mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-9-22

we must take our duty to America's veterans seriously, which is why the circumstances we find ourselves in today are extremely unfortunate. The extensions for important VA programs for the upcoming fiscal year--just 8 days away--are currently being held up from being considered and passed in the Senate. prgtoken This extension bill was negotiated in earnest and the four corners of the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees agreed upon this legislation. This was a collaborative effort, not a partisan one, but, nonetheless, this bill has not yet been cleared by the Senate minority. prgtoken Let me be clear: Countless veterans rely on these programs. Let me be clear: They expire at the end of the month. prgtoken From raising veterans out of homelessness to making certain that COVID-19 doesn't disrupt a veteran's pursuit of higher education, to helping rural veterans get their medical appointments, the fiscal year 2021 VA extenders bill contains a wide variety of extensions for programs that support a multitude of veteran populations. prgtoken Additionally, we have requested consent for several House-passed bills that will improve mental health care for veterans and increase annual veteran benefit rates to keep up with inflation. These are commonsense ideas that have broad support and will make meaningful differences in the lives of our veterans. These are items that would normally pass the Senate without difficulty. prgtoken Our veterans should not wait and should not need to wait. They can't afford to wait for the Senate to act on these matters. The deadline is quickly approaching. Our Nation's veterans did not serve their country for partisan reasons, and we must not let any partisan differences prevent us from authorizing the programs to support those veterans. prgtoken I ask my Senate colleagues to fulfill our collective duty regarding veterans programs and that we do not allow other issues to distract from that duty. prgtoken .
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AUTHORITY AND COLLABORATION ACT OF 2020
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 6589, the VA Chief Financial Officer Authority and Collaboration Act. prgtoken Each year, the Department of Veterans Affairs manages to pass its financial statement audit despite a number of persistent material weaknesses in what appears to be a stalemate. VA never quite loses its unqualified audit opinion but never materially improves either. We should expect more, especially with VA's budget approaching $250 billion and its total liabilities reaching near $3.3 trillion. prgtoken Madam , I thank Congresswoman Susie Lee from Nevada and General Jack Bergman from Michigan for sponsoring this bill to address the root cause of the problem, the VA's Chief Financial Officer's lack of operational authority over the dozens of lower level chief financial officers throughout VA. prgtoken This bill would direct VA to develop a detailed action plan to resolve material weaknesses and require VA's Chief Financial Officer to attest to the Department's financial projections and internal controls in VA's annual budget submission. prgtoken It would also strengthen VA's Chief Financial Officer's operational authority by involving them or their designee in the hiring and performance evaluations of subordinate chief financial officers. prgtoken All of these reforms are consistent with the Chief Financial Officer Act of 1990. prgtoken I support this legislation because it is a carefully crafted solution to an old problem with escalating consequences. prgtoken , .
Biden Tax Plan (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-9-22

last week, former Vice President released his Presidential tax plan. I wish he would release the list of people he is going to put on the Supreme Court, like he said he was going to do in June. He hasn't done that, and, I think, yesterday, he said he wasn't going to do it, but we do have his high-tax plan. prgtoken He has vowed to raise taxes immediately on U.S. businesses even though our country is recovering from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Usually, when you are in that economic condition, you don't raise taxes, and the very last thing struggling Americans need, and particularly the businesses that create the jobs, is a massive tax increase at this time. Of course, Mr. 's tax plan shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. His party seems to think the answer to every problem in America is to raise taxes and spend more money. prgtoken When he was Vice President, the U.S. corporate tax rate was the highest in the industrialized world. It isn't now because of President 's tax proposals and the tax reform legislation we passed December 2017. Prior to tax reform, U.S. companies were not competitive with their foreign counterparts. And there were constant headlines about companies that were moving their headquarters overseas, largely because of our outdated tax system. prgtoken In fact, a number of Mr. 's proposals make me think that he is reliving his time as Vice President. His plan to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 to 28 would very quickly take us back to those days. Once again, this country would be saddled with the highest business tax rates in the industrialized world, taking into account Federal and State taxes in this country. U.S. companies, both large and small, would see higher taxes than their foreign competitors in France, Germany, the UK, and other major trading partners. In some cases, those taxes would be as much as 15 percentage points higher. prgtoken Mr. says our tax system encourages offshoring, profit shifting, and inversions. Back when he was Vice President, those things actually happened: offshoring, profit shifting, and inversions. prgtoken When Mr. was Vice President, the U.S. tax law allowed companies to defer their foreign earnings until they were brought back to the United States. Why would you bring them back when we had the highest tax rate in the industrialized world? prgtoken That system allowed many companies to delay paying taxes on their foreign earnings, and in some cases, that could be indefinitely. prgtoken As part of tax reform, we specifically sought to end the parking of profits overseas. We wanted that money to come home so that money would be invested in this country and would create jobs. prgtoken That is why we enacted the tax on global intangible low-tax income-- or GILTI, as it is referred to--which imposes a minimum tax on foreign earnings in low-tax countries. prgtoken And when was Vic
PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to express my concern regarding the ongoing deterioration of good governance in the Republic of Georgia. Recent reports indicate the Georgian government has undermined the Digital Silk Way, a digital communications project meant to transform the region's technological integration and increase independence from Russian and Iranian influence. In light of Russia and Iran's ongoing corruption and threats to international peace and stability, this matter is of strategic importance to American foreign policy. prgtoken While the Georgian government is an important ally of the United States, it has become increasingly hostile toward investors in Georgian infrastructure, which threatens critical projects in the region. Additionally, the administration's recent adoption of new taxes and bureaucratic barriers for Western businesses only serves to further undermine American companies' ability to operate within Georgia. I fear these changes to Georgian business practices risks increasing the nation's dependence on Russia and Iran. prgtoken As an aspiring NATO member and United States ally, Georgia must continue to remove itself from Russia and Iran's sphere of influence. By focusing on infrastructure projects that bypass American adversaries in the region, the Georgian government can create new economic opportunities, attract additional foreign investment, and protect the country's sovereignty from perverse international influences. prgtoken The partnership between Georgia and the United States relies on Georgia's ongoing commitment to fair international business and governance practices. I urge the Department of State to raise these issues with the government in Tbilisi and ensure the Georgian government facilitates an environment where businesses are able to develop projects to help Georgia remain free from Russian and Iranian influence.
UNLEASHING THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-22

I rise today as the chairman of the Study Committee's American Worker Task Force. This task force was established to provide policy recommendations to empower millions of American workers to reclaim their version of the American Dream. prgtoken This task force, really, , is all about the American Dream, which is the idea that the condition of your birth should not determine the outcome of your life and that, in America, because of the blessings of freedom that we are given, anyone, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or any station in life, through hard work, persistence, and determination, can achieve upward mobility, can achieve his or her God-given potential, and can realize that American Dream. prgtoken This afternoon, the American Worker Task Force will unveil its report to change flawed policies from Washington, D.C to unleash the spirit of the American Dream and to give workers their opportunity at upward mobility. prgtoken First, we are going to propose policy changes that will refocus labor policy to unleash American workers and allow them to realize their God- given potential. This includes increasing opportunities for apprenticeships, not just Department of Labor, Washington-directed, centrally planned registered apprenticeships, apprenticeships that may or may not yield fruitful careers in in-demand jobs in the labor market, in the real world, but, instead, also recognizing apprenticeships that are industry-recognized, industry-driven, and that meet the jobs that are actually available in the labor market. prgtoken We are going to be proposing ideas about eliminating overly restrictive occupational licensing requirements and giving workers greater flexibility in the way they are compensated, to choose comp time as opposed to just overtime. prgtoken Secondly, we want to reimagine our failed welfare policies to remove the trap of government dependency and, instead, create a system that propels American individuals and families to extraordinary success and prosperity. prgtoken This includes providing alternatives to the failed Housing First policies: to provide Americans access in housing assistance with wraparound services to actually meet those individuals where they are; to provide them with career counseling and perhaps, if needed, addiction recovery services and financial literacy. prgtoken We want second-chance employees to have access to the labor market. Whether they have been incarcerated before, whether they are struggling with an addiction, whether they have failed to get the skills that they need, we believe that second-chance and third-chance employees are desperately needed in America's economy today. prgtoken We also want work incentives for able-bodied, work-capable adults, especially those without dependents, because we know that work is a blessing; work is not a punishment. prgtoken And, third, we want to refine our education system to debunk the bachelors- prgtoken
Remembering Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-9-22

on Friday, we learned that trailblazing Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died at the age of 87 from pancreatic cancer. prgtoken Justice Ginsburg embraced the law at a time when being a woman in the field meant a constant uphill battle. She had to fight for opportunities that were available to men as a matter of course. prgtoken Her work as a lawyer eventually came to focus around women's rights-- or as Ruth Bader Ginsburg put it, ``the constitutional principle of the equal citizenship stature of men and women.'' prgtoken Before joining the Court, she argued six gender discrimination cases before it, and as a Justice, she continued to advance this cause. She served with distinction on the Supreme Court for more than 25 years-- and engaged in some of the Court's most memorable exchanges over that period. prgtoken She was known for her work ethic and tenacity, as well as her kindness and good humor, and, of course, for her love of opera and her 56-year romance with her beloved husband, Marty. prgtoken She disagreed often with her good friend Justice Scalia, but they never allowed their strong disagreements to ruin their enduring friendship and mutual respect. She could dissent on the most fundamental questions, without indicting the character of those with whom she disagreed. prgtoken Her work to secure equal treatment for women has earned her a place in American history, and her courage and perseverance in overcoming significant obstacles will continue to inspire many. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Ginsburg's family.
VETERAN'S PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT AND RESEARCH ACT
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-22

I rise today in support of H.R. 6092, the Veteran's Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act. prgtoken Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis amongst U.S. veterans. I speak in two roles: one as a practicing urologist who has, for over 30 years, taken care of prostate cancer patients, and then also as a Congressman, too, to the Third District of North Carolina, which is home to roughly 95,000 veterans, the third most in the country. So this bill is especially important to me. prgtoken This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a national clinical pathway and a national registry related to the diagnosis, research, and treatment of prostate cancer. This information will be critical to help ensure our VA's prostate cancer patients have the best opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. prgtoken Prostate cancer often sneaks up silently, without symptoms, and, thus, early detection is the key. Early diagnosis leads to a much greater chance for cure. prgtoken Also, very important is this bill's requirements for the VA to develop a real-time, actional national prostate cancer registry online. The more we can keep the VA up to date with the medical advances of the 21st century, the more veterans' lives we will save. prgtoken I want to thank my colleague and fellow urologist, Congressman Neal Dunn, for leading this initiative in the House. Bills like this one are the reason more and more veterans are surviving this horrible disease. I am proud to be a cosponsor and look forward to its passage. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote for this legislation.
Supreme Court Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-9-22

Senator Lee for an impassioned and effective argument. prgtoken I rise here today in support of my colleague Senator Hyde-Smith's SAVE Moms and Babies Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. I am disappointed that my colleagues would object to this bill to help safeguard and help expectant mothers. prgtoken The SAVE Moms and Babies Act would improve women's health by protecting important safety mechanisms put into place by the FDA. The Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy is an essential mechanism which ensures that drugs with serious safety concerns are used and prescribed correctly. prgtoken My ic colleagues and the abortion lobby may expect Americans to believe chemical abortion pills are safe to use and should be available online without an in-person physician consultation, but here are the facts: Between 3.4 and 5.9 percent of women taking chemical abortion drugs require surgical intervention to complete the abortion. This meant 10,000 women in 2017 alone needed surgery after taking an abortion drug. Chemical abortion has four times the complications as surgical abortion during the first trimester. The risk of complications are particularly worsened in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. Women with ectopic pregnancies have suffered serious injury and even death from taking chemical abortion drugs. prgtoken I am disappointed this Chamber could not come together today to support Senator Hyde-Smith's timely, needed, and important bill to protect women's health. prgtoken .
SUPREME COURT NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-22

I explained yesterday how moving ahead on a vote on the forthcoming Supreme Court nomination will be consistent with both history and precedent. prgtoken When an election-year nomination to fill an election-year vacancy occurs in a divided government, with a Senate and a President of different parties, the historical norm is that such nominations are not confirmed. But the times this has happened after the American people have elected a Senate majority to work alongside the same-party President, every such nominee has been confirmed, save one bizarre exception of a nominee who had corrupt financial dealings. Let me say that again. Except for Justice Abe Fortas and his ethical scandals, every single nomination in American history made under our present circumstances has ended in a confirmation--seven out of eight. prgtoken That is the thing about facts and history. Angry rhetoric does not change them. Partisan finger-pointing does not alter them. Facts simply exist. They are there for everyone to see. History and precedent were on this Senate majority's side in 2016, and they are overwhelmingly on our side now. prgtoken If we go on to confirm this nomination after a careful process, then both in 2016 and in 2020, this Senate will simply have provided the typical, normal outcome in each scenario. Think about that fact and then weigh it against the outcry and hysteria that has already erupted on the far left. prgtoken Yesterday, the ic leader announced on the floor that if the Senate holds a vote on the forthcoming nomination it would ``spell the end of this supposedly great deliberative body.'' Spell the end of this supposedly great deliberative body? That is what he said. It would be the death of the Senate if a duly elected majority of the U.S. Senate exercises its advice and consent power as it sees fit. That is what Senates do. It is our job description. Presidents makes nominations as they see fit, and Senate majorities either provide or withhold advice and consent as we see fit. But now our ic colleagues tell us that the Senate doing normal senatorial things would ``spell the end'' of this institution--whatever that may mean. prgtoken The ic leader is not alone in these pronouncements. Chairman Jerry Nadler of the House Judiciary Committee has already announced that if the Senate majority dares to act like prgtoken a Senate majority, future should ``immediately move to expand the Supreme Court.'' prgtoken From another colleague: If [they hold] a vote in 2020, we pack the court in 2021. It's that simple. prgtoken Pelosi intimated on television last weekend that she may consider launching a new frivolous impeachment simply to tie up the Senate's time. She said: ``We have our options.'' prgtoken The junior Senator from Massachusetts said ``must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court.'' prgtoken The junior Senator for Hawaii sa
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-9-22

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hinderaker nomination at 11:45 a.m. tomorrow; further, that if cloture is invoked, the Senate vote on confirmation of the Hinderaker nomination at 4 p.m. tomorrow; and that following disposition of the nomination, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Young nomination. I further ask that if cloture is invoked on the Young nomination, the confirmation vote occur at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the ic leader on Thursday, September 24; finally, that the cloture motion on the Samuels nomination be withdrawn and the Senate vote on confirmation of the Samuels nomination following the cloture vote on the Young nomination.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-9-22

we are facing momentous issues in the Senate and in Washington and in our Nation. prgtoken Today, we are debating a spending bill to keep the government funded past the end of this month. There are ongoing negotiations to help provide additional relief to those most affected by the coronavirus. prgtoken With the sad news of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there is now a Supreme Court vacancy as well. prgtoken As momentous as these issues are, we ought not miss what is happening on the streets of America, though, as too many in Washington missed for years as Americans were dying by the thousands as a result of the opioid epidemic that hit this country, from prescription pills to heroin, to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. prgtoken Now, in recent years, Washington has gotten the news, and we have taken action to try to stem the tide of drug overdoses around our country. prgtoken But the fight continues, so I want to call the Senate and the Nation's attention to a new threat: isotonitazene. It is harder to pronounce than fentanyl, but it is equally deadly. It will kill you in a heartbeat, and it also comes from China. Reports of iso--as this hard-to-pronounce drug is often called on the street--are still scattered. prgtoken A shipment was seized in Canada early last year. Now it has been popping up in Europe, in countries as far flung as Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and, at about the same time, iso has found its way to America as well. It has turned up in both pill and powder form, seemingly shipped in concentrated, small quantities that escape detection too often. Once it is here, it is usually cut with other drugs, like heroin and cocaine, to make them more powerful and much more deadly. prgtoken An unsuspecting drug user can inject a tainted dose or take a counterfeit prgtoken prescription pill and be dead within minutes. Iso is just like fentanyl in that regard. prgtoken According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, iso is confirmed to have killed at least 18 Americans in 4 different States and has been encountered in at least 48 confirmed incidents across 9 States. prgtoken However, it has likely killed many more. We don't know for sure because tests for iso still are not widely available, given its novelty, and overdose deaths due to a cocktail of iso mixed with heroin, cocaine, or other drugs may be inadvertently attributed only to the known substance. prgtoken What we do know is that iso is just the latest weapon that the Chinese drug dealers are using in their opium war against America. First, they developed designer fentanyl analogs, which have killed--and continue to kill--Americans by the thousands. prgtoken However, we have taken strong action against fentanyl. Last year, we passed my legislation, the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, to punish Chinese drug dealers, and the President--equally important--pressured China's leader to crack down on underground d