mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REINTRODUCTION OF H.R. 8768, THE ``KEEPING AMERICA'S ENERGY RESOURCES MOVING ACT''
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today, with my fellow Texan, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, to bring attention to my bill, H.R. 8768, the ``Keeping America's Energy Resources Moving Act,'' a bill that would solve a thorny issue that has arisen in the U.S. lightering industry, and which affects our nation's energy independence and our national security. A bipartisan group of House members have worked with the House Judiciary Committee, the State Department, and Customs and Border Protection to raise awareness of this critical problem and to identify a solution acceptable to the House, executive agencies, and industry groups. I am grateful for the considerable work put in by my congressional colleagues, the House Judiciary Staff, and affected industry groups to craft this legislative fix, and I hope that the House will act soon to make it law. prgtoken For those who do not know, lightering is the use of ``lighter'' vessel to load and off load crude oil and natural gas from very large tanker ships whose draft is too deep to access U.S. port facilities. Lightering vessels and the seafarers who work onboard these vessels are key to supporting and maintaining our domestic energy exports and ensuring imports of needed crude oil as feedstock for our domestic refiners along the Gulf Coast, in Southern California, and in Delaware. That is why the industry is vital to the transport of crude oil and natural gas both in and out of our domestic ports, the lifeblood of the American energy and petrochemical industries. This industry quietly forms the connective tissue that has enabled American energy to power the world. Without the ability to ensure that lightering can take place, there could be crude oil shortages for U.S. refineries resulting in the lack of production of gasoline for our cars, jet fuel for our planes, and heating oil to heat U.S. homes in the winter. It is just that simple. prgtoken The problem in question stems from the disconnect between the visas that seafarers rely upon and the necessities of the employment contracts of lightering crews. These seafarers must transit through a U.S. port of entry and remain on board their vessels operating in and out of U.S. waters for up to 180 days in order to perform their tasks as part of a lightering vessel crew, but, under current law, they can only remain for 29 days without being granted parole by Customs and Border Protection--a cumbersome administrative process allowed under U.S. law but one we should not have to rely upon. A fix is needed to replace this band-aid approach. By providing statutory authorization for liquid lightering crewmembers to transit the United States for up to 180 days, this bill will streamline a cumbersome multi-agency process and ensure that the domestic energy production and refining capacity that underlines our economy and national security can continue. For this reason, and this reason alone, we introduced legislation to solve this problem and
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-18

to my colleague from Vermont, my understanding is that in a room somewhere near here right now, those negotiations are ongoing, and there certainly better be unemployment insurance. That was in our bipartisan framework that I worked with the Presiding Officer on. And there certainly better be not just an extension of the existing Federal assistance for self-employed workers and prgtoken gig economy workers and for those who are now benefiting from the Federal extension, the 13-week extension, but also additional funding. My understanding is direct payments are also in the mix. prgtoken I just wish they would get their work done. It has been 9 months since the CARES Act was done. I just hope we can figure out a way to get through the hurdles that remain. I have spent much of the day--as have my colleagues, I am sure--talking to colleagues, trying to figure out how to fix the last couple of issues that apparently are out there. But my hope is that even if it is not a perfect bill for me--and it won't be. I know it won't be. We spent 3 or 4 weeks working on legislation that is bipartisan that isn't what any of us would have crafted individually, but it provides that needed help right now. We need it both for the economic crisis that has been caused by this virus but also the healthcare crisis, which, unfortunately, is getting worse in my home State of Ohio and not better. prgtoken The vaccine is on its way. That is very exciting. I believe that the vaccine development and now the distribution are actually quite impressive. I think the administration deserves credit for that, as do so many hard-working scientists who have been sleeping in their offices, making sure that we have this vaccine available. But there is going to be a bridge here. There is a time period between now and March and April when it is not going to be readily available to everybody we represent. During that time period, we need a bridge. We have needed it for a while, so my hope is we will get that done tonight.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-12-18

I want to make an observation here because I have been serving for quite some time in the U.S. Senate, and a lot of the things that are said on the Senate floor are not really all that significant, and yet the Members who are delivering messages believe they are or they wouldn't be doing it. This is what it is all about. This is a deliberative body. Some things are maybe not all that significant, but what I am about to say is significant, so I would like to have the attention of anyone who wants to know that in the midst of all of the problems that we are facing now, some good things are happening. prgtoken I want to mention something that is significant that I don't think you have thought of, I say to the Presiding Officer; that is, tomorrow is the 354th day of the year, and that is very significant. That is December 19. People have not stopped to realize the significant things that have happened on December 19 throughout our history and the history of the world, going all the way back to December 19 of the year 1154. That is when Henry II became King of England. We haven't really thought about what that means to us today, but we will before long. prgtoken In 1843, December 19, Charles Dickens wrote ``A Christmas Carol.'' That is the most watched, listened to, and sung event every Christmas. And it has been for all that time. prgtoken In 1932, December 19, the British Broadcasting Corporation--that is the BBC; we are all familiar with that--but that is when it started. On December 19, they began transmitting overseas. That was the beginning of a whole new world of knowledge and understanding. prgtoken In 1950, December 19, NATO named General Dwight D. Eisenhower as supreme commander of the Western European defense forces. prgtoken Then, in 1972, December 19, Apollo 17, the last of the Apollo moon landings, returned to Earth prgtoken Then, in 1984, December 19--I remember this well because I was in Hong Kong when this happened--that was when China signed an accord returning Hong Kong to the Chinese sovereignty. A lot of people thought it was a good idea at the time to accept the people from Hong Kong. I was there, and look what has happened now after all these years. I would have to say that created a hysteria that has continued to this day. prgtoken Then, in 1998, December 19, U.S. President Bill Clinton was impeached. I was there for that one too. That was December 19, 1998. prgtoken The event that is more significant by a landslide is what happened on December 19 of 1959. On December 19, 1959, my wife Kay and I got married. That makes tomorrow our 61st wedding anniversary. Just look at all of the beauty that has followed us--20 kids and grandkids, all of that in a 61-year period of time. prgtoken What I want to say is the beautiful life that we are still having together--and, Kay, I love you more now than I did 61 years ago. prgtoken I say to the Senate leadership that you better get this last vot
KAZAKHSTAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , as a co-chair of the U.S. Kazakhstan Caucus, I rise today to acknowledge Republic of Kazakhstan's Independence Day, which they celebrated on December 16. It's hard to believe that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. While Kazakhstan still has considerable work to do, especially with respect to human rights and the rule of law, I applaud Kazakhstan for its commitment to democracy and for continuing to take the necessary steps toward a more democratic and free society for all. prgtoken Democracy requires constant work and vigilance, and in Kazakhstan, President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who assumed office in 2019, has continued to focus on internal reforms which initially began under former President Nazarbayev. These reforms have focused on a variety of different areas including increasing the openness of government and the government's responsiveness to the concerns of ordinary Kazakh citizens. In that vein, Kazakhstan will hold parliamentary elections on January 10, after recently made parliamentary reforms, such as ensuring certain minority party rights within parliament. prgtoken As Kazakhstan prepares to turn thirty years old, it is important to reaffirm the United States' commitment to Kazakhstan and to the bilateral relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan remains an important ally and partner in Central Asia and U.S. companies continue to be the largest source of direct foreign investment there. Kazakhstan, a strong partner in Afghanistan, entered into an Enhanced Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century with the United States in 2018, where the U.S. and Kazakhstan agreed to heightened cooperation on political and security issues, Afghanistan and other defense initiatives, terrorism, extremism, rule of law, and human rights. prgtoken Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health and economic crisis this year, Kazakhstan has been a leader and valuable partner with the United States. President Tokayev, has shown leadership in global health while working directly with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which maintains a Central Asian office in Kazakhstan. prgtoken Madam , I applaud Kazakhstan's leadership, its progress, and its commitments to further political reforms that will secure its leadership role in the international community. I am watching with interest as Kazakhstan continues to strive to meet its international commitments to freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. I look forward to continuing to support Kazakhstan in its embrace of democratic standards. I wish the people of Kazakhstan a happy Independence Day and look forward to celebrating the Republic's 30th anniversary next year.
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-18

our bipartisan discussions are continuing to make significant headway toward another relief package for the American people. The ic leader, Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, and I have been working around the clock for several days now. The talks remain productive. In fact, I am even more optimistic now than I was last night that a bipartisan, bicameral framework for a major rescue package is very close at hand. prgtoken Well, let's face it, though, it doesn't help struggling Americans keep their jobs or endure unemployment or pay their rent or get vaccines any faster to keep hearing that we are having good discussions. What families across the country deserve--what they have needed and deserved for months now--is an outcome, another targeted relief package to get more assistance into their hands as fast as possible. prgtoken Struggling small business owners have already waited too long for a targeted second round of PPP. Laid-off workers have already waited too long to have expiring programs extended. Kids, teachers, and families have already waited too long for funding to help schools reopen safely. We have already waited too long to fully fund vaccine distributions so our scientists' historic sprint toward a safe and effective vaccine is followed up by an equally important logistical effort. prgtoken This has been an unbelievably hard year for our country. We have seen normal daily life grind to a halt and take a record-setting economy right down with it. And even as we have watched doctors, nurses, and researchers make lifesaving history, we have lost more than 300,000 Americans entirely too soon. prgtoken Like I have said, the Senate will be right here until an agreement is passed, whenever that may be. We will just continue voting. There are some more well-qualified nominees for important posts that we can confirm in the meantime. So let's finish our business for the American people
IN HONOR OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MAYNARD H. GRAY
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Maynard H. Gray of the Pennsylvania State Police on his upcoming retirement on January 8, 2021. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Gray joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1984. After graduating from the academy, his first assignment was based in Lykens, Pennsylvania. During his career, he also has served in Philipsburg, McConnellsburg, Philadelphia, Clearfield, burg, and Hollidaysburg. In Hollidaysburg, he served as the troop commander of Troop G. Additionally, he also has served in the Systems and Process Review Division in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards and on the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. prgtoken He had served as a corporal, a sergeant, a lieutenant, a captain, and a major before being promoted to a lieutenant colonel and the Deputy Commissioner of Staff in February of 2020. He also graduated from the 231st Session of the FBI National Academy in 2007. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Gray and his wife Susan have six children, and three of them followed in his footsteps to join the Pennsylvania State Police. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Lieutenant Colonel Gray for his service to our Commonwealth, and I wish the Gray family every continued success.
TRIBUTE TO CHUCK SASSARA
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to a long-time friend and a great Alaskan, Chuck Sassara, who died this Fall at the age of 89, just weeks before turning 90, after living an incredible life. Chuck was born in Detroit, Michigan on Oct 19, 1930, and we lost a great friend and Alaskan spirit on September 25, 2020. Chuck was an Aviator, Husband, Father, Grandfather, State Legislator, Sailor, Advocate, Author, Businessman, Athlete, Storyteller and, an amazing Character. He is known and loved by thousands around the globe and died on a Friday afternoon while refueling his Toyota van, preparing to go . . . somewhere. prgtoken Chuck loved life. He was always headed to the next adventure--whether that was driving the Alcan Highway almost 50 times, ferrying aircraft across the continent, driving across North Africa with his young family at the end of the Algerian war, or sailing across the Atlantic. He believed in the best of human nature and was never cynical about the future. He was unafraid to try new things, but he didn't always succeed. Lately, it was his repeated failures to master his ``smart phone'' with 89-year-old fingers. prgtoken Born to Charles Sr. (Pappy) and Kathleen Agnes (Nana) he, along with brother Richard (Dick) Sassara, grew up between Miami, the Panama Canal Zone, and Los Angeles. Meeting his true love Ann at University HS in Los Angeles, the couple married while Chuck attended UCLA. Upon graduation they had a discussion; go back to Panama or see Alaska? In the spring of 1955, they drove north in a VW bus to build a life and help bring a new state into being. In the early 60's Chuck ran for the State House and quickly became the Majority Leader and Finance Chair. In these roles he championed such important work as the 1964 Equal Rights Amendment, Women's Rights, and the creation of University of Alaska Anchorage. His peers in the Legislature included Nick Begich, Willie Hensley, Ted Stevens and me. The group of us were often competitors, often allies, and after session ``happy-hour'' compatriots, bound together by circumstance, a common purpose and shared values. We were great friends and had great respect for one another, whether we agreed or disagreed on the politics of the day. We need more of that spirit of bipartisan friendship, not less. prgtoken As an aviator Chuck flew commercial, multi engine aircraft and was an IFR rated pilot that flew 161 different types of aircraft, logging over 25,000 hours in planes as small as the Breezy to as large as the four engine Lockheed Constellation. As a sailor he crossed the Atlantic, made passages from Miami to Los Angeles, sailed solo from Seattle to Whittier Alaska, and made several dozen trips to the Bahamas and beyond, finishing with an offshore passage from Florida to the Carolina Outer Banks with son Charlie, nephew Rick and friend Michel Bourquin in 2017. As a writer, his memoir ``Propellers, Politics and People: Chuck Sassara's Alaska'' is a t
MOROVIS NATIONAL CEMETERY DEDICATION CEREMONY
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , democracies like ours are heavily supported by military service undertaken by their citizens. In the United States, soldiers rally under the flag to risk life and limb to defend our liberty and the ideals that define our country. The responsibility the U.S. Congress assumes to send them to war cannot be taken lightly, particularly when their service also weighs heavily upon their family and community. A weight that is disproportionally heavy upon the shoulders of the Puerto Ricans who have valiantly and honorably stepped forward to serve in harm's way without enjoying full representation in the U.S. Congress. prgtoken Upon separation from the Armed Forces, Congress honors the military service of its men and women by approving legislation that authorizes a wide variety of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs. Of all these benefits, one that due to its solemn nature faithfully demonstrate the eternal gratitude of this nation towards its citizen soldiers is the interment of their remains in national cemeteries. For those citizen soldiers that give the ultimate sacrifice while in service and for prgtoken those who after returning to civilian life succumb to sickness or age, the federal government has provided an extensive net of national cemeteries where they are laid to rest with honor and allow us to fulfill the solemn oath that their service to the nation will never be forgotten. prgtoken In fulfillment of that oath, today I have the honor to recognize the dedication of the Morovis VA National Cemetery, located within the boundaries of the Municipality of Morovis in my beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Strategically located in the northern side of the island and surrounded by an inspiring and peaceful tropical landscape, it will provide the perfect setting to honor our fallen soldiers while providing a protective sanctuary where their families and friends can remember their lives and mourn their passing. prgtoken In the coming years, as the warm and moist earth of Morovis, Puerto Rico slowly embraces the remains of the valiant citizen soldiers who sailed to the far-flung battlefields of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, and many other locations; and for those that will follow on their steps in the defense of liberty, let's not forget that the quest to achieve full rights and equality within the American democracy is seeded with their blood, sweat and tears. Their sacrifice compels us to continuously strive to demolish any barriers that impede the enjoyment of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness for all the citizens of our great nation.
ROCKBRIDGE CHRISTMAS BASKETS
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program. prgtoken Originally founded as the Santa Clause Truck, the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program has been a blessing to the Shenandoah Valley since 1948. prgtoken This tremendous, all-volunteer organization assembles and delivers thousands of food and toy care packages to struggling families each year. prgtoken While the coronavirus may have put a damper on the holiday season for some, it was no match for the generosity and spirit of the folks at the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program. Moving their packing day to a larger facility and spreading it out over packing week to ensure the health of those involved, the organization will donate a record 68,000 pounds of food and 1,300 toys to families throughout Lexington, Rockbridge, and Buena Vista this year. prgtoken Having worked side by side with this incredible group many times, along with my family, I can tell you it is the overwhelming community effort that makes it such a success--plus the doughnut holes they serve. prgtoken Folks coming together from all walks of life to help their neighbors in need truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season, and I thank the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program for their continued efforts to bring cheer to so many in our area.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CARL WILKERSON
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Carl Wilkerson, a dear friend and inspiration to many throughout North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. prgtoken Mr. Wilkerson was born on March 7, 1935 to the late Willie Wilkerson and Anna Irene White Wilkerson. A native of Rowan County, he served over 32 years as the custodian at China Grove Elementary School. prgtoken Mr. Wilkerson made a profound difference in this community. We often highlight educators and their influence on the lives of children. Carl Wilkerson made an impact on the lives of all the children educated at China Grove Elementary School. prgtoken Former students and educators alike remember that Carl always had a kind word for everyone, encouraged students and made each one feel special. He is the perfect example of a person who quietly but surely makes a community great. prgtoken Mr. Wilkerson passed away on November 22, 2020 and left behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. Mr. Wilkerson will live on in the hearts and minds of all who felt his kindness and I join the entire community in honoring his quiet, but extraordinary life. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Carl Wilkerson.