mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF DR. JOSEPH DONNELL CARLEY, JR.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding educator, man of God, and dear friend of longstanding, Dr. Joseph Donnell Carley, Jr. Sadly, Dr. Carley passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020. A home-going celebration was held graveside on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at 2pm in Thomasville, Georgia at Peaceful Rest Cemetery. prgtoken Dr. Joseph Donnell Carley Jr. was born on November 11, 1955, in Thomasville, Georgia, as the fourth of seven children to the late Mr. Joseph Eugene Carley, Sr. and Mrs. Rosamond Louise ``Colvin'' Carley. He grew up in the Tockwotten community and went on to earn an Associate's degree in Biology and Early Childhood Education from Birdwood Junior College (now Thomas University); a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University (then Valdosta State College); and a Master's in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. In addition to receiving an honorary Doctorate degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of America, an affiliate of New York University, he also attended Continuing Education training for Early Childhood Education for Child Care leaders with the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation's National Administrators Credential (NECPA-NAC) and at University of Georgia, Albany State University, Bainbridge College, and Georgia State University. prgtoken Dr. Carley had an immense passion for knowledge and bettering the lives of others through teaching. During his professional career as an educator, he taught at every level of education. He was the owner of Mu-Dear Child Care Center and Preparatory Preschool, where he served in a number of roles for 39 years. He taught in the Thomas County School System, the Thomasville City School System, and the Bainbridge State Hospital Special Education Department, also serving as an Adjunct Professor at Albany State University and Thomas University. In addition to his extensive career in Education and Administration, he was also a Consultant, Gospel Announcer, Gospel Recording Artist, Motivational , Counselor, Mentor, School Board Member, and a National Instructor for the NECPA-NAC. prgtoken Dr. George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are so blessed that Dr. Joseph Donnell Carley, Jr. passed this way and shared with us his legacy of service that will stand the test of time. Surely, the pearls of wisdom that Dr. Carley has given to all those whose lives he has touched will forever resonate in their hearts and spirits. prgtoken On a personal note, Donnell Carley wowed me as a dynamic choral director of soul stirring capacity. His body drama in directing a gospel choir drove countless congregations to stand on their feet and wave their hands during worship and concert renditio
IN HONOR OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND SERVICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE ALVIN HOLMES
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of long-serving Alabama State Representative Alvin Holmes of Montgomery. Rep. Holmes dutifully served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for 44 years. Rep. Holmes passed away at home at the age of 81. Rep. Holmes was a dedicated public servant and community leader. Rep. Holmes led with dignity and a strong sense of justice throughout his career. He is remembered by colleagues and the community as an individual who knew and acted on what was right, no matter the challenge. He is survived by his daughter, Veronica Holmes. prgtoken Born in Montgomery on October 26, 1939 to John H. Holmes and Willie Ann Holmes, he was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. Rep. Holmes attended Rochester Business Institute, Alabama State University, Atlanta University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Alabama, and Jones School of Law. He held a Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Education degree, Master of Arts degree, and a Doctor of Law degree. Rep. Holmes marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a student and fought for the equal treatment of all Americans in every role he served. prgtoken Rep. Holmes was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the NAACP, Montgomery Improvement Association, a member of the State ic Executive Committee, and was a member of the Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church. prgtoken After graduating from Alabama State University, Rep. Holmes was an Alabama delegate to the historic 1968 ic National Convention. He was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where he helped lead civil rights demonstrations in between his studies. Rep. Holmes served once more as an Alabama delegate to the 1996 ic National Convention. prgtoken In 1974, Alvin Holmes was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. During the four decades of his service, Rep. Holmes gave a voice to the voiceless--a champion for equal rights and justice for all citizens. He led multiple efforts to deconstruct the remnants of segregation and to remove racist language from the State Constitution. One of his proudest accomplishments was establishing Martin Luther King Day as a state holiday and encouraging the hiring of African Americans for professional position at the Alabama Legislature. Rep. Holmes spearheaded the annual parade that is held on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. prgtoken In 1993, Rep. Holmes successfully led the effort to remove the confederate flag from Alabama's State Capitol building. In addition, he sponsored a constitutional amendment to remove an interracial marriage ban from the Alabama Constitution and fought for years to prgtoken have sexual orientation included in the state hate crime statute. prgtoken Throughout his career, Rep. Holmes was known to extend his passion for justice by ensuring tax dollars were spent wisely to best serve the people of Montgomery. Rep. Holm
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2020-11-30

I thank the minority leader. I would just say that the presumptive conditions that the fighting men and women were exposed to in Vietnam are real, and the fact of the matter is these folks are getting old enough now that these conditions are putting them in a world of hurt healthwise. It is the right thing to do to support our Vietnam veterans when it comes to the presumptive conditions that were caused by Agent Orange, and it needs to be in the NDAA.
NATIONAL THANKSGIVING TURKEY PARDONING CEREMONY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-11-30

like many Iowans, for the first time in my life, I wasn't able to share a meal with my family this Thanksgiving. That doesn't keep me from being thankful for the essential workers of our country who have also missed many Thanksgiving meals. Still, these essential workers provide and continue to provide for and keep our country safe. prgtoken An essential job that often gets overlooked is that of the 86,000 Iowa farm families who produce the food that we consume on Thanksgiving and the 364 days out of the rest of the year. That is why I am proud to see Ron and Susie Kardel from Walcott, IA, get well-deserved recognition this past week. You see, Ron and Susie, along with their two turkeys, Corn and Cob, participated in a time-honored White House tradition. That tradition is the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony at the White House. This ceremony helps connect the dots for many Americans, showing them that the food they put on the Thanksgiving table isn't grown in a grocery store. prgtoken So I want to thank Ron, Susie, and President for highlighting Iowa agriculture this Thanksgiving. In a year that has been so very difficult for most Americans, it is nice to see traditions like this carried on. prgtoken . prgtoken .
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-11-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the McNeel nomination under the previous order; finally, I ask that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
DR. ANN ALBRIGHT
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , today I rise to honor Dr. Ann Louise Albright, Ph.D RDN, for her work on the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Dr. Albright, who retires at the end of this year, should be celebrated and honored for her dedication and commitment to bringing an end to this disease that affects so many Americans. prgtoken Dr. Albright's career has spanned political and international boundaries. She has represented the United States before the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) and as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Diabetic Athletes Association. Ann has worked for national agencies since early 2003. She first worked as a health policy advisor for the U.S. Surgeon General, and then in 2007 became Director of the Division of Diabetes Translation, where she has been since. prgtoken Dr. Albright's extensive knowledge and experience in her field have led to many awards. She has been recognized with the Hubert H. Humphrey Award for Service to America, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the YMCA, the Surgeon General's Medallion Award, and multiple awards from the American Diabetes Association, including the Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award and the Josiah Kirby Lilly Distinguished Service Award, among others. prgtoken I thank Dr. Albright for all she has done for those who live with diabetes every day. Her work with Congress, and particularly with the Diabetes Caucus, has been invaluable, and her unwavering commitment is an example for all those who continue her work. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-11-30

I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has 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 committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, November 30, 2020, at 6 p.m to conduct a closed hearing.
TRIBUTE TO THAYNE MACY
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-11-30

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Thayne for his hard work as an intern in my Cheyenne office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Thayne is a native of Casper. He is a student at the University of Wyoming, where he is studying political science, world languages, and history. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Thayne for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
FOREIGN ACTORS
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-30

as America waits for the results of the 2020 election to be certified in a couple of weeks, former Vice President has begun to announce his picks for his Cabinet and other high-ranking positions. prgtoken Some of these nominees have close ties to investment and other consulting firms whose clients are largely unknown or who may be even the subjects of nondisclosure agreements. The truth is that these individuals could be working on behalf of a ``feel good'' nonprofit, a malicious foreign actor, or a large company with business before the government. The truth of the matter is, we have simply no idea what kind of business or financial relationships these individuals have with foreign powers that could influence their actions as high-ranking government officials. This goes way beyond compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This is an ethical issue. It is a conflict-of- interest issue, and Americans deserve to know if these nominees have connections or relationships that could cloud their judgment on behalf of the American people if they are confirmed. prgtoken When it comes to the business dealings of those who could serve in high-ranking government positions, full transparency is the only option. So I encourage each of these individuals, if nominated, to take an open-book approach throughout the hearings and confirmation processes. In fact, I will make a pledge here today that I will not support any nominee who doesn't provide full transparency into his work on behalf of a foreign government. I will not do it. The American people deserve to know if these or any future nominees are beholden to anything other than our national interest. prgtoken Just to make the point that this is not some imaginary or hypothetical problem, let me refer to an article that was written today in the Associated Press News, entitled: `` `Mercenary' donor sold access for millions in foreign money.'' This is a story of a so-called elite political fundraiser, Imaad Zuberi, who, maybe not surprisingly, raised a lot of money for Hillary Clinton and President and who also became the top donor to the Presidential Inaugural Committee. In other words, he wasn't particularly partisan. He just wanted to be close to power and be able to influence it. prgtoken Prosecutors who have now prosecuted him for a variety of violations of campaign finance laws and foreign lobbying laws have called him a mercenary political donor. His foreign entanglements were quite extensive. He lobbied as an unregistered foreign agent for at least half a dozen countries and officials, including a Ukrainian oligarch who was close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He lobbied for countries like Turkey and Sri Lanka, among others. As I said, it really doesn't make a difference so much which country. It was the fact that he was lobbying in an undisclosed fashion, raising money for political candidates, and violati
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-12-1

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, if necessary, and at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the ic leader, the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 578 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, and the only amendment in order be an amendment to be offered by Senator Grassley, the text of which is at the desk; further, I ask that the Senate vote on adoption of the Grassley amendment and upon disposition of the amendment, the bill, as amended, if amended, be read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended; finally, that adoption of the amendment and passage of the bill require 60 affirmative votes and, if passed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-1

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the postcloture time on the Hauptman nomination expire at 11:45 a.m. tomorrow and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Davis nomination, the Senate then vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Waller nomination. I further ask that the postcloture time with respect to the Davis nomination expire at 2:05 p.m. tomorrow and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination and that the confirmation vote with respect to the Waller nomination occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the ic leader on Thursday, December 3; finally, that if any of the nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-12-1

yesterday, I mentioned the several big- ticket items left on the congressional agenda before the end of the year. Over the next few weeks, the Senate must pass an appropriations bill to keep the government funded. We must pass the annual Defense bill, a piece of legislation that Congress has passed every year for nearly 60 years in a row. And a top priority as well is a major COVID relief bill. prgtoken We are in a moment of genuine national catastrophe. The rate of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are at the highest, or near the highest, of prgtoken any point during this awful pandemic. The economic fallout of the pandemic spreads and spreads. November saw the largest single 2-week jump in unemployment benefit applications since early April, and enhanced job benefits are only a few weeks from expiration. prgtoken The time has come for Congress to pass a bipartisan COVID relief bill that meets the needs of our workers, our families, our schools, and our businesses. The leader of this Chamber knows very well that the only way to pass legislation in the Senate is with a measure of bipartisanship. But time and time again, the leader's idea of action on COVID has been to bring partisan legislation to the floor and then demand everyone accept it. prgtoken Every single iteration has included poison pills designed to ensure that the bill is bad--not consensus proposals. That is not what these poison pills are at all, and he knows darn well the don't agree to them. Well, that is no way to do business around here. prgtoken The leader's view seems to be that the only things that should be considered in the next COVID relief bill are items that s approve of, even if the needs of the country go way beyond what is on their narrow list. So I would plead again to the leader and to my colleagues on the other side, we need to come together. Both sides--both sides--must be willing to compromise. prgtoken While the s in this Chamber enjoy a majority, they must grapple with the fact that hold a majority in the House. We cannot make a law without in the House, and, frankly, ic votes in the Senate because there are a good number of s who won't vote for any proposal. prgtoken So we need a true bipartisan bill, not another round of partisan proposals put forward by the leader and then he makes take- it-or-leave-it demands, and that is it. We need to come together and come to agreement that will not satisfy any one of us completely but gets the job done. I hope that as we get closer to the end of the year, partisan posturing on the side will give way to some genuine compromises.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-1

how bad is the COVID-19 pandemic? I am sure we each look at it in personal and family terms. prgtoken We have just gone through a Thanksgiving like no other, for my family and for many others who decided that safety was more important than being physically in the same room with the family members we love. So we turned to FaceTime, Zoom, and every other contrivance we could find to maintain a connection with children, grandchildren, and other people we love. prgtoken But the situation is dire. The infection and death rate in my home State has been heartbreaking in terms of the number of people who have had their lives changed, and some have had their lives ended because of it. prgtoken I can use one example of how bad it is. It won't mean much to those who are listening. The city of St. Louis is a large metropolitan area-- millions of people. I grew up nearby on the Illinois side of the river. One day last week the St. Louis hospitals were unable to take a COVID- 19 patient, and, as a result, that patient was transported almost 100 miles away to Quincy, IL, to a hospital so the patient could receive the care that they needed. Think of that: not an available space in the city of St. Louis. prgtoken Last month a dear friend of mine, feeling ill, who lived in Illinois, went over to the St. Louis area and went to one of the most outstanding hospitals in the city. She was told she couldn't be admitted because there was no room for her. She went to the second most reputable hospital in the city with the same report. Finally, with the third try, she was admitted to another hospital. Three days later she passed away. In a desperate situation, she was turned away from two major hospitals because they didn't have room. prgtoken So we can argue long and hard about the danger of this COVID-19, whether it is something to take seriously or not--and there are still those who insist it is not--but we can't escape the reality that 13\1/ 2\ million Americans have already been infected with the COVID virus and over 267,000 American lives have been lost. prgtoken My heart goes out to those families and their loved ones, some of whom were my friends--and one very close friend--who have lost their lives. And for all of those who are fighting COVID-19 today, including Members of Congress, I wish them well, Godspeed. Get well and come back and join us in a positive way. prgtoken As the number of infected Americans continues to rise, it is vital that we continue to take safety precautions: social distancing, wearing masks, and staying home as much as possible. prgtoken I am worried about the health and safety of our country, but I am also worried about the millions of Americans who find themselves in dire straits as the economic impact of this pandemic lingers. I think of some of the restaurants in Chicago and in my own hometown that I visited with my wife from time to time. They are gone. They are not going to return. <|p|