mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DR. FRED MULLINS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-12-16

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor Statesboro native on Deal, who, tragically, passed away on Friday, December 4, from a fatal car cash in Pooler, Georgia. prgtoken on was a 20-year-old student at the University of Georgia and was expected to graduate in 2022. He was a former intern for Senator Perdue, and worked in the Athens office for Senator Kelly Loeffler's campaign. prgtoken Governor Brian Kemp stated on was a member of the ``Kemp Strong'' family, and was a Kemp son and brother they never had. He has been described as an incredible, magnificent young man by Senator Perdue and Senator Loeffler. prgtoken He clearly touched countless lives in the State of Georgia and beyond. prgtoken Madam , on was the son of Bulloch County Commissioner Curt Deal and his wife, Jenni, and was the brother of Hannah and Halli Deal. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers go out to the Deal family, on's friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time. Recognizing Marcus Hill
DEPENDABLE EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. prgtoken This legislation is a culmination of 2 years of bipartisan work by the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It contains provisions that will provide veterans and their families with improved access to care, compensation, education, housing, and burial benefits that they have earned and will result in a Department of Veterans Affairs that is better able to meet their needs. prgtoken I am proud that one of my last votes in Congress will be in support of this bill. I am also humbled that it bears my name and that of my friend, former Senator Johnny Isakson from Georgia. It was a pleasure to work with Senator Isakson as the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee before his retirement last year. prgtoken Our shared passion for serving our fellow veterans led to the creation and passage of landmark veterans' legislation, including the MISSION Act, the Forever GI Bill, the Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, and the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. prgtoken I am honored to share this recognition with him, and I thank our colleagues for recognizing our work in this way. It would take more time than I have to list every worthy proposal in this bill and thank every lawmaker, and alike, who sponsored them. prgtoken The many provisions included in this omnibus bill will support veterans and families from the time they transition out of the military to the time they are interred in a VA, State, Tribal, or private cemetery and at multiple critical touchpoints in between. prgtoken For transitioning veterans, it will authorize a review of the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP; allow TAP to be provided at off- base locations; and support community organizations that are supporting servicemembers as they transition. prgtoken For student veterans, it will expand the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship program to student veterans working on their medical degrees; require schools to provide all student veterans with in-state tuition, regardless of when they left Active Duty; make improvements and increase funding for the VET TEC pilot program to connect veterans with careers in the technology industry; strengthen oversight of schools that use the GI Bill; expand the restoration of benefits to students whose schools close in the middle of a term; and ensure that more servicemembers and veterans can take advantage of the improved benefits available through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. prgtoken For veterans with service-connected disabilities, it will ensure that claims prgtoken for disability compensation include pertinent information from veterans' private providers by requiring the VA to reinstate public- facing Disability Benefits Questionnaires, or DBQs, and iss
DEPENDABLE EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-16

how can a Texan respond to that in the 3 minutes that has been allotted to me? prgtoken , I will say, with all sincerity, what an incredible man, what a great statesman and a leader for this country. For all things good about our veterans and the promises that we have made and the services that we render to them, Dr. Phil Roe, what a hero and what a great mentor to many of us. prgtoken I join the many who have benefited from your friendship and leadership. prgtoken , I appreciate Chairman Takano's friendship, and I thank him for his leadership and his love for our veterans. Our country's character, I think we would say, could be measured in a few ways. One of them is how we treat those who we send off to battle. prgtoken In addition to being the right thing to do--that is, deliver on the promises we make to our veterans--it is also good national security policy. It is more than just recruiting the right people and providing the best training. If we are going to maintain the greatest fighting force in all the world, we need to make sure we do right by our Active Duty military men and women as they transition to civilian life and being veterans. prgtoken , I want to focus on title IV of this piece of legislation. It is the Transition Assistance Improvement Act that I have worked on for a few years now. It is named after my dear friend from high school, Bill Mulder, Chief Petty Officer Navy SEAL Bill Mulder. I love saying his name. prgtoken He is a warrior's warrior. He, too, gave his life for this country. He suffered and struggled with the wounds of battle that you can't easily see. Let's put it that way. prgtoken I am so grateful to Chairman Takano and Chairman Roe, and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, especially Representative Mike Levin, for helping shepherd this along and honoring Bill Mulder and his family and, in doing so, passing this legislation that will engage our Active Duty military earlier in the process, before they venture out as civilians, to equip them and empower them with education and opportunities for employment and to connect them with their brothers and sisters, fellow veterans in the community. prgtoken All the component parts of this, I think, will end up with lives saved, less Bill Mulders, in terms of his final chapter, and less pain for wives of military personnel, like Sydney Mulder. prgtoken To Sydney, let me say thank you for your sacrifice. prgtoken To Bill's children, Nina, Jake, and Sam, thank you for what you guys represent in military families. Your dad is a true American hero. His legacy will not stop here. It will live on in you, and it will live on in the lives that it changes because of this piece of legislation.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-16

let me start by thanking Chairman Grassley for his leadership on this. This has been a bipartisan endeavor, and we look forward to working with Senator Menendez, the Senator from New Jersey, who says that he supports the spirit of what we are trying to do. I will let him speak for himself in describing it, but let me just tell you what brings me to this issue. prgtoken It is an experience we had in 2016 when we tried to pass the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. This provided a carve-out in the doctrine of sovereign immunity that would allow Americans to sue foreign governments for financing terrorist attacks on American soil. If that sounds familiar, it is exactly what they believe happened on 9/ 11--that a foreign government financed a terrorist attack, taking the lives of their loved ones on 9/11. prgtoken When we tried to pass the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, I got called by a former colleague here in the Senate who happened to be representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were doing everything they could to prevent the passage of the bill. I know they were working the phones, trying to get anybody else they could get to object to the ultimate unanimous passage of the bill and the overriding of President 's veto. prgtoken Next, we were met with not only lobbying but veterans who were enticed to come to Washington, DC, and stay at a local, pricey hotel to try to lobby Congress to make the argument that somehow this was hurtful to our veterans who had served in the military. It didn't make any sense to me then, and it doesn't make any sense to me now. prgtoken What I am suggesting is that our rivals around the world will use a number of creative ways to try to influence us by lobbying. That is why the Foreign Agents Registration Act that we are talking about here is so important. prgtoken We have even seen a recent report of a Chinese intelligence officer trying to influence a Member of the U.S. Congress. Fortunately, according to public reports, he got a defensive briefing, as you should under those circumstances, and was able to break off that relationship, according to published reports. prgtoken We know that the Communist Party of China is investing in things like the Confucius Institutes around our institutions of higher learning to try to influence the education of our next generation of leaders. prgtoken In other words, the Communist Party of China and other countries will stop at nothing to try to influence the policies that come out of this body and out of Congress and out of Washington, DC, and bend them in their favor. prgtoken So I am an enthusiastic supporter of what the Senator from Iowa is trying to do. I look forward to working for maybe even something better than what we are proposing right now, and I understand the Senator from New Jersey is committed to doing that. prgtoken This is a serious problem, and I will bet you there are a number of ways th
HONORING SCOTT CUNNINGHAM, SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE RANKING MEMBER FOR THE HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-16

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Scott Cunningham, a member of my staff for over thirteen years, for his outstanding and dedicated service to the United States House of Representatives and to the Twenty-Fourth Congressional District of Texas. prgtoken A Dallas native, Scott first came to Capitol Hill in 1999 as a congressional intern for Congressman Pete Sessions and would return to intern again for each of the next two summers. In 2007, he joined my staff and has continued to serve the people of the 24th District of Texas with energy and integrity, first as my policy director and then as my legislative director and deputy chief of staff. He is currently my senior advisor, counseling and supporting me in my role as the Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committee. prgtoken Much of Scott's day-to-day work is now behind-the-scenes, but his passion for public policy is still evident. He has handled each issue area for my team at some point during his tenure, even serving as a one-man legislative team for five months. As hectic as that time may have been, I also know that Scott stresses about nothing more than managing my flights. I am sure I would not have made it to Washington every week without him. prgtoken Scott's contributions were not limited to legislative work. He is known for his servant's heart and is never happier than when he is able to help a constituent with a casework issue. Whether it takes only five minutes or a full five years to solve, Scott is always determined to see a job through to the end. He came to Capitol Hill all those years ago to help people, especially his fellow Texans, and any of my constituents who have worked with him can attest to the fact that he has succeeded. prgtoken I am not sure what my tenure in Congress would have been like without Scott Cunningham as part of my team, and not only because he drew the first-place selection in the Congressional office lottery twice for me and his coworkers. Scott's loyalty, determination, and focus on giving back all informed how my team and I approached our work here on Capitol Hill. On behalf of myself and the people of Texas's 24th District, I thank him for his thirteen years of service and wish him the very best on his future endeavors.
TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES FOR VETERAN CAREGIVERS ACT
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-12-16

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank the ranking member for all of his work here on this bill and so many others to benefit the lives of our veterans and their families. I appreciate it very much. prgtoken I strongly support S. 2216, the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act, and, as the sponsor of H.R. 6571, the House companion of this legislation. prgtoken Family caregivers assume enormous responsibilities by caring for our wounded veterans, including many who are among our most vulnerable. prgtoken I introduced this legislation because one of my constituents, Ms. Sharon Grassi, came to us with her concerns related to the VA's family caregiver program. Sharon is the mother and caregiver of her son Derek, a 100-percent disabled veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat medic. Since Derek's departure from the service, Sharon has dedicated her life to securing the well-being of her son. prgtoken Sharon told our office countless stories of her struggles attempting to gain access to her son's VA medical records, even something as simple as a much-needed copy of an MRI. prgtoken As many caregivers know, having timely access to medical records is extremely important to move forward in the recovery process of the patient. Sharon has had issues getting access to these records because the VA does not formally recognize family caregivers in the health records of the veteran. prgtoken Today, we are one step closer to fixing this issue by requiring the VA to report to Congress on the feasibility and the advisability of recognizing family caregivers in the electronic health records of the veteran. prgtoken I will continue to work with my House and Senate colleagues and the VA to ensure that no family caregiver goes through the same bureaucratic nightmares as Sharon has. prgtoken , I thank all the caregivers who support our wounded veterans every day, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and all the veterans service organizations that voiced their strong support for this legislation. prgtoken , I thank, again, my colleague from Tennessee, Dr. Roe, for his service in Congress and his strong support of our Nation's veterans. I will say I respect him. His leadership and expertise will be missed in the Halls of this Congress. prgtoken Thank you, Dr. Roe. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes''.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-16

I have two sentences before I ask unanimous consent. prgtoken I think by passing the bill, this will give the Senate an opportunity to send a clear signal that it is serious about shining a light on foreign influence. Opposing it, in fact, would only help our foreign adversaries continue to hide what they are really doing. prgtoken As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. 1762 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
RECOGNIZING COHO BREWING COMPANY
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-12-16

. Madam , I would like to recognize Coho Brewing Company in Cape May Court House in south Jersey. Coho was founded by Karen Buckingham in January 2019, inspired by her passion for craft beer. prgtoken The brewery's interior design is inspired by all our law enforcement and first responders. Karen hosted fundraisers and cornhole tournaments to raise money for the State police and K-9 units. Each of Coho's beer cans has a prgtoken blue line in honor of our first responders. She has also turned part of her tasting room into a brew-tique, which gives clothes and goods to those in need. prgtoken Madam , I thank Karen for all she does for the south Jersey community and for our first responders, prgtoken God bless Karen, God bless America, and God bless our first responders.
FAREWELL TO PHIL ROE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-16

. Madam , I rise to recognize a retiring leader and mentor, Congressman Rob Bishop. prgtoken A public schoolteacher turned public servant, Rob Bishop represents Utah's First Congressional District in the United States Congress. I have had the privilege of serving with and under the leadership of Congressman Bishop on the Committee on Natural Resources for 8 years. prgtoken First elected in 2003, Rob served as chairman of the powerful House Committee on Natural Resources and is now its ranking member. He has been a key player on many public land bills. prgtoken Congressman Bishop is committed to helping Congress strike a balance for wise management of our public lands and resources. Protecting private property rights and State sovereignty and preserving the Western heritage are among his chief priorities on the committees that guided him. There is no stronger fighter to protect the livelihoods of public land users in rural America, while ensuring that we are responsible stewards of our natural resources. prgtoken Madam , Congressman Rob Bishop negotiated much of the legislation included in the Natural Resources Management Act. This legislation expanded access to public lands, while also shrinking the size of the Federal estate, and provided wins for America's sportsmen, hunters, and fishermen. prgtoken Thank you, Rob, for your service, your friendship, and your mentoring. Thank you, as well to his wife, Jeralynn, and his children and grandchildren for sharing Rob with us. prgtoken Best wishes in the next chapter of life.
TRIBUTE TO JEREMY WAYNE HARRELL
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-16

today I recognize the tremendous dedication of Jeremy Wayne Harrell, of Louisville, KY, the founder of an all-volunteer organization called the Veterans Club. Already nationally celebrated for its Equine Therapy Program and for efforts to create a recovery center for homeless veterans, this unique Kentucky nonprofit has made veteran isolation its singular focus during the coronavirus pandemic. A veteran himself, Mr. Harrell recognizes that social isolation created by the pandemic can amplify the sense of loneliness already experienced by many veterans as they transition into civilian life following multiple deployments. Mr. Harrell was recently honored by Metro Louisville government with its Distinguished Veteran and Citizen Award and by Humana as the winner of its Boots on the Ground Campaign Award. I am proud to represent veterans like Jeremy Harrell in the U.S. Senate and in particular to recognize him today for his steadfast commitment to our veterans and their families. The great work of the Veterans Club is an inspiration to us all to find and connect with those in our communities who struggle with a sense of isolation.
Technology (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-12-16

reserving the right to object, I do appreciate the work the Senator from Oregon has done on this public lands bill. I know the amount of effort that has gone into this legislation is significant. Locally driven public lands bills take an incredible amount of time to get right. prgtoken This legislation has gone through intensive local stakeholder involvement, very similar to what we have done in Wyoming with the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative in my home State. The Wyoming Public Lands Initiative was spearheaded by our Wyoming County Commissioners Association. This initiative was started in order to resolve, through local negotiations, the status of so-called ``temporary'' wilderness study areas in Wyoming that have now, seemingly, become permanent. prgtoken I recognize and understand that public lands negotiations often result in compromise. This give-and-take is a good thing, for it lets people closest to the issue have a significant voice. So I appreciate the efforts the stakeholders on the ground in Oregon have made to get this bill to where it is today. However, I believe additional work is still needed. prgtoken I would let my friend from Oregon know that I will work with him and any other Senators with public lands issues before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. We may not always agree on a given outcome, but I am committed to having those discussions with Members of this body. prgtoken For this reason, I object.
ONE SMALL STEP TO PROTECT HUMAN HERITAGE IN SPACE ACT
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of S. 1694, the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act. prgtoken As an original cosponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. 3766, I certainly appreciate the importance of respecting the historic significance of the Apollo missions. prgtoken , I represent Johnson Space Center, or JSC, the home of NASA's Mission Control and the men and women who made the Apollo missions possible. JSC has a long history of developing spacecraft and conducting missions in space. prgtoken From the very earliest Mercury missions that put the first Americans in space through Gemini and Apollo missions, as well as the space shuttle and International Space Station era, Houston has been the anchor of our Nation's human spaceflight program. As NASA develops the next generation of human spaceflight capabilities, Houston and JSC will remain America's tether to deep space. prgtoken But while it is important to recognize and respect the accomplishments of the past, we should not simply rest on our laurels. We have a lot more to do. prgtoken , America does not look longingly in the rearview mirror of history. We stand on the shoulders of giants and carry the torch lit by those before us farther into the unknown. The bill before us correctly balances these two competing interests: respecting the past and enabling the future. prgtoken The Outer Space Treaty, drafted at the dawn of the space age, lays out important principles for all spacefaring nations. It calls for establishing the Principle of Due Regard, which respects the activities of actors in space and creates a process for signatories to the treaty to undertake appropriate consultations before any action that would potentially cause harmful interference with another party to the treaty. prgtoken More importantly, the treaty establishes, in its opening article, the overarching principle that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall be free for exploration and use by all states without discrimination of any kind on the basis of equality and in accordance with international law, and there shall be free access to all areas of celestial bodies. prgtoken This bill directs NASA to continue developing recommendations and best practices that protect this freedom while also respecting the Principle of Due Regard and informing the practice of consultation ahead of potentially harmful interference with the Apollo landing artifacts. The bill also calls on prgtoken NASA to include these recommendations in all contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and partnerships. prgtoken The bill does not create any additional regulatory authority. Instead, the bill offers a carrot rather than a stick. If the private sector wants to leverage the vast experience and resources that NASA offers, they simply must abide by NASA's own internal policies. prgtoken NASA is not a regulatory agency, and this bill