mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO PAUL J. WILDE
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise today to recognize Bonneville County Sheriff Paul Wilde and his more than 40 years of service to his community. prgtoken Sheriff Wilde began his career in law enforcement following the Teton Dam disaster in 1976 as a reserve deputy in Jefferson County. Within a year, he transferred to Bonneville County where he would remain for the next four decades. prgtoken Community service is deeply engrained in Sheriff Wilde. Throughout his time as a deputy in the Bonneville County sheriff's office, he also served on several boards and committees, including as a founding board member of D.A.R.E president of the 7th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates, and on the governing boards of Help, Inc Domestic Violence Intervention, and Rape Crisis. In addition, he holds an Executive Certification from the Police Officers Standards a Training Academy and currently chairs the Jail Standards Committee for the Idaho Sheriffs Association. prgtoken Through these opportunities, he learned that effective law enforcement requires a firm and daily commitment to community and personal sacrifice. Over the course of his career, Sheriff Wilde clearly demonstrated this commitment. His colleagues were not the only people to recognize these qualities in Sheriff Wilde but also the residents of Bonneville County, who elected him to three consecutive terms as their sheriff. prgtoken Sheriff Wilde leaves behind a legacy demonstrating the benefits of capable law enforcement, and we wish him and his wife Cindy the best as he transitions back to private life. His leadership and commitment to his community will be missed, but his legacy will benefit Eastern Idaho for years to come.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-12-15

this has been a challenging year for millions of Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations have stepped up to assist with delivering food, and I want to recognize one North Dakota organization that continues to expand its services to partner with other local organizations reaching out to those in need. prgtoken The Great Plains Food Bank has served communities in North Dakota since 1983, regularly dispatching trucks to all 53 counties across the State. With USDA estimates that 27 percent of all food produced in the United States never makes it to the dinner table, the Great Plains Food Bank's mission is to get this surplus food from those who have it to those who need it. It has joined forces with hundreds of food industry partners to recover their surplus shelf-stable and perishable food products. These include local, regional and national growers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, Federal and State government food programs, food drives, and Feeding America, the Nation's food bank network. prgtoken The Great Plains Food Bank took a significant step forward last month when it opened a second distribution center, this one in Bismarck, to better facilitate the delivery of food across western and central North Dakota, serving 100 soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters. This new warehouse now has room for freezers and refrigerators, office space and facilities for volunteers. prgtoken Opening the Bismarck distribution center is one of the goals of the food bank's ``Feed the Future'' campaign, which has been raising funds since 2015 and is also hoping to expand the Fargo headquarters and increase the total of meals it serves next year. This very timely expansion of food services across the State comes when more and more people are depending on these deliveries to feed themselves and their families. prgtoken These services are possible because of a committed network of staff, volunteers, and corporate sponsors and partners, who provide the funds and workforce to continue the distribution every week throughout the year. prgtoken In this holiday season during the end of a very difficult year, I congratulate the Great Plains Food Bank on its vision and ongoing success in delivering food across the State. On behalf of all North Dakotans, I thank all who work for and with the Great Plains Food Bank for their commitment to this cause. I wish them continued success and community support for years to come.
TRIBUTE TO MARK LEDUC
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise to honor a member of my staff, Mark LeDuc, who will soon retire after decades of distinguished service. Mark exemplifies the ideal public servant, demonstrating integrity, thoroughness, a spirit of inquiry, and hard work in every undertaking. Above all, Mark has always demonstrated his belief that it is an honor to serve the people of Maine and our Nation. prgtoken Mark was born in New Jersey, but his father's final tour of duty in the U.S. Navy brought the family to Maine, where they were finally home. I first met Mark in 1986 at a campaign event for then- Representative John McKernan, who was running for Governor of the State of Maine. He had recently graduated from a joint degree program at Columbia Law School and the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He had just moved back to Maine with his wife Marie, whom he had met while they were both studying at Princeton. prgtoken Mark and I both went on to work in the Governor McKernan's administration. Mark served as head of the Governor's legislative staff, and I was commissioner of professional and financial regulation in his cabinet. At the time, Maine's workers compensation market was in the midst of a crisis, leading to a 17-day State government shutdown. Mark and I worked closely together on the reform legislation that ended the shutdown and successfully resolved the crisis. prgtoken Mark held other roles in State government, but it was during his service in the Governor's office that I first saw and came to appreciate his ability to master complex issues and his dedication to public service. prgtoken Mark joined my Senate staff in 2003. He has served in various roles since that time, first in my personal office, then on my Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee staff, and now as chief counsel on my Aging Committee staff. Through the years, Mark has advised me with expertise and thoroughness on a wide range of issues. He served as my lead economic staffer on such legislation as the 2003 tax cuts, the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory reform legislation, and the Collins capital standards amendment. He also advised me on the economics of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and later put his knowledge of State insurance regulation to work when he helped me to draft the Lower Premiums Through Reinsurance Act. prgtoken Mark's most significant professional accomplishment may very well be the Paycheck Protection Program that he helped me craft earlier this year. During the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, this program has helped to sustain more than 50 million American jobs, including more than 250,000 jobs in the State of Maine, and I so appreciate the great knowledge and untiring energy he put into this crucial project. It was important, and it helped real people--the small business owners and their
RECOGNIZING COLONEL WILLIAM F. McCOLLOUGH
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor Colonel William Ferree McCollough, United States Marine Corps, for his 30 years of service to our great nation and his family's faithful service as well. Colonel McCollough is a 1991 graduate of Norwich University where he graduated summa cum laude and was nominated for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. The theme of his distinguished career has been one of achievement with highest honors throughout his three decades of unconditional service to the United States of America. prgtoken Literally every military school he attended, he distinguished himself by graduating with honors, which is an absolutely tremendous achievement. The schools he attained these high honors at are the Basic Officers' Course, the Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Corps War College. prgtoken His deployments have been more numerous than most Marines. As a young officer, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines where he deployed twice to Okinawa. In 1995, he was assigned to the elite Fleet Anti-Terrorist Security Team Company where he was involved in human trafficking interdiction operations working with the United States Coast Guard (USCG). One operation led him and his Marines to interdict a foreign freighter in the Atlantic that was carrying Chinese slave laborers. They assisted the USCG by ensuring the laborers were freed and their kidnappers were captured and brought to justice. prgtoken In 2002, Colonel McCollough was selected for the highly prestigious Marine Corps Congressional Fellowship. This selection entailed working in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Congress for a year in a congressional office. The competition for this program is very keen. Once again, he excelled, which led him to his current assignment as the Director of the Marine liaison office to the House of Representatives. prgtoken In 2006, then Major McCollough deployed to Iraq as a Military Transition Team leader. He and his team worked advising an Iraqi military unit. During one engagement, his unit came under fire from 122mm mortars where he sustained wounds and was awarded a Purple Heart. prgtoken Colonel McCollough has received a Legion of Merit with a ``V'' device for valor or heroism in combat. This was awarded when he was the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines for the battle to seize the Nawa district in Afghanistan from the Taliban. prgtoken Colonel McCollough also has received the Bronze Star with a ``V'' device for leading the advisor element with an Iraqi Army unit in 2006. Colonel McCollough had several combat deployments. There were two to Iraq (2006 and 2008). There were two to Afghanistan (2009 and 2013/14) and one also to Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and other undisclosed locations. prgtoken He served on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. There his vast experiences in Middle East operations was used to help formulate future plans in the region. Additionally, Colonel McCollough was deployed in support of Ope
Tribute to William Barr (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-15

yesterday evening, President shared the news that Attorney General Bill Barr will be leaving the administration in the coming days, and I want to take a moment to publicly thank the Attorney General for his service to our country. prgtoken Under two different Presidents and at two very different times in our country's history, Bill Barr gladly answered the call to service. His steadfast leadership has enabled the Department of Justice to continue its mission at a pivotal moment in our Nation's history. prgtoken I particularly appreciate Attorney General Barr's attempt to get to the bottom of some of the abuse of power by the FBI and the Department of Justice during the latter part of the administration and early in the administration. prgtoken During his time as Attorney General, Bill Barr has consistently fought to improve the safety of our communities across the country by attacking violent crime and aggressively countering transnational criminal organizations. He has been a champion of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which has strengthened community partnerships and helped to reduce crime rates across our country. prgtoken He has taken aim at the threats that exist beyond our borders, from drug cartels in Mexico to economic exploitation and outright theft by China. prgtoken Through it all, he has been as dogged in preventing injustice as in pursuing wrongdoing. prgtoken So I want to thank the Attorney General once again for not only answering the call to serve a second time but also for once again serving with distinction and integrity.
HONORING MICK GLEASON ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Kern County Supervisor and U.S. Navy Captain (ret.) Michael ``Mick'' Gleason. After 35 years of service to his country and community, Mick is retiring from public service at the end of his current term on the Kern County Board of Supervisors. prgtoken Mick was born in Nyack, New York and later moved to Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he ``unfortunately'' became a fan of all things Boston, including the New England Patriots. In 1972, Mick graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and enlisted in the United States Navy. Later in 1999, he enrolled in the Naval Postgraduate School and earned a master's degree in Astronautical Engineering. During his time in the Navy, Mick became Commanding Officer of Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, located in Ridgecrest, California, which is what led him and his wife, Robynn, to Kern County, in 2004. He served as the NAWS China Lake Commanding Officer for 2 years. prgtoken After retiring from the Navy, Mick decided to continue his public service and successfully ran for and was elected to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, being sworn-in as the 1st District Supervisor in 2013. Over his tenure on the Board, Mick has been a consistent advocate for eastern Kern County, touting the importance of and opportunities related to the region's economic strengths and highly educated workforce, fighting to attract more and diversified businesses to the area. He has also helped lead the County response through difficult times, from the Erskine Fire to the July 2019 earthquakes that damaged Ridgecrest and NAWS China Lake. He has also been a vociferous advocate for NAWS China Lake, knowing that a healthy and robust mission at the base translates to the Ridgecrest community. And, Mick has never shied away from working on controversial, but important issues from reforming the Kern Medical Center to spear heading water conservation in the Indian Wells Valley following enactment of a state law on groundwater sustainability. prgtoken Over the years, Mick has been a good friend and advisor with his pulse on the Ridgecrest and northeastern Kern County. Using the skills he developed during his time in the U.S. Navy, Mick has always impressed me with his acumen, including the ability to quickly weigh issues, size-up the impacts to the community, and make a decision. And for anyone who knows Mick, once he makes a decision, he doggedly follows through working to persuade and promote the policy in his trademark accent--a combination of the Boston, Kern County, and western lexicons, with a smattering of military jargon thrown in for good measure--which is renown throughout our community. prgtoken I thank Mick for his years of service to our community, both as the Commanding Officer of NAWS China Lake and later as a Kern County Supervisor. Although Mick is taking a step back from his role in public ser
HONORING THE LIFE OF EARL LEROY ASHE, JR.
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Earl Leroy Ashe, Jr. prgtoken Earl Ashe was born on February 8, 1933. As a teenager, he joined the Army and later became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. prgtoken Following Earl's discharge from the military, he went on to attend North Carolina State University and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. prgtoken It was after his graduation from college, Madam , that Earl Ashe became a pioneer in the early days of television. He first started at several small television stations and then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where he helped launch WRAL. prgtoken During his career at WRAL, Earl produced and directed the daily news, the Uncle Paul children's show, local wrestling, and many other shows and commercials. While with WRAL, Earl met and befriended the future Senator Jesse Helms. prgtoken Years later he joined Senator Helms to write, produce, and direct commercials for his senatorial campaigns. Earl was a trendsetter in campaign ad production; creating effective ads that moved public opinion and had a lasting impact on the state of North Carolina. So effective, in fact, that he also helped write advertisements for Senators' John East and Lauch Faircloth. prgtoken Earl was known for his love of jazz music from the 1950s and 1960s and his plethora of opinions relating to foreign affairs, the military, and the overall direction of our country. And, Madam , Earl's storytelling was that of legend. prgtoken Sadly, however, Earl Ashe passed away on November 12, 2020. He is deeply missed by his friends, family, and the entire community.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-12-15

I have 4 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Implications of China's Presence and Investment in Africa.'' prgtoken Subcommittee on Communication, Technology, Innovation, and The Internet prgtoken The Subcommittee on Communication, Technology, Innovation, and The Internet of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, Consumer Product prgtoken The Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Product of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Intellectual property prgtoken The Subcommittee on Intellectual Property of the Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
Honoring Officer Travis Wallace (Executive Calendar)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-12-15

I rise today with my friend and colleague from Arkansas to honor Helena-West Helena Police Officer Travis Wallace, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on Thursday, November 12. prgtoken Officer Wallace was trying to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a violent crime the previous week. Using his patrol car to block the exit of the parking lot where he spotted the suspect in the vehicle, he was fired on. Officer Wallace returned fire but was struck during the gunfight. prgtoken Officer Wallace was targeted because he was a law enforcement officer in pursuit of justice. This is a somber reminder of the dangers police officers and other members of the law enforcement community face every day. They do so willingly, not knowing the challenges they will experience when they leave the comforts of their homes and their loved ones. prgtoken Officer Wallace served with professionalism and dedication during his 10 years in law enforcement. For half his career, he worked for the Helena-West Helena Police Department, where he demonstrated his passion and commitment for helping those in need. prgtoken The Helena-West Helena police chief described Officer Wallace as an ambitious leader who was eager to help the community. Another fellow officer applauded his influence on his career and thanked him for the skills he taught his brothers in blue that have helped better protect that community. prgtoken The outpouring of support from the Helena-West Helena residents, citizens across Arkansas, and the members of the law enforcement community has given the police department strength, as members mourn the loss of this brave officer. prgtoken I join with all Arkansans in expressing our gratitude for Officer Wallace's service and his sacrifice. We celebrate his life and example of courageous, selfless public service. May his family, including his son Travis Junior, find peace in knowing their loved one lived and died a true American hero. prgtoken I yield to my colleague, Senator Cotton.
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-15

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, all postcloture time on the Kirsch nomination expire at 5 p.m. today; further, that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; finally, that the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Crytzer nomination be waived.
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-12-16

last week, I came to this floor on two separate occasions with Senator Sanders to talk about the need for direct assistance to working families in my State--in the State of Missouri--and all across this country. I said that I was willing to use every tool at my disposal to make sure that this body acted to give direct assistance to working people in need as part of COVID relief. I said then, and I say it again today, that working people should be first in line for COVID relief, not last. They should be the first consideration, not some afterthought. prgtoken I am pleased to report that we were told today, as negotiations are ongoing about a COVID relief bill, that direct assistance to working people and working families is in the bill, that working people will be getting assistance. prgtoken I want to say once again here on this floor, as that package continues to take shape, how important it is that working families be able to count on some relief and how important it is for this body to prioritize working people over government, over big businesses, over government programs, and to give assistance directly to the people themselves. prgtoken Look, people know how to spend their money and what is best for their own families. The quickest way to help people in need is to give them direct assistance and let them make the choices for their own families, for their own kids, not to have to wait in line for some program, not to have to talk to some bureaucrat but to be able to make their own choices direct, with assistance that comes direct to them. That is going to be in this bill, I understand. prgtoken I am sure as heck going to continue to fight to see that it is in the bill and that any relief that is passed by the Senate prioritizes working people with direct relief. prgtoken Some have questioned whether this is really necessary. Some have said: Well, it is not an emergency, and this bill is only for emergencies, and direct assistance isn't an emergency. prgtoken To that I say: Is it not an emergency that working people are having to line up for food--literally, line up for food--in this country, in this day and age, because they don't have enough money to go purchase nutrition for their own children? prgtoken Just think about what is happening in my own State. prgtoken Let me tell you about Monark Baptist Church in Neosho, MO, down in Southwest Missouri. They had a food distribution program. They have done this for years, by the way, but as COVID intensified this past year, they stood up their efforts. Neighbors came together and donated. They got all the food that they could. They went out there in Neosho, MO--not a huge town. Monark Baptist Church went out and started distributing food. prgtoken Do you know they distributed food to hundreds of families for hours. When they had run out of the food, there were over 50 cars--not individuals, cars. Fifty cars were still in line, as far as the eye