mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to Colonel Scott Grant (Executive Calendar)
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2020-9-15

one of the great privileges that I have enjoyed as a U.S. Senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has been the opportunity to get to know and support our men and women in uniform. I have been proud to represent the people of the great State of Alabama, a State where patriotism runs deep and for whom service is a way of life. prgtoken Col. Scott Grant, U.S. Air Force, is a perfect example. Colonel Grant retired this summer, and since I was not able to attend his retirement ceremony this past Saturday, I decided I would say here what I wanted to say there, in the hangar in Birmingham, AL, where he had spent the last few years of his career. prgtoken Colonel Grant retired as the commander of the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, AL. prgtoken The 117th was the first military installation that I visited after my election in 2017 and swearing-in, in January of 2018. I can tell you, at that first visit, Colonel Grant set a pretty high bar for the future visits I would have to the many other military installations in Alabama, and we have quite a few. He set a high bar for those I would meet later because of his dedication to his unit, to his mission, and to the men and women he commanded. prgtoken It was immediately apparent--his dedication and professionalism--and it has guided his every decision in all our interactions over the next 2\1/2\ years. Scott's unwavering commitment to excellence earned him the respect of all those who served with him, but his genuine love for the men and women who served under his command earned him their affection. In other words, Col. Scott Grant had and has his priorities in order, and everyone who knew him and met him could see that immediately. prgtoken In 2019, the 117th won STRATCOM's Omaha Trophy. The Omaha Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in the military. It was the first time that an Air National Guard unit had received this prestigious award. Then STRATCOM Commander Gen. John Hyten said: ``The Omaha Trophy represents the best of the best in units executing strategic deterrence.'' prgtoken The 117th won in the area of strategic aircraft for their many missions around the world protecting America. It was an award that the unit and Colonel Grant richly deserved. I was really honored to be present at that awards ceremony, and I can remember, as Brigadier General Stevenson said: ``To put it simply, the 117th Air Refueling Wing was the most outstanding in their Nuclear Operational Readiness Inspection and their dedication to the mission itself. As a traditional guard unit, but with a total force, they have accomplished unique tasks and in an innovative way that we absolutely need to meet future challenges that STRATCOM faces.'' True to form, in his acceptance speech, Scott gave the credit to the men and women in his command. prgtoken With 7,000 military flight h
STRENGTH IN DIVERSITY ACT OF 2019
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-9-15

I rise in opposition to this amendment. prgtoken While I appreciate that the gentleman from Georgia acknowledges the importance of providing resources to support school diversity, encouraging the use of IV-A funds for this purpose is not a reasonable solution. prgtoken Schools already rely on a very limited amount of IV-A funding for a wide range of activities and programs, including mental health resources, educational technology, STEM education, extracurricular activities, and other critical needs. prgtoken This amendment would effectively force schools to choose between addressing school segregation and providing mental health services. Developing, implementing, and expanding school diversity initiatives is costly and should not come at the expense of important programs already being supported by title IV. We will not improve services for students, parents, and communities by cutting the same size pie into even smaller slices. prgtoken The purpose of the Strength in Diversity Act is to provide direct and additional investments in education that helps communities integrate their schools without undermining existing school programs and services. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.
Filibuster (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-9-15

. I would say to the Senator from South Dakota, thank you. I said earlier, and I meant it--I think you are a good legislator, as are the Senator from Alaska and many others, and given a chance, you prove it. We just don't get the chance anymore. No budget resolution. No appropriations bills. One bill, really, of any substance comes to the floor of the Senate each year now. It is the Defense authorization bill, by tradition. Come hell or high water, we are going to bring up prgtoken that bill. And I am glad we do, but that is it. End of story. The rest of the time, what do we spend our days doing? Watching the clock go by for 30 hours so we can have a vote on the next nomination. Is that the Senate you ran for? Is that why you went through the sacrifice and asked your family to join you in that sacrifice to be in public life? No. Not for me, it isn't. I am here to do something. I think we can do something. We have proven it in the past. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act. Books will be written--they have already been written about what it took to finally pass it, but eventually it was enacted into law and signed by the President and changed the lives of millions of Americans. I am glad I voted for it. It was not a bipartisan effort at any stage. I wish it were. prgtoken The point I am getting to is this: I don't know what the answer is in terms of changing the rules, but I am not going to stand in defense of the status quo. I do not believe the notion that we cannot touch the Senate and its traditions really is defensible in light of what we have seen on the Senate floor for the last several years--years. prgtoken I just have to tell you, I am surprised now that the position articulated by your leader and by the whip is status quo: Leave it as is. It is fine. It is just great. Don't you change the Senate. prgtoken Well, I think the Senate needs to change.
COMMENDING OREGON'S FIRST RESPONDERS ON FRONT LINES OF HISTORIC WILDFIRES
Kurt Schrader (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-9-15

over the last week, historic wildfires have ravaged my home State of Oregon. I have three major fires in my congressional district alone. prgtoken These fires continue to burn at an alarming rate. The extent of loss of life and property is still unknown. prgtoken However, without the heroic lifesaving work of our firefighters, police, and sheriffs' offices, the sheer magnitude of that loss would have been far greater. prgtoken First responders from Lincoln, Marion, Polk, Clackamas, and Tillamook Counties have been working around the clock to evacuate families while the winds have changed most rapidly and dangerously, putting their own lives in peril. prgtoken Currently, Oregon experiences the worst air quality in the world and has been enveloped in absolute dense smoke for 1 week. prgtoken Many of those battling these fires live in impacted communities and have continued their work as their families evacuate and their homes are lost. prgtoken There are not enough words of thanks to give to these heroes, but I know that I speak on behalf of all Oregonians when I say that we are forever grateful to you.
REMEMBERING JACK L. LOVEALL
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-9-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor the memory of Jack L. Loveall. Affectionately known as ``Captain Jack'', he led a life best defined as that of a loving family man, mentor, humanitarian, and labor leader of over 60 years. Jack embodied the American dream and will be remembered as a legendary figure in the cause of justice and fairness for working people and their families. prgtoken Born on Leap Day, February 29, 1936, Jack earned his first job at the age of 13 when he was hired by Wrigley Markets in Detroit as a grocery clerk. In 1958 Jack became a Union Representative for Local 876, beginning his storied work as an advocate for the American worker. His dedication to that mission led his colleagues to repeatedly select him as their representative in the upper echelons of the International Union. As an international vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, he served working families throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. prgtoken In 1984, Jack was elected president of UFCW 588-Northern California, where he continued his passionate and highly effective advocacy for the members of his Union, including those who work in supermarkets, drug stores, pharmacies, food processing plants, wineries, distilleries, medical offices, and more. Jack lived in the spirit of ``Solidarity Works,'' which he established as the motto of his Union and continues as the motto of UFCW 8-Golden State, now led by his son, Jacques Loveall. prgtoken Captain Jack was married to his first mate, Patricia, whom he adored for 67 years. He was the father of seven, a grandfather, a great- grandfather, and a beloved mentor and teacher to countless others. His memory and legacy will be kept alive by those who use his lessons and beliefs as guideposts to building better families, better communities, and a better world while always being kind to one another.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-9-15

after the Senate s spent 4 months dithering and delaying, last week, Leader McConnell pushed a partisan, emaciated COVID bill. It was so paltry and ladened with poison pills that it was clearly designed to fail. And fail it did. prgtoken It is time for the Senate s to wake up to the gravity of the crisis in our country and work with on a comprehensive bill that delivers real help to Americans. prgtoken Pelosi and I have already come down $1 trillion from our initial prgtoken request. Leader McConnell and Senate s must drop the cynical and political games and instead work with to find common ground and reach a compromise. prgtoken If leadership lets the 20 Members of their caucus who barely want to provide any more relief and allows them to dictate their party's agenda, it will block the path to a compromise, and s will have to answer to the American people. prgtoken Our country still does not have a strong grasp on COVID-19. America continues to lead the world in the number of confirmed cases by far-- over 6.5 million. Nearly 200,000 Americans have died. Yet, unthinkably, it was reported that in one of his interviews with Bob Woodward, President said that ``nothing more could have been done'' to combat the coronavirus. ``Nothing more could have been done''--that is what President said. Of the many lies the President has told about COVID-19, this is one of the most monumental and one of the most galling. prgtoken There were so many vital things the President could have done to fight COVID-19 and protect our country. In the early days of the virus, hospitals, medical centers, and essential workers were short on PPE, ventilators, swabs, masks, and gloves. President never mobilized the resources of the Federal Government, never fully invoked the Defense Production Act, and never set up a national clearing house to get resources where they needed to go. prgtoken It has been 7 months and President still doesn't have a national testing strategy. There has never been a national plan for contact tracing. The President took months before he even encouraged Americans to wear a mask. This is an entire universe of actions that President could have taken to help slow the spread of the virus and save American lives and American jobs, but he didn't. He never took strong action, never took responsibility. It is what it is. prgtoken In many cases, it would have been better, actually, if the President did nothing instead of what he did. It would have been better if the President never downplayed the virus, never called it a hoax, never pushed quack medicines, never speculated about injecting bleach, and never held rallies. prgtoken Every week--every week--brings new evidence that his administration is totally unequipped to right the ship, especially the Department of Health and Human Services. Over the weekend, ther
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-9-15

thank you for the recognition. prgtoken As a former New Mexico attorney general and assistant U.S. attorney, I have worked hard to prosecute violent crimes. I have been privileged to work with law enforcement, and we are all thankful for the tremendous work the Capitol Police do here in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken The recent shootings of two sheriff's deputies in California was heinous. Our prayers go out to the officers and their families. The perpetrator must be brought to justice. But I do not support rushing through this bill in response to the California shootings. prgtoken Under California law, murder of a law enforcement officer already makes someone eligible for the death penalty. This bill needlessly expands the Federal death penalty. prgtoken As I understand this bill, for someone to be eligible for the death penalty, he prgtoken or she would have to first be convicted of Federal murder, and then it would need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was killed or targeted because he or she was a law enforcement officer. prgtoken I also want to point out that the death penalty itself has widespread issues and many instances of misapplication. DNA testing and other science have proven that innocent people have been executed. The Innocence Project has found that 21 of 375 individuals who were falsely convicted and exonerated by DNA testing since 1989 had served time on death row. prgtoken The death penalty has also been applied in a racially discriminatory way. A 1990 GAO report on capital sentencing noted that 82 percent of studies conducted between 1972 and 1990 found that the race of the victim influenced whether a capital murder charge was brought or a death sentence imposed. prgtoken As Justice Breyer has noted, ``The factors that most clearly ought to affect application of the death penalty, namely, comparative egregiousness of the crime, often do not. Instead, circumstances that ought not to affect application of the death penalty, such as race, gender or geography, often do.'' That is in a recent Supreme Court case here in 2015. prgtoken I also understand that this bill has not been through the regular order in the Judiciary Committee. It is important that legislation that would have serious consequences is fully examined by the Judiciary Committee, the committee of jurisdiction here. prgtoken I would also like to take this opportunity to call attention to key legislation that addresses violence and should come to the floor, and that is the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. prgtoken VAWA authorization expired over a year and a half ago, on February 15, 2019. Funding continues, but key improvements are being delayed by lack of reauthorization. prgtoken The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 is supported by all 47 ic Senators. The House passed the bill 263 to 158. Thirty-three House s voted yes on that bill. This bill would extend
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-9-15

yesterday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1107, providing for consideration of H.R. 2574, the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act, and H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, under closed rules. prgtoken The rule provides for 1 hour of debate for each of the two bills, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule also self-executes a manager's amendment to H.R. 2574. prgtoken Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2639, the Strength in Diversity Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and Labor and makes in order 12 amendments. The rule provides that the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor may offer amendments en bloc, debatable for 20 minutes. prgtoken The rule also provides for consideration of H. Res. 908, Condemning All Forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment As Related to COVID-19, under a closed rule. prgtoken Finally, the rule extends recess instructions, suspension and same- day authority through November 20, 2020. prgtoken , I am proud to begin debate on four bills today that will protect workers, encourage diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and demonstrate Congress' support for our Asian-American communities in the face of anti-Asian rhetoric by the administration and right with respect to COVID-19. prgtoken COVID-19 has infected over 27 million people worldwide and claimed the lives of over 900,000, including almost 200,000 of our fellow Americans. This pandemic brought the world to a standstill economically and socially. Virtually everything in our daily lives has been affected in some form. prgtoken There was no coherent national strategy to deal with this deadly pandemic when it started, and now, 6-plus months in, Americans are still being left behind by an executive branch more focused on downplaying the virus' severity than getting it under control and our economy and way of life back on track. prgtoken In Congress, we find ourselves having to deal with a Senate majority that has even less interest in controlling the virus and helping American families than the President. The House has passed numerous pieces of legislation that would directly help American workers, small businesses, families, and children; but, in the midst of a pandemic, Leader McConnell is more interested in packing the judiciary than he is in passing legislation to help the American people. The HEROES Act has sat on Leader McConnell's desk collecting dust for exactly 4 months to the day. prgtoken In the absence of leadership by the White House and Senate, our cities and States are desperate for resources to combat the pandemic. The American people are calling out for relief, but s are willfully ignoring them. Instead, they are trying to divert attention from their abje
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-9-15

today I rise to recognize the Healy Foundation as it celebrates 10 years of supporting and facilitating the quality education of remarkable students across the country. prgtoken The James P. and Debra Fitzgerald Healy Foundation was created in 2010 by Jim and Debra's 10 children in honor of their parents' lifelong devotion to education. The couple dedicated their lives to ensuring their children received an outstanding education. Both Jim, who passed away last year, and Debra unfailingly demonstrated the importance of a strong work ethic through their tireless efforts on behalf of their family at work and at home. prgtoken Based in Naugatuck, CT, the foundation provides assistance to high- achieving college students who encounter unexpected hardships and subsequently need financial help to continue their education. This support has been essential for countless students who deserve to finish their degrees, regardless of any obstacles they have encountered. prgtoken Now, as COVID-19 poses unprecedented health and financial challenges in Connecticut and across the globe, the Healy Foundation's work is more necessary than ever. It is critical that education remains equitable and accessible to everyone, and the foundation continues to uphold that mission, awarding scholarships to 11 new students this year. prgtoken Committed to furthering a family legacy by bolstering bright, deserving young scholars, the Healy Foundation sets a positive example of encouraging and advancing well-earned education. I applaud their accomplishments and hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Healy Foundation on 10 years of helping others achieve their academic dreams.
Bureau of Land Management Acting Director William Pendley (Executive Calendar)
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-9-15

Nevada's public lands are a source of pride and natural beauty, but they are also so much more. They are a source of economic strength for our outdoor industries, and they help support our communities and our State's economy. prgtoken Each year, tens of thousands of visitors come to Nevada to see and experience our majestic public lands and our monuments firsthand. We must keep our State's public lands open and accessible for Nevadans, for visitors to our State, and for future generations. That is why we are passionate about protecting and preserving our State's natural wonders. prgtoken Public lands make up a big part of our State. In fact, over 80 percent of our land is managed by the Federal Government, and well over 60 percent of Nevada--close to 48 million acres--is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. prgtoken I stand here today before you because our Nation's public lands are in danger, not just from the threat of climate change or from deadly wildfires, which are raging across our Nation's Western States as we speak, but also from an unconfirmed and unaccountable acting head of the Bureau of Land Management, Mr. William Perry Pendley. It is well past time for him to go. Allow me to explain just how dangerous Mr. Pendley is for our public lands and for Nevada. prgtoken In the past, Nevada has been able to strike a balance between the protection of our public lands and the need for development. That is how things should be. But Mr. Pendley does not respect this balance. When it comes to our public lands, Mr. Pendley has a longtime and documented history of working to destroy our national treasures. prgtoken Some of the highlights of Mr. Pendley's disturbing anti-public-land actions and sentiments include this: working on behalf of private interests to roll back critical public land protections during his tenure at a law firm; advocating for the repeal of the Antiquities Act, a landmark law signed by President Teddy Roosevelt that protects our public lands and gives the President the power to designate national monuments; and fighting to drill on sacred Native American lands while mocking these same Native Americans' religious beliefs. prgtoken This is a man put in charge of one-third of our Nation's public lands who has referred to the National Environmental Policy Act, our Nation's bedrock environmental law, as ``a terrible burden,'' who has written that ``the Founding Fathers intended all lands prgtoken owned by the Federal Government to be sold,'' who has aggressively pushed oil and gas leasing on our public lands, and who views climate change as ``junk science.'' prgtoken Mr. Pendley holds shocking and extremist views and has consistently worked to dismantle the very lands he is in charge of protecting. The administration knows just how bad Mr. Pendley is, which is why it has withdrawn his nomination to serve as Director of the BLM. prgtoken His nomination would never pass the Senate.