mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ELECTION SECURITY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-8-5

history has a way of repeating itself. If we don't learn from the mistakes of the past, we are apt to repeat them. As the November election draws near and as foreign adversaries again seek to meddle in our democracy, let's review our history so we can better identify and prevent future threats. prgtoken In late July 2016, 's FBI opened an investigation into the campaign that ended up spiraling out of control for years--4 years. The investigation was ultimately based, in large part, on what is known as the Steele dossier, which was a bunch of unverified claims from Russian Government sources. It happens that that dossier was paid for by the ic National Committee and by the Clinton campaign. prgtoken We know that its author, Christopher Steele, simultaneously pitched those same unverified claims to U.S. media outlets, which then reported on them without even testing their veracity. That is not responsible journalism. prgtoken We know that Members of this Senate publicly seized on those unverified media reports to attack their political rivals. They even made references to the ``secret FBI investigations'' to give the unverified, foreign-sourced claims a veneer of credibility. We know that those unverified claims became part of the focus of a sweeping and unnecessary multiyear investigation by some of the Justice Department's most aggressive prosecutors. prgtoken In the end, they found no crime by the campaign or President , despite the dossier's allegations. Also, that shameful and damaging episode was propelled by selective leaks from government officials and breathless broadcasting by the press and the opposing political view. prgtoken Of course, now it is undergoing a postmortem. What we are finding out isn't very pretty, and the people behind it ought to be ashamed--ought to be very ashamed. prgtoken We have learned that some of those now-debunked claims of collusion with a foreign adversary were actually sourced to that same foreign adversary. In other words, those claims were assessed to be Russian disinformation. got duped into falsely accusing their political rivals of doing the very thing they were actually complicit in. prgtoken We have learned that senior FBI officials had such disdain for President that they pushed the unverified information despite repeated warnings of its flaws. They wanted to believe so badly in the politically convenient narrative that they failed to do their jobs. They lied to a court to spy on the campaign. They leaked memos to launch a special counsel investigation. They even doctored the paperwork--all to advance an investigation rooted in lies, innuendo, and foreign disinformation. prgtoken I could go on about the harmful consequences from the hysteria that consumed the last few years, but the lesson from it all is very simple: Our adversaries will do anything to hijack our political differences to sow discord and distru
CORONAVIRUS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-8-5

last week Senate s did introduce a new coronavirus relief bill called the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools Act. This bill is a $1 trillion piece of legislation focused on getting Americans back to work, getting kids and college students back to school, and providing healthcare resources to help defeat the virus. As the title says--the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools Act--it does have liability protections in there. prgtoken I just listened to the Senator from Illinois attack the idea of including those types of protections in the legislation, but I think it is really important to point out that those type of protections are critical if we are going to get the economy reopened again. prgtoken Businesses that are doing all the right things--following the CDC guidelines, adhering to all the laws, all the guidelines and restrictions that are out there--shouldn't have to worry about lawyering up and spending thousands and, in some cases, millions of dollars to try and defend themselves against frivolous lawsuits, which are being filed as we speak by the thousands. prgtoken The implication given by the Senator from Illinois that somehow this is all about big corporations or big businesses is just not consistent with the facts on the ground. In fact, I had a conversation 2 days ago with the school administrators in my State of South Dakota, all of whom are very interested in getting their schools opened up and getting kids back in school, which, again, is one of the priorities of our legislation and should be, I think, one of the priorities of the country as we head into the fall. prgtoken One of their big issues was ensuring that they had protections against liability--a liability shield, if you will, not against gross negligence, not against intentional misconduct--those types of things would not be covered--but protections if, in fact, they are doing all the right things, consistent with the guidelines, following the rules that have been put in place, that they should have at least some protections. prgtoken That is going to be true not just of schools and small businesses, but it is also going to be true of healthcare providers. We have people on the frontlines who are sacrificing every day to try and get people better, to heal those who have contracted the virus, and also protect those who are on the frontlines from getting it. They, too, are going to need those very types of protections that are called for in our legislation. prgtoken So this is not something that was put in there on a whim just because we knew that the wouldn't like it. It was put in there because of feedback we received from States, local governments, school districts, healthcare providers, hospitals, nursing homes, and, yes, some small businesses, all of whom are going to be essential if we are going to get the economy up and going again and ge
COMMANDER JOHN SCOTT HANNON VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2019
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-8-5

let me extend the courtesies that were extended to me by the Senator from Montana, Mr. Tester. prgtoken It has been a privilege to work with him on this and many other issues--many of them related to our Nation's service men and women and those who served and are now veterans. prgtoken I appreciate that Senator Tester and I have the ability to work together to resolve differences and find common ground for the benefit of those who have served. prgtoken Before I conclude my comments this evening, I would use this as a moment--on behalf of the Presiding Officer, on behalf of Senator Tester and me, and on behalf of all Members of the U.S. Senate--to express our gratitude to all who have served our country and express our respects and honor for those who are no longer with us, who, because of those battle wounds, have lost their lives to suicide. prgtoken We express our condolences and sympathies to their family members and to their friends, and, in each and every instance, we recognize what sacrifice they have made for the benefit of each and every one of us here today and across the country. prgtoken I would say to those family members that this legislation--we hope-- and the example that their loved ones demonstrated in their lives will be something that will inspire us to do the right thing and care for those who served. So I express my condolence and sympathies to the families, and I thank all who served, and I do so on behalf of all Members of the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't thank the many dedicated staff members who helped this legislation through to this point: Emily Blair, who is with us on the Senate floor tonight, Tiffanii Woolfolk, Mark Crowley, Asher Allman, Scott Nulty, Pat McGuigan, David Shearman, and Caroline Canfield. prgtoken In addition, thank you to Senator Tester's staff: Sophie Friedl, Dahlia Melendrez, and Tony McClain, the Kansan, as well as the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff members. prgtoken Suicide is preventable, and with the passage of Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act tonight--here, moments ago--we take a stand to protect the lives of the people who have given us so much in their protection of each and every American. prgtoken
COVID-19 HEROES
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-8-5

as we debate the need for additional coronavirus relief funding, I am pleased to join my colleagues in commending the millions of Americans who have gone above and beyond to help others during this pandemic. prgtoken Throughout our Nation's history, everyday heroes emerge in times of turmoil to aid their neighbors in so many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. In every corner of my State, Mississippi's first responders and healthcare providers are historically stepping into harm's way to provide care to patients affected by the virus.
RECOGNIZING JWR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-8-5

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 family-owned small business that builds high-quality projects and is actively involved in several community organizations. This week, it is my pleasure to honor JWR Construction Services, Inc of Deerfield Beach, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken In 1985, Jerry DuBois and William Gallo founded JWR Construction Services in Deerfield Beach, FL. Recognizing a need for well-built commercial buildings, they combined Jerry's project management expertise and William's architectural skill to start their general contracting and construction management firm. From the beginning, Jerry and William established passion, respect, ownership, service, and safety as the core values of their company. They prioritized customer service and community involvement. prgtoken Over the next 35 years, JWR Construction finished construction projects throughout Florida. They have built affordable multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, and senior living centers, along with commercial and industrial facilities. Notably, JWR Construction has completed projects for the University of Miami, Johnson & Wales University, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Atlantic University. prgtoken JWR Construction creates dignified work for their employees and contractors, ensuring social mobility and supporting the skilled trades. They emphasize hiring veterans including Jerry's son, Dustin, who is a U.S. Navy veteran. Dustin served for 5 years as a machinist mate and special warfare combatant-craft crewman. He joined the family business in 2009 and currently serves as its chief operating officer. prgtoken Through their leadership and service, JWR Construction has advocated for the contracting industry and south Florida community. In addition to earning several local industry awards, JWR Construction is active in the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast chapter, with two members serving on the local 2020 board of directors. JWR Construction has partnered with dozens of community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Deerfield Beach Little League team, and the Broward Navy Days. Jerry serves on the board of Rebuilding Together Broward, which revitalizes homes for low-income individuals, especially veterans. prgtoken Like many Floridian small businesses, JWR Construction Services stepped up to support its community during the coronavirus pandemic. When the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority hosted its seventh Annual Destination Graduation for local low-income high school seniors, JWR Construction helped organize a drive-through graduation celebration. They provided a laptop for each graduating student, donating a total of $14,000 in graduation gifts.
COVID-19 HEROES
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-8-5

I want to thank my colleagues today--the Senator from Mississippi, the Senator from Kansas, and so forth--for coming down and spending just a little bit of time talking about the wonderful heroes we have in our home States, and we really do have so, so many of them. prgtoken While the country is anxiously awaiting Washington to come together and pass an updated COVID relief package, we are truly blessed to have everyday heroes back in our 50 States who are working around the clock to help out their neighbors. prgtoken Essential workers haven't taken a break. They have been keeping our country running--and not just during this global pandemic but every single day. I have heard, time and again, stories of Iowans helping Iowans. Folks are volunteering their time and their talents to serve their communities and ensure no one feels alone during this time of social distancing. prgtoken When my friend Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that there was a shortage of face masks to protect frontline workers, Iowans, including my own mother, started sewing. prgtoken Deb Siggins of Lisbon, IA, has made more than 400 masks that she has donated to a local hospital, her friends, and coworkers, the local fire department, grocery store employees, and elderly patients. She has even turned a tree near her home into a ``giving tree'' decorated with her homemade masks for people to take, which she is constantly updating. Deb plans to keep making the masks until they are no longer needed because she believes that sewing is her gift from God, which she can use to help others. prgtoken Mary Shotwell of Des Moines wanted to give back to those helping her during this pandemic. In ``i-sew-lation,'' as she describes it, Mary sewed masks for her entire neighborhood and healthcare workers at Broadlawns Medical Center. prgtoken In addition to the demand for masks, there has also been an increased need for food, especially to feed our hungry kiddos. Linn-Mar teacher Carla Ironside, who hasn't seen her students in the classroom since March, now sees some of them when they pick up meals at Feeding Lunches to Youth in Marion and Cedar Rapids, where she volunteers. Carla says the opportunity to serve these meals helps calm her anxious mind, knowing her students are fed. She said: ``I get to see their smiles . . . and it helps me, and I think it helps them.'' prgtoken But it is not just our wonderful teachers; students are doing their part too. Allie Stutting of Princeton, IA, who is a University of Iowa student, launched an effort to mobilize her peers to serve and protect those at heightened risk. Worried about the threat COVID posed to her grandparents and the elderly, Allie set up a network of young people called the Iowa City Errand-ers to get groceries and food, pick up prescriptions, and run other errands for older folks and others in need. Allie's idea has inspired an army of over 400 volunteers--yes, 400 volunteers, folks
HEALS ACT
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-8-5

as our Nation's war against the coronavirus wages on, negotiations on the next relief package seem to remain at a standstill. prgtoken The bolstered unemployment benefits provided by the CARES Act have expired. Principals and teachers--and parents, I might add--are preparing to begin the school year without adequate funding for the protective measures they need, and additional investments into vaccines and treatments are desperately needed. prgtoken I believe the Senate should stay in session until we are able to pass another coronavirus relief bill, but Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Schumer seem to have zero sense of urgency in delivering the support those in our country need, including their own constituents, and they have zero interest, apparently--at least so far--in a bipartisan compromise. prgtoken Despite the less-than-enthusiastic interest from their own Members and a flatout veto threat from the White House, they continue to push the more than $3 trillion Heroes Act as a solution to the crisis. prgtoken Remember, this is legislation that was so unpopular among that it barely managed to pass the House earlier this summer, and it includes extraneous items, like tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires who live in blue States and diversity studies for the marijuana industry. prgtoken It doesn't take a policy expert to see that these portions of the bill have absolutely nothing to do with the crisis at hand, and they demonstrate how unserious Pelosi and in the House have been and, unfortunately, now joined by some of our colleagues here in the Senate--how unserious they are about actually solving this problem to the best of our ability. prgtoken They even go so far as to call that particular piece of legislation, the Heroes Act, a messaging document. Well, that messaging document helps absolutely zero people. It is a wish list, a pipedream, and it is an effort to try to appease the most radical Members of the ic caucus. prgtoken Though Pelosi says the title of this legislation is a tribute to our healthcare workers, it is really a cruel joke. The bill itself does nothing to protect them from one of the biggest threats lurking around the corner. prgtoken We are already beginning to see evidence that the coronavirus pandemic is moving from hospitals to courtrooms, as lawyers have filed lawsuits against our essential healthcare workers and any institution that has kept its doors open throughout this crisis. prgtoken This is something that has come up in my conversations with many of my constituents in Texas over the last several months--healthcare workers, educators, nonprofits, restaurant workers, child daycare centers, retailers--the list goes on and on. prgtoken They are worried about the carpet-bombing of opportunistic litigation. After all, these are some of the very same people we have said must show up for work, must continue to provide essential g
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-8-5

I go back to the question I asked rhetorically a moment ago. prgtoken What is it about the speakers of these languages that are mentioned in the amendment offered by my friend and distinguished colleague, the junior Senator from Florida--that is, the native speakers or speakers who hold a degree in the languages of Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, Creole, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Hokkien, or Hakka--that makes them more deserving of an allocation of an employment- prgtoken based immigrant visa than the speakers of Hindi, of Urdu, or of any of the languages spoken in India? prgtoken As I mentioned a moment ago, you have a real problem, a real inequity. Overwhelmingly, the per-country cap punishes would-be immigrants from India in a way that doesn't affect any others, except maybe some from China. By the way, he covers some of the language groups spoken in and around China, including Cantonese and Taiwanese. So why not Mandarin? Then, if Mandarin, why not any of the languages spoken in India? prgtoken This cuts right to the heart of why it is we need this reform and why it is we have an Elvis Presley-era, outdated, outmoded, unwise, and fundamentally inequitable immigration code--one that is at odds with the way our immigration system works. prgtoken Imagine two otherwise identical applicants for a visa, wherein they are exactly the same in all respects--those being their academic degrees they have earned, their employment experience, their background checks, their family statuses, their earning potential, their job commitment, and professional certifications. Imagine they are identical in every single respect except for one--that immigrant A happens to hail from Sweden and that immigrant B happens to have been born in India. Immigrant A will be eligible to have an employment-based immigrant visa application considered immediately. Immigrant B, simply by virtue of having come from India, will, in many circumstances, have to be on a waiting list for 200 years. This is wrong. prgtoken I really would like, one day, for someone--anyone--to explain to me why it makes any sense to leave this law on the books. One can't. One will not because there is no good reason for doing so. If one can't and if one will not, why on Earth would you want to weaken something and dilute something to create special privileges to one group of would-be employment-based green card holders simply because they happen to come from yet another preferred country over the nonpreferred, discriminated-against country? This is wrong. prgtoken We have to get this thing passed. I am so grateful to Dick Durbin and the work that he has done with me on this. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have put together this bipartisan bill. I believe we are close. I believe we are very close. I intend and plan and fully commit in the coming days to keep pushing this. This issue isn't going away. We are going to get this thing p
BEIRUT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-8-5

first, I extend the Senate's condolences to the people of Lebanon following yesterday's horrific explosion in Beirut. Reports indicate that at least 100 have died and that more than 4,000 others were injured. prgtoken The Lebanese people have seen more than their share of tragedy--civil war, Syrian occupation, terrorism and assassination, sectarian violence, economic and political corruption, the burden of caring for more than a million refugees fleeing Syria. prgtoken Now, unfortunately, once again, in the wake of great tragedy, the Lebanese Armed Forces will have to demonstrate they serve the state of Lebanon and its people, not a political party or sect. Since the end of Syrian occupation, the LAF has demonstrated it can be a unifying and national force, largely free from sectarianism that corrodes other Lebanese institutions. Now it must do so again prgtoken The people of Beirut are beginning the hard work of rebuilding their city. Their nation continues its hard work to restore its democracy and sovereignty. On these fronts, the Senate prgtoken and the American people stand with them in their journey.