mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EXPANDING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACT OF 2019
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I am disappointed that we are here today to consider a massive, impractical messaging bill instead of voting on real clean energy solutions. prgtoken At the very first Committee on Science, Space, and Technology hearing this Congress, I committed to addressing climate change and global greenhouse gas emissions through science and technology. prgtoken My colleagues and I have worked in good faith to create bipartisan legislation that supports much-needed research and development into nascent, clean energy technologies. prgtoken And when I say bipartisan, I mean truly bipartisan. My friend across the aisle will try to characterize H.R. 4447 as bipartisan. But that is not strictly accurate. This bill was written without input, and we were given one week to read and consider 900 pages of legislative text. prgtoken Some provisions in this bill were considered and passed with bipartisan support at the committee level, but they were changed without consultation before they were included in this bill. Other provisions have a single cosponsor, which technically makes them bipartisan, but certainly prgtoken doesn't indicate that there is widespread support from both parties. prgtoken Madam , we do have truly bipartisan bills on research and development of clean energy technologies. We could be considering those today. prgtoken For instance, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has a long history of strong support from both sides of the aisle for basic research. prgtoken Why? Because without fail, basic research has generated breakthrough technologies that have revolutionized energy production in America, making it cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient. prgtoken Basic research at our national labs is pioneering technologies that capture carbon emissions from coal, natural gas, batteries that store energy from intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, and advanced nuclear reactors that can provide cleaner, more affordable power. prgtoken This is the kind of work that private industry generally can't perform because it is simply too risky to invest in. Government-funded basic research makes groundbreaking discoveries and American industry then translates that into marketable technologies, making our economy stronger, our energy production more efficient. prgtoken So why does this bill largely ignore basic research? H.R. 4447 doesn't include any support for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, which drives basic research and represents more than half of the Department's entire civilian Federal R&D portfolio. prgtoken Instead, the bill before us today spends $35 billion to increase funding for every applied energy office at the DOE. While applied energy programs play an important role in improving efficiency in various industry sectors, they can only do so much. This bill is throwing money at renewable ene
DEPENDABLE EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , I rise today in support of the DELIVER Act, a bipartisan veterans legislative package that includes two bills that I have introduced this Congress, the VET TEC Expansion Act and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act of 2020. prgtoken I believe that a nation's character can be judged by how well it treats its veterans when they complete their service and return home. Providing veterans with flexible education benefits to meet current workforce needs and protecting our most vulnerable veterans from homelessness is the least that we can do as a country to repay our debt of gratitude. prgtoken The VET TEC Expansion Act, which I introduced with my colleague from California, Ro Khanna, builds upon the success of the existing VET TEC pilot program, which was created by the original VET TEC Act that I introduced and which President signed into law in 2017 as part of a broader bipartisan veterans bill. Upon realizing the potential that non-traditional, ``nanodegree'' educational programs have for our veterans after visiting such a program in 2017, I discovered that GI Bill benefits did not cover the cost of enrolling in these types of programs, which is why I introduced the VET TEC Act. prgtoken The VET TEC pilot program began accepting veteran applications in May 2019, and in seeking to keep the program aligned with its mission to provide veterans with access to technology-oriented and industry- responsive educational courses, I introduced the VET TEC Expansion Act just under one year after the pilot's official launch. This bill would allow the VA to accept more course providers into the VET TEC pilot program, expand VET TEC pilot program eligibility to include certain servicemembers who are starting the transition to civilian life--so they may get a jumpstart on obtaining new skills that can help them secure a job--and would allow the VA to accept education providers that offer part-time courses, such as night classes, into the pilot program. prgtoken All of these provisions were developed in consultation with feedback from veteran organizations and I am confident that these changes will allow the VA to provide even more veterans with access to the most up- to-date, non-traditional educational courses possible. The VET TEC pilot program is incredibly popular, so I am pleased that the DELIVER Act also authorizes $30 million in additional annual funding for this pilot program until its expiration in Fiscal Year 2023. This funding increase appropriately responds to the current overwhelming demand from veterans who are seeking to participate in non-traditional educational courses that prepare them for employment in our dynamic, technology- centric economy. An August 2020 VA report to Congress recently found that thousands of veterans who applied to participate in a VET TEC- approved course received a ``Certificate of Eligibility'' to participate beginning on October 1, 2020, the start of the 2021 Fiscal Ye
CLIMATE CHANGE
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-23

as we all know, President will announce his nominee to fill the seat vacated by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Senate is prepared prgtoken to examine the qualifications of that nominee and hold a vote here on a timely basis. prgtoken This, of course, is set in line with the precedent set by Presidents and Senates that were elected long before we became Members of this body or were even born, and we are prepared to follow suit. There were 29 times when there was a vacancy during the election year where the party occupying the White House and the majority of the Senate were the same, and 29 times there were confirmation processes, and it will be the same again this year with the 30th. prgtoken As always, we will be thorough. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I have had the privilege of participating in a number of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justices. I know every member of the committee takes this job very seriously--our role of advice and consent under the Constitution. We will not rush the process. Every Member of this body will have an opportunity to vote for or against the nominee once the nominee is voted out of the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken But it seems that for our friends on the other side of the aisle, precedent is not enough. The prospect of another -appointed Supreme Court Justice has mobilized our ic colleagues to launch an attack that has been months in the making on our very independent judiciary. prgtoken One of the hallmarks of our Constitution and our democracy is an independent judiciary--an umpire, if you will--that will mediate the fight between the executive and legislative branches and rule on the very constitutionality of the laws that are passed. Long before this vacancy even existed, though, our ic colleagues were sounding the alarm, suggesting they would expand or pack the Supreme Court with liberal Justices that will rubberstamp the political results they could not achieve through legislation. prgtoken During the Presidential primary this year, candidates were especially eager to share their vision for a larger and solidly liberal Supreme Court. A number of our Senate colleagues were among those open to the idea, including the current ic candidate for Vice President, the Senator from California. prgtoken Over the last several months, in both the House and the Senate, including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, have expressed an interest in upending the integrity of the Supreme Court and its role in leading the independent judicial branch. Once the Supreme Court vacancy went from a possibility to a reality, these comments have now turned into threats. prgtoken Over the weekend, the junior Senator from Massachusetts tweeted that ``when control the Senate in the next Congress, we must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court.'' prgtoken The Senator from New Yor
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , due to pre-scheduled travel with the President, I was absent from voting on September 22, 2020. As such, I was unable to vote on the Continuing Resolution, which will keep the government funded into December and provide critical funding for the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation. prgtoken To ensure USDA meets its farm bill obligations and temporary assistance to rural America continues during these difficult times, replenishing the CCC was a major priority and I strongly support its inclusion in this CR. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 198.
Agriculture (Executive Session)
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-9-23

. I am not sure this is the final word. In the Senate of the United States there is no final word, I would assume. prgtoken But this points out something that is just absolutely understandable--common sense. When people ask me how on prgtoken Earth we got 87 votes together for a farm bill, with the tremendous help of the ranking member, Senator Stabenow, it was pretty easy. prgtoken We were holding hearings, as both of the Senators know. And people asked me: How do you get something like this done? prgtoken It is just a huge undertaking. You have to listen to farmers. You have to sit on the wagon tongue and listen. prgtoken Well, this time we didn't have to sit on the wagon tongue and listen. United, they said: What on Earth is going on? How did this proposal get loose? In other words, keeping us out of the continuing resolution, given the problems that we are having, what on Earth is going on? prgtoken And so it wasn't much of a surprise to any of us when farmers--every one of them represented by the groups that the distinguished Senator has just listed--said: Whoa. Wait a minute. We are getting left out. prgtoken I think the leader in a conference said something about, well, other than the fact that we are treating agriculture and farmers like bums--I mean, it was pretty clear what was going on, and it was terribly counterproductive. I don't know how people come up with these things. It is what it is. prgtoken But we listened to farmers. We got the job done. We cooperated. It was bipartisan. prgtoken Some of the nutrition programs were addressed. It was a good news story. We couldn't have done it, however, without the 47 groups that sounded the alarm. And so we have been able to do it over a period of about 3 or 4 or 5 days. prgtoken I thank everybody concerned. I think it is a good news story in the end result.
DEPENDABLE EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING IMPROVEMENTS FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , for the record, it is my friend, Phil Roe, who likes to say that there would be no Texas if there weren't a Tennessee. I have to say that in his honor, and then I will have to defend my honor now when I go back to Texas. That is my gift to the gentleman as he departs. prgtoken He is a distinguished gentleman and statesman and an effective leader for our Nation and for our veterans. I thank the gentleman for that from the bottom of my heart. prgtoken I thank Chairman Takano for his camaraderie and our common cause of serving the veterans. We served together when I was in my first term on the VA Committee, and he has a passion for our veterans. While we may disagree about things from time to time, I respect that about the gentleman and I wish him all the best success as we try to do right by those men and women who gave up their today so we could have our tomorrow. prgtoken Now, to Chairman Levin, nothing would honor me more than to honor the Mulder family and my friend Bill Mulder. And for the gentleman to allow us to carry his name forward, representative of the men and women who have served and who have returned with honor but with wounds that you can't see and that end up taking their lives and taking so much from this country because they have so much more to offer, I thank the gentleman. prgtoken We need to recognize when things are working around here, and I will say that any time we can govern for this great country and we can do the right thing and put our country first, I will commend anybody any day and all day. prgtoken So God bless you gentlemen for your leadership. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 7105, a package that includes legislation that I, along with Chairman Levin, introduced to honor Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Bill Mulder. This legislation aims to improve the VA's transition assistance program to help our Nation's servicemembers successfully reintegrate back into civilian life when they return home from serving our Nation. prgtoken Bill Mulder was a friend, a leader, and an American hero who, as I mentioned, due to the invisible wounds that often plague our soldiers when they return, tragically ended his own life just a few months after retiring from serving our Nation with distinction. prgtoken Our veterans face unique challenges when they return home and if we can do a better job on the front end, engaging them earlier and providing them the education, training, equipping them to reintegrate so that we can, on the back end, prevent the struggles with addiction, unemployment, homelessness, suicide, that is the goal here. Those are things that disproportionately affect our veterans and we can do something about it, and I believe this legislation will address that in a meaningful way. prgtoken As we recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I can think of no other cause more worthy for our support in this great body than helping our veterans tra
MULTIEMPLOYER PENSION SYSTEM
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-9-23

quite often in our newspapers, you can read about a lot of city and State pension funds that are in trouble. There is one at the national level we have to deal with, so today I speak about the multiemployer pension system problems and the need for reform. prgtoken According to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's annual projections--and those reports were released last week--there is a very big need for reform. That is as important as ever and getting more important every day. prgtoken The report estimates that the Multiemployer Insurance Program will become insolvent in 2026. That is a year later than predicted last year, so people might feel a little more comfort, but that is only because we gave relief last year to the mineworkers' plan. What is worse is that insolvency will come at the same time that the Central States Pension Fund will become insolvent, then creating an even bigger strain on the PBGC's insurance fund. prgtoken Reaching a bipartisan reform agreement continues to be critically important. I am very encouraged by recent indications from my ic colleagues that they are interested in working with us to find a solution--a solution that will strengthen this important part of our retirement system while ensuring that taxpayers aren't left holding the bag again in the future. prgtoken . prgtoken .
EXPANDING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACT OF 2019
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , I appreciate the gentleman yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4447, despite holding out hope that we would have a truly bipartisan energy package moving through this body. prgtoken As I look at the bill, we can't ignore the tremendous price tag, $135 billion, without discussing the use of valuable taxpayer dollars. This bill's price tag reflects the many subsidy programs that duplicate existing programs without meaningful attention applied to addressing the regulatory burdens facing these industries. prgtoken If the goal is to transition to a cleaner energy economy, we won't see real progress without a serious discussion about reforming existing regulatory barriers. prgtoken An example is the cumbersome NEPA review process which has slowed infrastructure projects for years and added countless sums in costs to projects, without any added benefit to the people. prgtoken Another concern I have with this bill is the focus on larger cities while leaving rural communities, like the ones I represent in south Georgia, on the wayside. If the goal is to spur on economic investments in the energy sector, the rural parts of America must be included. prgtoken There are also other concerns, such as expensive electric vehicle mandates and experimental technologies that will leave the taxpayer footing the bill. prgtoken This package, unfortunately, is not reflective of extensive bipartisan work in committee to pass policies that would help us move forward. Instead, it is a wish list of expensive and duplicate programs that will bog down the significant progress that has already been made here. prgtoken There are some programs and ideas that deserve separate consideration because of bipartisan support, but unfortunately, this package falls short. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACT OF 2019
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , another 10 seconds. prgtoken Madam , I am also alarmed by the provisions that will encourage frivolous lawsuits, lead to permitting delays and even more Federal mandates and regulations. prgtoken So as we rebuild after the COVID pandemic, we should stay focused on reducing barriers to growth rather than creating more hurdles as this bill does. prgtoken Madam , .
RECOGNIZING TIM HAY FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE FLORIDA SENATE SERGEANT AT ARMS
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate Mr. Tim Hay, who will shortly be leaving his role as Sergeant at Arms of the Florida Senate. Tim's commitment to protecting and serving the Florida Senate is of the highest caliber and I am thankful for his years of dedication to my home state. prgtoken A lifelong Floridian, Tim received his bachelor's degree in criminology from Florida State University, and, in 2012, began his career with prgtoken the Florida Senate as Assistant Sergeant at Arms. He held this position until 2014, where he was appointed to Sergeant at Arms. In this role, Tim has been responsible for managing twenty-five full time employees and overseeing the security and maintenance of the Florida Senate buildings, including the Senate Chamber. For close to six years, Tim has done a commendable job ensuring the safety of all who work in or visit the Florida Senate and I am thankful for his dedicated service. prgtoken Having had the privilege of knowing Tim for many years, I can firsthand attest to his professionalism and dedication to serving the State of Florida. His respectful demeanor is apparent to all who have worked with him and I know that he has represented the Florida Senate well. While I recognize that Tim's colleagues will greatly miss his leadership and expertise, I have no doubt that he will excel in his future position at the Florida Department of Education. prgtoken Madam , I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Tim Hay, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding individual.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-9-23

I am on the floor today to talk about what the Senate and the House ought to be doing before we leave town for the election, and that is helping people who are in need because of the impact of the coronavirus. prgtoken I know this is the week when we are focused on the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and that is appropriate. There is a lot of discussion also about filling her seat. prgtoken We should, of course, all take time to mourn our Nation's loss, but we are also in the middle of an unprecedented healthcare and economic crisis. I think we have a responsibility to continue working on COVID- 19 legislation to respond to those challenges. prgtoken Since this crisis began, Congress has actually come together repeatedly, as s and , House and Senate, and working with the White House, to pass five coronavirus relief bills-- legislation to address both the healthcare crisis and the economic free fall that was caused by the virus and the shutdowns. The biggest of these bills was the one you hear about the most--the roughly $2 trillion CARES Act that was passed by a vote of 96 to 0. prgtoken Again, these have been bipartisan efforts up until now. Unfortunately, since May, when the last of these five bills was enacted, partisanship has prevailed over good policy, and Washington has been paralyzed, unable to come together for the public good. prgtoken Last week I came to the floor to highlight how this dynamic has played out with regard to a single issue that has become strictly important for so many people in my home State of Ohio and around the country. That is the expanded Federal unemployment insurance supplement included in the CARES Act back in March. prgtoken I had a tele-townhall last night. I am trying to do a tele-townhall or a Facebook Live townhall every week during the pandemic, in part just to stay in touch with people because it is so hard back home now to visit with people in person. Again last night, I had two callers call in, both of whom are taking advantage of the current $300-per-week Federal supplement provided really by the administration, and they talked to me about how they are going to plan for the future. prgtoken These are individuals who don't have a job to go back to. One, by the way, is a musician who makes his living playing music--the piano and singing and so on--at long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and each one of his previous clients has said that he is not welcome to come back now, for good reason. But that makes his life pretty tough because that is what he does for a living. prgtoken So his question to me was this: You know, look, I really appreciate the 300 bucks. I need it to get by. And I got my rent, I got my car payment, and what are you guys going to do about that? prgtoken Well, the truth is, nothing at this point, and that is too bad because that $300 supplement has now ended. In effect, what the President did to continue
CONGRATULATIONS TO MIKE TOBIN
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-9-23

my friend, Mike Tobin, is retiring. Mike and I met through LifeQuest, which serves people with developmental disabilities. Mike has been on the board and he receives support from LifeQuest. prgtoken Now, he is a Minnesota Twins and a Kansas Jayhawks fan, just like I am, but he serves as a role model to me. prgtoken Mike has always been a hard worker, whether at Pizza Ranch or Elixir or anywhere else. He is a good person, always with a smile on his face, treating people warmly and with respect. prgtoken He is honest. A few years ago, Mike found $300 in cash in an envelope on the street, and of course, he would turn it over to the police. prgtoken So congratulations, Mike, on your 65th birthday and on your retirement. prgtoken Thank you for showing me and everyone else how to properly live life.