mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-3-12

this Women's History Month, we have the opportunity to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. prgtoken We recognize the countless women who have put their own safety and comfort on the line in order to make this country more just, democratic, and inclusive. These include heroes like Margaret Brent, a daughter of Maryland who was the first to demand a vote for women in the colonial legislature, and Sojourner Truth, who advocated for a more diverse and intersectional women's suffrage movement. Thanks to their bravery and that of many other activists, our Nation witnessed the largest expansion of suffrage in its history. prgtoken A century later, we ought to celebrate that monumental achievement. The ability to vote has empowered women to demand a government that represents them and their interests, and they have taken their power seriously. Women have voted in higher numbers than men in every national election for the last 55 years. In 2018, we saw the results that can happen when women raise their voices and fight for a more inclusive democracy as a record 117 women won elections to Congress across the United States. prgtoken We cannot overstate how dramatically the adoption of the 19th Amendment has changed our country for the better, but it is also incumbent upon us to take stock of the progress that still needs to be made. prgtoken Just a few years after women won the right to vote, a suffragette named Alice Paul introduced another critically important constitutional amendment, one that would go even further in guaranteeing the equal status of women. It was called the Equal Rights Amendment, or the ERA, which reads as follows: ``Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' That is it. It is just 24 words. Yet those 24 words have the power to correct a 250-year silence in our Constitution when it comes to recognizing and protecting women's equality. prgtoken The ERA was ratified by the U.S. Congress in 1972, and with Virginia's ratification this past January, enough States have adopted the amendment to meet the threshold for it to be added to the Constitution. So what is the holdup? Why isn't it a part of the Constitution yet? When Congress ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, it imposed a deadline for State legislatures to ratify. That deadline has passed. prgtoken There should never be a deadline on equality. The Constitution does not call for time limits for the ratification of amendments, and there is precedent for amendments being added to the Constitution as many as 200 years after having first been proposed. prgtoken Most importantly, just as Congress had the power to impose and extend the deadline by resolution, we have the power to remove it through the same means. That is why I have introduced a resolution with Sena
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--SCHUMER BILL
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-12

in a moment, will ask the Senate's consent to take up and pass several measures that would immediately help American workers and American families cope with the impacts of coronavirus, including paid sick leave for workers, emergency unemployment insurance, and much needed assistance to States overburdened by Medicaid costs, known as FMAP. prgtoken These provisions are all included in legislation that will soon be passed by the House. Many of these policies have already been enacted by other countries dealing more successfully with the coronavirus than our country is. prgtoken These policies are targeted directly at the workers and families impacted by its spread. They are not going to the big, wealthy corporations or powerful people or wealthy people. They are going right at the workers and families--average working people who need the help. prgtoken Now, the leader this morning called these provisions ``an ideological wish list.'' President referred to them as ``goodies.'' prgtoken If helping a construction worker who is laid off as a result of the virus is part of an ideological wish list, then God help those who believe that. If giving infected workers paid sick leave is a goody, then God help those who think that. If making sure our States, localities, hospitals, and first responders are compensated for their efforts is ideological, is a goody, those who believe those things have lost touch with the needs and aspirations of the American people, and they need to talk to some real people who have been impacted by the coronavirus, instead of sitting in their ideological towers. prgtoken With the comments made by the President and the leader, they have revealed their own ideology--that even in a time of public crisis and need, the President and the leader are more willing to entertain corporate tax cuts and bailing out industries than helping American workers and families. prgtoken The Senate should pass these bills today. The leader should not be sending the Senate home for the weekend without taking action to help people who are or will soon be really hurting. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the Schumer bill that is at the desk, that the bill be considered read three times and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE REV. PHILLIP R. BYRUM
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the decades of dedicated public service of a great North Carolinian, role model and man of faith, the Rev. Phillip R. Byrum--known to many as Father Phil. prgtoken Born in 1941, Rev Phillip R. Byrum is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina--son of the late Robert and Margaret Byrum. He attended Greensboro Public Schools and graduated from Greensboro College in 1963 with a degree in philosophy and religion. prgtoken He went on to attend the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, graduating in 1966. He was assigned to St. Michael's Church in Tarboro, North Carolina and St. Mary's Church in Speed, North Carolina. He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 24, 1967, at Christ Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. prgtoken Father Phil was married to the former Anne Stuart Barnette in 1966. They became parents to two sons, Robert Stuart, born 1968 and John Keith, born in 1970. He is also a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and great-grandfather of one. prgtoken Father Phil and his family moved to Albemarle, North Carolina in 1969, where he became the Rector of Christ Church. He and his family spent a joyful 22 years in this parish, with both sons attending local schools, and leaving to attend and graduate from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. prgtoken Serving with passion and humility, Father Phil was a dedicated minister to his congregation and was heavily involved in many facets of community life, as well as the work of the Diocese of North Carolina. For many years, he chaired the Commission on Liturgy and Music, and directed a music and worship camp for children on behalf of the Diocese for 19 years. He also began a long relationship with the Society of St. Margaret in Boston, Massachusetts where he served as a visiting chaplain to the Sisters for many years. prgtoken ln May 1991, Rev. Byrum accepted a call to become Rector of St. Timothy's Church in Wilson, North Carolina. Shortly after, a temporary assignment stretched into nearly 30 years of service as Father Phil was asked to serve as priest-in-charge of a historic African American church in East Wilson, St. Mark's Church. prgtoken Father Phil completed his service in ministry from St. Timothy's in 2000, and focused his ministry service on St. Mark's, while also serving La Iglesia de la Guadalupana, the Spanish-speaking church officially recognized as a congregation in 1998 and shares St. Mark's facilities. Father Phil devoted his service in ministry at St. Mark's and La Guadalupana until his final retirement in 2020. prgtoken Father Phil had the privilege of leading his congregations at St. Mark's and La Guadalupana in serving the community with worship services in English and Spanish and through community outreach programs such as food ministries, tutoring programs, and assistance programs for those facing critical situations in their lives. prgtoken On February 29, 2020, Father Phil retired f
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-3-12

I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Eleanor Elkin, who passed away at the age of 103 on December 4, 2019. Eleanor served as one of Pennsylvania's most distinguished disability advocates. It is important that we remember a remarkable life dedicated to the betterment of others. Eleanor transformed the love for her family into a life of advocacy whose impact will be felt for decades to come. prgtoken Eleanor's commitment to equality was evident long before her time as one of Pennsylvanian's most prominent disability rights leaders. Born in 1916 in Philadelphia, she graduated from Germantown High School in 1934 and married Philip Elkin in 1939. They raised two adopted children, Margo and Richard. Richard was born with a disability, and Eleanor came face to face with the discriminatory laws experienced by those with disabilities. The State of Pennsylvania did not realize, however, that it was about to confront a true fighter. Jim Wilson, former president of the Arc of the United States, said it best when he described Eleanor as ``a white glove, tenacious fighter who would not accept `no' for an answer.'' That fighting spirit served Eleanor well when the State put up roadblocks to adopting Richard simply because he had a disability. When Richard was 2 years old, he was forcibly placed in a State-run institution. Eleanor went to court to get Richard back home. From that point on, she fought for his rights, beginning with a fight for him to attend preschool. At a time when it was common to deny children with disabilities access to education, Eleanor persuaded his elementary school to create a classroom for him and other children with disabilities. prgtoken The numerous obstacles faced by Richard convinced Eleanor to expand her advocacy beyond her family. She was among a group of parents who joined together and created The Arc of Philadelphia in 1948. She founded a mothers' support group in Bucks County, which became The Arc of Bucks County in the 1950's. She was integral to the development of The Arc of Pennsylvania, and became the organization's president in the 1960's. She went on to become president of The Arc of the United States in 1967 and 1968. prgtoken At a time when the norm was to force children with disabilities into institutions, Eleanor was a leader in the fight to bring people with disabilities into the community. She partnered with the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia to expand the rights of people with disabilities. She helped to win a significant victory in 1971 with the ruling in PARC v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which overturned a Pennsylvania law that permitted schools to deny public education to children with disabilities. This battle established the principles that eventually led to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975, which is now referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. prgtoken Eleanor also joined forces with the Public
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 3415
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-12

this is simple. We need people who are sick to stay home if we have any hope of slowing the spread of this virus, but, today, one in four private sector workers in our country cannot stay home from work without losing a day's pay or potentially a job. prgtoken We have got to fight this virus with everything we have--every single one of us--and that means we have to have policies in place that help people make the right choices for themselves, their families, and their communities. prgtoken Our bill will give all employees 14 paid sick days immediately-- today, not next week, not the week after, today--in public health emergencies like this one, in addition to allowing them to accrue 7, meaning it would help workers and communities right now. prgtoken I urge Senate s: Treat this like the public health crisis it is. Allow parents, families, businesses, communities to have the peace of mind to know that we are acting today and take this urgent needed step. This is nothing short of a chance to save lives and buy desperately needed time to fight this virus. Please don't waste it. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 3415--this is a bill that will allow Americans to earn paid sick time so they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families--that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
INTRODUCTION OF THE MAJOR GENERAL DAVID F. WHERLEY, JR., DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD RETENTION AND COLLEGE ACCESS ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , today, I introduce the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act (NGRCA). This bill is named for General Wherley, former Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, who, along with his wife, Ann, and seven others were tragically killed when Metro trains collided on the Red Line on June 22, 2009. This bill would permanently authorize funding for a program that provides grants for higher education to members of the D.C. National Guard, which is under the control of the federal, not the District of Columbia, government. I renamed this bill after General Wherley because he worked tirelessly with me to get funding for the program for many years, and because of his devotion to the youth of the District and to the National Guard. prgtoken The NGRCA authorizes an education incentive program, recommended by General Wherley and his successor, Major General Errol Schwartz, to stem the troublesome loss of D.C. Guard members to other units, including National Guards in surrounding states that offer such educational benefits to their Guards. I am grateful that Congress has consistently provided funds for the program at our request, most recently $413,000 in fiscal year 2020. Permanently authorizing the program is necessary, however, to ensure that D.C. Guard members receive the same treatment and benefits as other National Guard members, particularly those in neighboring states that compete with the District for members and provide these education benefits. Today, the Guard for the nation's capital has a diminished ability to compete for regional residents if membership in the Maryland or Virginia Guards is more economically beneficial. A competitive tuition assistance program for the D.C. Guard would provide a significant and much-needed incentive to help maintain enrollment and level the field of competition. The federal government supports D.C. Guard functions and understands it should support this small benefit as well, because the appropriators have always funded the D.C. Guard program, even without authorization. However, depending on appropriations alone leaves the D.C. Guard program in a tenuous condition at odds with the tuition programs in nearby states. Because the program is not controversial, there is no reason not to permanently authorize funding for these D.C. National Guard education benefits. prgtoken I appreciate that the appropriators and ultimately Congress have not hesitated to fund the education benefits for the D.C. National Guard. This support argues strongly for permanent authorization. These small education benefits have not only encouraged high-quality recruits, but have helped the D.C. Guard to maintain the force necessary to protect the federal presence here, including the possibility of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. I am pleased to introduce this bill based on the advice of Guard personnel, who best kno
ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF SHAIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the anniversary of the birth of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized as the ``Founding Father'' of the nation of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, called ``Mujib,'' is also known as ``Bangha Bandu,'' a title that means ``Friend of the Bengal.'' In recognition of the 100th year since the birth of Sheikh Mujib, the government of Bangladesh is celebrating March 17, 2020 through March 17, 2021 as ``Mujib Borsho,'' or the ``Mujib Year.'' Sheikh Mujib was born on March 17, 1920, in the province of Bengal, in what was then British India. Just over half a century later, on March 7, 1971, he would call for East Pakistan to become the independent nation of Bangladesh. He was subsequently arrested, but his vision for Bengalis would soon become a reality. Following a brutal war for independence, during which an estimated 300,000 to 3,000,000 people lost their lives, the nation of Bangladesh was born on December 16, 1971. Sheikh Mujib was released from prison and became the first President of Bangladesh, serving in that office from April 17, 1971 to January 12, 1972. In January of 1972, he was elected Prime Minister of the first Parliament of Bangladesh. In 1975, Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were assassinated. Just two of his daughters, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, were spared, as they were living in what was West Germany at the time. The centennial of the birth of the ``Founding Father'' of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib, is deeply meaningful to the people of Bangladesh and to those throughout the world with personal connections to the country. Events are being organized in the United States and around the world to commemorate this historical event. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing those working to honor Bangladesh's history and commemorate this event, including Dr. MD. Rabbi Alam, Convener of Bangabandhu Parishad USA and a resident of my home state of Michigan. I urge my colleagues to join me in standing with the people of Bangladesh, and those in prgtoken the Bangladeshi American community, as they celebrate the centennial of the birth of Sheikh Mujib.
Nomination of James P. Danly (Executive Session)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2020-3-12

I will be voting to confirm Mr. Danly's nomination to be a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I am doing so because I believe he is well qualified for the job. He has been the Commission's general counsel for the past 2\1/2\ years. He understands the complex legal issues that come before the Commission. prgtoken I voted to report Mr. Danly's nomination, both last November and again last week, on the strength of his qualifications, not on politics. I urge my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken The position to which Mr. Danly has been nominated is one of five seats on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. By law, no more than three of the five seats can be held by one party. Only three of the seats are now filled--two by s and one by a . The other ic seat has been vacant since last August. prgtoken Traditionally, when both a seat and a ic seat have been vacant, past Presidents have sent nominations to fill both at the same time. I am deeply disappointed that this has not happened this time. The politics involved in this town are outrageous. It is truly outrageous that even proper decorum, simple civility, and just a little bit of procedure are not even considered anymore. prgtoken The White House has had a highly qualified candidate to fill the ic seat for over a year, who has been totally vetted and has gone through all the processes that we have, but the President and his staff have still not sent us her nomination. I think they are scared. I hear this because she is a very, very bright, very smart, very articulate, and very intelligent person. She knows the issues, and she is well respected in her field. prgtoken By breaking the longstanding practice of pairing nominations and not sending us a nomination for the ic seat, the administration undermines the bipartisan structure of the Commission. I made a commitment to Mr. Danly that I would support his nomination because he is well qualified, and I will honor that commitment and vote to confirm him. Two wrongs don't make a right here, but this has got to stop. prgtoken Both sides have to stand up and say: , this is a tradition. This is what we do. This is customary of what has been done, and it gives us a five-member FERC, which is extremely important for energy in our country and the reliability that we depend on. prgtoken But as I told my colleagues on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, when we voted on Mr. Danly's nomination, I will not support another nominee unless we get both. This has to stop, and I am asking my colleagues on the side to please help us with some kind of structure and some kind of procedure back into the operation. We need to start acting as a Senate and not be guided by the politics--the toxic politics--and this tribal mentality. I want the President to send us the nominations so we can have a fully functioning c
EXTEND CENSUS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-12

. Madam , today, the Census begins to reach out to households across America. prgtoken All communities across the country must be counted, particularly those that are hard-to-count communities. prgtoken The Census is for everybody. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we now face difficult challenges for the Census. prgtoken The Census must be extended an additional 3 months so we can get an accurate count. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) prgtoken Today we begin the census for families across the country. But due to the coronavirus pandemic we are going to face grand obstacles. The Census should be extended for 3 months to ensure a precise count. prgtoken Hoy comenzamos el conteo del censo para familias a traves del pais pero por la creciente epidemia del coronavirus vamos a tener grandes obstaculos. El censo debe de ser extendido por tres meses para tener un conteo preciso.