mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMERICAN VALUES AND SECURITY IN INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-18

the balance of my time. prgtoken , hosting the Olympics is an honor that indicates the host country's legitimacy on the world stage, but unfortunately, this honor has been handed to governments who misuse it time and again. prgtoken We cannot let the Olympic games become a tool for corrupt and malign governments to conceal their behavior and portray themselves in a positive light. We know that the CCP will use international participation in the Olympics to normalize its atrocities. They have done it once before. prgtoken At the very least, we should ensure that American athletes have the opportunity to at least be informed and to protect themselves and their personal privacy. prgtoken We have all traveled, as Members of Congress, across the globe to oppressive governments. Many of us have been under surveillance in hostile governments like Russia and China and other countries. This bill simply allows prgtoken for our athletes to have the same courtesy, to be briefed in advance about the threats that they may face while they are in the host country at the Olympics in China. prgtoken Again, I want to thank the gentleman from New York for his support; Chairman Engel, my dear friend, for cosponsoring the bill, along with Representatives Sherman, Spanberger, and Phillips. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' prgtoken , .
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-11-18

I think it is important to point out that as we discuss the issue of coronavirus relief, that Senate s have now not once but twice brought a bill to the floor of the U.S. Senate that enjoyed the support of a majority of U.S. Senators. There were 52 Senators who voted for coronavirus relief not once but twice-- once in September and once in October. Not a single voted for it. prgtoken The ic leader was just talking about the House of Representatives, where they passed a bill. Yes, they passed a bill. It didn't have a single on it. It was a massive multitrillion- dollar bill, liberal wish list, that included all kinds of things like bailouts for blue States the taxpayers would have to finance, including tax cuts for millionaires in places like New York and California, and left a lot of the American people who are really suffering from the coronavirus holding the bag. prgtoken We believe that there are things that need to be done, and just because we can't do everything that the want to do on their liberal wish list, that we should do something, and s came together behind a bill. They increased the support above and beyond what unemployed workers would normally get through unemployment insurance--increased that benefit by $300 a week. It also provided a significant amount of funding for schools as they continue to deal with the cost of trying to stay open safely. It put significant investments into vaccines, testings, therapeutics, support for providers, and all the things that will help on the healthcare front to defeat this virus. And, of course, it provided infusion of additional dollars for the Paycheck Protection Program, which has been so successful in assisting our small businesses as they weather and survive this crisis to try and keep their workers employed and keep their businesses up and operating and keep our economy operating in this country. prgtoken Those are all things--all things--for which there is bipartisan support and on which there should be votes, not just among s in the Senate but among as well, but unfortunately the have opted not to sit down in a reasonable way and come up with a reasonable proposal. prgtoken The bill that came over from the House of Representatives that they continue to tout is something that would never pass in the Senate, and it would never get signed into law. prgtoken The bill that Senate s passed--I shouldn't say passed but got majority support for here in the Senate not once but twice--would, in fact, get signed into law and is something that could pass here in the Senate and I believe in the House of Representatives, too, because they are all things that enjoy broad bipartisan support. prgtoken The difference is that our bill was targeted to those areas which need the support the most. It was fiscally responsible, recognizing that we have a $26 trilli
TROPICAL FOREST AND CORAL REEF CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2020
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-11-18

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat) for their leadership on this legislation here today and previous to this. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 7954, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020. It is bipartisan legislation that I introduced with my ic colleague and friend from California, Brad Sherman, as a companion to legislation that Senator Portman introduced previously in the Senate. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Portman. He has been a longtime leader on this topic, and it makes a lot of sense. It is really common sense. It helps so many people all across the globe. prgtoken Tropical forests and coral reefs are some of the most biologically diverse and environmentally important ecosystems anywhere. Today, however, whether it is deforestation or pollution or overfishing or some other cause, these vital natural resources are threatened across the globe. prgtoken Now, many tropical forests and coral reefs are located in the developing world where economic realities can often get in the way of the conservation. It is in the best interest of the whole world to protect and responsibly manage these resources. That is why I introduced H.R. 7954. prgtoken This legislation builds on our work on the Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2018 and the Tropical Forest Conservation Act back in 1998, so this is 22 years ago. prgtoken Back in 1998, we set up a debt forgiveness program under which the U.S. forgives a debt owed to us by a developing nation in exchange for that country making investments in conservation work to sustain its critical ecosystems. prgtoken Agreements under this program also strengthen local economies by supporting sustainable development of these resources as well as civil society groups in partner nations that conduct conservation works. prgtoken And this program has proven results. Since 1998, as was mentioned, the U.S. has used it to conserve 67 million acres--think of that, 67 million acres--of tropical forests. Further, by assisting developing countries to properly manage and sustainably develop these resources, the program follows the old adage of teaching a man to fish. prgtoken With these benefits in mind, I am proud to say that our legislation has received the support of Conservation International, the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and The Nature Conservancy, among others. prgtoken Finally, our legislation sets a sharp contrast with what the Chinese development model is. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, for example, China has offered elites in developing countries flashy or get-rich-quick schemes and projects, often with little or no regard for the local environment. Citizens in these countries are taken advantage of. prgtoken H.R. 7954 keeps one more tool in the State Department's toolbox to
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-11-18

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a veteran-owned small business known for excellence and outstanding craftsmanship. This week, it is my pleasure to recognize Boyd Industries, Inc of Clearwater, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 2012, Adrian LaTrace purchased Boyd Industries, a dental and medical equipment manufacturing company that was established in 1957 as a custom residential furniture manufacturer. Founder William Boyd pioneered the lounge-style dentistry chair, now a standard feature in dental offices nationwide. As ``sit-down'' dentistry became more common, Boyd Industries reinvented itself as a cabinet, medical chair, and exam equipment manufacturer. prgtoken More than 60 years later, owner and CEO Adrian LaTrace has continued Boyd Industries' tradition of innovation and growth. A native of the Fort Walton Beach-Destin area, Adrian graduated from The Citadel before serving 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Under his leadership, Boyd has remained committed to its core values of integrity, respect, innovation, loyalty, and dependability. Veterans are the heart of Boyd Industries' workforce, with servicemembers from four branches of the military currently represented at the company. prgtoken Attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship have earned Boyd Industries a reputation for excellence. They are widely regarded as the top oral and implant surgery equipment provider in the nation. Notably, Boyd Industries manufactures the majority of its product components at its Clearwater facility. Additional components are sourced from U.S.- based companies, and Boyd assembles all products in-house. prgtoken Under Adrian's leadership, Boyd Industries has earned industry awards and invested in its community. High-quality products have earned Boyd Industries the Townie Choice Award for 8 consecutive years. Laird Plastics recognized Boyd Industries with the Environmental Excellence Award from 2015-2018, citing its increased recycling and sustainability. Collaborating with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Orthodontists, Boyd Industries has contributed to developing orthodontist training and best practices, and furnished dental residency training facilities. Additionally, Boyd Industries regularly donates surplus cabinetry to Habitat for Humanity and has supported the Clearwater Free Clinic for decades. prgtoken As an essential business, Boyd Industries managed to stay open, keep their employees safe, and adapt to the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, the SBA launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a small business relief program I was proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted
TRIBUTE TO BRIAN POTTS
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Brian Potts, a member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who has retired after 25 years of service in the Federal Government. prgtoken Brian earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1994, where he played football and studied accounting. Upon graduation, Brian began his career as part of the Department of the Navy Financial Management Trainee Program. During this time, he worked as an auditor for the Naval Audit Service and as a budget analyst for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). Brian excelled in the program, and he was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence. prgtoken After completion of this program, in 1997, Brian joined the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction as a professional staff member. After leaving the Hill briefly to work as an auditor for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Brian returned to the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction. In 2004, Brian moved to the Senate Subcommittee on Defense where he would stay until 2014, at which time he became Minority Staff Director for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. prgtoken When the Senate switched control in 2015, Brian was hired to be the Majority Staff Director for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, a position responsible for a portfolio exceeding $500 billion in annual spending. In 2019, I asked Brian to become my National Security Advisor on my House Appropriations Committee staff, and he proved to be a trusted advisor. Brian could always be counted on to give great insight into the issues that face our men and women in uniform. prgtoken Brian is known for his love of sports, and I know he is enjoying retirement with his son, Owen, and attending his baseball and basketball games. We wish Brian the best in his new adventure and thank him for everything he has done for our nation's security.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-11-18

I come to the floor to talk about what the voters of America told the elected representatives in Washington about the election earlier this month. There has been a lot of analysis about what happened this year in the elections--who got what right, who got what wrong. The pollsters, the prognosticators, and the pundits-- well, they are already taking a beating for their many wrong predictions. prgtoken The American people in States all across this country and, certainly, in Wyoming, rejected this far-left agenda. They saw what the were offering, and they said: No, thank you. Voters looked at the violent leftwing protests that have wrecked large cities and small cities across the country. People saw the death, injuries, and destruction of property, and Americans went to the polls and said: No, thank you. They rejected the ' calls to defund the police; rebuffed the ' threats to pack the Supreme Court; and said no to one-size-fits-all, government-run healthcare. They snubbed the ' embrace of the Green New Deal and rejected this far-left plan to end American energy production. Basically, Americans said no. prgtoken Many ran on this far-left agenda. They lost despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars trying to convince Americans otherwise. The must be asking themselves: What did we get wrong? prgtoken No matter how much the Party pushes and their candidates push, America is not a far-left country. Americans don't want to blow up the Senate or the Supreme Court. They don't want to add more States to the Union or more Justices to the Court. They don't want to kill our energy economy and the good jobs it provides. People do not want to pay $10 a gallon for gasoline when they fill up under the Green New Deal. They don't want more government meddling in their personal healthcare decisions. prgtoken I know what the people of Wyoming want, and Members ought to know this. Americans want jobs and security. They want to get back to work in a free enterprise economy, not a socialist one. They want their kids back in school safely to make sure they don't fall further behind. People are smart enough to know that the free stuff for everyone means the American taxpayer will be left footing the bill. prgtoken Between now and the end of the year, we have very important things to do for the Nation in this body, the U.S. Senate. We need to fund the government. We need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. We need to confirm well-qualified nominees to the Federal judiciary. Senate s are ready to get that work done. There is also work to be done in our fight against the coronavirus. prgtoken The House has played politics with American lives and livelihoods for months now. With the election behind us, I hope it will take a more sensible approach to this Nation's most pressing problem right now. For months, Senate Republica
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-18

here it is November 18. It seems like the election was a few years ago. Time is flying prgtoken by, but there is still a lot of work to be done here in the 116th Congress. prgtoken I hope that our friends across the aisle will reconsider their objections to working with us on another COVID-19 relief bill. I know back home in Texas, many small businesses that received PPE loans are uncertain, for example, what the tax consequences are going to be associated with that. Many of them, for whom that was a lifeline, are running out of that lifeline due to the passage of time. prgtoken We also know we need to pass an appropriations bill before the December 11 deadline to both avoid a government shutdown and give our government agencies the ability to plan and operate with certainty. prgtoken Of course, perhaps most significantly, we need to pass a final version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The foremost obligation of the Federal Government is the peace and security for the American people. We do that by passing the defense authorization act and funding our military each year on an annual basis. This bill determines how we maintain our military bases, modernize our aircraft, and invest in the next generation of aircraft and weaponry. prgtoken Of course, we know that our adversaries--most notably, countries like China and Russia--are moving very quickly to modernize their military and their weaponry in a way that could jeopardize the balance or the deterrence of our current systems. It is very, very important. prgtoken This is also how we supply our servicemembers and their families with the money they need to provide for their families. It is how we take stock of the evolving threat landscape--things like hypersonic glide vehicles--and ensure our country is taking active steps to counter threats on the horizon. prgtoken The most important thing, I think, Ronald Reagan taught us or reminded us of is ``peace through strength,'' that weakness is actually a provocation to the bullies, tyrants, and dictators who will take advantage of any opportunity. It causes instability and perhaps even miscalculation and people taking risks that, ultimately, will lead to armed conflict. The best thing we can do to maintain the peace is make sure the United States of America remains the preeminent military force on the planet. prgtoken Of course, it is no secret that, in recent years, China has emerged as one of the greatest threats to world order. It is increasingly belligerent and well resourced and continues to demonstrate a lack of respect for basic human rights and dignities. prgtoken The challenge of China is they don't play by the rules. I know back when China became part of the World Trade Organization, there was a hope expressed that maybe by becoming part of the World Trade Organization, they could join the other rules-based economies and countries, but they have not. They continue to steal intellectual
RECOGNIZING DANE HAYGOOD
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-11-18

I rise today to congratulate Terry Downey upon his recent retirement. Since his election in 2016, Mayor Downey has guided Bayou la Batre through a series of significant challenges, including several severe hurricanes and the recent pandemic. prgtoken Bayou la Batre has a unique heritage as a diverse home with the fishing and seafood processing industries, and Mayor Downey's leadership helped Bayou la Batre weather the storms and protect the livelihoods and culture of its residents. The city is well-prepared to continue handling whatever else may come its way. prgtoken I thank Mayor Downey for his service, and I join the people of Bayou la Batre in wishing him all the best in the next stage of his life. Congratulating Jimmy Lyons on His Retirement
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-11-18

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of Executive Calendar No. 908 and all nominations on the Secretary's Desk in the Coast Guard; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, all en bloc.
BELARUS DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND SOVEREIGNTY ACT OF 2020
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-11-18

I thank my good friend for yielding. I thank Mr. Wilson for his great work, and I want to thank my distinguished colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Eliot Engel and Michael McCaul. Thank you for your support in helping to get this legislation to the floor. I thank Chairman Keating, as well. prgtoken , I urge swift enactment into law of this bipartisan bill called the Belarus Democracy Human Rights and Sovereignty Act of 2020, which I have introduced. prgtoken And here is why this legislation is absolutely needed right now; not next year, not when we come back, hopefully the Senate will take it up if it passes today, and I think it will, but we need this right now. prgtoken Many of my colleagues know, and perhaps they know it well, that Belarus was perhaps the nation most mired in the Soviet past, with an inefficient economy and a strongman autocrat, really a dictator, in charge for over two and a half decades, Alexander Lukashenko. Yet the indomitable spirit of freedom stirred among the people of Belarus, and when a patently false election--another one--was announced on August 9 declaring Lukashenko the winner, the people took to the streets. And they are still on the streets today. prgtoken The OSCE Moscow Mechanism reported November 5 that there is ``'overwhelming' evidence that Belarus' August 9 presidential election results were falsified and as `systematic' human rights violations have been committed by the country's security forces in response to the peaceful demonstrations that the vote sparked.'' prgtoken Now, reports out of Belarus indicate that police are using increasingly violent tactics against these peaceful protesters. prgtoken The BBC summed it up yesterday in an article titled, ``Belarus protesters battered, bruised, but defiant after 100 days,'' which said in part, ``opposition protesters remain defiant in Belarus despite police brutality, 100 days after they first took to the streets to denounce the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko. Police in helmets and body armour throw women holding flowers and balloons into police vans.'' prgtoken And, of course, then it only gets worse. ``Officers tear-gas elderly people on a pensioners' march. . . . ``Yet every Sunday thousands still pour into the streets of the capital Minsk, condemning what they see as Mr. Lukashenko's fraudulent 9 August victory. . . . `' prgtoken There is a report that points out, again a BBC report, ``Alesya, a 31-year-old worker in the IT industry, regularly attends the Sunday rallies. On 15 November, however, things turned nasty very quickly. ``When she arrived at the square,'' she said, ``where the march was supposed to start, it was already packed with security forces. As more people gathered, officers fired stun grenades and started hitting people with batons to disperse the crowd. ``They attacked us again and again. It was awful. They ferociously beat people, twisted their arms and took them away. ``S