mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 9051 AND S. 5085
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-1-1

I want to say that I can't, for the life of me, figure out why it is so difficult to get a vote on the bills that Senator Sanders has just referenced, when, by my count, the President of the United States, the of the House, a large majority of the House of Representatives, and I think a supermajority of this body are all in favor--all in favor--of $2,000 COVID relief payments to working Americans. prgtoken Now, we have had some back-and-forth on the floor today about how we got to the level of $2,000. We all know how we got to that level. The President of the United States said that is the level he supported. The number originates with him. This is the number that he has asked for and the House adopted it and a majority of Senators have said already publicly that they support it. prgtoken And yet we can't seem to even get a vote on it. We can't even seem to have debate on it. prgtoken I mean, with all due respect, this doesn't seem, to me, to be a s versus issue; this seems to be the Senate versus the United States of America and I just don't understand it and I am willing to bet--I am willing to bet that the American people don't understand it either. prgtoken I mean, here we are, in the throes of the worst pandemic in a century, that working people have borne the brunt of, and all that we are asking is that those working people be first in line for relief and that they be given meaningful relief that is only approximately commensurate with the hardships that they and their families have borne. prgtoken Now, I hear a lot of talk about how we can't afford it. I do notice, however, that we seem to be able to afford all kinds of other stuff. We can afford to send lots of money to other governments. We can afford to send all kinds of tax breaks and bailouts to big corporations. We can afford to spend enormous sums of money on pork--hundreds of billions of dollars in that last bill on pork--hundreds of billions. But we can't seem to find the money for relief for working people that the President and the House and the Senate all support, and yet we can't seem to get it onto the floor. prgtoken Let me just share three stories that I have heard just this week alone--this week alone--from my home State, from Missouri. prgtoken Danielle, from St. Louis County, called my office. She said her utilities are about to be shut off. She is desperate for help. She said a $2,000 payment would go a long way to help keep the lights on and her house warm. prgtoken I heard from a mother in Southeast Missouri. That is the bootheel of my State. She wrote that her son had lost pay because of his company's cutting back hours because of COVID and that he himself had contracted the virus and so he had to be home and he was missing work, missing shifts. His family can't make it paycheck to paycheck. Her daughter-in- law is donating plasma in order to help earn some extra grocery money-- donating plasma in
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-1-1

we are going to go on to final passage, and I just want to make one comment that this is a really significant vote, not just because it is the NDAA and many of us contend, as I do, every year that the NDAA is the most significant vote that we have, but this year especially so in light of all the disruptions and problems that we have had. prgtoken Once again, I want to say how great it has been to work and show the American people that and s can work together and get significant legislation passed. I am very proud that we had this bill, and I am proud to have worked with Senator Reed and his staff.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-1-1

the time has come to declare victory and come home from the war in Afghanistan--the longest war in the history of our country. prgtoken Over 4,000 Americans have died fighting in Afghanistan, and over 20,000 have been wounded. It is time to bring our soldiers home. prgtoken After the 9/11 attacks, I supported going into Afghanistan. We were absolutely justified in rooting out the Taliban who harbored al-Qaida. prgtoken Had I been in Congress at that time, I would have voted in favor of going into Afghanistan. prgtoken But the people who attacked us on 9/11 have all been killed or captured. They are long gone. But we are still there. prgtoken Most of the people fighting us in Afghanistan today are the successors or children or the children of their children. prgtoken The cycle shows no sign of ending. The war shows no sign of ending. It is not sustainable to keep fighting in Afghanistan generation after generation. prgtoken Here is some perspective: We have been fighting in Afghanistan for so long that when the 9/11 attacks happened, our youngest soldiers fighting there today weren't even born yet. American fathers who fought in Afghanistan are now watching as their sons fight in Afghanistan. prgtoken We have spent about $1 trillion to establish an Afghan government--a government that is rife with corruption and dysfunction. It is a government that cannot perform much of any government function on its own. So we spend more to do for them what they still cannot do for themselves. prgtoken A trillion dollars and we have hardly progressed from where we started. prgtoken Yet instead of outrage--which is how most Americans feel--the reaction from Congress is, gosh, maybe let's spend a trillion more. prgtoken After World War II, much of Europe was reduced to rubble. It was utterly destroyed. So we rebuilt Europe through the Marshall Plan. prgtoken We have now spent many times more to rebuild Afghanistan than we did under the Marshall Plan. What has that money gotten us? prgtoken We have built infrastructure in Afghanistan and then watched it deteriorate and watched the Afghans be unable to even maintain the infrastructure we built for them, and then they ask us for more money to maintain the structure. So we rebuild the infrastructure we just built for them. prgtoken Meanwhile, our roads and our bridges here at home crumble as we spend millions upon millions to rebuild the infrastructure in Afghanistan. prgtoken I want to walk through some examples of how our money has been used in Afghanistan. prgtoken Several years ago, we reportedly hired a local security consultant to help secure road construction projects, at a cost of $1 million per year. But according to the report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, American officials came to suspect that the money was being funneled to insurgents to stage attacks on our infrastructure, which could be used to justify the security contract. prgtoken S
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 9051
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-1-1

well, I can't remember the last time the Senate convened on New Year's Day. I want to take this opportunity to wish all of my colleagues a happy new year. I want to thank the staff for having to come into work on New Year's Day, and I want to bid good riddance to 2020. prgtoken There can be no question that last year was a horrible year--as they have said in Britain, an ``annus horribilis.'' But as we begin the first year of this new decade, preparing to inaugurate a new President and inoculate the country against this virus, the American people have reason to hope. prgtoken The Senate can start off this new year by adding to that sense of hope by sending $2,000 checks to struggling American families. The Senate can start off 2021 by really helping the American people. We can start off 2021 by sending $2,000 checks to struggling American families to carry them through the darkest and final days of this pandemic. prgtoken The votes today, on this uncommon New Year's Day session, could be the last of the 116th Congress. That means that today is the last chance to take up and pass the House bill to provide $2,000 checks to the American people. If the Senate does not take action today, $2,000 checks will not become law before the end of Congress, and they will know that Leader McConnell and the majority have prevented them from getting the checks, plain and simple. prgtoken This is the last chance--the last chance for a mother in Nashville, $4,000 behind on the rent, whose water was shut off earlier this month. This is the last chance--the last chance for the medical receptionist in Macomb, $2,100 behind on the rent, whose electricity was shut off in September, on her son's third day of virtual kindergarten. The kid can't go to school. This is the last chance for 12 million Americans who have fallen nearly $6,000 behind on rent and utility or the 26 million Americans who have had trouble putting food on the table--the last chance. prgtoken Make no mistake about it, $600 has never been enough for them. This is the last chance to deliver $2,000 before a new Congress is sworn in and the legislative process must start all over again. prgtoken For once, we have progressive , conservative s, the President himself, and not to mention the majority--the vast majority--of the American people singing from the same songbook in support of these checks. We have a bill that has already passed the House. prgtoken All we are asking for is a simple vote in the Senate. I, for one, am confident it would pass if given the chance, and that may be the real reason that Leader McConnell and the s don't want to bring it up. We have had many opportunities this week to vote on the measure. Senator McConnell has blocked every one of them. prgtoken We have offered to vote on whatever unrelated issues the leader says he wants to vote on, so long as we can get a clean vote on the Ho
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-1-1

I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Edwin ``Ed'' Gomes, an exemplary public servant, community leader, and advocate for equality and justice. Sadly, Ed passed away on December 22, 2020, at the age of 84. He will be remembered for his outstanding legacy of dedication to Connecticut as a statesman and an activist. prgtoken Ed began his impressive career on behalf of our country in the U.S. Army, serving for 5 years. A dedicated steelworkers' union representative, he was first elected to the Bridgeport City Council in 1983. Throughout his decades on the council, Ed quickly earned the respect of constituents and colleagues, alike. prgtoken In 2004, Ed was elected to the Connecticut Senate, where he served for a total of 12 years. As State senator, Ed fought tirelessly for the people of Connecticut, always going the extra mile to help his constituents. He knew that government could instill positive change for working families and constantly advocated on their behalf. prgtoken Committed to social reform and civil rights, Ed participated in the March on Washington in 1963. His activism touched countless lives across our State and was an inspiration for all of us. Known for his passionate efforts to help others and strong principles, Ed was also respected across the aisle and warmly recognized for his positive spirit. Those who had the chance to work with him know well his respected, straightforward style and readiness to bolster advocacy by pulling from his personal experiences. prgtoken I had the privilege of attending the annual L'Ambiance memorial ceremony, recognizing those workers who died in a horrific construction accident, with Ed, who unstintingly continued his advocacy for workplace safety. There was always an opportunity to do more and raise greater awareness of issues facing Connecticut's working families. His dedication to fighting injustice was a model across our State, and he never hesitated to initiate change from the frontlines. I can attest firsthand to Ed's unfailing attitude, which was equal parts joy and determination. His commitment to bettering our State and loyalty to his friends and family have left a lasting, positive mark on Connecticut's legacy. prgtoken My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Ed's family during this difficult time. May their many wonderful memories of Ed provide them solace and comfort.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-1-1

let me first begin by commending the chairman for his extraordinary efforts. He led this process, let there be no mistake about it. He rose to the challenges. This is the most challenging NDAA for so many different reasons--because of the pandemic, the need for social distancing in terms of hearings, the whole scope of challenges that have arisen in the past few months--and the chairman has done a remarkable job. prgtoken Let me start by saying that this is essential for our national security. This bill is not optional. If we want to continue to maintain our security for the United States, we have to pass this legislation. It is that simple. prgtoken What does it do? Well, it does things that we have to do every year. One, it provides for the support of our service men and women. I know we are all celebrating New Year's Day here. It is kind of disconcerting to be working when everyone else is partying, but if you feel a little bit put upon, think about the soldiers in forward operating bases in Afghanistan who are facing danger. Think about the ballistic submariners protecting the United States. Think about the airmen who flew the B-52 bombers. Think about them and their families, and I think you will appreciate more what they do every day and what we do once in a while. prgtoken One of the issues that the chairman spoke about is how cyber security is essential. We based our efforts on an insightful report by the Cyber Solarium Commission, headed by Senator Angus King and Congressman Mike Gallagher. prgtoken Every day, we are learning more about the Russian penetration of our whole national security apparatus and civilian companies. Just today, Microsoft announced that they have been deeply penetrated by the Russian intrusion, and I suspect it is very serious. prgtoken This legislation was done, remarkably, before we knew of such an intrusion and responds specifically to this type of cyber breach on the United States. It gives the Department of Homeland Security the authority to audit other agencies in terms of their cyber security and take other steps to hunt for threats. It is just the first step, but if we don't take this step, we will be further behind. prgtoken Now, the other thing I want to point out, too, is echoing what the chairman said about the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. We have identified $2 billion that can be used--and we will focus upon how it is used--to create a new strategy. This is really the first time that we have stepped back and said: Let's set up a strategic posture that recognizes the true threats that China is now presenting to us in the Pacific. This is the first time we have done this. prgtoken What it does is it builds on our close relationships with key allies--Australia, Japan, South Korea. It does that by a series of steps--first, through command post exercises where we test our communications; second, real exercises. With these steps, we are building to a p
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--H.R. 9051 AND S. 5085
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-1-1

. I would like to ask a question of the Senator from Vermont through the Chair. prgtoken I have listened to the analysis of the bill, which you and Senator Schumer are asking for a vote on. It is a bill which passed the House and would give $2,000, basically, in allotments or payments to families across America, with certain income restrictions. prgtoken And I have heard from the other side of the aisle, repeatedly, that this is socialism for the rich, that this is fundamentally unfair, and that we should do things in a targeted way. That is the argument that is made over and over again. prgtoken And reference has been made repeatedly to the COVID-19 bill that passed last week with 92 votes, including many of the s-- virtually all of them. Not all of them but virtually all of them. prgtoken And so that bill, if I remember correctly, had a $600 payment included in the bill, and I asked my staff: Would you please analyze the formula for distributing the $600 and compare to it the formula for the $2,000, which is part of our bill. prgtoken And lo and behold, they discovered it is the same formula. So if there is some fundamental, moral injustice in the distribution of these funds, then I am afraid all but six of the s are guilty of the same immorality because they all voted for that formula last week when it was $600 and now are scandalized by the notion that the same formula they voted for would be used for a $2,000 payment. prgtoken I am sure I have missed something in the translation here. I would like to ask the Senator from Vermont to explain this faux outrage from the side of the aisle.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-1-1

I voted against the motions to proceed and invoke cloture on overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 because, at this time of national crisis, the Senate's first order of business should be getting more relief to struggling American families. That means the Senate should have held a clean up-or-down vote on the House-passed measure to increase the amount of the individual stimulus payments from $600 to $2,000. The Senate could have easily passed both the additional payments and completed the business of the NDAA veto override this week had Senator McConnell and the GOP majority been willing to do so. Given the President's purported support of this relief, it could have been signed into law this week. But instead of delivering this additional help to struggling American families, the majority repeatedly blocked requests to pass the additional relief by unanimous consent and refused to schedule an up-or-down vote. prgtoken That said, I support the underlying National Defense Authorization Act. The President's veto of this legislation put at risk a number of important measures, including a pay raise for our troops; critical investments for Maryland's military installations; a process to rename those military facilities that bear the names of individuals who fought with the Confederacy to preserve slavery; limits on the transfer of military equipment to local police forces; and support for key national security priorities. While the NDAA bill is not perfect and includes a number of provisions I oppose, on balance it is an important measure for our country. That is why I voted for it in the first place and why I voted in favor of overriding the President's veto.
WELCOMING CONGRESSWOMAN NANCY MACE
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-1-4

. Madam , an article today by Caitlyn Byrd titled, `` Nancy Mace to be sworn in as South Carolina's newest member of Congress'' in The State newspaper of Columbia reports that: ``[Nancy Mace will be] South Carolina's newest member of Congress and the state's only female representative in Washington.'' (She is one of the 15 Congressional seats flipped in 2020 from to ). ``Mace, 43, joins a record-breaking number of women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Mace, a Daniel Island , will be one of 18 freshman GOP women in the 117th Congress. ``Mace's two children, Elli and Miles, were expected to watch their mom become a congresswoman . . .'' prgtoken As a native of Charleston myself, I am grateful for the success of Congresswoman Mace. I also appreciate my mother, Wray Wilson, who campaigned in Charleston for President Eisenhower in 1952 before there were any elected s in South Carolina, at any level. With the landslide, now there are the largest majorities in the state with more elected s in 140 years. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 117TH CONGRESS
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-1-4

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts, my very good friend, Chairman McGovern, for yielding me the customary 30 minutes; and such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , we are here today to address the majority's proposed changes in the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 117th Congress. prgtoken These changes are some of the harshest and most cynical that I have experienced during my time in Congress. ic leadership is suppressing minority rights and paving the way for the Green New Deal by intentionally removing budgetary checks that have been in place for over a decade. prgtoken The most egregious of these changes is the complete gutting of the motion to recommit. The motion to recommit, or the MTR, is the minority's right to propose a final amendment before moving passage. This is a right that has been guaranteed to the minority for well over a century. prgtoken With today's changes, the majority is seeking to silence views they are afraid of with no regard for this institution or the American people's trust in our constitutional responsibility to govern and govern well. They are taking away the ability to debate a motion to recommit and the ability to offer a motion to recommit with instructions. This completely guts the minority's ability to offer a last amendment on the floor prior to passage of legislation. prgtoken I would remind my colleagues that during the many years s were in the majority, we never even thought to deny the minority this motion. And the only reason are doing so today is out of embarrassment. They are embarrassed that the prgtoken s were able to pass eight motions to recommit in the 116th Congress. But rather than acknowledging that s sometimes have good policy ideas that should be incorporated into legislation, the majority is instead seeking to completely cut off this key right, and that, Madam , is simply reprehensible. prgtoken Madam , the motion to recommit has been around since the beginning of the House as an institution, and it has been in its present form since 1909. In fact, in 1919, Representative Abraham Garrett of Tennessee, noted that ``the motion to recommit is regarded as so sacred it is one of the few rules protected against the Committee on Rules by the general rules of the House.'' prgtoken And when Pelosi was herself in the minority, she equated the motion to recommit with the right of free speech enshrined in our Constitution. How this majority can now decide that a procedure that is so important it is on par with the guarantee of free speech must be eliminated is beyond my understanding. prgtoken Madam , it is simply shocking that are so afraid of ideas that they feel the need to rig the system against us. They don't want the House to work its will. They only want the 's will. And we all know why that is. It is because the majority cannot effectively d