mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2020 H.E.B. ISD AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-31

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate thirty- three outstanding students from the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent School District who have been selected to receive the District's Awards of Excellence for the 2019-2020 school year. prgtoken These accomplished students possess unique talents that have enabled them to succeed in their respective disciplines. This year's recipients have been recognized for their achievements in a diverse field of subjects which include visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications to name but a few. Through their hard work and dedication, the following young men and women have built a strong foundation upon which they will continue to enhance their education. prgtoken Asim Adhikari, Kierra Ashford, Lexie Barthelemess, Khaezer Xann Bellen, Indya Bobb, Erin Brewer, Melanie Butcher, Tanvi Dalal, Kameron Dancy, Antoni Davila, Marcos De La Liana, Zachary Deande, Giandre Dejesus, Maliabo Diamba, Sofia Dominguez, Lyra Ehninger, Anna Maria Glowacki, Myra Gordon, Mason Hunter-Gray, Kya Jordan, Charlotte Lewis, Alec Liu, Savannah Lo, James Mahon VI, Hayley Otteson, Elizabeth Perry, Alana Rada Pico, Nicolas Sears, Devashree Shah, Grant Trusty, Mahanga Uhilamoelangi, Yulisa Villeda, Allyrica Williams. prgtoken In addition to recognizing the above, I would like to take this oppmtunity to thank the instructors who have worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of their students are met. It is with great praise that I recognize the following teachers from Hurst Hills Elementary, Central Junior High, L.D. Bell, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS, and Trinity High School for their invaluable role as educators: prgtoken Lauren Allen, Jo Ann Antinone, Shawn Bemis, Andy Bloodworth, Pamela Bracken, Tammy Brown, Mario Casanova, Monica Chavez, Jennifer Choate, Amanda Collins, Ken Davis, Michael Dean, Bianca Diaz, John Fetters, Kenda Fries, Mark Gustafson, Candace prgtoken , Tara Hernandez, Susan Kaufman, Cathy Kazyaka, Courtney Koder, Amelia Langi, Stormee Massey, Allen Matthews, Laurel McClanahan, Karen McCurdy, Joseph Mendenhall, Thomas Montelongo, Alyssa Nabors, Amanda Stevens, Kent Wooley. prgtoken Madam , I am honored to recognize these outstanding students and teachers and congratulate them on their admirable achievements. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2020 HEB ISD Awards of Excellence.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-3-31

it is not lost on me how consequential the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is for our nation. prgtoken Along with many of my colleagues, I wish I could be there in person to voice my support for this historically massive and wide-reaching legislation. The absence of Members from our chamber doesn't make the House of Representatives any less united in our support of this significant relief package for the American people, who are greatly suffering by no fault of their own due to the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken The natural disaster caused by COVID-19 is unlike any other our nation has encountered in modern history. Its impact is severely felt across the whole of society--causing an unprecedented strain on our public health defenders and medical providers as well as sharp economic losses and unexpected disruptions for Americans of all stripes. prgtoken Hardworking Americans, families, communities, small businesses and numerous industries have been hit hard and fast in a matter of days and weeks. Given the enormous scope of this disaster, its consequences and the damage already done, it is critically important to get help to those Americans facing difficult times. I am encouraged that the CARES Act extends a much needed helping hand. prgtoken To help individuals and families weather this storm, the CARES Act provides financial assistance in the form of direct cash payments and unemployment support. The legislation provides unprecedented help to sustain small businesses and their workers, after many businesses on Main Street have been forced to close their doors to comply with the guidance and orders from federal, state, local and tribal officials. prgtoken For our health workers fighting on the front lines across the nation, this relief package replenishes vital medical supplies like masks, respirators and other equipment. Moreover, it provides reinforcement supplies and resources for state and local response efforts. prgtoken Finally, I worked very hard to ensure tribal nations are equipped to face and fight the unknown challenges ahead with this coronavirus like other state and local authorities. Oklahoma is home to 39 sovereign tribes, and each one plays an invaluable role in the lives and health of their members and surrounding communities. I am proud that this relief package dedicates generous resources specifically for tribal nations to respond. prgtoken Therefore, had I been present, I would vote ``yea'' if there was a recorded vote.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-3-31

I am pleased to support the CARES Act, and I look forward to Arizonans and Americans across our nation receiving the benefits of this bill during this difficult time. I support this relief package to help workers, small businesses, hospitals and healthcare workers, and to increase production of needed medical supplies and treatments. America is strong, and we will get through this by working together.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-3-31

through no fault of their own, hospitals, families, and businesses are facing a public health crisis causing unprecedented hardships for millions of employees and families. In the 3rd District, I have heard from heartbroken families who don't know how to afford next month's rent, small business owners who don't know how they will pay their loyal employees or if they will be able to hold out and reopen their doors ever again, and healthcare workers desperate for more medical supplies. I applaud President and the Senate for focusing on the dire and urgent needs of hospitals, families, and small businesses affected by COVID-19 and standing firm against loading this bill with radical leftist gimmicks that were included in Pelosi's unserious legislation. I am obviously deeply cautious about the staggering cost, but the cost of inaction today means putting a price tag on lives tomorrow. prgtoken , I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the President in doing what is necessary to support the American people and position our economy to make a strong recovery once we defeat this terrible virus.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-3-31

I rise today in support of the CARES Act. We are in the middle of an unprecedented public health crisis and the American people need help. prgtoken Over the past two weeks, I have had countless calls with constituents, and they have all said the same thing: they're hurting. Our small businesses, our farmers and ranchers, our teachers, our Tribal governments, our health care workers, and first responders on the front lines--we are all hurting right now. prgtoken While this bill won't fix all their problems, it brings them some much-needed relief and confidence that the federal government is taking action to combat this crisis. prgtoken In Oklahoma, we call it the Oklahoma Standard. Neighbors helping neighbors through hard times. Together, as a country, we will help our neighbors and get through this together. prgtoken I support this bill and look forward to continuing to work with the Administration
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-3-31

America is facing a very serious public health crisis that also has the potential to affect the long-term health of our economy. prgtoken The people on the front lines fighting the spread of COVID-19--our doctors, nurses, first responders, and other health professionals--need help. Congress should be stepping up to ensure America's health care system has access to needed personal protective equipment--like masks and face shields--and testing supplies to identify those infected and to help stop the spread of the virus. Businesses and employees affected by this virus also need help. Congress should be providing short-term financial assistance such as loans and in the form of a tax holiday. I recognize these needs and fully support action to provide resources to stem the damage being caused in the present crisis. prgtoken There is no question that this crisis is a direct result of the Chinese government's cover up of the dangers posed by COVID-19. The Chinese government failed to heed the early warnings of medical professionals, going so far as to persecute individuals like Dr. Li Wenliang, who was among the first to raise concerns, forcing him to sign a confession that his concerns were false. China ordered destruction of early research samples of the virus. The Chinese government also denied World Health Organization (WHO) investigators access inside the country's borders and they withheld critical information. The Chinese Communist Party falsely denied the evidence of human-to-human transmission. Contrary to WHO guidelines, Chinese officials manipulated statistics by failing to report infected individuals who tested positive for the virus if they exhibited mild to no symptoms. China's authoritarian government also allowed up to 5,000,000 people, including potentially tens of thousands of infected individuals, to leave Wuhan and travel across the globe, spreading the virus. The reality is that China was more interested in saving face than stopping the problem before it became a global pandemic. China was more interested in waging an international public relations campaign than getting the necessary help from the world community. prgtoken The United States and countries across the globe are now dealing with the fallout of China's deceit and misdeeds. We are wrestling with how to address a public health crisis, contain this deadly virus, and respond to unprecedented economic fallout. To address the current situation, Congress must act responsibly and thoughtfully but also with urgency. We must work together to support doctors, nurses and other health professionals. We need to also help suffering families, assist businesses and non-profits that have been ordered to close, and to set the stage for yet another American comeback. prgtoken Nearly every American has been affected by this virus. All levels of government have asked our citizens to stay home. Government has asked businesses to shutter their doors,
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Charlie Crist (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-3-31

I add my voice in support of the CARES Act. prgtoken This sweeping, bipartisan legislation is the work of a Congress that soberly understands the gravity of the emergency facing our nation. It is only because Congress has set aside partisanship and disagreements that I am able to say, help, my friends, is on the way. prgtoken For the 3.3 million who filed for unemployment last week and the millions more who have not yet been able to navigate states' overwhelmed unemployment servers, this new law will provide an additional $600 per week in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. prgtoken I fought for this $15 per hour living wage to give a hand to the servers, bartenders, and other tipped employees that are the backbone of Florida's tourism and services sector. prgtoken The law provides a $1200 check to all Americans, including those on Social Security, who make less than $75,000. prgtoken It includes a $100 billion ``Marshall Plan'' for our hospitals and public health system and $150 billion for states and tribes. prgtoken It provides over $350 billion for small businesses on Main Street in grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits so they can make payroll and pay monthly bills to keep their businesses afloat. prgtoken The new law provides 6 months relief for federal student loan payments, blocks evictions for 150 days, blocks foreclosures for 60 days, and offers mortgage forbearance for up to 6 months--all penalty- free. No interest, fees, or negative information on your credit report. prgtoken This bill is neither perfect nor the last word. As this crisis unfolds and America rises to face unthinkable challenges, so too must their Representatives in Congress. prgtoken We need more masks, protective equipment, and ventilators. And we need testing everywhere. prgtoken We need more help for our cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park. prgtoken We need to do more for essential employees--the grocery store checkers, truck drivers, farmers, sanitation workers, pharmacists, cooks, home care workers, and delivery workers that are enabling the rest of us to shelter- prgtoken in-place and fight the spread. They deserve more than our thanks. They deserve child care, overtime, and hazard pay. prgtoken Finally, but of the highest priority, we need to do all we can for doctors, nurses, and other frontline healthcare workers--those risking it all to save lives. They are the true heroes of this pandemic. Angels, not with wings but with masks and protective gowns. You have our undying gratitude. prgtoken Never in any of our lifetimes has America stared down an enemy so insidious and so devastating. But we will answer this call of history with courage and resolve. We must. prgtoken Be safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. And God bless. We will get through this. We're all in this together.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-3-31

I rise in support of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. On Thursday, the United States gained the unfortunate distinction of being the country with the largest number of known COVID-19 cases in the world. As people across the country struggle to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill is an urgently needed $2 trillion disaster-relief package that delivers immediate support to individuals, families, and small businesses across the country, while also providing worker- centered relief for some industries. prgtoken My home state of Washington has been reeling from the spread of COVID-19, with over 3,200 cases and 147 deaths as of last night. I am so proud that we have one of the finest public health systems in the country, but it is under siege--as are our healthcare institutions, our economy, and my constituents. I have been focusing my efforts wholly and completely on ensuring that we in Congress do everything in our power to deliver a response from the Federal government that matches the enormous scale of this crisis. prgtoken This bill is an important step in that direction, though we will certainly need to do even more. The CARES Act puts $100 billion into ensuring hospitals and healthcare providers can cover COVID-19-related costs and $200 million to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes. Importantly, after years of disinvestment in the Strategic National Stockpile, the CARES Act adds $16 billion to the Stockpile to provide essential personal protective equipment for our frontline workers and emergency responders. prgtoken This bill also includes a critical priority for me: the largest expansion of unemployment insurance in decades to ensure that most workers get nearly 100 percent of their pre-layoff wage without traditional restrictions. It also creates a special Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to provide relief to those who may be ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, like gig workers and people who are self-employed. prgtoken Because people are suffering right now, I believe we must include direct cash support to individuals. I had advocated for double the amount that is in the bill, for monthly instead of a one-time payment, and for everyone to be included. We were not able to get that. However, the CARES Act delivers $1,200 per adult and $500 per child in cash relief to the vast majority of everyday people to immediately help put cash in people's pockets to pay those mounting bills. prgtoken To keep people in their homes, the bill provides $3 billion in rental assistance. It enacts a 120-day moratorium on evictions for properties receiving federal assistance as well as a 60-day foreclosure moratorium on federally backed mortgages and up to 180 days of forbearance. The bill also includes crucial funding to the Emergency Services Grant to ensure we are providing care to people experiencing homelessness. However, we still need a real
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-3-31

as of the time of this debate, there are 6,876 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. And tragically 81 individuals in our state have lost their lives. These are friends, family and loved ones. This virus has touched each and every one of us. I grieve for all the lives lost and for those who are fighting tooth and nail to beat this nasty virus. Our front lines are staffed with brave first responders and health care workers doing their best to help those impacted. Across my state, we are hard at work making sure those who need a test are getting tested and we have expanded bed capacity to care for those in need. The coming weeks will be hard for all. And I remain ready and willing to do everything I can for our state and country. prgtoken I rise today because I support the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act because it provides immediate and needed assistance for workers, families, small businesses and hospitals across our country weathering the COVID-19 crisis. stood strong against the partisan, corporate-focused bail out prioritized by Senate s. Through tough negotiations, we secured payments of as much as $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $500 per child. also secured expanded unemployment insurance for any worker affected by COVID-19, including an additional $600 a week in additional and expanded benefits and protections for self-employed and nonprofits. And we guaranteed inclusion of $150 billion to help states and territories respond to this crisis. After I led a letter signed by over 100 members of Congress, first responders will receive nearly $1 billion in federal assistance to help purchase needed personal protective equipment. Our hospitals and providers, who stand on the frontlines of this pandemic, will receive $100 billion in funding to reimburse for COVID-19 related costs. This was a top priority for our state's delegation, which stood united demanding this relief. But I know it is not enough. I will keep fighting for more aid for our first responders, for our hurting small business owners, and for the millions of Americans being pummeled by this terrible time. prgtoken Like millions of Americans across the country, I am practicing safe social distancing measures by working from home. I am connecting everyday with my constituents and local, state, and federal officials making sure New Jersey's voice is being represented and our needs are being met. I support this relief legislation for our nation. Talk has already begun about what to do next, and I am fully focused on making sure New Jersey gets its due.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-31

I rise to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. This bill will provide emergency relief to millions of Americans as we fight the coronavirus outbreak. prgtoken I want to highlight Title VI, which establishes a Coronavirus Relief Fund that provides $150 billion for the Secretary of Treasury to disseminate to States, Tribal Governments and units of local government in fiscal year 2020. Tragically, in recent days I've heard from many tribal nations in California, and they are really struggling. That's because they did the right thing to help our country combat this virus by closing their businesses. prgtoken It is worth noting that they did so proactively and were under no obligation to take such drastic steps. But, as we have come to expect from our leaders in the tribal community, they did the right thing because it was the right thing to do. prgtoken These closures have been nothing short of catastrophic. The very resources that had been used to fund the tribal government and provide services virtually evaporated overnight. These governments run, for the most part, on these tribal funds. The funds provided by the federal government via the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other federal programs, often only make up a very small percentage of the total cost of running Tribal governments. So, when these businesses closed, the Tribes knew that doing so would compromise their ability to serve their people during this time of crisis. prgtoken I heard these stories and knew that Congress had to respond. This $8 billion fund will address the decrease in revenues, and we have mandated that the Secretary of Treasury work with the Secretary of Interior, to make sure that these decreased revenues are into their determination when making funds available to tribes.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-3-31

the House considered the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. I would vote YEA on this important measure. prgtoken As the coronavirus spreads throughout our country, the devastating impact of this pandemic becomes clearer each day. The bipartisan CARES Act makes an important down payment on needed economic relief for Americans and their families, especially in California. It provides critical cash assistance to people who need it. It grants crucial resources to small businesses, helps prevent layoffs, and delivers urgently needed funds to hospitals, schools, and local governments. prgtoken This bill is huge, by any measure. It will provide critical assistance. I am proud of the tireless efforts by House to secure the best possible deal for working families, and proud that we can reach a bipartisan agreement. prgtoken We simply cannot afford to declare victory, though. More will be needed. We're just beginning to understand the full scope of the impacts. prgtoken This is the third relief bill Congress will pass related to the coronavirus outbreak, and while they have each been critical in helping us in this fight, we know they are just first steps. Many families, workers, small businesses, first responders, and health care professionals will need more assistance, and we are already working on additional help to address this unprecedented public health threat. prgtoken The American people need and deserve a coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government response to keep them and their loved ones safe from the coronavirus epidemic, and to protect our economy. I will continue to work relentlessly to put families, workers, and small businesses first.