mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--CONFERENCE REPORT--Continued
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-12-10

I see that my colleague and classmate is here on the floor. I got to hear his speech earlier today, and it was one of the best speeches that he has given and the best instruction that all of us should listen to. prgtoken He has far more experience than just the time that he was a classmate with me, because he served in the House as well. He is Mr. Agriculture and has solved a lot of problems in those areas, and it has been a pleasure to be here with him. And I leave with him. He has done an outstanding job. prgtoken We also like some of the same literature. The Budget prgtoken , it has been an honor to serve as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee for the past 6 years. There is no question that these have been challenging times. They have culminated in the current pandemic that we continue to confront. Throughout all of these challenges, I am proud to say that the committee has played a key role in working to address the fiscal challenges facing our Nation. We put in place policies that helped grow our economy and improve the congressional budget process. prgtoken Now I need to make a clarification for anybody who might be listening. The Budget Committee is not the spending committee. That is the Appropriations Committee. The Budget Committee does a roadmap that is supposed to provide some discipline for the people doing the spending. That is where we need to do a lot more work. prgtoken I want to start off by telling you a little budget story. My youngest daughter and her family are strict budgeters. They follow Dave Ramsey's principles, and the whole family participates in monthly allocation of their resources. It has made a huge difference in their ability to pay off things and to enjoy life. prgtoken A year ago, my older daughter picked up my granddaughters from their after-school activities and said: How would you like to go to McDonald's for dinner? Of course, they were thrilled. prgtoken My daughter said: Well, maybe we ought to call your parents and see if they would like it too. prgtoken At this point the older daughter, who I think was 11 at the time, said: Who is paying? prgtoken And she said: I am. prgtoken She said: Oh, OK, because we have already used our eating-out budget. prgtoken That is family participation in budgeting. prgtoken As a result, I also have the youngest granddaughter, who saved up for an Apple watch. Do you know how much restraint of spending that is so you can reach the goal that you want and buy what you really need? That is good budgeting. prgtoken We can do good budgeting, but we have to have good appropriations to follow it up too. prgtoken The committee has had some real successes over the past 6 years. prgtoken We passed four budgets, including the first balanced 10-year blueprint approved by Congress since 2001. prgtoken We also played a key role in helping pass the most sweeping update of our Nation's tax system in mo
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARLEY ROUDA
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-12-10

I rise today to recognize and honor my dear friend and colleague, Representative Harley Rouda, on the occasion of his 59th birthday today. prgtoken Congressman Rouda is as passionate as he is principled, and a reliable voice of reason during very unreasonable times. In celebrating him today, I am reminded of the words of Teddy Roosevelt, who wrote: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who was actually in the arena, who actually strives to do the deeds, and spends himself in a worthy cause. prgtoken , just like the former President, I know that Harley's place will always be in the arena and never on the sidelines. prgtoken Annalise joins my family and yours--Kaira, Trace, Avery, Shea, and Dylan--in wishing Harley a happy and healthy birthday and a whole lot of love.
COVID RELIEF
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-10

I rise today to demand that my colleagues put aside partisan politics and provide relief to the millions of Americans whose lives have been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Our country is facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, yet the Federal Government has failed to aid the families struggling to keep food on the table, the small businesses shutting their doors and laying off employees during the holiday season, and State and local governments trying to keep communities afloat. prgtoken It has been 9 long months since we passed meaningful legislation to support our fellow Americans. This is a dangerously long time, and the pandemic has only gotten worse. prgtoken It is our responsibility to meet the scale and scope of this pandemic and get people the help they have been desperately waiting for. We must work together and finally pass a relief bill immediately. Families cannot afford to wait another day.
REMEMBERING ANNABELLE BEAUCHAMP
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-12-10

. Madam , I arise today to honor the short life of Annabelle Kristine Beauchamp of Bellevue, Kentucky. prgtoken Annabelle was only three years of age when she left us on December 2, 2020. But in that short time on earth, she inspired a multitude of people with her great inner strength, determination, and fearless zest for life. She bedazzled the world as to how anyone so frail could be so powerful. prgtoken Born with Downs Syndrome and a badly damaged heart she endured against all odds. Annabelle fought her way through numerous surgeries, and frequent and prolonged stays in the hospital. In the end, it still took a monstrous and murderous worldwide pandemic to vanquish her. With her death-grappling struggle she easily won all of us to her side. As Virgil wrote, ``those things doomed to die, touch the heart.'' prgtoken Against the torrent of hardships which beset her from the very beginning, sweet Annabelle gallantly soldiered on through it all. With her captivating smile and determination, she breathed life into the state's ethos of unbridled spirit. prgtoken Though faced with many obstacles at birth, Annabelle was richly blessed with two incredibly brave and loving parents--Will and Jessi Beauchamp. They proved to be a match in love and devotion with little Annabelle's undaunted courage. prgtoken Anyone blessed to have known Annabelle during her short life knows that she did not intend to leave us so soon. She intended to live, to grow, to thrive and to bless us all for a long time to come. She intended to stay and bless us, no matter what it took. But, tragically, death conquers the earthly vessel in which we live, even if possessed of the vigor and zest as our little heroine. Annabelle left behind a little bit of herself wherever she went. No amount of physical impediments nor human restraints can be retentive to the strength of spirit. She left us with the eternal gift of that spirit. Even now, though freshly gone, she whispers to us in her own unique and endearing voice. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not dead, I did not die. I am the stars that shine at night, I am the sun in morning's light. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I do not sleep, I did not die.
LONG BRIDGE ACT OF 2020
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-12-10

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Today I rise in support of the Long Bridge Act of 2020, which I proudly colead with my colleague from Virginia, Congressman Rob Wittman. prgtoken The existing Long Bridge is the only rail bridge connecting Virginia to Washington, D.C and it is the main rail connection between the southeast and northeast for both passenger and freight rail. prgtoken The Long Bridge is old and rusty and ugly and a treasured part of our landscape. It was authorized by Congress in 1808 and signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson. It cost $200,000 to build initially. prgtoken Now, during peak hours, the two-track bridge is at almost 98 percent capacity, which makes it a significant chokepoint along the East Coast from Washington, D.C all the way to Florida. prgtoken That is why the Long Bridge Project is so crucial. It would double the capacity of the Potomac River rail crossing by adding a second two- track bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. prgtoken , I cannot stress how impactful the new Long Bridge Project will be, projecting an annual $6 billion in benefits to the region by 2040. prgtoken However, the land where construction will take place on both sides of the Potomac River is controlled by the National Park Service, and it is currently prgtoken prohibited by law to transfer land to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia for the purposes of railroad construction. prgtoken That is where our bill comes in. prgtoken The Long Bridge Act of 2020 is a simple fix to allow the National Park Service to transfer control of this land for the purpose of the Long Bridge rail project. prgtoken So I wholeheartedly support this bill. This will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia to move forward with this vital construction. prgtoken s from Virginia, D.C and Maryland on both sides of the aisle for supporting this bill. And I thank, again, my colleague, Rob Wittman, for his efforts on behalf of the Long Bridge Act of 2020.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER GERALD DAUGHERTY
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-12-10

. Madam , today I express appreciation not only for myself but on behalf of so many of our neighbors for the valued service of Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who is retiring after serving Precinct 3 honorably for 14 years. prgtoken Long before Commissioner Daugherty became an elected official, from the Pleasant Valley Sportsplex to Jack Allen's Kitchen, he made significant contributions to our entertainment and our waistlines as a business leader. We don't always agree. After all, Commissioner Daugherty is a , but I salute him for his integrity and true commitment to public service. And he did get off to a good start long ago giving up the Boston Red Sox to become a fellow Longhorn. Especially during these divisive political times, when we need more bridges, not walls, public servants such as Commissioner Daugherty deserve our gratitude for attempting to bridge the political divide by seeking bipartisan solutions. prgtoken Commissioner Daugherty's thoughtful and respectful demeanor, with an eye to detail, benefitted the Travis County Commissioner's Court and Travis County taxpayers. He is respected as an advocate for our veterans and an active supporter of the Travis County Veterans Service office in its commitment to military veterans. service-members, and their families. Importantly, this year he early recognized the threat of this COVID-19 pandemic and offered strong leadership in protecting lives and livelihoods. prgtoken Many of us remember his last campaign in 2016 or at least we remember his wife, Charlyn. His ad, which went viral internationally, employed a humorous touch featuring Charlyn and friends listening to him endlessly talking about the obscure details of county policies, with Charlyn wondering what she would do with him were he not reelected and devoting himself to the County. At a time when negativity filled the airwaves. his message was a breath of much needed levity as well as depth. I trust that in addition to time with his great family, Commissioner Daugherty will find a hobby in his retirement, but I also know that he will remain engaged in the affairs of our community. prgtoken Commissioner Daugherty leaves office with the esteem of colleagues and departments with whom he worked. I thank him for his service to our community and I wish him well in all his future endeavors.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-12-10

the Senate will soon vote on the conference report for the annual defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA. Like all conference reports, this is a product of negotiations between the Senate and the House of Representatives. prgtoken Producing a conference report takes dedicated negotiators who are willing to make tough compromises. I commend them for their work, and I particularly want to thank my friend, Senator Jack Reed, who has shown strong leadership as the ranking on the Senate Armed Services Committee. prgtoken I hope these negotiations will be a good omen for how Congress will work under the incoming administration. prgtoken But supporting the process that produced this conference report is very different from supporting the report on its merits. prgtoken I have voted against the Senate version of this defense bill twice now, once during the rollcall vote in July and then during a voice vote last month. House negotiators have managed to improve the bill since then, but not so significantly that I am able to support it now. prgtoken I want to be clear that I support plenty of provisions in this NDAA. I even wrote or negotiated some of the language to improve the bill. prgtoken The bill includes anti-money laundering provisions, which I strongly support. I have twice introduced bipartisan legislation to end the abuse of anonymous shell companies, and I am happy to see the NDAA expand upon my efforts. prgtoken The conference report will also set in motion a 3-year process to remove Confederate names from military assets. I would have preferred a shorter timeline, but I am glad that Congress will be taking this overdue step to ensure that military bases do not honor traitors who fought to defend the horrific institution of slavery. prgtoken And the conference report also includes my amendments to push the Pentagon toward encrypting its computers and to require the Army to provide a plan to finish cleaning up the former Umatilla Army Depot within 3 years. prgtoken But I cannot in good conscience authorize $740 billion in military spending--including roughly $70 billion to continue the forever wars-- while Senate s are offering mere crumbs to help folks stay safe from a raging pandemic and help small businesses stay afloat during this unprecedented time. prgtoken I said previously that I could not vote for a defense bill with Federal agents actively occupying Portland and treating peaceful protestors like foreign enemies. may have removed much of his occupying force but this bill does nothing to prevent him or any future president from ordering similar abuses. prgtoken And I have serious concerns about a provision that will permit the Secretary of the Treasury or the Attorney General to issue subpoenas, with indefinite gag orders, to foreign banks that maintain a correspondent account in the United States. prgtoken There may be so
HONORING IOWA'S ELECTION POLL WORKERS AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-12-10

. Madam , I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing each and every one of the volunteer poll workers who helped with this general election as our Iowans of the Week. prgtoken Iowans have long prided ourselves on how we engage the democratic process. For us, that means a lot more than simply casting a ballot every so often: it means really getting to know candidates and elected officials, attending town halls to ask questions and voice opinions, keeping up with the news, encouraging our friends and neighbors to get involved, and consistently turning out to vote. To boil it down, Iowans believe participation is key when it comes to government and politics. prgtoken As positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Iowa, state and county election officials had to find a way for Americans to cast their ballots safely, reliably, and on time. I'm proud to say they did so successfully, and that feat required more than 10,000 everyday citizens to step up and participate as volunteer poll workers throughout early voting and on Election Day. prgtoken These volunteers took time away from work, school, and home during the week and on weekends to give back to their communities. While they came to the table with their own political beliefs and values, they all worked together in a nonpartisan way to make the day run smoothly. As the risks of COVID-19 kept many older volunteers at home this year, Iowa saw more high school students and young adults sign up to fill the gaps. For weeks prior to November 3rd, individual county election offices planned and held dozens of trainings for volunteers to learn the ropes of being a precinct election official. On Election Day these volunteers staffed more than 1,600 precinct voting locations across the state, many working fifteen-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to make sure every Iowan who wanted to could cast a ballot. prgtoken While working early voting sites and election day locations, they wore personal protective equipment like masks, face shields, and gloves and continually wiped down voting machines and frequently touched surfaces to ensure their neighbors could participate with minimal risk. They made sure Iowans visiting the polls had masks and hand sanitizer, knew where to go and what to do once they got there, and made sure the environment was safe and welcoming for all. prgtoken Elections that are free, fair, safe, and secure are the foundation of our nation's democracy. Maintaining that standard requires consistency, careful planning, and ongoing collaboration each cycle. I would be remiss if I did not thank election officials at the state and county levels for their tireless work to make the 2020 general election run smoothly across our state. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by these individuals is staggering. I also want to commend everyone who made their voices heard by casting a ballot this fall; thei
PASS ANOTHER ROUND OF HELP
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-12-10

. Madam , it has been more than 250 days since we passed the CARES Act, and it is past time that we pass a second round. prgtoken When this pandemic hit, despite being in one of the most partisan times in our Nation's history, we came together in Congress to pass badly needed help for the American people: PPP loans for small businesses; State and local funding to help with contact tracing, testing, and grants to those in need. prgtoken We passed an eviction moratorium so people could stay in their homes and nutrition aid for the millions of families who suddenly are experiencing food insecurity. prgtoken Now that we have good news about vaccines, now that we have hope for the future, we have to pass another round of help so businesses can make it through the winter, children can have access to food, families can stay in their homes, and kids can get back to school. prgtoken There is a bipartisan deal that the Senate and House Members are on board with, a deal that would provide relief to millions. prgtoken Let's once again show the American people that we are there for them when it counts.
RECOGNIZING POET LAUREATE ROSA MARIA CEBALLOS DE LLANO
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-12-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor Rosa Maria Ceballos de Llano on being named the City of Laredo's 2020-2022 Poet Laureate. prgtoken Rosa was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to parents Manuel Ceballos and Evangelina prgtoken Ramirez de Ceballos. She attended Colegio America Elementary School in Nuevo Laredo before attending St. Augustine High School in Laredo, TX, where she was class valedictorian. She would soon earn an Associate of Arts Degree from Laredo Junior College and then a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and History from Texas A&I University-Kingsville. Years later, she would continue her studies at Laredo State University where she earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education and Spanish. prgtoken In 1969, Rosa joined the Laredo Independent School District, where she taught for 39 years. Over the course of her time at Laredo ISD, she was known as an outstanding teacher and an inspiring person. She was an individual who dedicated her time to ensuring that her students gained an enriching education while always pushing them to challenge themselves with new experiences. For example, she sponsored study abroad trips to Spain, hosted oral Spanish poetry and prose contests, and created a Mother's Day program of original poetry and prose compositions. She would also have her students present their poetry to dignitaries honored at the annual LULAC Senor Internacional. In addition to her work at Laredo ISD, she also served as an Adjunct Spanish Professor at Texas A&M International University for several years. She was also a Hispanic Studies PhD Candidate at Texas A&M University-College Station, where she passed all oral and written exams. prgtoken Rosa is also a renowned artist, Her poetry has given a strong and distinct voice to those in the border community. She understands the unique experience of Laredoans and brings that familiarity to a larger audience. I appreciate her work and the guidance she has given to countless students. Her work in the field of education is both moving and a reminder of how many lives can be touched by just one individual. prgtoken For her work, she has received numerous awards, including: Laredo Morning Times Woman of the Month, Cigarroa High School Teacher of the Year and the Raices Award, Webb County Heritage Foundation Traditions and Folklore Award, El Manana Literary Award, National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, Laredo's Golden Apple Award, Laredo Chamber of Commerce Bell Award, University of Texas Excellence in Teaching Award, and Texas Spanish Teacher of the Year. She was also inducted into the Laredo Women's Hall of Fame in 2000. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Rosa Maria Ceballos de Llano on this prestigious recognition and I wish her the best moving forward.