mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Jenna Quinn Law (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-17

as families have been quarantined at home over the past several months, their lives have been filled with a whole new set of stressors. Loss of income, isolation, anxiety about their own health, and the stress of teaching children at home can test even the healthiest families and relationships. prgtoken But it also puts children at higher risk of child abuse and neglect. In April this year, nationwide reports of abuse or neglect dropped by an average of about 40 percent compared to the same time last year. That doesn't mean there are fewer instances of abuse--probably far from it--just fewer reports. prgtoken One of the things about children attending school is that their teachers and counselors can monitor them for signs of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and report that to the appropriate authorities. In 2018, two-thirds of the reports of child abuse were submitted by people who came in contact with treatment as part of their jobs--police officers, lawyers, social services, and, of course, teachers, as I said. prgtoken Teachers, education professionals, and other support staff at school, like bus drivers, are responsible for more than half of the child abuse reports. But with children home during the pandemic, out of sight from the teachers and others who would otherwise see them on a routine basis, abuse is becoming more difficult to identify and report. prgtoken Child sexual assault abuse was a crisis before the pandemic, with more than 42 million adult survivors in America. As the stresses of the pandemic and lack of reporting have taken a violent toll across the country, there is an urgent need for Congress to act. prgtoken Over the years, I have listened to courageous victims in Texas who have shared their stories and advocated for reforms to prevent more children from experiencing this tragic abuse. One of those inspirational individuals is Jenna Quinn, a child abuse survivor and fierce advocate for children who are often suffering in silence. She was the driving force behind what is now known as Jenna's Law in Texas, which requires training for teachers, caregivers, and other adults who work with children on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse. The signs of child sexual abuse are unique from other forms of child abuse, and correctly identifying these signs is integral to bringing children out of a sexually abusive situation. prgtoken After it passed in 2009, a study found that educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after the training they had received than before they had received that training. It was one of the first child sexual abuse prevention laws in the United States demanding this training, and now more than half of our States have adopted some form of Jenna's Law. prgtoken The kicker is that in many States, including Texas, they don't provide funding for the training, for the program. That is what Senator Hassan, the Senator f
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-9-17

I don't think anyone would disagree if I said that 2020 has truly been a difficult year. No one could ever have expected what we have faced this year, and it has been a tough one for Tennesseans. We hear about it regularly. We know it is a tough one for constituents and for our citizens all across the country. prgtoken The months of lockdowns will constitute a defining moment for multiple generations of Americans. My kids and I were talking about how we think that, in years to come, our grandkids are going to talk about what they did during the COVID summer and how they went to school during the COVID pandemic. prgtoken Unfortunately, Congressional have decided not to let the opportunity that moment presents go to waste. are taking advantage of the American people's uncertainty and pain in an attempt to force them to lose faith in their government, in their fellow countrymen, and in themselves. We are hearing from people that this causes them concern because they want to see us work together; they want to see us address these issues that are causing heartache together. prgtoken I have to tell you, I think it was so unfortunate that last week, some of our friends across the aisle blocked yet another targeted relief package that would have brought billions of dollars in support to the American people. I think we have to realize that this was not a vote on final passage; this was a vote to end cloture and begin the debate on that package. prgtoken Basically, what our friends across the aisle said to the American people last week is this: We don't want to talk about this. We don't want to discuss it. We don't want to debate it. prgtoken That is unfortunate. If you look at the bill that the Senate s proposed and brought forward on a cloture vote last week, it is hard to tease out exactly what the problem was with it. It included another round of paycheck protection plan funding. I will tell you, in Tennessee, a lot of our entertainment venues and a lot of our restaurants need this. They need that consideration to stay afloat. prgtoken There was funding for vaccine development. Is there anybody who does not think we need a vaccine for coronavirus? I haven't met people who think we don't need to be working on that. Everybody is saying: Let's get this to market as safely and quickly as is possible. prgtoken There was support for healthcare workers. prgtoken There was support for students and teachers who are still trying to adapt to online learning. prgtoken I was just doing a virtual townhall with one of our counties in Tennessee. One of their issues is, when will there be additional funding to help us with technology, because 30 percent of our students elected an e-learning format. prgtoken Do you know what? There was even money for the post office. Back in August, our friends across the aisle thought that was a crisis, but I guess it was their drama of the day because they
HONORING REVEREND LONNIE AND ELISHA MITCHELL
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the lifelong service of Reverend Lonnie and Elisha Mitchell. As the Pastor and First Lady of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Mitchell and his wife Elisha have faithfully and selflessly guided the Spokane community for nearly thirty years. prgtoken Reverend Mitchell is retiring to empower a new generation of leaders to continue his work and take the church to its next level. He leaves a remarkable legacy, and I'm grateful for the time we have spent together building unity in Spokane. His wisdom and perspective were always valued and trusted in many courageous conversations we had with diverse voices in our community. I'm glad that even in retirement, Reverend Mitchell will continue to serve in new ways and be a force for unity, security, and grace. prgtoken Madam , Lonnie became a pastor in 1989 following his military service in the United States Army. In 1991, he was assigned to Bethel A.M.E. by Bishop Vinton R Anderson. Under Reverend Mitchell's leadership, Bethel A.M.E. grew from 13 members to more than 200. While Lonnie served from the pulpit, Elisha served from the choir as a gospel singer. She ministered to many through her music and talent. During their time at Bethel A.M.E Lonnie and Elisha have focused on a mission to love people--a mission as relevant today as it was in 1991. prgtoken Reverend Mitchell and his wife Elisha have been long-term leaders in our community, helping found multiple nonprofits. In 1994, Lonnie and Elisha created Unity in the Community, an event to showcase Spokane's diversity and unite our community around respect, trust, and collaboration. In 1995, they founded the AHANA Business and Professional Organization, a nonprofit that supported minority and women-owned businesses in Spokane. Additionally, in the early 2000s, Reverend Mitchell and Elisha were key fundraisers for the Emmanuel Family Life Center, a community center in the Perry District. prgtoken In 2018, Lonnie joined me on a Civil Rights pilgrimage to Alabama with the late Congressman John Lewis. On that pilgrimage, we walked the steps of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King as fellow Americans on a journey together for a more perfect union. In 2017, Lonnie also joined me in Washington, D.C. to open the House of Representatives in prayer. I'll forever be grateful for the lessons I have learned from Reverend Mitchell. He has made a difference in my life and so many others. prgtoken Madam , I join the Bethel A.M.E. congregation and the greater Spokane community in wishing Lonnie and Elisha Mitchell the best in their future endeavors. They are, and will continue to be, important leaders in our community and an example to us all. Their dedication and sacrifice have made them powerful role models we will greatly miss; though we know they're never far away. prgtoken On behalf of the People's House, I ask for everyone to join me in honoring Reverend Lonnie and Elisha Mitchell's
Agriculture (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Thank you, Senator Hoeven and Senator Fischer, as well. We have so many of our great ag State friends here on the floor today to join in this colloquy. prgtoken I did grow up on a small family farm in Southwest Iowa and grew up around hogs. We have row crops, of course, coming out of Iowa--soybeans and corn, which are very, very important. prgtoken This is an important discussion today because our farmers need certainty--I hear it time and again from Iowa's ag community--whether it is trade, biofuels, or the supports that are coming from USDA. prgtoken Just yesterday, I heard the message loud and clear as I was on a phone call with our farmers from the Iowa Farm Bureau. They said we need to make sure the CCC is fully funded. This isn't just because of COVID-19 aid payments. That is something different. Those have been helpful to most of our farmers. This is because our farm bill programs depend on the CCC being funded. The important supports out there for dairy, for conservation, for young and beginning farmers--you name it; it is the CCC. prgtoken Just a couple of weeks ago, USDA Secretary Perdue was in Iowa, and we toured one of the many conservation sites across the State and saw firsthand the good work that is being done with our farmers through USDA's conservation programs. They are working to improve their operations while also cleaning Iowa's water, air, and keeping our soil healthy. Without these conservation programs funded through the CCC, this work simply would not be happening. prgtoken Folks, since 1987, Congress has replenished the CCC back to $30 billion every year. This is not the year to stop. prgtoken Iowa farmers in particular have been suffering through COVID-19; plus we had a derecho and a drought. The last thing we need is to take away something they have come to depend on. prgtoken , 2020 has been hard on everyone, and there is no time to play games with our farmers' futures. I hope our friends on the other side of the aisle join us in supporting the replenishment of the CCC in the upcoming funding bill. prgtoken to Senator Hoeven, the great Senator from North Dakota. Again, my thanks to the Senator and all of our farm State participants today for joining in the colloquy.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , at the Rules Committee hearing on H.R. 2694 earlier this week, the bill's sponsor, Chairman Nadler, said it is not necessary to incorporate into H.R. 2694 the Civil Rights Act's provision that protects religious organizations. He stated that because H.R. 2694 does not repeal this provision, it will still be effective if H.R. 2694 becomes law. prgtoken Color me skeptical; I strongly disagree. H.R. 2694 will create legal jeopardy for religious organizations, as I have previously stated. prgtoken But for the sake of argument, let's assume the provision is superfluous. What would be the harm in including the Civil Rights Act provision in H.R. 2694? At worst, the provision will be duplicative with the Civil Rights Act, causing no harm to workers or employers. prgtoken Let's remember that the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, better known as the ADA, includes a religious organization protection similar to the one in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ADA provision has caused no harm. prgtoken My conclusion is that the key sponsors of H.R. 2694 are saying the quiet part out loud in their opposition to the religious organization protection in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. prgtoken At the Rules Committee hearing this week, Chairman Scott said the religious organization protection should not be included in H.R. 2694 because it is overinclusive and would provide too much protection. Is the chairman saying that the existing Civil Rights Act protection for religious organizations should also be repealed? Again, this is a provision that has been in law for 55 years. prgtoken As I have stated previously, the longstanding Civil Rights Act religious organization protection should be added to H.R. 2694. At worst, it would do no harm, and, at best, it will prevent a religious organization from being required to violate its faith. prgtoken Madam , .
ELECTIONS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-9-17

first of all, I thank the chaplain for the happy birthday that was part of the prayer. So they heard it in Heaven, as well as throughout the United States. prgtoken Before the 2016 election, speculated very feverishly: Would accept the results of the election of 2016? prgtoken Then he won, and it is the who have refused to accept the result. They sought to delegitimize the election, citing Russia's meddling or questioning our Presidential election system. On Inauguration Day, you know the famous Washington Post headline said it all: ``The campaign to impeach President has begun.'' He was President about 1 hour at that time. prgtoken In fact, we now know that efforts to fabricate a Russia collusion narrative were already under way well before the President was inaugurated. The same people are again fretting that President might not somehow accept the election results if he loses. And, of course, under our Constitution, no President has any option but to accept those results because the term ends on January 20. prgtoken But can't we also ask the alternative? What if President does win? Well, this was the advice from Hillary Clinton to former Vice President : that ``should not concede under any circumstances.'' prgtoken So will the respect the election results this time? prgtoken . prgtoken .
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-17

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, September 21; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Meyers nomination; and finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen at 5:30 p.m.
ABRAHAM ACCORDS
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-9-17

a few days ago, Flight 971 took off from Tel Aviv Airport. You may say: Of course the flight took off from Tel Aviv; that happens every day--but not like this flight. You see, Flight 971 took off from Tel Aviv Airport, flew south, directly over Saudi Arabia, which hasn't happened, and landed in Abu Dhabi because the United Arab Emirates has formed a peace agreement with Israel-- recognizing its right to exist, opening up Embassies in Israel and in the United Arab Emirates, beginning trade in commerce. Just days ago, the first cargo aircraft took off and flew, taking supplies, technology, medicine--engagement between the Nation of Israel and the Arab nation of the United Arab Emirates, forming a new alliance in the Middle East. prgtoken Flight 971 is significant because 971 is the country code if you are going to call the United Arab Emirates. The return flight, by the way, leaving from Abu Dhabi and flying back to Israel is Flight 972--the country code for Israel. prgtoken That first flight that took off, on the outside of the plane were emblazoned three words--one in English, one in Hebrew, and one in Arabic--all translated, the word ``peace.'' prgtoken It is a new day. And this week, when President and the Foreign Ministers from the United Arab Emirates and from Bahrain and the Prime Minister of Israel all stood at the White House and spoke of each other in a new partnership and then all sat at a table and signed documents together, beginning a new relationship not just with UAE but also with Bahrain, it was a remarkable day in world history. prgtoken In 70 years of Israel's history, only two nations that are Arab nations have recognized Israel's right to exist, even--Jordan and Egypt. In 1 day, two more nations joined--the UAE and Bahrain. It was significant to be able to see the journey on that and to be able to hear the Foreign Ministers of Bahrain and UAE compliment President , Mike Pompeo, and Jared Kushner for their leadership and, as the Foreign Minister from Bahrain said, President 's statesmanship in this process. prgtoken It was a negotiation that was turned on its head. For decades, American negotiators have tried to work to solve the issues with the Palestinians first and then to work to solve every other relationship second. That has been the American focus. The negotiations reversed it. They believed that many in the Arab world were tired of the Palestinians holding their foreign policy hostage, and they flipped it and said: Why don't we start negotiating with the Arab world first and see if they want to open up trade negotiations with Israel and be able to stabilize those negotiations? prgtoken It has worked. Not only has it worked in two countries--in a single day signing an agreement--but there are multiple other nations that are currently looking at this same deal with Israel to say: Yes, we still need to resolve the issues in the Palestinian territory.
Wildfires (Executive Calendar)
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-9-17

reserving the right to object, I have to say this sounds a lot like yet another attempt to just change the subject and obfuscate. prgtoken I was on this floor earlier this week. The Senator from Alaska has just spoken about his goal here. Both of us have slightly different approaches to try to achieve the same thing, which is to discourage these attacks on law enforcement officials. prgtoken It seems like almost every day we read about some horrific attack on men and women across the country just because they are police. It is absolutely appalling, and we are trying to do everything we can to discourage that, to create disincentives, and to make sure that violent criminals know that they will pay a very steep price if they commit the appalling kinds of acts that we have seen. prgtoken I commend the Senator from Alaska for an approach to this. Yet, again, our ic colleagues refuse to support this effort and instead say: Let's change the subject to VAWA. prgtoken Well, let's talk a little bit about VAWA. Look, there is a very real problem with violence against women. I don't know anyone who would dispute that. And VAWA, the legislation, has a number of programs, some of which are very constructive. prgtoken I voted in favor of the last reauthorization of VAWA because I do think it is that important, and I have led the effort in this body to ensure that crime victims--very much including women--get the resources they are supposed to get from the Crime Victims Fund, which they historically have not been. But the fact is, it is a big bill, it is a complicated bill, and there are multiple programs, and some of it is very controversial. prgtoken So the way we have actually gotten an outcome and achieved something with VAWA is through a bipartisan process. That is what was done in the past, and that effort has been underway. Senator Ernst, working with Senator Feinstein, has tried to find common ground. I think they are not quite there yet. But this legislation is not that bill. It is not that effort. prgtoken This is a bill that our ic colleagues have declared they know has no chance of actually passing. So rather than changing the subject and putting forward a bill that everybody knows can't pass, I wish our ic colleagues would join me and my colleague from Alaska in doing something we can do, something modest but constructive that would help to diminish the risks that our law enforcement folks take every single day. So, , I object.
CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RELATED TO COVID-19
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-9-17

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the of the House said that the Russians are trying to jeopardize the security of our election. So are the . prgtoken are trying to win the election after the election. in Pennsylvania have filed a lawsuit that says you can fix errors on absentee ballots after the ballot has been returned to the Board of Elections. I don't even know what this means. prgtoken Can you vote in a race you didn't vote in? prgtoken Can you change a vote? prgtoken What does that mean, you can fix errors after you have already submitted the ballot? prgtoken In Nevada, passed a law that says you can accept mail-in ballots 3 days after the election, even if the postmark date on the ballot on the envelope can't be distinguished. prgtoken They are trying to win the election after the election. That is scary. prgtoken The said that the White House is using dangerous and offensive language. The premise of the resolution in front of us is language can cause people to take action, and if you use the term ``China virus'' or ``Wuhan virus'', somehow that will lead to bias against Asian-American people; even though they used the terms ``China virus'' and ``Wuhan virus''. Everyone in the mainstream media used it. They used it in the committee hearing notice. prgtoken Even though all that is there, they now say, oh, if you use those terms it will lead to anti-Asian bias. prgtoken But they don't talk about the language they use and the left uses, the language the uses and how that may create an environment that will lead to violence. The of the House called the President of the United States an enemy of the state and said his supporters in Congress--s--are enemies of the state. prgtoken They don't talk about that. No. China virus can lead people to take action, but, no, not when the of the House calls the President of the United States and Members of Congress enemies of the state. prgtoken Two years ago a Member of Congress, the chair of a committee said this 2 years ago this summer: If you see somebody in the Cabinet, you create a crowd, you push back on them, you tell them they are not welcome anymore anywhere. prgtoken She encouraged her constituents to approach people in the administration, harass them, and tell them they are not welcome anymore anywhere. prgtoken She encouraged direct action. That is far different from using the term ``China virus'' which they used and which they had in a committee notice. prgtoken This individual Member of Congress said, ``Go harass people in the Cabinet.'' prgtoken The of the House calls s ``enemies of the State.'' And that is all fine by them. prgtoken But, oh, you say, ``the virus started in Wuhan, China,'' and somehow you are terrible. prgtoken This is the crazy world the left is in today. The crazy world they are in today. prgtoken And, again,