mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-6-11

like most other sectors of our economy, agriculture has taken a huge hit from the coronavirus. The pandemic has caused significant market volatility, sending many commodity futures prices plummeting. prgtoken Increased consumer demand for beef led to significant increases in boxed beef prices, while cattle prices plummeted, which led to significant gaps between cattle producer and packer profit margins. To make the situation worse, temporary closures and reduced processing capacity at U.S. meatpacking plants as a result of the virus further diminished demand for livestock and depressed prices. This has aggravated an already difficult situation for farmers and ranchers. prgtoken Unlike the majority of the economy, which was thriving before the coronavirus pandemic, the agricultural economy has been struggling for a while. Low prices, extended trade disputes, and natural disasters have meant a tough few years for farmers and ranchers even before the coronavirus hit. Now things are even more challenging. prgtoken Agriculture is the lifeblood of my State of South Dakota. So supporting farmers and ranchers during the crisis has been one of my top priorities. I fought to get agriculture relief money included in the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which was signed into law in late March. The final bill included $14 billion to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide income and price support for farmers and ranchers, plus an additional $9.5 billion in emergency support for agricultural producers affected by the pandemic. prgtoken Days after the bill passed, I led a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to use a portion of the funds to provide support for hard- hit cattle producers. In mid-April, the Department of Agriculture responded to that letter and other petitions by announcing that it would issue $16 billion in direct payments to agriculture producers affected by the virus. Signups for this funding began at the end of May, and, as of June 8, South Dakota agriculture producers had received approximately $80 million. prgtoken Over the past 2 months, I kept in constant contact with the Department of Agriculture and others to amplify producers' concerns and to urge swift relief. I have also been focused on developing additional legislation to help farmers and ranchers weather this crisis. prgtoken Last week, I introduced legislation to allow emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres for the duration of this crisis. Under current law, ag producers can hay or graze their CRP acres during weather-related disasters without a reduction in their CRP payments. My legislation would extend that provision to cover pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Thanks to low prices and a reduction in capacity of meatpackin
CELEBRATING CHRISTIAN GUZMAN'S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an incredible entrepreneur in Stafford, Texas that is sharing his love of fitness with our community. prgtoken Christian Guzman does not view his job as simply work--to him, it's his passion. Building his ``playground'' is his American Dream, and he is passionately pursuing it. prgtoken At only 27 years old, Mr. Guzman has used social media to build up his business, starting from an online-only presence to being in charge of his own physical gym. Mr. Guzman has built up an immense following, not only in TX-22 but around the world, drawing an audience of more than one million fitness enthusiasts online. prgtoken Now, thanks to his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Guzman's business, Alphalete Gym, will be expanding into a complex of gyms that will eventually feature a hotel and restaurant. prgtoken Madam , Mr. Guzman's incredible accomplishment shows that through determination, hard work and perseverance, any person can build their own ``playground'' and find success while doing it. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I'd like to congratulate Mr. Guzman on his continued success.
CELEBRATING 140 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ROMANIA
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise along with Representatives Mike Conaway, Michael Turner, Brad Wenstrup, Chris Stewart, Rick Crawford, Elise Stefanik, and Will Hurd, to celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Romania. prgtoken Whereas, the United States established diplomatic relations with Romania in June 1880; prgtoken Whereas, the United States regards Romania as an important ally in Central and Southeast Europe, which is setting an example of steady commitment to democratic leadership, national and transatlantic security, and economic development; prgtoken Whereas, the United States and Romania have developed a strategic partnership built on longstanding friendship, historical ties and a joint promise to advancing the security and prosperity of their citizens and communities; prgtoken Whereas, the United States recognizes and appreciates Romania's lasting efforts to modernize its armed forces and meet its NATO burden- sharing commitments as one of the leading NATO members to allocate 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) for defense spending; prgtoken Whereas, the Romanian Armed Forces have supported NATO and United States operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theatres for almost two decades, contributing more than 30,000 total combat and support personnel to those missions, fighting alongside U.S. service members, and helping to protect vital security interests; prgtoken Whereas, Romania as a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS has deployed military trainers to train Iraqi Security Forces, provided humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq arid Syria, and is making remarkable efforts to support combatting international terrorism, including through critical intelligence sharing with Coalition partners; prgtoken Whereas, Romania has been a leading nation in providing cybersecurity support to NATO and its partners, and the first country to have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Government on the secure implementation of fifth generation wireless communications (5G) technology aimed at protecting critical security infrastructure from disruption and interference; prgtoken Whereas, Romania has been a driving force leading to the establishment of the Three Seas Initiative, and one of the first countries to invest in the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund, which aims at increasing energy independence and infrastructure connectivity across Central Europe thereby strengthening the United States and European security; prgtoken Whereas, Romania has been a champion of energy security in Europe, supporting the U.S. Government's Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) initiative as leading partner on civil nuclear energy, helping to develop the next generation of nuclear technologies, and entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Government on strategic civil nuclear cooperation; prgtoken Whereas, the United States and Roman
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF LEWIS FARMER REEVES, JR.
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Lewis Farmer Reeves, Jr of Clayton, Georgia, who went to be with the Lord just last month. For 82 years, Lewis stood as a pillar of the community. prgtoken After graduating from Rabun County High School and attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, Lewis committed his life's work to his family's business, Reeves Hardware. During his 55 years serving as President, he expanded the company to additional locations in Dillard and Clayton, creating countless jobs across our community in northeast Georgia. Now, three generations of the Reeves family have followed in his legacy of carrying on the family business. prgtoken Beyond his family business, Lewis further dedicated himself to his community by serving in a number of capacities. He served on the Rabun County School Board of Education from 1966 to 1984 and continued to give back to the next generation through his involvement with Future Farmers of America and Livestock Shows teams. A lifelong member of the Clayton First United Methodist Church, founding member of the Walnut Flat's Hunting Club, and an active member of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, there is hardly a facet of community life where Lewis has not left a positive impact. prgtoken The loss of Lewis Reeves is a loss that will be felt by our entire community. I can tell you firsthand that his spirit of service is apparent each time I visit one of his stores, and his legacy will continue to live on through his family business. On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, I join his family in mourning the loss of a life well lived, and I thank Lewis for leaving this world better than he found it. May he rest in peace.
TAXPAYER FIRST ACT OF 2019--Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-6-11

I am pleased to join my colleagues in supporting the Great American Outdoors Act, a bill to provide full funding for prgtoken the Land and Water Conservation Fund and to address the deferred maintenance backlog for our national parks. prgtoken Under the expert leadership of Senators Gardner, Manchin, and Daines, 59 bipartisan Senators have cosponsored this bill that will allow landowners, States, local communities, and conservation partners to plan for the future and to restore our national parks. prgtoken More than 50 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act established America's most successful conservation and outdoor recreation program. There is truly nothing else like it. The fund was designed to ensure that outdoor recreational lands would be secured for future generations. prgtoken I remember, in one of my first years in the Senate, working with my colleague from Colorado, Senator and later Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, as we sought to boost the funding for the stateside part of the program. prgtoken If you look at a map of the United States and put a pin in every place where there was a Land and Water Conservation Fund stateside supported program, you would find that every single county in the country had at least one project. Oftentimes, people do not realize that local ballpark or the trails that run along a local stream or lake are the result of funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and those are projects that are designed by local people, selected by local people, and then the Federal Government helps in the funding to acquire and maintain the land. prgtoken Just last year, this important program was permanently authorized, and now we have the opportunity to ensure for the American people that this program will have consistent funding to play the strongest possible role in preserving open spaces, special lands, and revitalizing communities for years to come. prgtoken Investments in this landmark conservation program support access to the outdoors for all Americans, as LWCF, as I have mentioned, has invested in literally every county in our country. Its funding has been used to open up key areas for hunting, fishing, and other recreational access; to support working forests and ranches and protect them from development; to acquire inholdings and protect critical lands in national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, Civil War battlefields, and other Federal areas; and, as I mentioned, my favorite part of the program, which is the stateside part of the program, which supports State and local projects, from ballparks to recreational trails. prgtoken Over the past five decades, Maine has received more than $191 million in funding from LWCF. Examples of this funding include the Cold Stream Forest, a Forest Legacy Program project in Somerset County to preserve a beautiful area that continues the long and proud Maine tradition of conservation,
RECOGNIZING TODD SPANGLER OF WHITEFISH
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor Todd Spangler of Whitefish for providing his community with personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak. prgtoken In March, Todd read about how a group in Billings created a 3D printer design for the ``Montana Mask.'' The developers released the design and free open-source software to the public so others could produce the mask. prgtoken Around that time, Todd's wife, who works with a local ophthalmologist, told him the practice had about a week's supply of masks. Todd, a chemistry teacher at Whitefish High School, contacted people he knew with 3D printers. In no time, an informal group of educators, physicians, and dentists started making the needed masks. prgtoken Using a 3D printer from Todd's classroom as well as others from Flathead Valley Community College, they got to work. In no time, the group produced 600 masks. Todd delivered the masks throughout the Flathead Valley, including to independent health care practices, providers at Kalispell Regional Healthcare, and first responders throughout the region. prgtoken Todd says the effort helped him find purpose during the crisis. He admits being under quarantine was challenging for him and many Montanans but identifying a need and taking the initiative to help fulfill that need have guided him. When your families and friends need masks, Todd says, you must find a way to protect your loved ones and coworkers. For Todd, this crisis, while devastating for a lot of people, has brought out the best in so many. prgtoken Madam , for taking the initiative and leading a project to protect Montanans in a time of crisis, I recognize Todd Spangler of Whitefish for his Spirit of Montana.
RECOGNIZING TEACHERS AND STAFF OF STAGECOACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , today, I recognize the teachers and staff at Stagecoach Elementary School in Cabot, Arkansas for going above and beyond for their students during the current public health crisis due to COVID-19. prgtoken They have adapted their teaching process to ensure they are meeting the academic needs of their students, but they are also finding creative ways to maintain relationships with students, their families, and the community. prgtoken The teachers and staff have gone above and beyond by delivering groceries to families in need, continuing to offer breakfast and lunch for their students, providing supplies like laptops to families who may not have the necessary equipment for at-home learning, and conducting parades throughout the student's neighborhoods to lift spirits, and bring the community together. prgtoken This initiative has shined a light on how adapting to the situation at hand and responding with positivity can unite a community even amidst a public health crisis. prgtoken I congratulate the teachers and staff at Stagecoach Elementary School for their creative way of continuing education for Arkansas students and for ending the year on a strong note.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-6-11

I have@requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing nominations. Special Committee on Aging prgtoken The Special Committee on Aging is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations.
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Over the last several weeks, major challenges have dominated the headlines on a daily basis. Following the sacrifices Americans have made to fight the coronavirus, our Nation is gradually beginning to reopen. Our economy has started adding back jobs. But as some States are seeing their numbers increase, the fallout for American workers remains historic, and schools, universities, and employers are still looking for smart and safe ways to step back toward normal. prgtoken The Senate is working to ensure that our efforts to treat, contain, and recover from the pandemic can succeed. We have confirmed a Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. Committees are overseeing the CARES Act, and Senator Cornyn is crafting measures to make sure a second epidemic of frivolous lawsuits does not block schools and colleges from reopening or employers from rehiring workers. prgtoken At the same time, the killings of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have accelerated important conversations. With the leadership of Senator Scott of South Carolina, the Senate is preparing to add to the conversations surrounding law enforcement with our own serious proposal--policies that would take smart steps without attacking the vast majority of police officers who bravely do their jobs the right way. prgtoken Of course there is also a long list of legislative priorities which the Senate was going to tackle before these new issues materialized. This week, Chairman Inhofe and the Armed Services Committee have been marking up the 60th consecutive National Defense Authorization Act, which I hope the full Senate will be voting on later this month. prgtoken Here on the floor, we have also been considering a landmark bill to protect and preserve our Nation's public lands for future generations prgtoken In my home State of Kentucky, we know all about the important role that public lands play in preserving our physical heritage, providing access for outdoor recreation, and sustaining jobs and prosperity in the process. Across the Commonwealth, outdoor recreation supports 120,000 jobs and drives nearly $13 billion in consumer spending. From natural wonders like Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave National Park to historic sites like Mill Springs Battlefield and Camp Nelson, Kentuckians have grown up enjoying our public lands, and we intend to protect them for future generations. prgtoken Let me give just one example. As I mentioned yesterday, when I came to prgtoken the Senate, Kentucky was the only State without its own national wildlife refuge. We had plenty of history and heritage. We just needed a little help to preserve it. prgtoken With the support of hunters, boaters, and outdoorsmen in the Jackson Purchase region, I led the establishment of the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. It was a huge step to protect local species and our treasured Kentucky pastimes. This refuge has continued to grow over the years. Thanks to the
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-6-11

on a recent Saturday afternoon, the world watched as SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifted off from American soil, streaked through the sky, and sent the Crew Dragon capsule beyond the Earth's atmosphere. prgtoken By Sunday, its crew was successfully docked at the International Space Station. The following morning, Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly & Company announced the start of human testing of a potential treatment for COVID-19. prgtoken Falcon 9, the first rocket to send men to space from America in a decade was traveling at 10 times the speed of sound, and Lilly's COVID- 19 therapy is moving nearly as fast. It often takes a dozen years to develop a drug. This one could be available in just months. prgtoken Neither happened spontaneously, though. They are the result of years of savvy, technological, and scientific investments, of partnerships between private industry and government. Such investments, such partnerships open new horizons in space exploration and disease fighting, and they show us the endless frontier into which American imagination and ingenuity can carry us. prgtoken We Americans have always been drawn to the frontier--yes, the natural frontier of wildernesses and unfamiliar territories from which States such as mine spring, but also the frontier that bounds what we as humans were once imagined to be capable of accomplishing after our forbearers settled across this great continent. prgtoken Americans see the heavens and don't simply wonder what they hold. We see loved ones grow sick, and we don't just resign ourselves to the prognosis. We create cures. Americans would always rather build a rocket ship than a rest home. We are driven by a deep need to lift one another, to discover breakthroughs that will lead to the betterment of all of mankind. prgtoken And among the most powerful allies we have in accomplishing this are science and research and the innovations that they fuel. prgtoken In the 20th century, Vannevar beautifully captured the essence of the American culture of discovery and innovation. He first coined the memorable term ``endless frontier.'' , you see, was a visionary, an unsung hero of World War II. He was the man who saw the importance of science and discovery in defeating the Axis Powers. prgtoken As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's unofficial science adviser, he initiated the Manhattan Project and ensured that it received top priority from the highest levels of government. prgtoken Later, in his 1945 report to the President, entitled ``Science: The Endless Frontier,'' called for an expansion of public support for science and paved the way for the creation of the National Science Foundation. He believed that America's security and prosperity depended upon premarket investment in science and technology. Basic research, in his words, was the ``pacemaker of technological progress.'' ``New products and new processes do not appear full-grown,'' he said. ``They are foun
HONORING THE LIFE OF JASON NORTON
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-6-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Jason L. Norton, who sadly lost his battle against cancer last Wednesday. prgtoken Jason was a native of Hamlet, North Carolina and learned of his passion for helping others and athletics early in his life. prgtoken After graduating from Richmond Senior High School in 1990, Jason earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Catawba College and a Master's Degree in School Administration and Curriculum from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Jason served as a role model to many young people in Richmond County, where he taught mathematics while coaching football, baseball, and basketball. prgtoken Jason would later become the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, where he remained dedicated lo the academic and athletic success of his students. He served as a mentor to all and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Jason led the Educational Based Athletics program at Pine Forest and coordinated the annual Play for Kay basketball fundraiser, which has raised thousands to advance research for women's cancer. While Jason loved lo train student athletes, he instilled values of teamwork, perseverance and commitment in all his students. prgtoken Before starting his career in education, Jason served as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Hamlet for over a decade. He served as a referee, a scheduler, and anything else that was needed, living out the principles of service and dedication he spent his life teaching. prgtoken Jason was a pillar in his community and was loved by all who knew him. He fought until his very last day with us. He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and his three children. prgtoken While Jason left us far too young, he had a lasting impact on the lives of young people and created a community of folks connected by his leadership. prgtoken Jason's passing represents a grave loss in Hamlet and across North Carolina. May his selfless dedication and passion be an example for us all.