mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF RATIFICATION OF 19TH AMENDMENT IN NEW JERSEY
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , February 9, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in New Jersey. prgtoken The 19th Amendment was introduced to Congress in 1878. The amendment reads: ``The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' prgtoken It was not passed by Congress until the House of Representatives passed it in May of 1919 and the Senate passed it in June of 1919. It was then sent to the States for ratification, with New Jersey being the 29th of the 36 States. prgtoken I would like to honor the tireless efforts of advocates over history, pioneer's like New Jersey's own, Dr. Alice Paul, who worked for years to get women the right to vote. Her persistence and the persistence of thousands of women before and after her is a true example of how the dedication of these women changed our country and the world for the better. They are true American heroes.
RECOGNIZING EMILY HERGENRIDER OF LAUREL
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Emily Hergenrider of Laurel for her resilience as she faces life's challenges and her leadership. A senior at Laurel High School, Emily was born with 16 congenital heart defects and has had seven open-heart surgeries. They are a huge part of Emily's life, but she has not let them define her. Emily faced one of her most challenging times in seventh grade. She had gone through her seventh open-heart surgery and was missing a lot of school. As a result, it was recommended she be held back for a year. Not wanting to do that, Emily refused to let the circumstances get the best of her, and instead used it as motivation. Emily worked diligently to catch up in school, even as she recovered from surgery and attended numerous follow-up visits. Today, five years later, her hard work and drive have paid off. Emily is reaching her full potential and is expected to graduate in May. In addition to her success in the classroom, Emily serves as president of the Laurel High School chapter of Future Farmers of America. She says she fell in love with agriculture because of her dad. She dreams of one day becoming a rancher and owning cattle. Emily says FFA, along with her other extracurricular activities, have motivated her to come to school even when she isn't feeling well. Emily says she plans to continue her education and earn a degree in ag business or ag management. She even already has a few heads of her own cattle. Madam , for her persistence and perseverance in the face of life's challenges and for her leadership and service, I recognize Emily Hergenrider of Laurel for her Spirit of Montana.
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank the gentleman and our leader for yielding. prgtoken , I stand in opposition to H. Res. 826. prgtoken It really is a partisan resolution. It has zero reforms. It is being rushed through to attack the administration's Healthy Adult Opportunity program to modernize Medicaid. prgtoken The majority is ignoring that Medicaid's status quo is leaving people like pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities behind today. Instead of working in a bipartisan fashion to actually improve Medicaid, they are more interested in scoring political points. prgtoken There are currently over 700,000 individuals across this country on waiting lists, people with disabilities on waiting lists, to get care within Medicaid. I would urge you to check your States, . Two-thirds of the 700,000 who are waiting for care and services that they need currently today on Medicaid are living with a disability. prgtoken I listened to one family's story. Their daughter had a rare neurological condition. She was put on a Medicaid waiting list for 10 years to be approved for services--10 years. prgtoken This is happening in my home State of Washington, too. There are almost 14,000 individuals with disabilities today waiting for care and services. prgtoken The most appalling figure is that at least 21,900 people across the country have died waiting for Medicaid services that they need. prgtoken The status quo is unacceptable. It needs to be fixed. We need a solution, not a partisan resolution that maintains the status quo. prgtoken It is time to modernize Medicaid. Let's work together. Let's get solutions. The Healthy Adult Opportunity program will improve the Medicaid program's integrity by giving States the option to innovate and provide coverage by enrolling in the program. This will give States the flexibility to control costs and share the program's savings within Medicaid. States like Washington could put those savings directly back into the Medicaid program so that they can shorten their waiting list and save lives. prgtoken Let's have a hearing. Let's get this done. Let's work in a bipartisan way.
RECOGNIZING KEVIN ``CATFISH'' JACKSON
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today to recognize Mr. Kevin ``Catfish'' Jackson, who was honored at this year's Opportunity Award Gala at the Savannah Technical College Foundation for his business acumen, vision, and commitment to developing the next generation of Georgia's leaders. This award is much deserved for all the hard work and dedication that Mr. Jackson has poured into the Savannah business community. prgtoken He is the founder and CEO of EnviroVac Holdings, which employs over 1,000 people, and the chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the board of the Georgia Ports Authority, and he has continued to volunteer with numerous charitable organizations around town. prgtoken This is now the third major award he has won in Savannah for his accomplishments. He won Entrepreneur of the Year awards in both 2015 and 2018. prgtoken I am so proud that the Savannah Technical College Foundation chose Catfish for this year's honor. prgtoken Congratulations, Catfish. Keep up the great work.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-2-6

I am going to address on this bill something that I assume has been addressed before but, nevertheless, of all the provisions of the bill I find most offensive. prgtoken Under this bill, the employers are required to give the telephone number, the email, and the address of each employee. I do believe in the importance of protecting people's privacy, and to say that, by wanting to have a union election, you have the right to find out where every possible person lives I think is offensive, not to mention I think it would be very scary to have somebody come home one night and they find somebody there waiting for them to talk about the union election. prgtoken You have to wonder what are these people doing here. And then you are: Oh, they are here to deal with this. prgtoken It is hard for me to believe that a party that purports to look out for women and that sort of thing is going to turn around and pass a bill saying we are going to hand out everybody's address.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MARK DAVIS
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Mark Davis in appreciation of his dedicated service to the people of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, specifically through his tireless work with Operation UNITE and the Eastern Kentucky PRIDE organization over the last two decades. I count it a great honor to have had high-caliber individuals, like Mark, helping lead initiatives that I personally launched to meet dire needs across more than 40 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. He's the type of individual who has sacrificed countless hours, executing a broad spectrum of tasks with his unique charisma, the utmost humility, a tireless reliability and sheer excellence. Mark joined Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment) in 2002 as a Field Representative. PRIDE is a grassroots non-profit organization that was launched to help clean-up the hillsides, roadways, lakes and streams, across our beautiful Appalachian region in Kentucky. Thanks in-large-part to Mark's ambition, organizational skills, and drive, upwards of 30,000 volunteers have participated in litter clean-up campaigns every year to improve the environment. There has never been a task too great or too small for Mark. He was always the first to graciously give his time and energy for the greater good, whether it involved greeting volunteers at events and handing out trash bags, or working directly with state officials to clean up the largest illegal dumpsites in Eastern Kentucky, or educating students about the value of greenhouses and protecting our wetlands. While others discussed ways to improve our environment, Mark was outdoors getting the job done. PRIDE's work is where the rubber meets the road--and Mark could often be found pulling up his bootstraps to haul appliances from illegal dumpsites, transport volunteers to service sites, building outdoor classrooms, and finding every opportunity to make a difference every single day. Mark's passion for PRIDE bled over to another powerful movement in our region, Operation UNITE, a holistic non-profit organization aimed at curbing the deadly opioid epidemic both in our region and nationwide. After faithfully volunteering for Camp UNITE, where he served as a mentor to at-risk middle school students, he joined the UNITE team in 2014 as the Youth Programs Coordinator, and later a Law Enforcement Liaison. In an effort to creatively raise drug-free awareness among our youth, Mark operated a state-of-the-art mobile education trailer and prevention program, called ``On the Move,'' in partnership with the Kentucky Army National Guard and the Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA). Since 2013, approximately 40,000 students from schools in 43 counties and four states have participated in the interactive program. He also played a valuable role each year at the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, coordinating logistics for the event tha
RECOGNIZING THE BUCKS COALITION AGAINST TRAFFICKING
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today to recognize the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking, a group working to eradicate human trafficking in Bucks County and in our entire region. The Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking is a project created by the Network of Victim Assistance, working to end this modern-day slavery. prgtoken Members of NOVA received recognition recently from the Bucks County Board of Commissioners for their work to educate our community and to raise awareness. prgtoken The project was established to encourage victim identification, community education, enhancement of arrests and prosecution of traffickers, legislative advocacy, and a coordinated response for survivor services. prgtoken , it is estimated that 25 million people across the globe are victims of human trafficking, and approximately 75 percent of these victims are women and girls. Statistics show that one in seven children who run away from home end up being trafficked. prgtoken , one of the first bills I introduced this Congress, the End Banking for Human Traffickers Act of 2019, would increase the role of financial institutions in combating human trafficking, which is an incredibly important part of this fight. prgtoken I call upon the House to bring this commonsense legislation to a vote, and to continue to work to support the victims of human trafficking. Recognizing 2019 School Psychologist of the Year, Dr. Julia Szarko
CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRANCES ANN LUTCHER THEATER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for Performing Arts on its 40th anniversary. The 1,500 seat, world-class, non-profit performing arts center was opened by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation on February 7, 1980, with a sold-out performance by the great pianist Liberace! prgtoken I am proud to say that this outstanding theater is located in the 36th Congressional District in the beautiful city of Orange, Texas. The Lutcher Theater is the largest Performing Arts Series from Houston to New Orleans, with annual attendance of approximately 30,000 adults and children. In its first 40 seasons, the theater has brought 1,026,285 patrons through their doors to experience a variety of events from Broadway to dance recitals, Willie Nelson to Blue Man Group, Riverdance to local reading and declamation contests. prgtoken A recipient of multiple grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lutcher Theater most recently received a grant to produce a professional theater event for secondary students from Southeast Texas. This event will allow students to experience the performing arts world and potentially discover a life-long love of theater. Students can see the literature from their classrooms in action, for a full `page to stage' experience, featuring professionally trained actors and actresses. The Lutcher Theater creates the opportunity to share the love of art and literature with the next generation. prgtoken This theater is only one of four theaters in Texas having received with the Kennedy Center Partners in Education designation. The Kennedy Center Partnership was established in 2003 to bring nationally accredited teaching artists to work with local educators, training them how to integrate the arts into their classroom curriculum. prgtoken Embracing their mission, Lutcher Theater is committed to providing professional entertainment for the enlightenment and cultural growth of residents living in Southeast Texas. prgtoken For 40 seasons, the Lutcher Theater has enriched the region with invaluable resources and opportunities for the study and enjoyment of the performing arts. I thank them for their continued support and dedication to both the city of Orange and Southeast Texas.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise in opposition to the misnamed Protecting the Right to Organize Act. prgtoken The American economy is thriving by almost any economic measure, and it seems as though an important job of Congress would be to continue to support the workers, the employers, and the jobs that have been powering this, the longest economic expansion in American history. prgtoken What we shouldn't do is act to restrict State flexibility, worker flexibility, and worker choice. Unfortunately, the PRO Act eliminates the State's ability to decide that they want to be a right-to-work State; and unfortunately, the PRO Act hurts the franchise sector by imposing an aggressive new joint employer rule; and unfortunately, the PRO Act hurts workers who are involved in the gig economy by enacting unreasonable restrictions on who can be an independent contractor, and how they can work. prgtoken Now, let's make no mistake about it. The impact of these changes will, indeed, mean less freedom, less flexibility, and over time, it will mean less prosperity. As a result, , I am voting ``no.''
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank the leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee for yielding. prgtoken I rise in opposition to H. Res. 826. This resolution is solely a political talking point. The administration's proposal does not harm Medicaid. I applaud the administration for moving in the right direction. Block grants give States the flexibility to invest in their citizens' best interests, while spending an estimated $1.4 trillion over the next 10 years. That is trillion. prgtoken It is plain and simple. Children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities will not be negatively affected by this option, and those in low-income communities will be greatly benefited. prgtoken Additionally, CHIP and many of the other Medicaid demonstrations are currently running under similar structures. prgtoken As earlier stated by the leader, States do know what is best for their residents. By giving States the options to voluntarily participate in this program and to share in the Federal savings, it is a win. This resolution is simply a health scare tactic, and I encourage all of my colleagues to oppose H. Res. 826.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in opposition to the PRO Act. prgtoken I have heard some things from the other side of the aisle about how workers earn more in States that are not right-to-work. prgtoken Of the right-to-work States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7 of the top 10 States in wage increases are right-to-work States. The highest right-to-work State, number one, saw an increase in wages over the period of time from 2001 to 2019 of 20 percentage points, which is 20 percentage points more than the closest right-to-work State. prgtoken This is not a bill about helping workers. This is a bill about getting in the way of the relationship between the employee and employer. prgtoken This is just another messaging bill that is nothing short of a special interest giveaway. The PRO Act needlessly inserts more government control into the employee-employer relationships. prgtoken At a roundtable I held with businessowners in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I heard firsthand how legislation like this would negatively impact their ability to grow and raise wages. prgtoken One of the many onerous provisions in this legislation is the allowance for intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements. I am offering an amendment today to remove the intermittent striking provisions of this bill. prgtoken Intermittent striking would cripple the ability of job creators to do business and raise prices on consumers. Even if this amendment were adopted, I still have significant reservations about the bill. That is because the PRO Act is also terrible for employees. prgtoken Cloaked in the language of employee protection, the real result of the PRO Act is providing workers with fewer choices, fewer rights, and the inability to speak for themselves.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.RES. 826, EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2474, PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO...
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in an America with a booming economy, strong military, and optimistic future. On Tuesday, President outlined prgtoken the ``best is yet to come'' blueprint during the State of the Union Address. prgtoken This agenda is an optimistic plan to continue the record-setting economic growth we are seeing and provide solutions to problems that ail American citizens. It is imperative that Congress step forward and support this agenda as I do. prgtoken It is an agenda that dramatically lowers prescription drug prices and raises wages for hardworking Americans, an agenda that will build an inclusive society and make sure every young American has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, and an agenda that will ensure every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including in rural areas. prgtoken With a national unemployment rate of 3.5 percent and a Virginia unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, it is clear the economic policies the President has implemented are working. The ``best is yet to come'' blueprint will continue this growth and build upon it. prgtoken The American economy is stronger than ever, and we should work to continue this growth. prgtoken I have a district that is 10,000 square miles large, bigger than the State of New Jersey. Seeing the optimism and excitement in Virginia and Virginia's Fifth District is something to behold. We have built an inclusive economy where the least well-off are making some of the fastest gains and unemployment is at an all-time low. prgtoken There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a blue-collar boom in this country. Those who support the previous question are opposing the economic boom. That is why I will be voting against the previous question. prgtoken A vote against the previous question is a vote for lowering the number of impoverished Americans on food stamps. A vote against the previous question is a vote to continue the booming economic growth we have experienced. A vote against the previous question is a vote for enacting all these policies into law and furthering President 's agenda. prgtoken Madam , I urge defeat of the previous question so that we can consider my resolution and support the policies outlined in the ``best is yet to come'' policy blueprint.
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2020-2-6

once again, I just point out the State Governor would have to seek a waiver and get approval to maintain all the essential benefits of the Affordable Care Act in everything they do. This only applies in States that took the expansion, not others. States are the great laboratories that innovate and deliver healthcare better for the working poor. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers).
TRIBUTE TO DEAN SEIF
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona in Riverside County, California are exceptional. On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Dean Seif will be honored as the 2019 Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken The mission statement of the Corona Chamber is to promote business, advocacy, community and economic development while serving as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in our community and region. Dean exemplifies this mission statement in all that he does in business and beyond. Dean has served the Chamber through various roles, including as the Chairman of the Board in 2016, and remains a strong advocate for the Chamber and their principles. prgtoken Today, Dean continues to serve our community as a Board Member for the Corona Chamber and as the President of the Corona Chamber Foundation. He is also a Corona-Norco United Way Board Member, sits on the Governing Board of the Corona Regional Medical Center, and is a Member of the Corona Rotary Club. Dean is a local business owner, an active community member, and role model for many. prgtoken Considering all that Dean has done for the community of Riverside County and the city of Corona, it is only fitting to honor him as Citizen of the Year. Dean has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and I am proud to call him a friend, a fellow community member, American and a constituent of the 42nd Congressional District of California. I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating Dean Seif on being named Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce.