mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-9-10

I rise today to express my support for my colleague Senator Duckworth's resolution honoring the service and sacrifices of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and our veterans. The resolution rightly criticizes President for a series of statements and actions which prgtoken have denigrated our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and our institutions. prgtoken Service and sacrifice run deep among my constituents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With 130,000 Active-Duty members living in Virginia, the Commonwealth has one of the highest populations of military personnel in the Nation. Virginia is home to more than 700,000 veterans, men and women who have displayed the highest level of selfless service while defending this country and who have endured hardship and have put country above self. prgtoken I am proud to call these American heroes my constituents, as well as my neighbors, and I am humbled to represent and serve them in Congress. I am thankful to them for protecting this great country. prgtoken President , though, again and again, has made disrespectful remarks about servicemembers, veterans, and military leaders despite being Commander in Chief. His name-calling and disdain for the value of service is divisive and dangerous. prgtoken Remember how President ridiculed the Gold Star parents of Army CPT Humayun Khan, who died in June 2004 from an IED in Iraq. Mr. and Mrs. Khan are residents of Virginia. prgtoken Remember his comments questioning whether Senator John McCain should be called a hero and remember his recent comments, even after the reports of his comments in The Atlantic article came out--his recent comments that our top officials at DOD want to continue fighting wars to make defense contractors happy. prgtoken Whether it is pardoning and excusing those in uniform who commit crimes or not standing up to President Putin in defense of our troops when reports emerged that bounties have been offered for killing members of our Armed forces, whether it is deploying our military in response to peaceful protests, threatening to politicalize and divide our military from civilian society, the President, on each of these occasions, is on the wrong side of honoring our servicemembers. These actions and statements are an affront to everyone who serves or has served. They are unacceptable and un-Presidential. prgtoken Instead, let's stay focused on what matters in this country. Let's stay united. We need to ensure that we are expressing each and every day how thankful we are to those who serve for protecting the freedoms we hold dear. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Duckworth for the introduction of this resolution and, more so, I thank her for her dedicated and exemplary military service to our country. prgtoken It is my hope that all my colleagues in the Senate will recognize the mistakes made by our Commander in Chief when addressing the heroes of our military and our Nation's
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-10

today I am pleased to introduce a bill to facilitate better access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. prgtoken The Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center, located in Hemet, CA, is a health center run by the Indian Health Service. It is the only currently operating center in the State of California that provides culturally-sensitive substance use disorder treatment to indigenous youth. prgtoken The Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center serves an important role to the regional Native American community. The facility not only provides healthcare but also academic support, family therapy, and an individualized treatment plan to support the healing and long-term recovery of youth enrolled at the center. prgtoken Despite the center's important work, the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center is only accessible by a dirt road. Lack of a paved road limits access to the center during California's extreme wet and dry seasons. The dirt road frequently cracks or floods during these times and creates significant challenges to those receiving healthcare. prgtoken Private landowners are supportive of selling their land to allow the Indian Health Service to pave an access road, but the agency does not currently have the authority to do so. It is appropriate we provide for safe and dignified access to the center, and I am pleased to introduce legislation that will solve this problem. prgtoken The bill would authorize the Director of the Indian Health Service to purchase land from willing sellers and construct a paved road to improve access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. After construction, Riverside County would own and maintain the road. prgtoken This effort includes widespread, bipartisan support. An identical, bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Raul Ruiz passed the House of Representatives as part of a larger package just last month. Representative Ruiz's bill is cosponsored by Representatives Ken Calvert, Pete Aguilar, Paul Cook, Doug LaMalfa, Nannette Diaz Barragan, Tony Cardenas, and Josh Harder. This legislation also has the support of local stakeholders, including Riverside County, and organizations like the California Rural Indian Health Board. prgtoken The bill will provide safe access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center, ensuring indigenous youth can receive healthcare in a supportive and culturally-sensitive environment. American Indian and Alaskan Native youth report 14.9 percent rate of substance dependence or abuse, furthering underscoring the need to guarantee the accessibility to facilities like the Desert Sage Wellness Center. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation.
S. RES. 685
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-9-10

I come to the floor to first thank Senator Duckworth for leading many of us to come to the floor this week to stand in solidarity with all of the military families around the country and throughout our Nation's history who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. prgtoken I hope we can all join together, not as s and but as servants of the American people, in expressing outrage and disgust at the comments made by the President that were confirmed by multiple news outlets last week. A deep reverence for servicemembers, including the Presiding Officer, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, has never before been a partisan issue in this body or in our country. prgtoken These Americans laid down their lives because they loved this country, and they loved what we stand for. They understood something that President never will, which is the idea of service--the ethos of giving your all for something greater than yourself. prgtoken I know some of my colleagues will continue to bury their heads in the sand to pretend the President couldn't possibly have said those things, but if you don't believe it is within President 's character to denigrate our troops, you haven't been paying attention over the last 5 years. prgtoken President called our former colleague and our friend Senator John McCain--an American war hero to every one of us--a loser. He denigrated all POWs and their families when he said he liked people who were not captured. He attacked a Gold Star family, whose son paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, with anti-Muslim bigotry. He repeatedly attacked and retaliated against LTC Alexander Vindman, who spent his entire life serving our country. prgtoken Yet, as despicable and disrespectful as they are, it is not just President 's words--it is his actions. He diverted funding from our military bases to pay for his vanity project border wall. prgtoken He has made it easier for payday lenders to prey on our servicemembers by selling them predatory loans at exorbitant rates. In Dayton, go to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and look at the payday lenders that just crop up around our military bases. prgtoken The President handed out favors to foreign banks, like Santander, that illegally repossessed servicemembers' cars and illegally foreclosed on their homes while they were defending our country. prgtoken He ordered the closure of the military's newspaper, Stars and Stripes, because it refused to serve as a propaganda machine for him. Under pressure, he is saying he is now going to bring it back. prgtoken Now he is failing to protect our troops and our veterans from this disease. His administration used them as guinea pigs this spring by prescribing them hydroxychloroquine tablets--an unproven COVID treatment. He did that this spring while he was not telling the country about the seriousness of this disease. prgtoken None of this sh
HONORING MILITARY VETERANS
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-9-10

I rise now on behalf of the more than 19 million people in our Nation and half a million people in Michigan who show us every day what service and sacrifice and love of country is really all about. prgtoken These patriots landed on beaches in Normandy and the Pacific theater, crept through jungles in Korea, shed blood in Vietnam, survived attacks in Iraq, and fought terrorists in Afghanistan. These people are heroes. They love our Nation so much. They are willing to put their lives on the line for our democracy, our people, and our way of life. prgtoken That is why it is so incredibly shocking and infuriating to hear the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, disparage our veterans. President called them losers and suckers--losers and suckers. He said he couldn't understand why anyone would join the military because ``What is in it for them?'' prgtoken He said veterans who had lost limbs shouldn't be in parades. Why? Because he couldn't handle seeing them. He didn't think people would want to see them. People in Michigan want to see them and thank them and do so every day. prgtoken We all remember what he said about our former colleague and friend, the late Senator John McCain. President said that he prefers veterans who didn't get captured. prgtoken My own dad served in the Navy during World War II. He signed up because he believed in a cause bigger than himself. Perhaps President doesn't understand, but my dad was a sailor, not a sucker. prgtoken About one in four people who have served in our armed services now live with a service-connected disability. President , these veterans are leaders; they aren't losers. prgtoken President wonders what is in it for them. Well, maybe he should ask them because we all know what they would say. We all know what they would say: pride, duty, honor, the feeling that comes from putting something or someone above yourself. It is becoming increasingly clear that these aren't feelings that the current occupant of the Oval Office understands. prgtoken My dad once told me something I have never forgotten. In fact, it has influenced my whole life as an elected official. He said that a veteran should never stand at the back of any line for a job, for healthcare, for education, or for the military recognitions they earned. My dad came home after World War II and went to school on the GI bill, and I don't know what would have happened to our family if he had not had that opportunity. So my dad said over and over again that a veteran should not stand at the back of any line. They certainly shouldn't be put at the end of the line by their own President. It is appalling that this even needs to be said, actually. prgtoken When I heard these comments and heard them verified over and over again in every media outlet from right to left, verifying that, in fact, these were his comments, it was stunning. It was appal
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2020-9-10

actions speak louder than words, and by their actions it is clear that the majority leader and Senate s have not been serious about passing another COVID relief bill that matches the urgency of this moment. prgtoken First, the majority leader wanted to take a pause, and then he sat on the Housed-passed Heroes Act for months. Then in July, he introduced a series of inadequate piecemeal bills that went absolutely nowhere. Now the majority leader and Senate s showed their priorities yet again by rushing to confirm five more judges and offering an anemic, weak COVID bill aimed at appeasing the most conservative Members of their caucus. And we just voted on that bill. prgtoken While Senate s have been ``waiting for Godot'' on the next COVID bill, Senate have been listening to our constituents, and we have a sense of urgency. We have had this sense of urgency for the 4 months that we have been waiting for Congress to deal with the Heroes Act. We have been waiting for over 4 months, as I mentioned, for the majority leader to stop taking a pause. prgtoken American workers and families couldn't afford a pause for 4 months, and they certainly can't afford to take a pause now. In fact, things have gotten worse. While s sat on their hands, our country was facing and continues to face a grim reality. prgtoken In the coming days, we are certain to pass the almost unthinkable milestone of 200,000 deaths from COVID-19. On March 29, when Dr. Fauci warned us prgtoken that America could reach this milestone as an almost worst-case scenario, 2,300 Americans had died. And because has provided no national leadership, Dr. Fauci's warning will, more than sadly, soon come to pass. prgtoken Over 6 million Americans have contracted coronavirus. Tens of millions of Americans remain out of work. Millions of Americans have lost their healthcare. Colleges and universities have started their fall sessions with students back on campus and are experiencing significant outbreaks. Millions of parents are facing the agonizing choice of sending their children to schools that aren't safe or dealing with the challenge of distance learning and childcare needs. And State after State, long abandoned by the administration's failure to lead during the pandemic, are left on their own to deal with billions in budget deficits as a result of the pandemic and to make difficult decisions about how to confront new outbreaks. prgtoken In Hawaii, new cases have been rising since July. The severity of our outbreak, particularly on Oahu, led the mayor of the city and county of Honolulu to issue a 2-week stay-at-home order on August 27. Yesterday, he extended this order for another 2 weeks. This order and the outbreak that preceded it offer a grim reminder that constant vigilance is necessary in the fight against COVID-19. It is a reminder that even States like Hawaii, which for
HONORING SIG SANCHEZ
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sig Sanchez on his upcoming 100th birthday. prgtoken Sig was born in Hollister, California as the second eldest of eleven children. Raised by his Spanish immigrant parents on his family farm, he would eventually have his own farm before entering public service. prgtoken In our community, Sig is well known as a pillar of the community and champion of south Santa Clara County. Seven years ago, I rose to honor Sig's accomplishments and thank him for his dedication to our community. He spent over 55 years in public service before retiring, spending numerous years as a Gilroy City Councilmember and Mayor, before becoming a Santa Clara County Supervisor, and then joining as a Valley Water Board Director. He was a key player in the merger of water districts that allowed for full integration of all the county's reservoirs and groundwater facilities, as well as many other important projects. Sig guided the community through the floods in the 1980s and the 1987 drought. prgtoken Sig's impact and influence is well documented in our community. He has been inducted into the Gilroy Hall of Fame and was named Man of the Year by Gilroy's Chamber of Commerce in 2013. Even a portion of Highway 101 is named after him. prgtoken We are thankful for his many years of service and his presence in our community. Along with his family and friends, I extend my best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to Sig on his 100th birthday.
REMEMBERING STAFF SERGEANT VINCENT MARKETTA
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Staff Sergeant Vincent P. Marketta of Brick, New Jersey, who tragically passed away following an accident while conducting aviation training with this Regiment. He was just 33 years old. prgtoken Staff Sergeant Marketta enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2011 as a 15T UH-60 ``Black Hawk'' Repairer, and was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). While assigned to the 160th SOAR, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During his service, Staff Sergeant Marketta was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with V Device for heroism against an armed enemy, and an Army Commendation Medal with C Device. prgtoken Staff Sergeant Marketta represents the kind of uncommon courage and sacrifice that defines our service members and their families. Vincent was a loyal and dedicated member of his family and community and served bravely alongside his Regiment in defending our nation abroad. His passing is a tragedy that is felt in Brick, and across the State of New Jersey. prgtoken The immense sacrifice that Vincent and his family have made in service to our country is a reminder to all of us in Congress that we are here serving something greater than ourselves. My heart goes out to Staff Sergeant Marketta's family, and the entire Brick community during this incredibly difficult time. Vincent Marketta's dedication and service to our country will not be forgotten.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MANJIT SINGH
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today along with my colleague, Mr. Costa, to honor the life of Manjit Singh and to recognize his valiant act of heroism. On August 5th, 2020 Manjit Singh heroically sacrificed his own life while rescuing three children that were being swept away by a strong current at the Kings River near Reedley, California. Manjit was enjoying a summer day when he saw the children struggling in the water. Without hesitation, he jumped in to save them. Manjit and other bystanders were able to pull two of the children to safety but when returning to the water to save the third child, Manjit was swept away. He was just 29 years old. prgtoken Manjit Singh came from a loving family headed by his father, Gurbakhsh Singh, and mother, Harjit Kaur, and was the youngest of three siblings from Chhina Railwala in Gurdaspur District of Punjab. He came from a small farming family and was dedicated to his family, neighbors, and community. He came to the United States in 2018 seeking economic opportunities and religious freedom with hopes to support his family in Punjab. He fell in love with the Central Valley community and was eager to build roots and become locally involved. prgtoken Throughout the local Sikh community, he was known for his community service, generosity, caring-nature, jovial personality, and infectious laugh. He had inspiration and the entrepreneurial drive to start his own trucking company. prgtoken In a time where we have seen too much selfishness and hatred, Manjit's actions should always be remembered. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join us in a moment of silence to honor the sacrifice of Mr. Manjit Singh. Manjit will be missed by all his loved ones and our community will mourn the loss of this noble hero.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF NEW HAVEN'S UNION STATION
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , it is with my heartfelt congratulations that I rise today to join the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the City of New Haven to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of our very own Union Station--a remarkable milestone for this community treasure. prgtoken Union Station holds a special place in my heart as it has been of my life for many years. Having attended Lauralton Hall in Milford, I was at Union Station every day to catch the train to school. Today, as a Member of Congress, the train is how I commute to work every week. In fact, I would be remiss if I did not extend a special note of gratitude to the Red Caps of Union Station who have helped me with all of my luggage getting to and from the train on numerous occasions--without them I may have missed many trains. Designed by famed architect Cass Gilbert, with its vaulted ceilings and marbled brick, decorated with oblong benches upon which model trains are showcased, Union Station is not only a bustling intermodal center, it is a work of art. And though the original flip-card scheduling board has been replaced with an electronic version, that unique ticking sound of the flip-cards can still be heard throughout the Grand Hall as trains arrive and depart. prgtoken Now in its centennial year, Union Station is one of the busiest rail facilities in the State of Connecticut along one of the busiest rail lines in the United States. It serves more than one hundred-twenty-five thousand passengers weekly and more than forty million a year, prgtoken generating nearly fifty million dollars in revenue a year into our local economy. But beyond its economic importance to our community, its value lies in the connection it brings to us. It connects the New Haven line into New York City, the Hartford Line into Hartford and Springfield. It also connects the Shoreline East into New London and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C. and points beyond. prgtoken Most importantly, Union Station connects our past to our future. Opened in the shadow of the Spanish Influenza pandemic, it is a particularly poignant reminder of what can be done and what must be done even amid calamity. We stand here today to both celebrate that old victory and to set our eyes forward to new ones. It is inspiring to see a local reminder of what America can do when we build toward a better future through infrastructure and when we at all levels of government support local priorities. prgtoken I extend my deepest thanks and sincere appreciation to all the workers who keep Union Station running every day--especially those declared essential at this difficult time. I am honored to stand today and join all of those gathered in wishing this remarkable institution a very happy 100th anniversary. As we say in Italian, Cent' Anni.
REMEMBERING BRIAN PATRICK O'DONNELL
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-9-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Brian Patrick O'Donnell, of Akron, Ohio, who passed away on September 1, 2020. prgtoken Born in Altoona, PA, Brian lived most of his life in Akron, Ohio. He was a diehard Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan and loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren. prgtoken Brian was an amazing baseball player himself, playing for his high school alma mater, South High School in Akron. Mr. O'Donnell loved spending time with his family and dutifully served our country in the United States Army. After leaving the Army, Brian worked for the Finest, Tops, and Giant Eagle food chains for over 30 years. prgtoken Brian was preceded in death by his grandmother, Grandma Burks: brother Leon (Lee) Jones, Jr.; mother-in-law, Ruth Mosley; brothers-in- law, Robert Mosley and Roger Mosley, Sr. prgtoken Brian leaves to cherish his life and legacy, the love of his life, Velze (Mosley) O'Donnell, his wife of 42 years; children: Camilla (Franklin) Lewis, Tara Mosley Samples, Gordon Mosley and Donte Mosley, Sr.; parents, Margaret Jane O'Donnell (Leon) and Thomas Alfred O'Donnell; siblings: Thomas O'Donnell (Shirley), Deborah Mosley (Derrick), David O'Donnell, Beanne Clipper, Leon Jones (Wendy), Farrah O'Donnell and Christopher Jones (Mandy); 25 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. prgtoken I am proud to represent the great City of Akron, along with Mr. O'Donnell's daughter, Councilwoman Tara Mosley Samples. My sincerest thanks to Mr. O'Donnell for his brave service to our country. My deepest condolences go out to Brian's family and to all whose lives he touched.