mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NO TIKTOK ON GOVERNMENT DEVICES ACT
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-8-6

first I want to thank my colleague from Missouri. We got here at the same time, and both of us saw the dangers of Communist China, the dangers of the Communist Party of China, and the dangers of the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Xi. prgtoken We have watched a million Uighurs get put into prison just for their religion. We have watched American companies have their technology stolen. We have watched as American jobs have been stolen. One of the goals that both of us had when we came up here was to stop this. prgtoken We had the opportunity last year to visit the protesters in Hong Kong, and we got to hear from them firsthand their concern about what Communist China would be doing to take away their basic rights, rights granted to them in the turnover from Great Britain to China, on paper. But, as we know, the Communist Party and the General Secretary of the Communist Party don't care about any of these things. prgtoken We have watched the Communist Party use drones for surveillance. We have watched, as my colleague has said, TikTok become a worldwide phenomenon. It is an opportunity for the Communist Party of China to surveil all of our citizens, whatever of our citizens are using it. prgtoken So I want to thank my colleague for his effort in this regard--not just this but all of his efforts to hold Communist China accountable. There is a lot of work to do. As we know, this pandemic was much worse because of the actions of the Communist Party of China. prgtoken So this is a commonsense thing to do. We should not have TikTok on Federal Government phones. This is a good first step, but there is a lot more to do to continue to hold Communist China accountable and to make sure we all, as Americans, understand that we are now in a cold war. This is not a cold war that America started. This is a cold war that the Communist Party of China started, led by the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Xi, and we are going to have to continue every day to focus on how we prevent them from surveilling us. prgtoken Another thing Americans can do besides making sure you are not using TikTok is making sure you are buying American products and don't buy products from Communist China. prgtoken You will do more to hold them accountable. The more we can do things like that, it will change the dynamics, and, hopefully, maybe eventually Communist China will come to their senses and stop being an adversary and eventually be merely a competitor. prgtoken to my colleague from Missouri.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. RES. 458
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-8-6

I want to ask my colleague if there is a difference between this resolution and the resolution on elections in Belarus that was filed last week, was discharged, and then passed on the hotline yesterday. prgtoken Obviously there are lots of other issues about elections. There has been a lot of conversation that we have had about elections worldwide and about security of elections, but that particular resolution wasn't held up to go through the Foreign Relations Committee to discuss international elections more. It was discharged, and it was sent to the floor on a hotline, and s and alike agreed on that resolution and passed it through. prgtoken Is there a substantive difference between this resolution and that one?
HEALS Act (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-8-6

once again, we are not talking about an overall immigration debate. We are talking about justice for those families who have received none, just as Scott Root and Michelle Root have seen the death of their daughter at the hands of an illegal immigrant and have yet to see justice because that illegal immigrant was allowed to evade justice. So the bill is not about immigration. It is about justice. prgtoken I would further argue that, because this was an illegal immigrant and there was no detainer necessary by ICE, the illegal immigrant, who had no strong ties to the community and had operated under a number of assumed names, was able to slip away into the shadows. Most legal immigrants and citizens of the United States have roots somewhere and family somewhere, and they can be tracked and monitored until they are brought to justice. That is not true in this population. Because of that, Sarah Root will never have justice. Her killer will continue to evade authorities because he was, simply, not detained by ICE. prgtoken We have the opportunity to correct this, and it is very unfortunate that, today, in the U.S. Senate, we have decided that Michelle Root and Scott Root should not see justice for Sarah, their daughter, and that other families who lose children to illegal immigrants should not have the opportunity for justice. prgtoken Certain criminal elements, whether legal or illegal, can slip away, and that is exactly what Eswin Mejia did. He had no ties and was able to slip into the shadows but left a family wondering: How many others will be subjected to the pain and agony that they have gone through since the loss of Sarah? How many other families will go through that? prgtoken .
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-8-6

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session for the consideration of executive Calendar Nos. 820 through 832 and all nominations placed on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard; that the nominations be confirmed; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
TRIBUTE TO TONIE GARCIA
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-8-6

today I am pleased to recognize Tonie Garcia, the Glades County Teacher of the Year from West Glades School in LaBelle, FL. prgtoken Tonie knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age, crediting God for placing a love for teaching in her heart. She brings a positive attitude and patience to her classroom each day, knowing that some of her students see her more than they see their parents. prgtoken Tonie considers it her job to love and cheer for her students, wipe away their tears, and open the doors of learning to them. She does not know what her students go through before coming to class each day, so she shows them kindness and instills in them a ``never give up'' attitude, no matter how challenging the day may be for them. prgtoken Tonie is a kindergarten teacher at West Glades School. She is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and credits its school of education and behavioral studies for preparing her to be a teacher. She previously taught in kindergarten classrooms at Frontier Elementary School and Jupiter Christian School. prgtoken I offer my sincere gratitude to Tonie and look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.
COMMEMORATING THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Kelly Loeffler (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-8-6

I come to the floor today to ask the Senate to pass a resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center--known as FLETC--that is headquartered in my home State of Georgia. This is the center that trains Federal law enforcement officers whom President has directed to help restore law and order in communities across our country faced with dramatic increases in violence. prgtoken As part of Operation Legend, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security have been deployed to Kansas City, Chicago, Albuquerque, and Detroit to reduce alarming and rising levels of violent crime across America. Sadly, our brave women and men of law enforcement are under attack. Rioters have physically assaulted law enforcement--throwing rocks at them and more, causing countless injuries. prgtoken It is clear that the recent surge in violence has been driven in part by a lack of leadership from leftwing politicians who refuse to prosecute crime and who endorse defunding the police. They are clearly intent on politicizing and demonizing our law enforcement. prgtoken Today, I am asking the Senate to recognize the critical centers that train these dedicated officers. For half a century, FLETC has trained the next generation of highly qualified law enforcement. Headquartered at the former Glynco Naval Air Station in Georgia, FLETC has been instrumental in getting violent criminals off the streets and protecting our communities for five decades. prgtoken Every year, FLETC trains nearly 70,000 officers from 95 Federal law enforcement agencies, as well as State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies. This includes agents from FBI, DEA, ATF, Customs and Border Protection agencies, and others. It includes the Secret Service, Park Police, and U.S. Capitol police officers who keep all of us here safe every day. prgtoken In Georgia, FLETC is a cornerstone of our coastal community where agents train in a mock town complete with banks, shops, and hotels to mimic real-world scenarios. There are other programs in cyber terrorism, active shooter threats, and financial forensics. prgtoken FLETC Director Thomas Walters recently said: ``FLETC is the only institution in the U.S. that has the capability and capacity to train the new Federal officers that will replace thousands of officers that retire from Federal law enforcement in a typical year.'' prgtoken At a time when law enforcement is under more scrutiny, more pressure than ever, it is important that we take this opportunity to recognize the hard work that goes into training and preparing our Federal law enforcement officers, particularly in my home State of Georgia. prgtoken , as in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 668, submitted earlier today.
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF FAUSEY AND ASSISTANT CHIEF GOODBROD
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-8-6

I rise today to recognize and honor the heroic acts of two Pennsylvania volunteer firefighters, Chief Howard M. Fausey, Sr and Assistant Chief Ethan Goodbrod of Citizen's Hose Company, Station 45, in Jersey Shore, PA. prgtoken On the evening of February 15, 2020, Chief Fausey and Assistant Chief Goodbrod responded to a multiple alarm fire reported at the Broadway Hotel and Restaurant in Jersey Shore, PA. The hotel is a historic building with multiple residential apartments in its upper levels. When Chief Fausey and Assistant Chief Goodbrod arrived on the scene, the building was already consumed in flames, and they soon learned that a man was trapped on the third floor. Without regard to their own personal safety, these volunteer firefighters climbed to the third floor on ladders, forced their way into the building by breaking a window and removing an air-conditioner, found the trapped man amidst heavy smoke, and safely removed him from the building. And they did not arrive a moment too soon. The man they rescued suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation while he was trapped inside. Thanks to Chief Fausey's and Assistant Chief Goodbrod's heroism, he lived to see another day and has recovered from his injuries. prgtoken Chief Fausey's and Assistant Chief Goodbrod's courageous acts call attention to the heroic service that first responders provide for their communities every day, often on a volunteer basis. In fact, Citizens Hose Company, Station 45, is made up entirely of volunteers. These individuals, many of whom hail from generations of voluntary service, place themselves in harm's way to protect the rest of us. prgtoken We should never take for granted the risks that first responders take to ensure that we are safe in our communities. I want to say to Chief Fausey, to Assistant Chief Goodbrod, and to all of Pennsylvania's first responders, that we are grateful for the service that you provide to the community and thankful for your sacrifices.
RECOGNIZING MAAG PRESCRIPTION & MEDICAL SUPPLY
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-8-6

as a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each month I recognize and celebrate the American entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the success of a small business in my home State of Idaho. Today, I am pleased to honor Maag Prescription & Medical Supply in Pocatello as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2020 and congratulate them on 70 years of business. prgtoken Maag Prescription & Medical Supply is an independent, locally owned pharmacy which has been operated by the Maag family since 1950. Established by Irvin and Genevieve Maag, the couple ran all aspects of the business and quickly developed a reputation for providing exemplary service while meeting the specific needs of their customers. As the business flourished and ownership transitioned to their son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Kathy Maag, a fire ravaged the facility in 1977. The Maags quickly sprang into action and rebuilt their business across the street with the strong support of the Pocatello community. prgtoken Forty-three years later, Maag Prescription & Medical Supply remains a staple in Southeast Idaho, providing more than 20 jobs to the community and expanding three times to meet the needs of their customers. Their ability to adapt quickly and meet customer demands has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the business now offering curbside pickup, free home delivery of prescriptions and oxygen tanks, and in-house production of hand sanitizer for the community. Their emphasis on customer satisfaction has been central to their continued success. prgtoken Maag Prescription & Medical Supply's resiliency and service to the community has not gone unnoticed. For the past 2 years, the business received the Idaho State Journal's annual Reader's Choice award. Their business stands as a true testament to American industriousness, exemplifying one of our Nation's most treasured values. Now, in one of the most economically uncertain times, their story reminds us of the importance of commitment to our communities and resilience in the face of adversity. prgtoken Congratulations to Greg and Kathy Maag and all of the employees of Maag Prescription & Medical Supply on being selected as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for August 2020. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-8-6

this week I have the honor of recognizing Trista Hovde of Richland County for her outstanding achievement in earning a position on the North Dakota State/Provincial National High School rodeo team. prgtoken Trista, a junior at Sidney High School, traveled with her fellow teammates to Guthrie, OK, to compete in the 72nd National High School Finals Rodeo. She partook in the barrel racing, girls' cutting, and reined cow horse competitions. prgtoken The NHSFR boasts the title of the largest rodeo in the world, featuring over 1,650 contestants from 43 States as well as Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Participating in the NHSFR is a tremendous honor and I know that she has made both her community and Montana very proud. prgtoken It is my distinct honor to recognize Trista for her tireless dedication to the rodeo community and her unique contributions to Sidney and Montana. Her drive and ambition serve as an inspiration to all young Montanans to strive to do the best that they can in everything they do. I look forward to following Trista's rodeo career and all of her future accomplishment.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 494
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-8-6

I wanted to come down and speak today about a very important sector of the economy for Alaska and for America--that is, our fishermen--and some important, very bipartisan legislation that I am trying to move right now that I am hopeful everybody can agree to. The Senate has agreed to it previously, and I am really hopeful that we can do it again right now. prgtoken I talk about the great State of Alaska being the superpower of seafood. Over 60 percent of all seafood--commercial, recreational-- harvested in America comes from my great State. Sixty percent. So this is a vital industry in my State but also a vital industry in the country. prgtoken As my colleagues know, our fishermen are some of the hardest working Americans. They are also some of the Americans who have been hit the hardest by this pandemic. The Saltonstall-Kennedy Act helps these hard- working men and women across the country by providing consistent funding for fisheries research and development and related programs, grant programs--very popular. prgtoken Decades ago, Congress authorized a group of experts from all around the country--Alaska, the east coast--and vessel owners, fishermen, and distributors to advise the Secretary of Commerce on how to distribute these funds. It makes sense. They are the closest to the action. Over time, unfortunately, this group was disbanded. Nobody thought that was a good idea--abolishing this advisory committee. prgtoken Then you had the National Marine Fisheries essentially determine how all of these Saltonstall-Kennedy funds would be distributed to fishermen. So, with all due respect to the DC bureaucrats, they are the ones making the decisions. prgtoken So we have a bill--my bill--which, by the way, passed the Senate previously, unanimously, that members in the fishing community from all over the country be chosen to determine how to get these funds out to our fishermen, whether in New York or North Carolina or Alaska, and everybody thinks that makes sense. prgtoken Our fishermen need support right now; there is no doubt. They are being hammered by this pandemic. So the legislation that I am hopefully going to be able to pass in the Senate here in a couple of minutes has cosponsors across a broad political spectrum in the Senate: Senators Cantwell, Markey, Warren, Murkowski, and myself. prgtoken I am aware of no policy objections to this important piece of legislation. To the contrary, it has already passed the Senate unanimously. I am, however, aware of an unrelated dispute between the ic leader and some of my Senate colleagues from the east coast regarding an entirely different bill. I respect disagreements over regional issues, and I certainly hope my colleagues can work them out, but this issue is thousands of miles away from Alaska and my constituents, the people I represent, who are hurting. prgtoken Moreover, the bill I am getting ready to introduce, S. 494, helps all fishermen nati
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-8-6

I rise today to join my colleague from Michigan, Senator Peters, in introducing legislation to expand Medicare beneficiaries' access to Medical Nutrition Therapy, or MNT, which is a cost-effective component of treatment for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other chronic conditions. At a time when we are seeing many diet-related chronic conditions contribute to poor COVID-19 outcomes, increasing access to MNT should be part of the strategy to improve disease management and prevention for America's seniors. Our legislation, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2020, would make two important changes to support patients, improve health outcomes, and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. prgtoken First, it would expand Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy services to a number of currently uncovered diseases or conditions--including prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, celiac disease, and HIV/AIDS. Currently, Medicare Part B only covers outpatient MNT for diabetes, renal disease, and post-kidney transplant. Second, the bill would allow more types of providers--including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists--to refer patients to MNT. This is especially critical for a rural State like Maine, where a NP or PA may be one's trusted primary care provider. prgtoken MNT counseling is provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, RDNs, as part of a collaborative healthcare team. It is evidenced-based and proven to positively impact weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar control, and nutritional counseling by RDNs is even recommended by the National Lipid Association to promote long-term adherence to an individualized, heart-healthy diet. Through MNT, individuals benefit from in-depth individualized nutrition assessments and trusted followup visits for the repeated reinforcement necessary to aid with behavior and lifestyle changes. prgtoken Seniors deserve improved access to this cost-effective medical treatment, but many older adults are missing out under the current Medicare policy. Marcy Kyle, a RDN from Rockport, ME, shared numerous stories of patients being denied access to medically necessary MNT that illustrate why this legislation is needed. In one story, a patient with prediabetes was referred by his primary care physician for MNT at age 64. At that time, his private insurance covered the service and he booked the first available appointment the following week. But this patient turned 65 that week and transitioned onto Medicare. You can imagine his surprise upon arriving for his appointment that MNT would not be covered. While the outpatient facility changed its process after this case in order to prevent similar situations, it demonstrates how the current restrictions are detrimental for older adults at a critical junctu