken As part of the CARES Act passed last March, Congress enacted key provisions encouraging charitable giving to help support organizations that are being called upon more than ever to help Americans because of the virus pandemic. These charitable giving provisions that are in the CARES Act apply both to individuals who itemize their taxes and those who do not itemize. prgtoken Iowa is blessed to have an extensive network of charitable organizations that are supported by incredible volunteers who open up their pocketbooks to support their neighbors in need. This fall, Senator Ernst and I heard from at least 20 nonprofits in the Cedar Rapids area about the challenges that they face because of the pandemic and natural disasters, and also we heard of the successes they have had this year. prgtoken The work that Iowa nonprofits do is inspiring and has tremendous impact. In this season of Thanksgiving, I speak on behalf of my own State to thank these organizations, their employees, and volunteers for the hard work and services that they deliver every day of the year to Iowans in need. prgtoken . prgtoken .
GANDHI-KING SCHOLARLY EXCHANGE INITIATIVE ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , in closing, the goal of U.S. foreign assistance should always be that countries graduate from our aid. Today, we move one step closer to this goal with the authorization of the US-India Gandhi-King Development Foundation. prgtoken This bill further affirms a strong bilateral relationship between United States and India and will strengthen prgtoken our ties to the world's largest democracy. prgtoken , I once again urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and .
BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-12-3

. Madam , on rollcall no. 230, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted nay. prgtoken On rollcall no. 231, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted nay. prgtoken On rollcall no. 232, I am not recorded because of circumstances which caused me to prgtoken miss the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.
OTHER MEDICATIONS TO TREAT COVID-19 SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-12-3

this past July, medical research teams at Israel's Hebrew University in Jerusalem and New York's Mount Sinai Hospital released a study indicating that the FDA-approved cholesterol drug fenofibrate may significantly downgrade the severity of COVID-19. prgtoken The medical teams were led by Hebrew University Professor Ya'acov Nahmias and Mount Sinai's Dr. Benjamin tenOever. During their research, they found the novel coronavirus and studies conducted on human lung tissue found that COVID-19 prevents the routine burning of carbohydrates, which leads to fat in the lungs, which causes people to die. prgtoken What happens is that people take fenofibrate, which is a drug that was commonly used for high cholesterol treatment, and it stops this inflammation and improves people's respiratory systems. prgtoken Right now, these doctors are not given the support they should be given by the CDC and the NIH. We have a lot of people dying of coronavirus, and I think our people should not be too proud to recognize that sometimes cures are made in other countries. prgtoken I strongly encourage the CDC to look at fenofibrate and these two great researchers.