mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20201 AND OTHER EXTENSIONS ACT-- Continued
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-9-29

I rise today to condemn President 's refusal to denounce White supremacy during last night's Presidential debate. prgtoken At a time when this Nation is having a profound discussion about race--with anti-Semitism rearing its ugly head here in the United States and around the globe and the Nation being torn apart over political differences--our leaders, particularly our President, must call out hate in all its forms. prgtoken Last night, the President failed to rise to the occasion, and he failed the American people in doing so. On the global stage in the year 2020, the leader of the free world gave an unequivocal wink and nod to White supremacists, racists, and neo-Nazis, all while the Nation and the world looked on in absolute horror. prgtoken Not only did the President of our United States not condemn the White supremacist violence that he has incited during his tenure, he implicitly gave them marching orders. prgtoken When asked to condemn the hate group, the Proud Boys, the President of the United States said that they should ``stand back and stand by.'' Let me repeat. He gave the order for them to ``stand back and stand by.'' prgtoken There is no justification for his words or for his refusal to give a clear, direct, and swift condemnation of White supremacy. prgtoken The President's emboldening of violent extremists comes just as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security named White supremacist extremists as the most significant terrorism-related threat right here in the United States. prgtoken As a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I heard the FBI Director testify prgtoken to this very point just last week. The message was clear: White supremacists pose a dangerous and violent threat to our homeland. prgtoken Against this backdrop, the President's shocking remarks last night were, in fact, a continuation of deeply disturbing patterns of racist and anti-Semitic behavior that this President has allowed to take place on his watch. prgtoken Three years ago in Charlottesville, violent chaos and hatred were on full display for the world to see. As neo-Nazis openly marched in the streets, they chanted: ``Jews will not replace us'' and ``blood and soil.'' prgtoken President not only didn't denounce this anti-Semitic and racist rhetoric, he did something much worse. He did something much worse. He praised the White nationalists. He praised them as ``very fine people.'' These were not very fine people. prgtoken Just last month, a teen vigilante asked his mother to drive him across State lines to the protests in Kenosha with a rifle. He went there to use it, and, in fact, he did. He took the life of two people and shot a third. He has been charged with homicide and rightly so. Instead of condemning this act of hatred, President has hailed this murderer as a ``hero.'' prgtoken But this is the norm for President . The President's use of dog whistles and
TRIBUTE TO MR. WALKER HARRIS JR., FOUNDER AND OWNER OF HARRIS ICE COMPANY
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen, Christian, businessman, prgtoken church leader, family leader, community leader and all around wonderful human being. prgtoken Mr. Walker started work in the ice business when he was eighteen years old while visiting with his sister and her husband while deciding what to do after high school. He had grown up in Louisiana and after school worked for a black owned business helping out; therefore, he knew that he wanted to be a businessman. prgtoken While 18 he was hired as an ice bagger, he quickly learned the business and its distribution process. After a few months he heard that one of the drivers was retiring and wanted to sell his route of thirty clients. Mr. Walker purchased the client list, started his own company and was off and running. After a few years he heard that a distribution warehouse was available for sale, he purchased the warehouse, upgraded the building and hired drivers. His business acumen, delivery, and customer service were so effective that he became one of the top ice distributors in the city of Chicago. In the meantime, he was actively engaged with his church, became a developer of some affordable housing units and became known as a leader in the community. He has been acknowledged by several church, civic, business, and community groups for outstanding service and contributions to his community and the city of Chicago. prgtoken I now commend and congratulate Mr. Walker for outstanding service to humanity as we celebrate his birthday and the great contributions made through his ownership and development of the Walker Ice Company.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS ACT OF 2020
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act. I am honored to have authored this bill for over a decade. Although it should not have taken this long, today is a historic day in recognizing the need for school based mental health resources. prgtoken A mental health crisis is currently unfolding as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and anxiety about the coronavirus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions for our constituents, especially children. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that one in five youth already experience some type of mental health disorder. Yet, prior to this public health emergency, only 10 percent of children and adolescents ages 3 to 17 years old received any treatment or counseling from a mental health professional. prgtoken H.R. 1109 acknowledges this problem by providing $130 million in competitive grants per year for 5 years for 100 school-based mental health programs nationwide. It expands the scope of the Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience Education (AWARE) program by providing on-site licensed mental health professionals in schools across the country. prgtoken Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified in May before the Senate HELP Committee on the prospect of reopening school buildings and said, ``We don't know everything about this virus, and we really better be very careful, particularly when it comes to children''. While schools work to navigate this pandemic, it is critical that we provide them with the resources to create a mental health plan to reach their students during this stressful time. prgtoken H.R. 1109 is based on the successful Youth Suicide Prevention Program that I helped establish with Pacific Clinics in Los Angeles County in 2001. Regular classes will eventually resume, and according to the CDC, children may feel upset or have other strong emotions after an emergency. How a child reacts can vary depending on their age, previous experiences, and how that child typically copes with stress. We need to ensure the long-term availability of mental health services to ensure a bright future for our students, which my bill would help accomplish. prgtoken I would like to thank the many advocates in and outside of Congress who have played an integral role in this legislation. H.R. 1109 has 135 bipartisan co-sponsors and has the support of over 50 mental health organizations, as well as local governments and teacher unions. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 1109, the Mental Health Services for Students Act, which will help address this ongoing children's mental health crisis. It is now time to act on this bill, which has had broad support for decades.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ELLIOTT DUCHON ON HIS RETIREMENT
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-29

today I rise to congratulate a constituent, who is a dear friend of mine, Elliott Duchon, on a well-earned retirement from the Jurupa Unified School District. prgtoken Mr. Duchon has served as the superintendent of JUSD for 16 years and a public school teacher for 43 years. He has dedicated his career to ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded, quality education. prgtoken During Mr. Duchon's tenure, he oversaw the expansion of dual- immersion programs to develop bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish, the creation of makerspaces and innovation centers to introduce students to career technical education and STEM education, and the growth of the Jurupa Adult School to open up learning opportunities to all. prgtoken Mr. Duchon once said his greatest dream is for each and every student to have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. It is safe to say that JUSD schools are better positioned to deliver on that dream because of the inspiring leadership of Mr. Duchon. prgtoken He is also an active community member and volunteer, and a dedicated husband and father of three. prgtoken I feel fortunate to have known him, and I am grateful for his commitment to our community. I am wishing him a very happy retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)
David Scott (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-9-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). prgtoken PCOS is a genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls. PCOS can lead to lifelong complications such as infertility; anxiety, depression and other psychosocial disorders; obesity; severe hair and skin issues; endometrial cancer; type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular disease; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other life-threatening conditions. Many of these complications are a significant burden on quality of life, health, and the healthcare system. prgtoken PCOS affects over 10 million women and girls in the United States. Currently, there is no cure for PCOS, and women living with this disorder experience symptoms such as insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, and depression and anxiety during puberty and throughout their lives. PCOS is a grave issue that affects hundreds of thousands of women in Georgia and millions more across the country. For far too long, PCOS has been a prevalent public health concern, threatening the mental and physical health and quality of life of girls, women and their families. prgtoken Increasing awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome is critical to our efforts to address the national maternal mortality crisis and prevent pregnancy-related deaths. Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension) and have emergency C-sections. Without access to quality prenatal care, many African American women with PCOS are not diagnosed until they have difficulty getting pregnant or experience dangerous pregnancy complications. PCOS is also the most common cause of female infertility. Many women living with the disorder often have miscarriages or premature deliveries. prgtoken There is a growing need to educate healthcare providers about PCOS because 50-70 percent of PCOS patients are going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50 percent of women with PCOS develop Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes by the age of 40 and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Women and girls with this disorder are also at higher risk for uterine cancer, liver disease, and suicide. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you join me to advance this bipartisan effort and make PCOS a public health priority.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-9-30

I rise today to mark National Suicide Awareness Month. prgtoken Unfortunately, Montanans are all too familiar with the epidemic of suicide. As we have faced this ongoing public health and economic crisis, the demand for mental health services has grown. prgtoken In Gallatin County, my home, crisis response therapists have experienced a higher volume of calls. Each month they receive more calls than the last from people needing help. Centers throughout Montana are seeing similar increases. prgtoken To confront the greater demand for services and to help people in crisis, we must ensure access to necessary resources are available. One crucial resource is the national suicide hotline. prgtoken I am grateful to my colleagues, s and , for working with me to designate 988 as the hotline's number. I am proud of that bipartisan accomplishment. prgtoken Let's continue to provide these critical resources for those who need them the most and support them through their darkest hours.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SHIMKUS
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I rise today in honor and recognition of my good friend and mentor, Congressman John Shimkus of Illinois' 15th District. prgtoken For 23 years, John has served here in the House of Representatives, leading our delegation and making his mark on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Before his service in Congress, John served our country in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. prgtoken For his district and his country, John has served with great honor, integrity, and conviction. He has changed the game with his work on our nation's energy portfolio and chemical safety measures, especially with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which became law in June 2016 and formally outlined how we use and dispose of chemicals. prgtoken This was a major undertaking and the success of this legislative achievement is one of many you'll find throughout John's career. prgtoken In Congress, he was a champion for finding safe nuclear waste repository solutions and reducing greenhouse gases and sulfur emissions. prgtoken He introduced legislation that would streamline permits to enable efficient broadband infrastructure, recognizing the needs of underserved communities. prgtoken He also championed the 1999 legislation that officially designated 9- 1-1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the U.S. prgtoken Yes, that's right--John Shimkus made 9-1-1 the official emergency number and we should ALL be grateful. His effort to create and establish this comprehensive emergency communications infrastructure has undoubtedly saved countless lives. prgtoken During his time in the House, John's legislative accomplishments ran the gamut--from the 9-1-1 legislation and his impressive (and expansive) energy policy portfolio, to improving child safety measures through Anton's Law and others, securing funding for rare cancer research, protecting veterans and our communities, and leading countless biofuel and telecommunication provisions. prgtoken The bills he championed have been signed into law by three different presidents, showcasing the prowess John has in legislating and working across the aisle to get things done for the American people. prgtoken It's this ability to find common ground and work together with his colleagues to get the job done that has made John so successful as a Congressman and so well-respected as a colleague. prgtoken His leadership has been critical over the years, and I know without question that this institution is better because of his service and that I am a better Member of Congress because of his guidance. prgtoken John Shimkus is more than a colleague, he's a true friend and a patriot. His impact on Members like me has been incredibly profound and I know his legacy of servant leadership will continue to serve as a model for incoming Members of Congress for years to come. prgtoken Madam , the hometown he
MADE IN AMERICA
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-30

one of the biggest lessons that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is the importance of the phrase ``Made in America.'' prgtoken In my home State of North Carolina, we are a national leader in textile manufacturing, and we have a rich history of producing high- quality products. That is why North Carolina has been at the forefront of helping our first responders and frontline medical personnel get the protective equipment that they need to effectively battle the virus. prgtoken For these reasons, I want to see our protective equipment made in the United States and not in a country controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken For the last two decades, most observers have predicted that either the United States or China will lead the world in the 21st century. In the early 2000s, we saw China as a friendly competitor that we could work with economically. However, in recent years, the actions of the Chinese Communist Party have revealed the true colors of an authoritarian force. They are not our friends, and they are not a force for good in this world. prgtoken Given the fact that it was China that mishandled the virus, and China that allowed it to spread, and China that lied to the world about it, how acceptable is it that the American people should be reliant on China for the essential personal protective equipment that we need to fight the virus? That would be like having to beg the arsonist to help you put out the fire that they started. prgtoken That is why I introduced the Make PPP in America Act, along with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. This bipartisan legislation requires the Defense Logistics Agency to issue longer term contracts to make personal protective equipment in the United States. prgtoken We have to boost our domestic supply chains and make sure our most important products come from our shores and not from our adversaries like Communist China. prgtoken Bottom line, we need to ensure that Made in America is more than just a slogan. Made in America needs to be a guiding principle as we move into the 2020s and beyond.
REMEMBERING CULLAN BROWN
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mayfield Fire Department Chief Jeremy Creason for recently being named the Kentucky League of Cities 2020 City Employee of the Year. prgtoken Mr. Creason joined the Mayfield Fire Department in Graves County in 2008, serving as a firefighter and paramedic. He quickly rose through the ranks to become chief at the age of 34. prgtoken At a time when essential workers have made numerous adjustments to serve their communities, Mr. Creason's dedication to Mayfield has been on full display. When personal protective equipment was scarce, he found some for his fellow firefighters to ensure they remained safe. This, along with other precautions he took, have proven to be effective, with no positive cases within the Mayfield Fire Department personnel. prgtoken In addition to taking good care of his staff, Mr. Creason met with local businesses and churches to advise them on capacity seating in their buildings and regulations for reopening. His due diligence is a shining example of caring for others and taking proper precautions to safely reopen. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Jeremy Creason for this award and his excellent service and commitment to his community. Honoring Neighborhood Pet Stores
RECOGNIZING MS. PATRICIA CROWLEY, PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE GREATER HERNANDO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Daniel Webster (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-9-30

. Madam , it is with sincere appreciation that I recognize my friend Patricia Crowley, President/CEO of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, for her leadership and service to our business community. After 20 years of service to the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Crowley will retire on October 31, 2020. prgtoken Ms. Crowley began her career with the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce in March of 2000 as a Membership Representative. A few years later, Ms. Crowley was named President/CEO of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her years of service with the Chamber, she formed strong partnerships with local leaders and business organizations to strengthen the county's business environment to enable business development and prosperity throughout Hernando County. prgtoken Ms. Crowley has been a dedicated servant to people of Hernando County throughout her career. She has served in several organizations including the United Way of Hernando County, Kiwanis Club of Brooksville, and Oak Hill Hospital Board. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Patricia Crowley and thank her for her hard work and countless contributions to the Hernando County community. Her commitment to excellence, leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to follow in her footsteps. My sincerest wishes and congratulations to Pat on her retirement.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM ACT
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-9-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5901, the Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act. This bill will help our government catch up with private-sector innovations by equipping agencies to take advantage of modern information technology solutions. prgtoken Federal agencies remain challenged by inefficient, costly, and unwieldy legacy technology systems that do not adequately deliver citizen services and allow agencies to achieve their legally mandated missions. prgtoken For example, the Government Accountability Office has reported that, between 2010 and 2017, the Federal Government spent over $450 billion just maintaining outdated legacy IT systems. That is over 70 percent of the government's entire IT budget. prgtoken There is increasingly less and less Federal IT funding available for new agency modernization projects. The government needs to take advantage of the cutting-edge technology solutions already being used by the private sector. prgtoken Recognizing the need for a different approach to transition large Federal agency technology projects, the Centers of Excellence were established by the administration at the General Services Administration to help agencies overcome persistent modernization challenges. prgtoken These challenges include identifying the best new technology solutions, purchasing that technology, and then integrating that technology into an agency's unique operations and workflows. The GSA Centers of Excellence teams serve as change management consultants that bring private-sector best practices to Federal agency technology challenges. prgtoken By adopting commercially available solutions, in conjunction with deliberate enterprise-wide transformation planning, agencies can effectively transition into modern operating environments. By improving the operational efficiency of our Federal agency programs and mission, we can save taxpayer dollars. prgtoken While modernizing government is good for the taxpayer, the Centers of Excellence also deliver an additional benefit to Americans by bringing a central focus to improving agency delivery on constituent services. prgtoken H.R. 5901 promises to make the citizens' engagement with our government programs more intuitive and straightforward, like an engagement with a modern business. prgtoken I am well aware of the challenges faced by veterans, senior citizens, and businesses when interacting with the Federal Government. I am sure that my colleagues are as well. prgtoken The current pandemic has shown how critical it is for all Americans to be able to effectively and reliably interact with government agencies. It is time the Federal Government leveraged modern cloud computing systems, data-driven analytic capabilities, artificial intelligence, and modern customer experience tools to offer the highest level of service possible. prgtoken H.R. 5901 will give congressional