mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2020-5-15

I rise today to support our HEROES Act. prgtoken This bill will provide $375 billion in support directly to local governments, which would mean millions of dollars for my counties and my towns in my district of Alabama. prgtoken These funds will help our communities with their lost revenues while protecting the jobs of those essential workers. prgtoken , I stand with the heroes and sheroes of Alabama, and I ask for all to support this bill, because we are dying in numbers, and we need to make sure that we are doing all that we can to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Americans. prgtoken , I ask for a ``yes'' vote on the HEROES Act. Let's stand with our heroes.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-15

I want to thank my colleagues for their consistent support of tribal governments. I also want to thank Pelosi and Chairwoman Lowey. They have demonstrated a deep commitment to these important issues. Without their personal attention and support, this historic investment in Indian country would not be possible. prgtoken This is an issue that is deeply important to me because Covid-19 has taken a disproportionate toll on Native American communities. Historic inequities in health and infrastructure have resulted in extremely high infection rates on many reservations across our country. We must act, and I am proud to say, we are voting today to support Indian Country through the HEROES Act. prgtoken As a member of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I want to highlight four of the most significant tribal provisions in this bill that fall under our jurisdiction. prgtoken First, we doubled down on the investment in tribal governments by adding an additional $20 billion to the Coronavirus Relief Fund for tribes. This additional relief will provide the necessary funding to support tribal governments as they cope with the devastating effects of the pandemic. prgtoken Next, we made sure that the funding allocated to tribal governments actually goes to tribal governments. We did this by clarifying that only federally recognized tribal governments listed in the Federal Register are eligible for this funding. This was critical, and it was done to ensure compliance with a recent court order. prgtoken We also made sure that tribes--as well as state and local governments--had the discretion to use this funding flexibly. This will ensure that tribal governments can cover any cost and revenue losses associated with Covid-19. prgtoken Finally, we made sure that 100 percent of the funds appropriated for tribes from the Corona virus Relief Funds will stay in Indian Country. We did this by clarifying that the Department must reallocate any funds it claws back through enforcement action to other tribal governments. A year from now, we don't want the administration to balance their budget on the backs of Indian Country. prgtoken There is one other critical provision that I want to highlight. This bill rejects the allocation formula used by Treasury thus far. It requires a new consultation with Interior and Tribal Governments. That's because the Department has so far only relied on a deeply inequitable formula that ignores the economic impact of Covid-19. In California, this resulted in many of the smallest allocations going to the tribal governments that have spent the most to support their employees and fight Covid-19. Comparatively, many of those tribes that are least impacted economically received the highest allocations. This must be remedied as soon as possible, and it is my hope that after additional consultation, Treasury will understand that future funds must be al
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-5-15

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken From the ag appropriations, the bill provides: $10 billion for SNAP; $150 million for food banks; $3 billion for school food programs; $1.1 billion for WIC; $309 million for Rural Rental Assistance. prgtoken In addition, it provides: $1 trillion to States, counties, cities, territories, and Tribal governments; prgtoken Hazard pay for essential workers; prgtoken Free widespread testing, tracing, and treatment for every American; prgtoken More direct payments to families. prgtoken It requires safety in the workplace and support for really small businesses and nonprofits of all kinds. prgtoken , it meets the challenges of COVID-19 for every single American, and I urge my colleagues to vote for it. It is a good bill. It is a good bill for America.
CONGRATULATING PETER NEWBOULD ON HIS RETIREMENT
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-5-15

. Madam , I rise to honor and congratulate Peter Newbould, the Senior Public Policy Manager of the Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter, on his retirement. prgtoken Peter has had an outstanding career advocating for those affected by Alzheimer's. In his six years at the Alzheimer's Association he guided other advocates in opening a meaningful discussion with Congress about this disease. Peter spread awareness of Alzheimer's and was a top ten recruiter in the nation for the Alzheimer's Impact Movement. prgtoken Peter was instrumental in advancing public policy goals and served on the advocacy subcommittee of the Dementia Action Collaborative, helping win State appropriations to implement priorities in the 2016 Alzheimer's State Plan. prgtoken Prior to joining the Alzheimer's Association, Peter had an impressive career including working for over 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the 1980s, he was Chief of Staff to Congressman Jim Florio of New Jersey and Congressman Ron Wyden of Oregon. He then served for 21 years as Director of Congressional & Political Affairs at the American Psychological Association, during which he co-chaired a coalition that won passage of two federal laws on mental health parity. prgtoken Madam , it is with great admiration that I recognize and congratulate Peter Newbould on his retirement and the incredible advocacy work he has done for those facing Alzheimer's.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-5-15

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in support of the HEROES Act. prgtoken The bill confronts the unprecedented pandemic that we are facing by first directing significant funding to State and local governments. Without this funding, they will have to make devastating cuts, especially in education, public safety, and basic services. prgtoken Then it funds education to address the unique challenges created by the pandemic. K-12 funding would be available for technology, summer programs, special education, and initiatives to reduce the achievement gaps. It funds higher education to support students and maintain their institutions. It provides relief for student loans, continuing the present relief from payments, as well as interest accrual, and extending that relief to virtually all student loans, both Federal and private. That relief goes to virtually all student loans. Then we target additional relief to students most in need of relief. prgtoken , this bill supports families by continuing the enhanced and expanded unemployment benefits, increasing SNAP benefits, and delivering another round of stimulus checks. It also protects healthcare insurance, so that under this bill, when you lose your job, you do not have to lose your health insurance. prgtoken The bill helps contain the pandemic by funding contact tracers so that those who have been in contact with those who test positive can be identified and they can isolate themselves. prgtoken Finally, the bill makes our workplace safer by requiring OSHA to promulgate and enforce clear standards to protect workers from COVID- 19. prgtoken For our front-line workers, it authorizes premium pay for their heroic work. prgtoken This bill is a necessary response to today's health crisis. It enables workers and families to survive the pandemic. prgtoken If States don't get this money, the public will be inflicted with drastic cuts. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-15

I thank my good friend from New York for yielding. prgtoken I rise in strong support of the HEROES Act. This bill will provide over $67 billion in emergency relief to New York State, emergency aid that is desperately needed by a State that is on the front line of our national fight against the coronavirus. prgtoken There is more than $17 billion that will flow directly to New York City, whose people continue to inspire the country with their resilience, courage, and compassion. prgtoken The act includes crucial support for renters, which is especially important to my district. For people who have lost their jobs, the Federal Government will pay their rent for them out of a $100 billion fund. prgtoken As chair of the Oversight and Reform Committee, I helped lead a bipartisan effort to save the Postal Service from financial ruin. This bill will provide $25 billion to ensure that it can continue serving the American public. prgtoken , I thank the numerous Members on both sides of the aisle who have joined me in fighting for this and prgtoken supporting this funding. This emergency assistance will mean that we can avoid drastic service cuts at a time when American lives depend on the mail more and more every day. prgtoken Recognizing that Congress has a constitutional responsibility to ensure a fair and accurate Census, this bill extends certain reporting deadlines. The administration has asked for this delay as a result of the coronavirus crisis, which caused key operations of the 2020 Census to be postponed. prgtoken The bill would also enhance congressional oversight of Census operations. This administration has fought legitimate oversight tooth and nail, and the bill has added protections for this essential function. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this crucial legislation.
TRIBUTE TO COACH ROBERT EDWIN ``ED'' NOVAK, SR.
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-5-15

. Madam , I rise before you today to honor the life and legacy of Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr for his exceptional service to our country and his contributions to the education of youth in Baltimore. prgtoken A native Baltimorean, Coach Novak graduated from Baltimore City College in 1944. Immediately after, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II as an prgtoken Electrician's Mate First Class onboard the USS LST 582 and USS LST 72. prgtoken After the war, Coach Novak resumed his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland College Park, and meeting his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Jane Shipley. Together they would have three children: Deborah Glasgow, Robert Novak, Jr and Kevin Novak; as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. prgtoken Coach Novak began his coaching career as an assistant football coach for his alma matter, the City Collge Knights, where he was my swim and football coach. During his tenure, Coach Novak would lead the Knight's football program to a 6-2 record against their rival, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, six Maryland Scholastic Association championships, and a top 10 ranking in the country. prgtoken In 1965, he became the first athletic director at Northwestern High School in Baltimore. Coach Novak coached four sports and led the Wildcats to two football state titles before transferring to the McDonogh School in Owings Mills in 1978, where he would work for 13 years. Coach Novak was inducted to the McDonogh School Athletic Hall of Fame, was named Maryland Athletic Director of the Year, and was inducted to the Maryland State Athletic Director's Hall of Fame. prgtoken Madam , aside from the decades Coach Novak spent in school athletics and sports administration, he was perhaps best known for his service to his community. Coach Novak and his wife Phyllis facilitated reunions for his WWII ship and he was an active member of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Post 174 as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9083. He taught swimming for 21 years at the Hampton Pool in Towson, and was a co-founder of the Free State Swim League, for which he was recongized by the American Red Cross for his 30 years and 4,500 hours of volunteerism. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you join me today to honor the life of Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr. His compassion and dedication to our country, the Baltimore community, and his students is an inspiration to all. I humbly express my condolences to his friends and family and wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-15

Americans are suffering enough from this pandemic. They deserve the best policy to help them. Even if infection rates go down in May and June, unemployment will keep going up. prgtoken The Paycheck Recovery Act would protect our capitalist economy, which the virus is attacking. It would preserve businesses and give workers what they need most: their paychecks so they can provide for their families. prgtoken The HEROES Act should have used this approach, but I know our States and local governments and our frontline workers cannot wait for Federal help. I, therefore, support this bill.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 965, AUTHORIZING REMOTE VOTING BY PROXY AND PROVIDING FOR OFFICIAL REMOTE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DUE TO A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS...
Donna E. Shalala (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-5-15

. Madam , I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying bills. prgtoken Madam , my office in Miami is not getting calls; we are getting cries for help. My neighbors are scared of both a virus that could kill them or their loved ones and worried about how they will make their next rent or mortgage payment or buy groceries or when their children will go back to school. prgtoken Today we vote on two bills. The first will allow Members of Congress to do our jobs, as described by our chair, Mr. McGovern. The second will provide desperately needed relief. prgtoken We have already passed four pieces of legislation to respond to the pandemic which has killed more than 83,000 Americans. My friends and neighbors in south Florida are suffering. The HEROES Act gives money to my State, cities, and county that are shouldering both the economic and health burdens of COVID-19. prgtoken Unless we do this, my county and cities and school board will not be able to pay teachers or firefighters or police officers or transit workers or even hire contact tracers to help get this virus under control. This bill provides that and includes more money for SNAP and additional economic impact payments of up to $6,000 per family. prgtoken The HEROES Act also provides needed funds for the Postal Service. The Postal Service was founded in 1792. It is more critical than ever in helping people safely access medications and food and cleaning supplies and vote-by-mail ballots and more. prgtoken While the Senate may be here in D.C. whistling past the graveyard as they confirm judicial nominees, we are working to get the American people the help they desperately need. I urge all of my colleagues to support these bills.
HONORING RICHARD L. JACOBS ON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-5-15

. Madam , it is my privilege to rise today to join the New Haven community in extending my heartfelt congratulations and very best wishes to Richard L. Jacobs, Esq as he celebrates his 90th birthday. A New Haven native who has dedicated a lifetime to the pursuit of advocacy and justice, this is a remarkable milestone for this pillar of our community. prgtoken The Jacobs family's law practice has been an institution in the City of New Haven since its founding by Dick's father, Israel, more than a century ago. Following his graduation from Yale University and Yale Law School, Dick joined the family firm where he has been practicing for more than six decades. He is well known for both his staunch advocacy on behalf of as well as his sincere affection for his clients. Dick's commitment and determination to ensure justice for all led to his early and unfailing support of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association and ensuring that those most in need had access to quality, affordable legal services. prgtoken Throughout his professional career, Dick has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the justice system. He has been a member of the New Haven County Bar Association and the American Association for Justice since his bar admittance in 1957 and has prgtoken served four years as both a member and section chairman on the Connecticut Bar Association. Among the many accolades he has earned, Dick was honored with both the Connecticut Bar Association's Special President's Award as well as the New Haven Legal Assistance Association's Award for Support and Equal Access to Justice. Dick is endowed with an unwavering duty to pursue what is right and it is that indefectible spirit that has won him the respect and admiration of those fortunate enough to know him both in and out of the courtroom. prgtoken A lifelong resident of New Haven, Dick has always shown a deep commitment to the community. It is where he and his wife, Cary, raised their own family and where they continue their good work to make a difference. A proud graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Dick is an Eli through and through--never missing a home football game, often simply walking right to Yale Bowl to see the games. prgtoken Like so many others, I consider myself fortunate to know Dick Jacobs and I am honored to have this opportunity to celebrate this very special occasion. Today, as he marks his 90th birthday, we pay tribute to the lifetime of dedication Richard L. Jacobs has made to the City of New Haven and our legal system. I wish Dick all the best for many more years of health and happiness. Happy Birthday.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-15

I represent three of the six hardest-hit counties in America. New York is the epicenter of the pandemic. prgtoken As a former mayor and county executive, my biggest priorities have been to deliver funds to New York based upon the rate of infection and to eliminate the SALT cap. Both are included in the HEROES Act. prgtoken and ic Governors, mayors, and local officials all support this bill. prgtoken , it is the height of hypocrisy for Senator McConnell to call this a blue State bailout when my State sends billions more to the Federal Government every single year, often to benefit Senator McConnell's State of Kentucky. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-5-15

I rise today to add my voice to the chorus recognizing this important fact: tribal governments and Native American citizens are disproportionately impacted by this virus. And the reason they are so vulnerable is the historic failure of this country to live up to its trust and treaty obligations. Obligations like providing strong healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. prgtoken , the tribal set-aside within the Coronavirus Relief Fund is not nearly adequate to right these historic wrongs, but it will help make sure that tribal governments do not fall even further behind as a result of the pandemic. prgtoken The Coronavirus Relief Fund is a lifeline for tribal governments. The Navajo Nation is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks in the entire Country, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives everywhere are more vulnerable to this disease due to chronic lack of health care and higher rates of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, tribal governments without large outbreaks are suffering disproportionate economic harm due to COVID-19 because they lack a tax base to replace lost revenue from shuttered businesses. When tribal governments made the decision to close their doors at tribal enterprises for the sake of public health, they also made the decision to shut off the revenue that supported vital government functions. prgtoken That is why the $8 billion we passed in the CARES Act and the $20 billion included in the Heroes Act for a Coronavirus Relief Fund for tribal governments are so essential, and why we must ensure that all Tribes receive the help they need. I am proud that this legislation fixes a number of known challenges with the implementation of the Fund. prgtoken First, it clarifies that only federally recognized tribal governments listed in the Federal Register are eligible for this fund. That was always the intent of Congress--a conclusion that has been upheld in a court of law--but it also is common sense. prgtoken Second, the bill clarifies that all of the funding allocated to tribal nations must stay with tribal nations. If some Tribes are unable to use their allocated money under the CRF by December 30, 2020, this bill requires Treasury to reallocate those unused funds to Tribal governments whose need was not met. Experience has shown us that the impact of the virus is not even across the nation, and this provision recognizes that fact. Additionally, it is worth noting that the bill also directs Treasury to reallocate any funding that the Inspector General recoups as a result of an audit and clarifies that any funding a tribe returns to Treasury is not subject to interest. prgtoken Finally, this bill asks Treasury, the Department of the Interior, and Tribal Governments to once again consult on the allocation of this funding. As Chairman of the Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee, I have heard from dozens of tribal leaders that the allocation process thus far has been flawed. The Ad
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 965, AUTHORIZING REMOTE VOTING BY PROXY AND PROVIDING FOR OFFICIAL REMOTE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DUE TO A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS...
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-5-15

. Madam , I rise in support of the HEROES Act today because our frontline workers, first responders, and community members are rising to the occasion, and so must Congress. prgtoken We know we are living through an unprecedented crisis. If we fail to redouble our efforts, the public health threat will grow, more jobs will be permanently lost, additional small businesses will throw in the towel, and cities and towns will go bust. prgtoken The conversations I have every day with mayors, hospital officials, small business owners, and essential workers underscore why bold action is immediately needed. I fought for a number of provisions in this bill that are important to my constituents, including prgtoken aid to local government to sustain essential services; free coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines for low-income individuals; expanded tax credits for small businesses to keep workers on the job; and giving our veterans a reprieve from VA debt collection. prgtoken No bill is perfect, but with bipartisan cooperation in the coming days, we can deliver meaningful results. We can meet this moment responsibly, ensure our communities are equipped to overcome this virus, and allow our economy to safely get back on its feet.