mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
President-Elect Biden (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-15

if you follow the U.S. Senate, which, of course, many of us do, there was a noteworthy moment this morning. It was actually a prayer by our Chaplain, Barry Black. In that prayer, he acknowledged and called for the blessings of God on the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect . prgtoken The reason that was noteworthy is that has been a contested issue among politicians on Capitol Hill for weeks as to whether or not could be described as President-elect. Many have stepped forward and said yes, but many resisted. The acknowledgement by the Chaplain caught me a little by surprise this morning. And I came to the floor to hear the leader, Senator McConnell, go through an accounting of the Presidency and all of his achievements and then concluded by acknowledging as well that we have a President-elect in . I believe that that reflected the reality of the November 3 election and the finality of the electoral college decisions being made across the Nation in so many States. prgtoken I thank those who have stepped forward to acknowledge the reality of a new President and hope that they will join me in an effort to do our best to make certain that his tenure is a success, not just for him personally and the Vice President but for our Nation. We deserve nothing less. prgtoken It is a long story, these last few weeks since November 3 and what has happened across America. I don't think anyone could have predicted that we would see the divisive reaction that we have seen, nor could anyone have predicted what happened yesterday. Some States had to take extraordinary measures to protect electoral college electors--what used to be a routine, somewhat tedious and boring mission. It resulted in the closing of legislative prgtoken buildings in Michigan to the public and, according to press reports, credible threats of violence. In Arizona, electors met in an undisclosed location to safely cast their votes. These measures followed a last-ditch effort by 17 attorneys general and more than half of the House caucus joining in a lawsuit and accompanying an amicus brief before the Supreme Court, which incredibly argued that the Court should nullify the votes of more than 20 million Americans. These ludicrous arguments couldn't hide the true justification for joining this effort to undermine our democracy. The people who were protesting simply don't like the results of the 2020 election, and they don't want to turn their backs on President . prgtoken The conservative-leaning Supreme Court summarily dismissed this effort outright, rejecting the lawsuit in an order on Friday evening, wasting no time in doing it. Despite repeated and forceful judicial rejections of their baseless allegations of fraud at attempts to nullify the votes of Americans, only 27 Congressional s would publicly acknowledge the obvious President-elect
ROB STRAIN
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career of Rob Strain, a friend and constituent who is retiring as President of Ball Aerospace headquartered in Colorado. prgtoken Rob first joined Ball Aerospace in 2012 after serving as Director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. At Goddard, Rob's strong oversight and leadership skills contributed to the success of more than 13 missions as he was able to blend technical and programmatic solutions while under intense Congressional and agency scrutiny. Rob has a hands- on managerial style and collaborative nature which makes him a critical contributor on mission teams and not just the person in charge. prgtoken Rob helped devise and execute a smooth transition from the flawed tri-agency NPOESS program for the Nation's next generation polar weather satellites to the NASA-NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) based at Goddard to ensure the continuity of these critical weather satellite observations. The significance of his thoughtful, effective leadership during the program's transition cannot be overstated. prgtoken Rob also served a key role for the final Space Shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission encountered a major programmatic challenge from a pre-launch computer failure one month before the scheduled launch. In this ``failure is not an option'' moment, Rob brought together the government and industry expertise to fix the problem, ensured the team stayed on track, and minimized schedule impacts. The result was a successful servicing mission, extending Hubble's incredible contributions to our scientific community as we approach 31 years in service. prgtoken Prior to joining NASA, Rob led the Space Department of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he was integral to the successful development, launch and operations of the New Horizons spacecraft to Pluto. New Horizons overcame numerous technical and instrument availability issues to meet an extremely tight planetary launch window and successfully flew by Pluto in 2015. prgtoken Through his career at Ball Aerospace, Rob has been a strong champion for diversity and inclusion across his teams and empowering all members of the team to be themselves and contribute to the success of the business and the mission. Despite the success Rob has achieved in his career, he remains an incredibly approachable and humble person. Rob remains accessible to individuals at all career levels, actively seeking their input and making them feel valued. prgtoken I will miss Rob, for his dry sense of humor which often brought levity to serious meetings and tense situations. I thank him for his friendship and his work on behalf of the aerospace community, Colorado and the Nation. I wish him the best in his retirement.
HONORING KATHRIN (KATE) SEARS
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Kathrin (Kate) Sears for her outstanding career in public service as Marin County's District 3 Supervisor. prgtoken Kate has been a resident of Southern Marin for most of her life, and it is the place where she developed the principled values that have guided her private and public careers. prgtoken She earned a bachelor's degree in Asian studies at Carleton College in Minnesota, a master's degree in Chinese studies at the University of Washington, a doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Harvard University. In 2005, after working as an attorney in a private practice for 16 years, Kate joined the Consumer Law Section of the California Attorney General's Office. In 2011 Governor Jerry Brown appointed Kate to the Marin County Board of Supervisors after the heartbreaking death of long-standing Supervisor Hal Brown. She was reelected in 2012 and 2016. prgtoken Throughout her tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Kate represented the residents of Marin, its renowned public lands and the environment with passion and skill. She worked to improve public transportation, strengthen services for older adults, and increase affordable housing opportunities. Kate has helped to plan and implement key Marin initiatives including BayWAVE and Drawdown: Marin. As Chair of Marin Clean Energy, Kate worked to develop energy efficiency programs and expanded electric vehicle charging stations in Marin. prgtoken From Angel Island to Muir Woods, Kate has also fought for Marin's parks and open spaces. I am proud to have worked with her to find compromise in resolving community issues, including through the Muir Woods Parking Reservation System. prgtoken Kate is a champion for the people and places of Marin County and leaves an appreciable legacy as she retires from the Board of Supervisors. Madam , I respectfully ask that you join me in honoring Kate for an accomplished tenure, and extend to her best wishes in her future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO CORY GARDNER
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-12-15

Cory Gardner may be one of the younger members of the Senate, but he has brought distinction and dedication to his work on behalf of Coloradans. His entire career has been anchored in legislative work, at the Federal and State levels, first as a Senate staffer and then in the Colorado House of Representatives, before his election to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken In both the State legislature and in the House of Representatives, he focused primarily on energy and agriculture legislation. He brought these priorities with him to Senate in 2015, through his work on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Commerce, Justice, and Science Committees. As a Senator, Senator Gardner has often worked across the aisle to find common ground and deliver for the people of the United States. One recent example was the enactment of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, which became law in August. This landmark bipartisan conservation legislation permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, supports and creates countless jobs in conservation and outdoor recreation, and protects our country's natural beauty. Through the negotiation and passage of this bill, Senator Gardner was at the table, trying to reach consensus and bring about meaningful benefits for the American people. That is no easy task and one which is not undertaken often in the Senate these days. prgtoken Senator Gardner will leave the Senate at the end of this Congress, but I know his dedication to public service will remain. Marcelle and I wish Senator Gardner, his wife Alyson, and the rest of their family the very best in the next chapter of their lives.
TRIBUTE TO WARREN AND JANE ALLEN
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise today to recognize Warren and Jane Allen of Spofford, NH. The couple served our country with distinction during World War II, and the life they built together is emblematic of the many who came home from war, raised a family, and helped to build the America we know today. prgtoken Warren, or ``Bill'' as he is known to close friends, was born on March 14, 1923, in Calhoun, GA. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. When asked years later why he decided to enlist, he replied that he saw a movie about the Marines and liked the look of their dress blues. His service brought him across the country, from boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina to ``tower school'' in Fort Worth, TX, and eventually to a posting at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, NC. An air traffic controller, Bill remembers having to stand on orange crates to direct aircraft traffic at MCAS Cherry Point. The control tower had not been built yet. prgtoken Jane Post was born on April 26, 1923, in Spofford, NH. She enlisted in the recently formed U.S. Marine Corps Women Reserves in June of 1943. She trained at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and attended control tower school in Atlanta, GA. Following her training, she arrived at MCAS Cherry Point and was assigned to the air station's clearance center. It was her responsibility to keep track of all arriving and departing aircraft at the station. It was at Cherry Point that Jane's path crossed Bill's in 1943. prgtoken By November of that year, Bill had risen to a supervisor position at air station. One day, a plane carrying a U.S. Marine Corps general was descending and given clearance to land. Suddenly, a fighter pilot radioed that his plane was losing air pressure and requested permission for an emergency landing. The control tower instructed the fighter pilot to circle the air station and allow the general's plane to land first. Upon hearing this, Bill sprinted up the stairs of the control tower and demanded to know who gave those instructions. It was Jane Post. prgtoken Though he disagreed with her judgement on which plane should have landed first that day, Bill struck up a relationship with that control tower operator. They were married 5 months later on April 20, 1944, and have been inseparable ever since. prgtoken Bill continued to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1946. He reenlisted in 1947 and kept his rank of technical sergeant. In 1952, he was honorably discharged from the Reserves. Jane served in the Women Reserves until January 12, 1945. She was honorably discharged upon the news that she and Bill were expecting their first child. prgtoken The Allens eventually settled in Spofford, NH, a small community in the western part of the State. Bill went on to work at a number of local banks after a short stint as the owner of the local Tuttle's Store. He retired as president of the Savings Bank of Walpole in 1993. As their children grew up, Jane retu
RECOGNIZING COMMANDER MARCUS L. JONES
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Commander Marcus L. Jones of the U.S. Navy, upon his completion of the Department of Defense Legislative Fellowship program. Assigned to my office for the 2020 calendar year, Commander Jones quickly became an integral part of my team, lending his expertise as a U.S. Navy Supply Corps Officer to guide and inform my work as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee within the House Armed Services Committee. Over this past year, Commander Jones has worked closely with my personal staff and Readiness Subcommittee staff on the military's most pressing readiness challenges. He will be deeply missed after an exceptional year of service. prgtoken Commander Jones is a native of Columbus, Mississippi, and is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in International Business. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. prgtoken Commander Jones began his career in 2001, and has since held numerous operational and shore assignments including on the USS West Virginia (SSBN-736B) and USS George Washington (CVN-73), at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Naval Supply Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and in the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget. His extensive background in logistics has been critical to my work in strengthening and recapitalizing our nation's maritime logistics force. prgtoken Commander Jones and his wife, Sybil, have three beautiful daughters, and his family continues to support him and his service to our nation. prgtoken This moment is bittersweet, as we are deeply saddened to see Commander Jones go. However, we are excited for what awaits him and what his future holds. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Commander Marcus L. Jones for his dedicated service to the U.S. Navy, U.S. House of Representatives, and to our Nation.
TRIBUTE TO DR. JOHN ANFINSON
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise today to honor a great advocate for the Mississippi River. After a distinguished career of public service at the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service, Dr. John Anfinson will retire at the end of this month from his position as superintendent of Minnesota's Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. prgtoken During my time as a board member for Friends of the Mississippi River, I saw firsthand Dr. Anfinson's tireless commitment to the river ecosystem. John has delighted in introducing people to the mighty Mississippi as it flows through the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and sharing stories about the historic, economic, and cultural significance of America's great river. prgtoken In each of his roles, from historian for the Saint Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to chief of resource management and superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of the National Park Service, Dr. Anfinson has shared his love for the Mississippi with countless people in the Twin Cities and beyond. prgtoken Dr. Anfinson has been a leader in protecting the river ecosystem from invasive species and has been instrumental in saving and repurposing the Fort Snelling Upper Post buildings, prgtoken which will soon come back to life as a new community, housing families and individuals. He and his work remind us of the cultural, commercial, and ecological importance of the river. It is fundamental to our very identities as Minnesotans. prgtoken Through his work, Dr. Anfinson has educated countless Minnesotans about the unique cultural heritage of the Mississippi, and he has inspired the public to appreciate and take advantage of the treasures the river offers to our State and country. He has contributed to our understanding of the history of the river through his books, ``River of History'' and ``The River We Have Wrought.'' His impact will be felt as generations and generations of Americans have the opportunity to learn about the Mississippi enjoy all that it has to offer. prgtoken As our climate changes and our State changes in countless other ways, it is vital that we prioritize good stewardship of the river. That means cleaning the waters. That means maintaining our river communities and the infrastructure--natural and manmade--necessary to protect them from flooding. We will be challenged to constantly envision, plan, and take action to make sure we have a Mississippi River worthy of the legacy we want to pass on to the next generation of Minnesotans. Dr. Anfinson and his work will continue to guide us for years to come. prgtoken It is an honor to offer my sincerest congratulations to Dr. Anfinson on his retirement. Minnesota thanks him for his countless contributions to the environment and our treasured Mississippi River.
Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-12-15

as the leader rightly acknowledged a few moments ago, will be the next President of the United States, and our colleague will be the next Vice President of the United States. Leader McConnell's Senators ought to follow suit. They ought to acknowledge that will be the next President and that will be the next Vice President. prgtoken For the sake of the country, President should take his cue from Leader McConnell that it is time to end his term with a modicum of grace and dignity--qualities that his predecessors took great pains to display during our grand tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. prgtoken Enough is enough. Our colleagues, for the sake of our democracy and for the sake of the peaceful transition of power, should stop the shenanigans, stop the misrepresentations, and acknowledge that will be our next President. Enough is enough. Senators and s throughout the country should follow Leader McConnell's lead and acknowledge now that will be the next President of the United States.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise to honor and pay tribute to our Senate colleagues who are departing at the end of this Congress. I was able to work with all of them in different ways, and we are going to miss them. prgtoken Before that, I did want to mention the importance of the continuing negotiations on end-of-the-year pandemic relief. I have been involved in those, and I want to thank those Members who have been at the forefront of this all through the weekend, all through the last few weeks. prgtoken I cannot stress how important it is right now. My State just got through a spike in COVID. We lost so many people. We have so many small businesses, like so many States in this country, that are closed down. prgtoken While we see the light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccine, I talked to a friend of mine whose husband is an infectious disease doctor, and she said when she saw those trucks rolling out in Michigan, she just started to sob just seeing it on TV. I think that is how a lot of people in this country feel, but it is on us right now to make sure we get the funding so that vaccine gets distributed as it should and to also ensure that our economy is in a place that when we start going back into the workplace--not just virtually--we will be able to bounce back as we should, and that means pandemic relief at the end of this year.
HONORING DEBRA DeLAET AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Professor Debra DeLaet, the Executive Director of the Iowa United Nations Association (UNA), for her dedication to protecting human rights and ending violence against women. prgtoken November 25th marks the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day devoted to bringing awareness to intimate partner violence, prgtoken sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, and more. Professor DeLaet has been passionate about gender equality and human rights from a young age. She developed her passion for international relations and global issues of human rights during her time at the University of Notre Dame where she received her master's in Peace Studies. She began teaching at Drake University in 1995, leading courses ranging from human rights to world politics. prgtoken In 2019, Professor DeLaet was brought on as the Executive Director of the Iowa UNA, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on advocating for constructive U.S. global engagements and supporting the work of the UN. It is in this position that Professor DeLaet has been able to advocate for change on a larger scale. Gender equality and women's rights are two of the main focuses of the Iowa UNA, and Professor DeLaet takes pride in the organization's work which has focused on everything from refugees and human rights to female empowerment and environmental issues. prgtoken In addition to teaching college students, Professor DeLaet speaks to young people about the Iowa UNA and the importance of caring about global issues. She encourages students to get involved so they can be advocates for their own future, as well as for the future of Iowa and our country. Many current Iowa UNA members have been involved for decades, some since their charter in 1953. The longtime membership of many in the Iowa UNA inspires Professor DeLaet to remain resilient and tenacious, and their dedication to the important work of the UN shows the universality of the issues the Iowa UNA focus on. prgtoken Professor DeLaet's dedication to human rights, especially pertaining to women, is incredibly inspiring. She has been a lifelong advocate for equality among all people, and she continues to teach the next generation of leaders to support human rights and global involvement. Professor DeLaet hopes to see a new generation of Iowans get involved in the Iowa UNA and champion important issues such as gender equity. I am proud of the work that she and the Iowa UNA have done to continue these important discussions and stand up for decency and equality. Professor Debra DeLaet's many years of dedication and passion are exactly why we are inspired by her, and why I am honored to recognize her as our Iowan of the Week.