mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ARMS SALE RESOLUTION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-8

over the last 4 years, we have seen a series of encouraging developments in the Middle East--a place where there isn't a long trend line of positive developments. prgtoken We have destroyed the ISIS caliphate. We have brought down dangerous terrorist leaders like al-Baghdadi and, of course, the head of the IRGC, Soleimani, who was personally responsible for American blood on his hands, particularly providing explosives that penetrated our armor in Iraq. prgtoken Through congressional action and the work of the administration, we strengthened bilateral ties with our closest friends and allies, including Israel and Jordan. This summer, the administration helped forge historic peace deals between Israel and Arab nations in the region. The United Arab Emirates became the third Arab country and first Gulf State to recognize and normalize relations with Israel by the signing of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement. It was only a matter of days until Bahrain followed suit and announced its agreement with Israel to open formal diplomatic negotiations. prgtoken These historic breakthroughs represent serious progress in our efforts to fight terrorism and establish lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. While more work obviously remains, it is great to see the mounting pressure against Iran--the region's greatest antagonist and largest state sponsor of terrorism. prgtoken Last month, the administration announced that it intended to sell arms to our friends in the United Arab Emirates--a move that I support. This will help the UAE work with the United States and our friends to deter and defend these threats from Iran and other hostilities in the region. What it seems to me is that it focused everybody's attention on the recognition that Iran represents the single biggest destabilizing and dangerous influence in the Middle East today, and it is the recognition that they are the common adversary of not only the Arab nations in the region but also the United States and our ally Israel that has, I think, brought them to the negotiating table. prgtoken As Iran grows increasingly belligerent toward the United States and our allies, these military assets that we will sell to our friends in the UAE will serve as a stabilizing force, a force multiplier, and a source of protection for the United States and our security interests. We have learned a hard lesson that American boots on the ground is something we want to do as a last resort. But if we can work by, with, and through our friends and allies to provide that security and stability against a common enemy, we should do it. prgtoken The arms sale will allow greater military cooperation between the United States, the UAE, and Israel and strengthen a growing coalition of aligned forces in the region. It will also make sure the United States remains the partner of choice. prgtoken It is not as if the United States is the only one that has a say.
NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2020-12-8

I rise today in support of the NDAA. prgtoken This bill includes an amendment I introduced, along with Representative Murphy and Senator Rick Scott, to honor the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, by designating April 13 as National Borinqueneers Day. prgtoken On April 13, 2016, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to these patriots for their numerous contributions to American history and their outstanding military service from World War I through the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. prgtoken This bill also authorizes $37 million in military construction funding for the National Guard Readiness Center in Puerto Rico. It also includes the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which incorporates my amendment requiring the Coast Guard Academy Minority Outreach Team program to include officers from the U.S. territories, and requiring the Academy's diversity report to include information on the effectiveness of outreach and recruitment efforts for the territories as well.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-12-8

. Madam , I rise in strong support of this measure, which prioritizes six key projects for New York's First Congressional District, a district almost completely surrounded by water. prgtoken On the east end of Long Island, we have a unique responsibility to safeguard our local waterways, from bolstering our local maritime infrastructure to managing future storm risks. prgtoken Working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Army Corps team at its New York district office, this bill prioritizes local projects that are vital to my congressional district. prgtoken The Fire Island to Montauk Point project includes essential dredging and shoreline projects over 83 miles of coastline. Coastal storm risk management for Hashamomuck Cove in Southold is included, where, right now, local residents, businesses, and first responders are paralyzed even during a severe thunderstorm. prgtoken Additionally, this legislation authorizes a feasibility study for a project at Wading River Creek in Riverhead and expedites feasibility studies for projects at Reel Point Preserve and Shelter Island, Goldsmith Inlet in Southold, and Lake Montauk Harbor in Montauk. prgtoken Continuing to safeguard and invest in our maritime infrastructure will help preserve Long Island's way of life for generations to come. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I thank the chair and ranking member for their leadership in making this a reality.
Tribute to Tom Udall (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-12-8

just a little reflection on Tom Udall and working together on the Indian Affairs Committee that I chaired, and he was the ranking member. I will tell you that I will miss my friend Tom Udall. prgtoken Bobbi and I will miss your life partner Jill as well. We are so grateful for your friendship and your leadership in this body. prgtoken When Senator Udall started today on the floor, he mentioned that he was a son of the West and mentioned that it is something that runs in the family Tom's father, Stewart Udall, was Secretary of the Interior of the United States. If you go to the Interior Department office, you will see it is the Udall name on the building because of this ongoing commitment and love that the Senator has spoken about today. prgtoken What many don't know is the relationship between Wyoming and the Udall family. It was Stewart Udall, Secretary of the Interior, who came to Wyoming with a young President a number of years ago. That President was John F. Kennedy. It was September of 1963. prgtoken I went back to the archives at the University of Wyoming and found photos of Tom's dad and the President at the time, John Kennedy, and a number of Wyoming leaders at the time. I gave copies to Tom and to Jill to share the bond of our States. prgtoken It would surprise many, I think, in this body to know that I have a picture, actually, of John Kennedy hanging in my office up in the Dirksen Office Building--John Kennedy addressing the crowd at the University of Wyoming Arena-Auditorium in September of 1963. prgtoken As Tom this morning talked about conservation, John Kennedy talked of conservation that very day that he gave that speech with your father on the stage, together so many years ago. At the time, John Kennedy talked of the living balance between man's actions and nature's reaction to it and the living balance that must exist. prgtoken So, today, I come and thank my friend for his stewardship, for his leadership, and for his friendship, and I say this with a great deal of appreciation and admiration and respect. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO TOM HARKIN
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-8

long before he was sworn into the U.S. Senate, my former colleague, Tom Harkin from Iowa, served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He and I represented Iowans for 30 years together here in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Six years ago, I came to the floor to wish my friend well in retirement, and I used these words: [So that he could] enjoy the blessings of hearth and home. prgtoken Now, I am not so sure that he took my advice to heart. I recently learned that Tom has been moonlighting in retirement as an intrepid crew member sailing the icy waters of the North Atlantic. In fact, he joined the crew of 59 North Sailing for five voyages. His most recent adventure found Tom aboard Ice Bear navigating gale force winds in and around the rugged coastline of Newfoundland. prgtoken They say you can't take the farm out of an Iowa farm kid. The same must be true for a lifelong sailor and the sea. prgtoken Tom recently celebrated his 81st birthday in November. Barbara and I wish him many more trips around the Sun and as many adventures at sea that his heart desires. prgtoken . prgtoken .
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-8

this week, some Senators indicate they may attempt to move a privileged resolution to disapprove of the administration's proposed sale of advanced armaments to the United Arab Emirates, a critical partner in our fight against terrorists. It is a little baffling to suggest that now, of all times, a protest gesture with no chance of obtaining a veto-proof majority is of valuable use of the Senate's time. But above and beyond that, the strategic realities dictate that Congress should not stand in the way of this sale. prgtoken In August, the UAE reached the first of the Abraham Accords, the landmark peace deal with Israel, brokered by the administration, which Bahrain soon went on to reprise. That step, the first normalization of relations between the Arab nation and the State of Israel in nearly 30 years, cemented an important new chapter in the UAE's international relations and its close relationship with the United States. prgtoken Of course, it is a key American objective to preserve and protect Israel's quantitative military edge. Fortunately, Israel's Ambassador, Defense Minister, and Prime Minister have all made sure they are comfortable with this deal. prgtoken Senators considering this sale need to consider a reality we cannot escape. A significant competition for influence in the Middle East is underway, and China and Russia will be more than happy to meet the demand for advanced capabilities if the United States simply takes our ball and goes home. prgtoken If our colleagues make the Senate vote on this measure, I urge all my colleagues to vote against it.
Farewell to the Senate (Executive Calendar)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-12-8

thank you to the people of Colorado for this incredible honor that you have lent to me these last 6 years to serve you in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Thank you to my family--Jaime, Alyson, Caitlyn, Thatcher, to Mom and Dad and Lisa--who supported me in this last decade of service with your love and sacrifice, through missed ball games and lost teeth, school concerts and junior high dances, sore throats and first moments. prgtoken Thank you to my incredible staff, many in the Chamber today, who are in Colorado and Washington, who made so many great things happen and whose difference will be felt for generations to come. You leave a mark on the country far beyond the etching of a signature on a desk on the floor. prgtoken Thank you to my colleagues and to Senator Bennet for the honor of serving along your side and for your commitment to our Nation--and to the Capitol Police, the staff, to the support staff in the Senate who make it all possible. prgtoken But above all, and most importantly, thank you to this great and extraordinary Nation for all that it means and represents--the hope and optimism that for over two centuries has led people around the globe to give up everything they have just to be here; to be a part of this Nation, to then turn around and fight for it through political strife and pandemics; to go to war to save the Union; to know how lucky and blessed that we are that out of all of the billions of people through the thousands of years of human history, we have had the privilege of being here in this place at this point to be a part of it. prgtoken There has been a lot of coverage in the news lately about how the pollsters got it wrong. But one thing they seem to get right--and it won't come as a shock to my colleagues on the floor: Congress is about as popular as a Rocky Mountain oyster in a bullpen. prgtoken We have been, together, able to do many good things, and I hope that we can use those successes to drive even more successes and show the American people that faith in this institution is actually well deserved. prgtoken Over the last 6 years I have worked hard to pass the first-ever mandatory sanctions on Kim Jong Un and North Korea to denuclearize that regime. It was an honor to work with Senator Menendez throughout this process. prgtoken Senator Markey and I led the passage of the first-ever comprehensive strategy for a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Asia Reassurance Initiative. prgtoken Gary Peters, along with Lamar Alexander and me, led the reauthorization of the America Competes legislation to keep the United States competitive in science and engineering, to get more women and minorities into the STEM fields, and to advance our scientific research and discoveries. prgtoken The 988 suicide prevention bill that Tammy Baldwin and I were able to pass into law represents the first bill in American history to pass the Senate and House unanimously with LGBTQ-specific language.
Farewell to the Senate (Executive Calendar)
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-12-8

Cory Gardner and I first met in 2011, when he became the first alumnus of the United States Senate Youth Program to be sworn into the House of Representatives. As the first Senate Youth Program delegate elected to the U.S. Senate, I felt an immediate connection to this new Member of Congress from Colorado. One year, both of us had the privilege of addressing the student delegates to this wonderful program that had made such a difference in the lives of both of us. prgtoken Since he joined the Senate 6 years ago, Cory has demonstrated his leadership on many issues which we have heard described today. His upbeat personality and his commitment to compromise, to solutions, and to bipartisanship have had a positive influence on this Chamber. As the renowned columnist George Will once called Cory, he is ``a human beam of sunshine.'' I am sure that is the phrase that was going through the mind of his colleague from Colorado. prgtoken His approach to legislating has indeed been enlightening, but it has been his positive approach to every problem that we encounter, his upbeat personality, his wonderful smiles, and his problem-solving devotion to America and to his State that have distinguished him. prgtoken Cory's landmark achievement, which he discussed today, is the Great American Outdoors Act. I was proud to cosponsor his legislation. This historic bill, at long last, fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provides funding to address significant parts of the multibillion-dollar national parks maintenance backlog. The Great American Outdoors Act will help to ensure that both current and future generations can enjoy the pristine beauty of our natural treasures in Colorado, in the great State of Maine, and throughout our country. Cory's hard work to bridge the partisan divide and secure support from both sides of the aisle leave a lasting legacy that the American people will cherish. I would note that he never gave up in his pursuit of seeing this landmark legislation signed into law. prgtoken That is typical of the approach that Cory takes. He doesn't give up. He persists. But he does so in such a delightful way--always in search of a solution--that it is very difficult for his colleagues to ever say no to him. prgtoken Cory's commitment to environmental stewardship extends from the great outdoors to the frontier of technology to advance the development and deployment of energy from renewable, sustainable, and clean energy sources. prgtoken Cory, as was mentioned by Senator Bennet, has also been a champion for those who have served our Nation in uniform. In 2017, a troubling GAO report revealed an unacceptable trend of VA facilities failing to report healthcare providers who made major medical errors to the boards responsible for tracking dangerous practitioners, or, in some cases, revoking or suspending their licenses. As a result, these practitioners can go into priva
HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JAMES LYONS
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-12-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Commander James Lyons for his faithful service to our country as an esteemed member of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this capacity, Lieutenant Commander Lyons facilitated interaction between the Department of the Navy and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. These engagements included, but were not limited to, formal responses to congressional inquiries, counsel to Members and staff, and execution of congressional and staff delegations. These interactions were pivotal in providing Members and staff a greater understanding of the issues facing our Navy and its sailors. prgtoken I am particularly proud to note that Lieutenant Commander Lyons planned and executed CODEL Scalise to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to visit key U.S. allies in Central and South America in order to update Members on the role of China in the region, bilateral trade and regional trading relationships, and the role of U.S. military, security, and humanitarian aid in improving regional stability and preserving our relationships in the AOR. I am forever grateful for his leadership, persistence, and support of CODEL Scalise. prgtoken Lieutenant Lyons' distinguished career began after commissioning in the U.S. Navy from the George Washington University. After completing flight training in Pensacola, FL and Meridian, MS, Lieutenant Commander Lyons received his Wings of Gold and was assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Thirty to fly the venerable C-2 Greyhound. During his time as a ``Provider'', James deployed to 4th Fleet area of operations, logged 1000 flight hours, completed 89 carrier arrested landings and was named 2017 Pacific Fleet Greyhound Pilot of the Year. prgtoken Madam , I commend and thank Lieutenant Commander James Lyons on his service to the United States of America, the House of Representatives, and my office. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing him today.
PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION DIRECTLY ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-8

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 1375, the Provide Accurate Information Directly Act, or the PAID Act. prgtoken Medicare secondary payer laws enacted in the 1980s have failed to stay current with Medicare. Medicare Advantage and part D have changed the way beneficiaries engage with Medicare and provide an opportunity for potential secondary payer issues due to a lack of coordination. prgtoken The PAID Act allows settling parties to repay MSP amounts and allows for the coordination of benefits by requiring CMS to share necessary information. Specifically, the PAID Act authorizes settling parties to receive the same information CMS currently provides group health plans about Medicare Advantage and part D plan enrollment information. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to pass this commonsense bill. I thank the leader, the manager, and also the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee for their leadership. I appreciate it. This is a really good bill. Let's get it done. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 1375, the Provide Accurate Information Directly (or PAID) Act. prgtoken Medicare Secondary Payer laws enacted in the '80s have failed to stay current with Medicare. Medicare Advantage (or MA) and Part D have changed the way beneficiaries engage with Medicare and provide an opportunity for potential secondary payer issues due to a lack of coordination. prgtoken The PAID Act allows settling parties to repay MSP amounts, and allow for the coordination of benefits, by requiring CMS to share necessary information. Specifically, the PAID Act authorizes settling parties to receive the same information CMS currently provides Group Health Plans about MA and Part D plan enrollment information. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to pass this commonsense bill.
CONGRATULATING MYRNA BALLARD
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-12-8

I rise today to honor Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap. prgtoken Since she was elected DA in 2012, Meg has fought hard to secure justice, prevent crimes, and improve our community. Her lifelong passion for working with victims of crime and senior citizens helped pave her way to law school at Mercer University. A Savannah native, Meg's career and time as DA was marked by her love for Chatham County and its people, which is why she worked so hard to establish the many new programs and innovations to improve the district attorney's office. prgtoken Some of the many programs she started include the Youth Intercept for at-risk youth and the Pretrial Diversion for youthful, non-violent first offenders. Meg also helped establish the Chatham County Family Justice Center to assist special victims find the services they need in just one space. prgtoken I am thankful for Meg's many years of hard work, as Chatham is truly a better place because of her. Honoring the life of Daniel Zeigler
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-8

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, December 9; 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; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Dickerson nomination.
TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL ENZI
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-12-8

I thank the leader for his kind remarks and incredible research. I particularly appreciate the comments about Flip McConnaughey, whom I worked with for 40 years before he passed away from cancer. If there was ever anybody in the United States who had a municipal problem, he would work with me as we grew Gillette, and he was able to solve a lot of those municipal problems. So he was the go-to person on the Hill for all of that. prgtoken I say to the Senator, I really appreciate those comments, as well as all of the other things you mentioned, particularly the ones about Diana. Without her, I would not have had the shoe store, I would not have been in politics, I would not have been here, nor would I have been able to do anything. I wouldn't have traveled around Wyoming. She does most of the driving so that I can work on speeches and legislation, and it is a chance for us to visit a little bit too. We don't get to do a lot of that here in Washington because of the schedules, again. prgtoken But I particularly want to thank you for your leadership during this time. It has been phenomenal, like the research that you did on that speech. The strategy that you put into legislation is incredible. You get a lot done, in spite of the differences we might have with the House or with the other side of the aisle or occasionally with the President, but you keep us moving forward. It is a talent that is hard to do under the circumstances that we work, and I really appreciate it. So thank you for your comments. prgtoken . prgtoken .