mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Private First Class Delbert Littrell (Executive Session)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-11-18

I come to the floor today to recognize the distinguished service of one of Medford, Oregon's own and to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in support of the U.S. Marine Corps PFC Delbert Littrell's honorary promotion to corporal. prgtoken It is an honorary promotion because it was 75 years ago, in World War II, that Mr. Littrell served in the 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. prgtoken His service was marked by a combat history of notable intensity and duration. He fought in five pivotal battles that together changed the tide of the war in the Pacific Theater: the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, between November 1943 and February 1944; the Battle of Saipan, between June 15, 1944, and July 9, 1944; the Battle of Tinian, between July 24, 1944, and August 1, 1944; the Battle of Iwo Jima, between February 19, 1945, and March 26, 1945; and, fifth, the Battle of Okinawa, between April 1, 1945, and June 22, 1945. What an outstanding contribution to make to the fight for freedom, and what a remarkable bit of history to be part of. prgtoken As administrative officers noted while evaluating him, Private First Class Littrell performed excellently time and again. He should have received this promotion a long time ago. prgtoken The units he served in, however, were under constant enemy bombardment, and the kinds of performance reports and administrative submissions that would have given him that promotion were often misplaced or incomplete in the midst of the rigorous amphibious assaults pivotal to the Allied victory. prgtoken It wasn't until earlier this year, three-quarters of a century later, that the Marine Corps Advisory Panel reviewed the comprehensive record of Mr. Littrell's service to the Marine Corps and to the national security of the United States of America, and after reviewing the record, the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommended Delbert Littrell's honorary promotion to the rank of corporal, which was endorsed soon after by the Secretary of the Navy. prgtoken Both of these leaders recognized Mr. Littrell's unique contributions, with the Secretary of the Navy noting the indelible mark that Mr. Littrell has left on the proud history of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. prgtoken The State of Oregon and our entire Nation are proud of Delbert Littrell's meritorious service throughout World War II. Mr. Littrell's remarkable combat history and his actions in support of freedom mean that this recognition is long overdue. prgtoken I am proud that this son of Oregon, who I hope is watching right now, is finally receiving this special honor. prgtoken Colleagues, I know that you join me in honoring, respecting, and appreciating Delbert Littrell and his commitment to the fight for freedom and his legacy of service to our Nation with the distinction of corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken .
Recognition Of The Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-11-18

first, let me join all of my colleagues in wishing the Senate pro tempore, the senior Senator from Iowa, Senator Grassley, a speedy and quick recovery. We know he is a strong man, and we have every confidence he will beat this back, as he has beaten many other adversities back in the past. prgtoken Now, it has been nearly 2 weeks since every major news network called the Presidential election for . Preparations for the incoming administration are well under way, and still--still--President refuses to accept reality. prgtoken This morning brought a fresh series of Presidential delusions on Twitter. President declared--sometimes in capital letters--that the election was a fraud, a joke, and even unconstitutional. Imagine that, an unconstitutional election. That is because 's ego is such, when he doesn't win, everything is wrong, false, et cetera. prgtoken President , get out of your bubble. You lost. will be sworn in as the next President of the United States on January 20. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Get out of the bubble and work on a transition. prgtoken Last night, continuing President 's outrageous and dishonest behavior, President fired our country's chief election security officer, Chris Krebs, an honorable public servant, because he confirmed that our elections were secure. This reinforced the No. 1 rule of working for : You can never tell the truth. prgtoken But no matter whom he fires or how many times he tweets, President cannot change reality. He lost the Presidential election. will be the next President of the United States, and it is time for President to quit the nonsense, admit the truth, and move on. Anytime my colleagues want to tell him that would be fine by me.
GEORGETOWN LAW'S ``LAWYERS AS LEADERS'' COURSE
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-11-18

there is no question that 2020 has been a year of challenges, difficulty, and concern. It is in these more challenging times that it is especially important to shine a light on those individuals and institutions that are doing good work, work that inspires the next generation of leaders to think bigger and create a brighter future. It is no surprise that Georgetown Law, where I earned my law degree, is doing precisely that, living up to its timeless motto: ``Law is but the means, justice is the end.'' prgtoken This fall, Georgetown Law has offered a unique course entitled ``Lawyers as Leaders'' for the first time. Far from a staid black letter law class, this course is styled as a series of candid, introspective conversations between Georgetown Law Dean William M. Treanor and faculty members who have been prominent leaders in the law and public service. These conversations seek to confront law students with the pressing issues of the day--the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustices, the fragility of our democracy's norms, to name a few--and give them a sense for what, as future attorneys, they can do to address them. prgtoken In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, the course is a reminder, as one enrolled student put it, ``that there is hope.'' Lawyers as Leaders centers students in the values that inspired them to study the law and reminds them of their own agency to make measurable change. It is no wonder that over 300 students have enrolled in this course, the largest class enrollment in Georgetown Law's 150-year history. I hope this course is offered for many semesters to come. prgtoken I have often highlighted the achievements of Georgetown Law both on and off the Senate floor. The education I received there was central to my decision to dedicate my career to public service. It is exactly courses like Lawyers as Leaders that will help encourage this and future classes of Georgetown Law students to pursue their passions as attorneys. Georgetown Law should be commended for offering this course and reminding students that the law is most exciting and transformative when it is viewed not just as a career, but as a calling. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that an article from the Washington Post, published on November 6, 2020, titled ``Most popular course ever at Georgetown Law? How to fight for justice,'' be printed in the Record.
FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2020-11-18

as a Member of Congress representing the Virgin Islands, I came to Congress determined to increase long-term Federal investment in infrastructure, among other things. prgtoken I congratulate the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, Mr. DeFazio; Highways and Transit Subcommittee chair, Ms. Norton; and other committees for H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. prgtoken In the midst of so much uncertainty in the economy during the current public health crisis, the American people need the certainty of H.R. 2 to count on stable and strong investment in infrastructure to sustain and create jobs, and enhance the mobility and safety of American motorists, passengers, and throughput systems. prgtoken The Moving Forward Act makes a real investment in America, especially in underserved districts like my own. While all of the States have received small and steady increases in funding over the recent decade, severe cuts have disproportionately and negatively affected Americans in U.S. territories. prgtoken In the meantime, substandard highways, roads, and stormwater infrastructure have further affected harsh weather patterns. In my district, we still feel the aftermath of major category 5 hurricanes every day. It has been our new normal for some time before the current COVID normal. prgtoken We know firsthand that there are areas throughout this country that are prgtoken in desperate need of revitalizing infrastructure. The American people and businesses are rightly concerned with the infrastructure. prgtoken In the 117th Congress, we must show our constituents that the next Congress is determined to build America back better.
SECURING AMERICA FROM EPIDEMICS ACT
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-18

I thank Chairman Engel for his leadership and support. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bipartisan measure, H.R. 6334, the Securing America From Epidemics, or SAFE Act. This legislation, which I introduced alongside my friend, Congressman Ted Yoho, would authorize U.S. participation in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI. prgtoken CEPI was created in the aftermath of the 2015 West Africa Ebola epidemic. Its founders understood that due to factors like climate change, overcrowding, malnutrition, and the proximity of people living next to animals, the world would see deadly epidemics more and more frequently. The most effective countermeasures to these epidemics are vaccines. prgtoken CEPI sought to fund vaccines for several pathogens like MERS that could potentially explode into pandemics. And it sought to help develop universal vaccine platform technologies that could be adapted to quickly address emerging outbreaks. The individuals in CEPI could not have predicted the current COVID-19 pandemic, but they knew it was just a matter of time until we would see something like this. prgtoken Since the start of the pandemic, CEPI has devoted major funding to nine vaccine candidates to defeat COVID-19. In January of this year, CEPI was one of the first investors in Moderna, providing catalytic funding to spur additional research and development. That early funding has paid off. It looks like Moderna's Phase 3 trials have been successful. prgtoken CEPI's early investment in Moderna is a reminder of the critical role CEPI plays and will continue to play: investing in smaller companies to boost their capacity, so that larger players and actors can help scale and bring those vaccines to market. This is what happened with Moderna and may happen with other vaccine candidates. prgtoken USAID recently announced the collaboration with CEPI, funding $20 million over 5 years to combat noncoronavirus priority diseases, like Lassa fever and Ebola, but we need to do more. By authorizing U.S. participation in CEPI, this bill will enable the United States to firmly claim a seat at CEPI's table, shape its priorities and governance, and allow Congress to provide contributions to the organization. prgtoken U.S. participation in CEPI was one of the recommendations of the final report issued nearly a year ago at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Commission on Strengthening America's Health Security. It was prescient in its recommendations, and I am proud to have served as a commissioner. We knew then that the next epidemic or pandemic was around the corner. It is here with us now, but it will not be the last one. prgtoken We need to be a full and active participant in CEPI's work. By working through organizations like CEPI to develop new vaccine technologies, we will ensure the world is far more ready for the next pandemic. prgtoken , I thank Mr. Yoho and all the cosponsors of this i
HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOANNA McCLINTON
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today, along with my colleagues, Rep. Brendan Boyle and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to honor State Representative Joanna McClinton, who has been elected as the ic Leader of the Pennsylvania State House. Rep. McClinton will serve as the first woman and first woman of color elected in this role. prgtoken Rep. McClinton is a lifelong Philadelphian. She is a graduate of La Salle University and Villanova School of Law, both located in Philadelphia, PA. Rep. McClinton was an Assistant Public Defender for seven years. In 2013, she entered the political field as Chief Counsel for State Senator Anthony H. Williams. In August 2015, Rep. McClinton was sworn in to serve the people of the 191st Legislative District of Pennsylvania after winning a special election. prgtoken Breaking barriers is not new to Rep. McClinton. In 2018, she became the first African American and woman to be elected as the House ic Caucus chairman for the 2019-20 legislative session. Rep. McClinton's historic election makes her the highest-ranking woman to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly's 244-year history and the highest ranking Black Woman. prgtoken On behalf of my colleagues, we wish to extend our sincere congratulations to Rep. Joanna McClinton for all her achievements and her continued commitment to public service and enhancing the quality of life for residents within her district and the state of Pennsylvania.
RECOGNIZING WAUKEGAN TO COLLEGE
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I am so pleased to rise today to celebrate an amazing program in my community, Waukegan to College, and to honor this year's class: Alexis Valdovinos, Moises Arreola-Malagon, Daisy Camacho, Maurice Davison Jr Diana Diaz, Justin Garcia, Jesus Murillo, Jose Ochoa, Giselle Palomar, Emilio Salgado, and Gabriela Serna-Gutierrez. prgtoken A year-round college readiness service, the Waukegan to College program, or W2C for short, launched in 2009. Over the course of students studies, W2C seeks to advance individual's intellectual and emotional development, cultivating a strong commitment to community and a profound belief that they can build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. By establishing high academic expectations and counseling students and their families on the college application process, W2C helps students realize their full potential by making the dream of college a reality. prgtoken All of these students will be the first in their families to attend college, and were selected for the W2C program due to their impressive academic achievements and their contributions to their local communities. As leaders inside and outside the classroom, these students show tremendous dedication and potential. prgtoken Strengthening our communities requires building new ladders of opportunity so that all Americans can succeed and thrive. This begins with providing every child, regardless of zip code, access to a high quality, affordable education, and continues by ensuring all families can afford to send their sons and daughters to college. prgtoken When our nation's talented young people pursue their passions and follow their dreams, they accomplish far more than personal growth. They serve as role models in their communities and their achievements inspire and motivate other young people to equally strive and achieve. prgtoken These students truly are Champions of Change. I wish them the very best of luck in their academic studies and in all their future endeavors.
FIGHTING EMERGING NARCOTICS THROUGH ADDITIONAL NATIONS TO YIELD LASTING RESULTS ACT
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-11-18

I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the FENTANYL Results Act, that will help increase global cooperation in the fight against synthetic drug trafficking. prgtoken My nephew, Ian Trone, died 4 years ago of a fentanyl overdose at the age of 24, and since his passing, we have seen a dramatic and alarming increase in fentanyl and other synthetic opioid deaths across our country. prgtoken In 2019, there were nearly 71,000 overdose deaths in the United States, the highest number ever recorded. Most disturbingly, this number reversed the promising decrease in deaths we saw in 2018. prgtoken Why did we see a spike last year? Because fentanyl is showing up in more and more parts of the United States. prgtoken Mixed in with heroin, meth, and cocaine, fentanyl is causing more accidental overdoses and more deaths. prgtoken We know that fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. prgtoken Some synthetics, like carfentanil, are even deadlier, some 10,000 times stronger than morphine. prgtoken In 2018, two-thirds of all opioid-related deaths involved synthetic opioids. prgtoken This rise in opioid deaths is especially alarming because of the significant impact we know the COVID pandemic has had on the opioid epidemic. prgtoken In Maryland, fentanyl was involved in 93 percent of all opioid- related deaths for the first 6 months of 2020, and fentanyl-involved deaths were up 12 percent in the second quarter compared to the same time last year. prgtoken We need to act now if we are going to put an end to these senseless deaths. We cannot do it alone. prgtoken The FENTANYL Results Act instructs the Secretary of State to: prgtoken Support increased data collection by the U.S. and other countries on drug use and make sure we share that data, prgtoken Increase consultation with international drug agencies and foreign regulatory agencies, prgtoken Implement technical assistance programs to build partner capacity in forensic detection capabilities, prgtoken And run international exchange programs among demand reduction experts and scientists. prgtoken The U.S. can't fight its way out of this alone. We need to work together on demand reduction at home, and we are doing that with stronger prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. prgtoken But we need to cooperate with international partners to stem the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. prgtoken This means working with them to detect fentanyl and its precursors before these drugs leave the borders. prgtoken This means establishing best practices to reduce demand globally, so we have less of a market for these illicit substances. prgtoken This means recognizing that greater cooperation serves us all. It is in no country's interest to fuel the opioid epidemic. prgtoken I thank Ranking Member McCaul for coleading this bipartisan bill with me. Ranking Member McCaul has been a champion on this bipartisan issue long before I came to Congress, and I look forward to cont
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-11-18

the American people sent a clear message in this election. They want us to get to work to empower people with a plan to fight this virus and to get people back to work, back to school, and back to their lives. They gave President-Elect a commanding 5-million vote victory to do that. It is time for us to get to work. prgtoken We have had more than 1 million new cases just in the past week. Yet what does Leader Mitch McConnell--what does he keep the Senate in session to do? He keeps the Senate in session and he puts essential workers at risk all to try to ram through an unqualified nominee who pretty much everybody in this body knows has no business serving on the Federal Reserve. prgtoken Let's be clear on what this is about. It is about our outgoing President--again, who lost the popular vote by 5 million people and lost an electoral college by a landslide--trying to sabotage our economic recovery on his way out the door. Yesterday, luckily, Senators of both parties rejected that effort. There were 80 million Americans-- most ever by a lot--who voted for stability in this election. Judy Shelton, the nominee, promises more chaos. prgtoken You can't say you support working people while putting someone in charge who has no problem whatsoever threatening their jobs and their savings to push a bizarre intellectual agenda. She has no idea how to handle an economic crisis like the one we are in. Her positions aren't conservative. They are not traditionally conservative, which we could debate. I would be willing to vote for conservatives, as I have before, if I thought they were qualified and their thinking was not so far, far right out of the mainstream. But her positions aren't conservative; they are disqualifying. prgtoken For three decades, she has advocated returning to the gold standard. No serious person--progressive, moderate, conservative--no serious person, left or right, still believes in the gold standard. She opposes FDIC, Federal deposit insurance--the insurance that protects your money when you put it in the bank. She has flip-flopped on these issues several times during her nomination. The only thing consistent she stands for is that she--no surprise--wants to do what wants to do. But Americans have moved on from , 80 million strong. It is time for the Senate to move on from this failed nomination and this failed Presidency. prgtoken This nomination was a waste of time. Look what we should have been doing instead. You all know that. Every moment we spend on unnecessary, unqualified nominees like this is time the Senate isn't spending saving lives. It is time to get to work delivering results for the people whom we serve. prgtoken We are watching hospitals fill up again from Oklahoma to Ohio. Our healthcare system is getting overwhelmed. Gig workers and self-employed workers will lose their unemployment insurance at the end of the year. Small businesse
REMEMBERING TOMMY PACELLO
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of Tommy Pacella, President of the Memphis Medical District Cooperative, who passed away gracefully on Monday at the age of 43. Mr. Pacella did much to improve his hometown, particularly the Medical Center area, where he helped 36 businesses open and thrive over the past six years. Before that, as an Assistant City Attorney and at the Mayor's Institute of Excellence in Government, Mr. Pacella brought best practices and a passion for improvement to his city, and they will be his lasting legacy. Mr. Pacello, a graduate of the Evangelical Christian School, the University of Georgia, and the University of Memphis, where he earned a law degree and Master's degree in city planning, was uniquely qualified to tackle the urban issues that were his chosen field, and he excelled. I was pleased to work with him on the prgtoken transportation infrastructure issues of the Medical Center district and appreciated his thoughtful ideas for improvements that he laid out at a roundtable forum I hosted just last year. Mr. Pacello was also chairman of the Memphis Chapter of the Urban Land Institute, which named him as one of the top 40 real estate professionals under the age of 40 in 2015, and he served on the Memphis Area Transit Authority board of commissioners. The way he approached his illness with a positive mindset and a focus on the essential was an inspiration to all who knew him. I express my profound condolences to his wife, Olivia; his young daughters, Colette and Cecile; his many friends and colleagues; and all those his life inspired. I have no doubt that, had he been given more time, he would have been one of our greatest civic leaders. He led a fine life and will be missed.''