mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF MOLLY HAMMMER
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2021-1-21

. Madam , I rise today with a sadness I struggle to express on behalf of a community that has lost a voice, a city that has lost a leader, and family that has lost a friend. I rise to honor the life and memory of Molly Hammer. Molly spent years gracing Kansas City and the world with a one-of-a-kind voice and an indomitable spirit. For thirteen of those years, she did so while sharing her life with metastatic breast cancer. On Tuesday, November 24, Molly lost her fight with breast cancer. She was forty-eight years old. Her story, cut tragically short, is of a soul who sought to use her gifts to spread joy and to use her hardships to inspire hope. For fifteen years, Molly sang for us. Today, we sing of her. prgtoken Those lucky enough to have followed Molly's career since its beginning know that the talent, work ethic, and grit she displayed in the final years of her life were nothing new. Her high school choir teacher remembers her astounding professionalism while playing the narrator in her high school's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After graduating, she went on to become a stage actor and portrayed Patsy Cline on a stage in Iowa for five years. In 2005, Molly answered a spiritual call from a difficult industry where she could have the complete independence she craved--jazz and blues. And thank goodness she did. It was then that she dove into an intense study of vocal jazz and began an illustrious career in the Kansas City music community. Molly soon became a fixture of the 18th & Vine jazz scene, winning the 2016 Critics' Choice for Best Jazz Singer award from The Pitch, releasing four LPs--one just three months ago--and cementing her place as an integral stitch in the rich cultural fabric of Jazz's cradle. prgtoken In 2008, Molly was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she beat it. Eight years later, it came back, and Molly returned to her battle, this time fighting a more aggressive foe but with no less determination or spirit. And not only did Molly continue to bring joy to her community through song during that battle, she also became an outspoken advocate for cancer research and a powerful voice in bringing awareness to what it means to live life with the disease. She called for increased research funding and better methods of preventative screening, worked with organizations like METAvivor and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and even lobbied Congress. However, though her music and her advocacy took her prgtoken all over the country and all over the world, Molly, I am proud to say, was devoted to Kansas City, and more specifically to the Kansas City music community. She supported organizations like GUILDit, which seeks to connect the world of music to the world of business to help support artists, After all, when Molly was diagnosed, she had no health insurance--a tragically common phenomenon among independent artists. And recently, she chose to dona
IN RECOGNITION OF THE MASONIC PALESTINE LODGE NO. 357 F. & A. M. OF DETROIT
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-1-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the many contributions of one of Detroit's longest-serving fraternal and service organizations, Palestine Lodge No. 357 F. & A. M. prgtoken Founded January 26, 1881, Detroit's Palestine Masonic Lodge has operated for one hundred forty years. The Palestine Lodge can count among its past members many high-profile residents, including James Vernor, originator of Vernor's Ginger Ale, a Detroit staple, and automotive pioneer Henry Ford. More recently, the Palestine Lodge, in affiliation with the Michigan Masons, has helped make significant contributions to its charitable foundation to make meaningful impacts on the lives of countless Michigan residents. These actions are not limited to its scholarship programs for students, its bikes for books child literacy incentive program, as well as its S.A.Y. Detroit tutoring and literacy program. In addition, the Palestine Lodge members give countless hours of volunteer time on local community initiatives. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Detroit's Palestine Lodge No. 357 F. & A. M.'s many contributions to the residents of Michigan and the 13th Congressional District over the past one hundred forty years.
CONFIRMATION OF AVRIL DANICA HAINES
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-21

I today rise in support of the nomination of Ms. Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence. prgtoken Last night, the Senate overwhelming voted to confirm Ms. Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence with a vote of 84-10. prgtoken I voted in support of Director Haines as I believe her to be a highly-qualified professional with the trust and mandate by President to be a strong leader and reinstall stability and objectivity to the intelligence community. prgtoken She has pledged to defend and uphold our democracy, our freedoms and our values by ensuring there is simply no place for politics ever when it comes to intelligence. prgtoken It is clear from her background that Ms. Haines has the experience necessary to be an effective DNI. prgtoken She has served as both the Deputy Director of CIA and as Deputy National Security Advisor to President , along with other positions in the White House and Congress. prgtoken Her nearly 20 years of experience in national security, intelligence, and foreign policy matters gives her valuable insight into the many challenges facing the intelligence community and makes her a great choice for Director of National Intelligence. prgtoken Based on my conversations with Director Haines and her testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am fully confident she has what it takes to put the IC on the right path. prgtoken During her confirmation hearing on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Director Haines outlined her top three priorities: No. 1, strengthening the institution including increasing trust and credibility with analytic objectivity; No. 2, better aligning IC efforts and resources to the major threats we are facing such as China and transnational threats; and No. 3, building better partnerships Congress, academia, the private sector, U.S. State and local officials, and with other countries. prgtoken I strongly agree on these significant priorities and look forward to periodically receiving updates from her on these. prgtoken Furthermore, I thank her for her clearly stated position that waterboarding is, in fact, torture and that the CIA's former interrogation program's enhanced interrogation techniques included torture. prgtoken In short, she is the ideal candidate to head the intelligence community at a time when we face numerous crisis threatening our national security. prgtoken She inherits an intelligence community beset by challenges, and I look forward to working with her to protect the American people.
NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-1-22

. Finally, , on one final matter regarding nominees, we are considering President 's nominees to key Cabinet posts. prgtoken On Wednesday, Admiral Haines was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence on a big bipartisan vote, including my own. We hope to be able to consider Tony Blinken to be the Secretary of State early next week. prgtoken Today, we are considering GEN Lloyd Austin, President 's nominee to serve as Secretary of Defense. I voted to approve the waiver that would allow him to serve in this post yesterday, notwithstanding the 7- year cooling-off period after military service, and I will be voting in favor of his confirmation. prgtoken I am voting yes because the nominee is clearly qualified and because Presidents should get real latitude to fill their teams with qualified and mainstream people of their choosing. At the same time, the Senate should pause and reflect on the fact that we will have begun two consecutive Presidential administrations by issuing a waiver to a four- star general and former CENTCOM commander to lead the Pentagon. prgtoken The Armed Services Committee held a hearing last week to examine the waiver and the current state of civil-military relations at the Pentagon. I expect the committee will continue to pay close attention to this important issue in the months ahead and will investigate steps that Congress can take to help restore balance over at the Pentagon. prgtoken The law that we keep waiving actually exists for a good reason. Civilian control of the military is a fundamental principle of our Republic. We emphatically do not want high-ranking military service to become a tacit prerequisite for a civilian leadership post over at the Department of Defense. prgtoken It is not just about a simplistic fear that the military will end up running itself. To the contrary, many experts worry that military leaders' appropriate fixation on being nonpolitical may not prepare them for the job, to forcefully fight for our armed services amid the political rough-and-tumble in the executive branch and here in Congress. To put it another way, they are taught from the beginning to stay out of politics entirely. But we do want a Secretary of Defense who is willing to engage in the issue-based discussions that we have related to the Department. prgtoken Nevertheless, I will vote today to confirm a clear patriot with an impressive career, but I will cast that vote with the understanding that our new Secretary of Defense specifically commits to balancing civil-military relations, empowering civilian leaders at the Pentagon, and playing an active role in the inherently political budget process to get our forces what they need. Our intensifying competition with China, Russia, and all the other threats we face demand nothing less.
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANTON, MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2021-1-22

I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Town of Canton, ME. Canton was built with a spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today, and this is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. prgtoken The year of Canton's incorporation, 1821, was but one milestone in a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the land of fields, rivers, lakes, and forests of what is now Oxford County was the home of the Abenaki Tribe, and Canton Point, or Rokomeko, was the headquarters of the Anasagunticook Band of the People of the Dawn. The reverence the Abenaki had for the natural beauty and resources of the region is upheld by the people of Canton today. prgtoken In the 1790s, following America's independence, an early settlement called Phipp's Canada was established. Maine achieved statehood in 1820, and on February 5 of the following year, the town of Canton was incorporated. With the mighty Androscoggin River providing power, Canton soon was home to lumber and grain mills, along with many other small industries. When the first paper mill opened in nearby Rumford in 1893, the people of Canton were part of the skilled and dedicated workforce that built a great Maine industry. The prosperity produced by hard work and determination was invested in schools and churches to create a true community. prgtoken Maine is known as ``Vacationland,'' and Canton has played a key role in the development of our State's tourism industry. A guidebook to the region published in 1888 described the easternmost town in Oxford County as ``one of the most beautiful and charming in all this attractive region.'' With guests arriving by train and, later, by bus and car, some of the first family vacation resorts were established on the shores of Lake Anasagunticook. Today, visitors and residents alike enjoy Canton's scenery, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The energy and planning that are going into Canton's yearlong bicentennial celebration demonstrate the pride townspeople have in their town. prgtoken The celebration of Canton's 200th anniversary is not merely about the passing of time. It is about human accomplishment. We celebrate the people who, from the dawn of our Nation to our time, have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. Thanks to those who came before, Canton, ME, has a wonderful history. Thanks to those there today, it has a bright future.
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2021-1-22

. This is Mark McManus, General President of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters. They were going to build the Keystone pipeline, too, just like the LIUNA members. In revoking this permit, the Administration has chosen to listen to the voices of fringe activists instead of union members and the American consumer on Day 1. Let me be very clear: When built with union labor by the men and women of the United Association-- prgtoken Mr. McManus's union-- pipelines like Keystone XL remain the safest and most efficient modes of energy transportation in the world. Sadly, the Administration has now put thousands of union workers out of work. prgtoken Let me close with this. There are a number of Senators who want to meet directly with the President on this issue. By the way, when they made these announcements about Alaska, no one from the Administration reached out. No one called me. No one called Senator Murkowski. No one called Congressman Young. You would think if they were going to kill hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in your State, that somebody would have reached out to us. prgtoken I just spent the last week working hard to make sure the Administration's Secretary of Defense got confirmed. I probably worked harder than any other Senator in this body on that issue. I did that because I think it is going to be good for the military, good for America. prgtoken But we are trying. We are trying. I haven't heard from one person on the Administration. A number of us tried to request a meeting with the President. The President talks a lot about his blue-collar background. Great, but guess what: The President is killing blue-collar jobs right now by the thousands. A lot of them are in my State. prgtoken I hope somebody in the new administration is listening to this. I hope he realizes what he is doing. We are in this pandemic. Our economy needs to grow. We have high unemployment. The idea that you would start your administration by targeting the men and women who have built this great Nation, who have good-paying jobs is astounding to me. prgtoken --I am not talking about the President of the Senate, , I am talking about the President of the United States--you need to listen to us. This is not a good start. You talked in your inauguration about putting yourself in other people's shoes. Well, I hope you put yourself in the shoes of the energy workers in America whom you are crushing right now. Put yourself in their shoes and maybe rethink these crazy, crazy policies that are only harming Americans throughout the country. prgtoken .
NOMINATION OF LLOYD JAMES AUSTIN (Executive Session)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-1-22

yesterday I had the opportunity to respond to the majority on my support for Tony Blinken to be the Secretary of State. He is someone I have known for a long period of time. I think we will see that with the new administration here and myself being a conservative , there will be some appointments that I will not really be excited about and agree with, in which case I will state it. But in the case of the Secretary of State, I expressed myself yesterday and I want to do it again today for what I consider to be a really critical first appointment--second appointment that the new administration makes, and that would be for General Austin to be the person in charge at a time that is very unique. prgtoken I agree with the Senator who just spoke about the qualities of this general. We know that he rose through the ranks through the Army to become the first four-star general and commander of Central Command from 2013 to 2016. He has done everything right. prgtoken We, right now--I know the Presiding Officer is aware of this and certainly the ranking member of the committee is aware of this--we are in the most threatening times that we have ever been in. We have China and Russia out there with capabilities that we didn't really believe we would find ourselves with. So that is going to be the primary concern of this new administration, and I can't think of a better person to take the helm than General Austin to provide the leadership. prgtoken And it is true that we had to have a waiver yesterday. That waiver was overwhelmingly supported in a bipartisan way. So everyone knows that we gave a lot of thought to it. And this is at a time where we really needed someone with the background of General Austin to take that position, and I strongly support it and look forward to serving with him. prgtoken .
CHINA
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-1-22

on Wednesday, just moments after took office, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sanctioned 28 members of the outgoing administration, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, and UN Ambassador Kelly Craft. prgtoken According to Chinese State media, these administration officials were guilty of ``crazy moves which gravely interfered in China's internal affairs.'' Those ``crazy moves'' include presumably condemning the Chinese Communist Party's genocidal campaign against religious minorities in Xinjiang Province or its atheistic crackdown on Chinese Christians. In addition to interfering, these officials allegedly offended the Chinese people and seriously disrupted U.S.- China relations. I guess that refers to some, such as Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, who traveled to Taiwan. prgtoken Under the new sanctions, these officials are now barred from entering China, but more important and more ominous, institutions associated with them are also restricted from doing business with China. prgtoken Now, it is tempting to laugh off these sanctions, as I did last summer when China sanctioned me. You know you won't have a second honeymoon in Wuhan or you will have to vacation in a nongenocidal country. prgtoken But these sanctions are no laughing matter. They are not bluster. They are another step in China's long-term campaign to coerce Americans at every level of government and business. They are a direct attack on the independence of U.S. policy toward China and an attempt to blackmail the administration with personal financial ruin in the future if they dare to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken Some may start to think about the potential damage to their future, and they may start to sweat a little bit. Now, you may say: Good. I am glad that former government officials can't cash in on their service and go to influence-peddling firms like WestExec or Albright Stonebridge and sell access to the Chinese. prgtoken I might even agree with that point, but consider a few other hypotheticals. The Chinese State media singled out book publishers as just one example of who could pay the price. Many public officials like to write memoirs, and these memoirs often add a lot to our understanding of current events, but Chinese State media singled out book publishers as an example of companies that would be banned from China if they associated with sanctioned individuals. prgtoken In fact, China has already used American books as pawns in the trade war with the United States. So will major publishing houses really risk losing access to the Chinese market for all their other titles to strike a book deal with, say, a former Cabinet official who was tough on China and ended up getting sanctioned? It is unclear but, I would say, doubtful. prgtoken Other public officials practice at big law firms. And I know that we all
NOMINATION OF LLOYD JAMES AUSTIN (Executive Session)
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-1-22

I rise today in support of General Lloyd Austin's confirmation to be Secretary of Defense, and I urge my colleagues to support his nomination in the vote we are about to take. prgtoken General Austin has proven through his 41-year military career that he is extremely capable of leading our military as they confront multiple challenges. prgtoken First, General Austin is a proven leader that will provide stability within our military ranks. After 4 years of tumultuous leadership under the administration, our troops deserve a steady hand to lead them in the defense of our Nation. prgtoken Moreover, our allies need a Secretary of Defense who speaks reliably on behalf of the President. prgtoken Second, General Austin brings a wealth of experience to counter global defense challenges. He oversaw U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, served as a Vice Chief of Staff of the Army where he worked to increase diversity in the highest ranks of our military, and commanded U.S. Central Command in its fight against ISIS and other regional threats. prgtoken Third, General Austin's previous appointments to the Joint Staff and as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army prepared him to tackle strategic issues in the Department of Defense. He has committed to filling key positions with personnel that bring civilian expertise, prgtoken a sign he fully respects civilian control of the military. prgtoken Finally, our country faces several threats that President 's administration must address immediately. General Austin's intimate knowledge of our military will allow him to hit the ground running at the Department and make wise investments that deter global aggressors. prgtoken I especially welcome General Austin's pledge to support our country's pandemic response efforts, such as helping with the distribution of vaccines nationwide. Through his leadership, the military can provide much needed medical and logistical support to counter the COVID pandemic. prgtoken We are facing an unprecedented set of national security challenges, both at home and overseas. I have full confidence in General Austin's ability to help us overcome these challenges, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of his confirmation.
CONFIRMATION OF LLOYD JAMES AUSTIN
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-1-22

yesterday, I voted for H.R. 335, which waived the requirement that a commissioned officer be retired from the military for at least 7 years before serving as Secretary of Defense. I believe civilian control and strong civilian-military relations strengthens our democracy. Congress designed the waiver process to guarantee that someone dedicated to the principle of civilian control can lead our military and to prevent the politicization of the officer corps. I continue to believe that the waiver should only be granted in unique cases. Secretary Austin is uniquely qualified to lead at this moment in our country's history, which is why I voted for his waiver. I believe Secretary Austin will work to maintain the safety and integrity of our institutions and further our Nation's interests at home and abroad. In the future, I will review any waiver that comes before this body with the care and consideration befitting this process and subject.