mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Equality Act (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-6-18

I am reserving the right to object. prgtoken There is a single thread that runs through the Supreme Court's decision in the Bostock case earlier this week and all the way through the legislation now under discussion on the Senate floor, and that principle deals with nondiscrimination. It is a principle that, as Americans, we believe that people shouldn't be treated differently on the basis of factors, characteristics, and traits that have nothing to do with their job. I think most Americans can agree with that, and I think most Americans can agree that an individual shouldn't face such discrimination in the workplace based on his or her sexual orientation. prgtoken The important thing that we have to remember is that much of where the law is found and much of what we can perceive from a position of justice and equality and fairness relates to where the exceptions are found. I have got two principal concerns with this legislation that are also shared by the Bostock ruling. The first relates to exceptions related to religious employers. prgtoken Neither the Bostock decision nor the Equality Act takes the care to ensure that religious employers will be treated fairly under this approach. We need to be mindful of the need of a religious employer to maintain its doctrine and its teachings, not only in the hiring of its ministers but also in the hiring of other people who worked toward moving forward that religious institution's teachings in the way they live their lives, in their beliefs, and in their willingness to teach those things to others. This legislation doesn't do that. I think any legislation that we move forward on this needs to have it. prgtoken Secondly, neither this legislation nor the Bostock decision takes into account some significant distinctions between sexual orientation on the one hand and gender identity on the other. prgtoken In the case of gender identity, the law needs to take into account certain questions regarding what impact the law might have on girls and women's restrooms and locker rooms, girls and women's athletics, and single-sex safe places for people who are, for example, the victims of domestic or sexual abuse. This law, like the Bostock decision, doesn't operate with a lot of precision and sort of takes a meat cleaver to the issue without taking into account exceptions for religious entities and distinctions between sexual orientation and gender identity. On that basis, I have concerns. prgtoken Knowing that I have some colleagues who want to speak to this issue, I decline to object as of this moment.
THE JUSTICE ACT
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-6-18

I want to end my few moments on the floor with an acknowledgement of where we are going to be next week. It has been made clear that we are going to have an opportunity to bring up for discussion legislation that has been drafted by Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina, along with a group of fellow colleagues over here, focused on matters relating to policing reforms. prgtoken My hope--it is more than a hope; it is really a prayer. My prayer is that we will come to this floor next week as colleagues and as individuals who want to bring to bear good policy for a country at a time that is so desperate for leadership that is responsive, leadership that has demonstrated a willingness to listen to the raw emotion of what we have seen expressed across this country in the few weeks since the terrible death and killing of George Floyd but recognizing that it is far more than the horrible death of one individual. It is a history that in many parts of our country is raw and open and needs to be addressed. prgtoken My prayer is that we can come to this floor not here to debate through a partisan lens but here to debate those issues that are so important and so imperative for the American public to hear; that the response is not a effort versus a ic effort, but that these are matters that we must address, whether it is how we ensure that there is full and fair accountability, whether it relates to safe policing practices, whether it is how we address the concerns with modern policing when there are issues before our law enforcement officers that span the scope of how we address mental health issues-- those with addictions--and how we respond from a broader view and lens but do so with our hearts rather than trying to project through our political alignment. prgtoken I even hesitate to say because some would ask: Well, exactly what do you mean by that? prgtoken I guess what I am asking for us to do is to come here and debate honestly about where we are as a nation, and that comes to ensuring that when we speak of justice, that we speak of justice for all in a way that is inclusive, that is fair, that is equal, and that is compassionate; that we recognize that the men and women who get up every morning or stay out late every evening to protect and defend, that we are there with them and for them as they serve us. prgtoken I am asking for us to come into our work next week with open hearts and open minds, having listened well. If we do that, I can only suspect that the outcome will be good. prgtoken . prgtoken .
ISSUES FACING AMERICA
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-18

the Senate has been confronting issues of historic importance on the homefront. prgtoken Just since March, we sent historic resources to the healthcare fight against COVID-19 on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. We passed the largest rescue package in American history on a bipartisan basis. We just passed a generational bill for our public lands, also on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken Yesterday, the junior Senator from South Carolina introduced a major proposal to reform policing and promote racial justice. If our colleagues across the aisle can put politics aside and join us in a real discussion, then on this issue, too, we should be able to make law on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken The Senate has led and is leading the way toward serious solutions. At the same time, developments around the world continue to remind us that the safety and interests of the American people are also threatened from beyond our shores. Just 2 weeks ago, I explained how the Chinese Communist Party has used the pandemic they helped worsen as a smokescreen for ratcheting up their oppression in Hong Kong and advancing their control and influence throughout the region. It hasn't stopped. prgtoken At sea, they have stepped up their menacing of Japan near the Senkaku Islands. In the skies, Chinese jets have intruded into Taiwanese airspace four separate times in a matter of days. On land, for the sake of grabbing territory, the PLA appears to have instigated the worst violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war way back in 1962. prgtoken Needless to say, the rest of the world has watched with grave concern this violent exchange between two nuclear states. We are encouraging deescalation and hoping for peace. The world could not have received a clearer reminder that the PRC is dead set on brutalizing people within their own borders--challenging and remaking the international order anew in their image, to include literally redrawing world maps. Of course, this is not exactly breaking news to any of us who have been paying attention. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Senate passed legislation to give the administration new tools to directly punish the CCP for its egregious-- egregious treatment of the Uighur people and the modern-day gulags it has constructed there in the Xinjiang Province. The President signed it into law yesterday. prgtoken Going back to the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act, which I wrote back in 1992, the Senate has maintained a keen interest in the freedom and autonomy of our friends in that city. Unfortunately, Beijing has continued to tighten its grip there as well. prgtoken More and more Hongkongers find themselves facing an agonizing decision: Can they remain in the city they love or must they flee elsewhere if they want their children to grow up free? prgtoken As I have said often, every nation that cares about democracy and stability has a stake in ensuring that Beijing's actions
COMMEMORATING OTTO FREDERICK WARMBIER AND CONDEMNING THE NORTH KOREAN REGIME FOR THEIR CONTINUED HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-6-18

today I rise to ask unanimous consent to pass S. Res. 623, which is a resolution commemorating Otto Fredrick Warmbier and condemning the North Korean regime for their continued human rights abuses. prgtoken Otto Warmbier was a native of my hometown of Cincinnati, OH. He was also a young man of great spirit, intellect, and promise. prgtoken He attended the University of Virginia, and in 2015, he flew to North Korea on a cultural trip. He went with a tour group. prgtoken At the end of his brief visit there, he was unjustly arrested by North Korean security officials at the airport, as he was departing, and he was imprisoned for 17 months on trumped-up charges relating to a political poster. prgtoken During his captivity, he was badly mistreated and was returned to the United States on June 13, 2017, only after falling into a comatose state. He never recovered. Otto died on June 19, 2017--6 days later and 3 years ago tomorrow. prgtoken Senator Brown from Ohio and I have introduced this resolution to remember what happened to him, to keep the memory of Otto, alive, and to hold the North Korean regime accountable for their gross mistreatment, their human rights abuses. Many others, in addition to Otto Warmbier, have been subject to those human rights abuses, including the North Korean people, whom they continue to repress, even starve and mistreat. prgtoken Our resolution calls for the United States to continue to use our voice, including at the United Nations and other forums, to speak out against the human rights abuses of the North Korean Government. prgtoken It calls for the sanctions enacted under the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 to remain fully implemented. prgtoken Most importantly, this resolution honors and remembers Otto Warmbier, lest we forget what the North Korean dictatorship did to him. prgtoken His parents, Fred and Cindy, have channeled their grief into constructive efforts to expose the human rights abuses of the North Korean dictatorship, and I commend them for that. No parent should have to endure what they have gone through. prgtoken Jane and I plan to visit with them at their home in Cincinnati tomorrow on the third anniversary of Otto's death, and I hope to be able to hand them a copy of this resolution and to be able to say that the entire U.S. Senate voted to approve it. prgtoken This resolution is the right thing to do, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass it by unanimous consent. prgtoken to my colleague from Ohio.
HONORING DR. ROY WEAVER
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the work of Dr. Roy Weaver, dean of Ball State University's Teachers College and a pillar of Indiana's education community. Dr. Weaver has been a fixture at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for nearly 40 years as a faculty member, associate dean, and dean of Teachers College, and is retiring on June 30. prgtoken Dr. Weaver is a Hoosier in the best sense of the word, spending most of his career in the Muncie area. He is a two-time graduate from Ball State University, earning his bachelor's degree in English in 1968 and his master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 1971. He was a classroom teacher at Muncie Central High School where he taught Language Arts and coached the tennis, speech, and debate teams. Dr. Weaver earned his Ed.D. from Indiana University in 1975 and worked at the University of Southern California for five years. In 1980, he returned to his alma mater, and served with distinction as associate professor of curriculum, professor of curriculum, associate dean, and spent 19 years over two tours of duty as dean of Teachers College. prgtoken During his career, Dr. Weaver has been a staunch supporter of education innovation and educational choice. At Ball State University, he managed the operation of the award-winning laboratory school, Muncie Burris. He assisted in the creation of one of the nation's finest high schools, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, which serves gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. He oversaw the creation of Ball State University's Office of Charter Schools, becoming Indiana's only public university to authorize charter schools. prgtoken As a testament to his outstanding career, Dr. Weaver was awarded Ball State University's Outstanding Administrative Service Award and recognized by the National Association for Gifted Children with its Educator of the Year award. He is also a respected scholar and the author of six books on a variety of education topics. prgtoken Dr. Weaver has been a tremendous positive force for education in Indiana, and in the nation. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues at Ball State University, but his retirement is well-earned. On behalf of Hoosiers in Indiana's 6th District, I congratulate Dr. Weaver and thank him for his many contributions to our great state.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-6-18

I rise today to recognize the career of U.S. Air National Guard CMSgt. Del G. Atkinson, who is retiring after almost 40 years of faithful service to our country. prgtoken Chief Atkinson entered Federal Active-Duty service in the U.S. Army in August 1982. He was stationed in Nuremburg, West Germany, with the 595th Military Police Company, First Armored Division ``Old Ironsides'' and the 101st Airborne Division ``Screaming Eagles'' with the 101st Military Police Company Fort Campbell, KY. prgtoken Upon completion of his Army service, he entered into the Air National Guard. During his lengthy career in the Guard, Chief Atkinson served a number of combat deployments, including Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Coronet Oak. prgtoken Chief Atkinson used his experience in the Army to launch a career in law enforcement, working as a member of the University of Arkansas Police Department and the Springdale, AR, Police Department. prgtoken Over the course of almost 36 years, his military service took him around the globe, and yet, whether it was in Arkansas, our Nation's Capital, or overseas, he and I always seemed to be crossing paths. prgtoken A number of those occasions were more than just fortunate circumstances, as for a time, he was part of a team responsible for providing protection for aircraft transitioning between overseas airfields with inadequate security. prgtoken He often found himself assigned to Senate, congressional, and White House missions. I was privileged to have been onboard for some of those flights. My colleagues and I relied on Del and his teammates, for our protection as we traveled to some dangerous parts of the world. prgtoken On those trips, I remember looking back on his time in local law enforcement and thinking to myself how special it was that northwest Arkansas had extra representation onboard. Del and his colleagues took great care of us, each and every time, and for that, I will always be appreciative. prgtoken Chief Atkinson was promoted eight times during the course of his military career. He earned a number of prestigious awards and medals including a Meritorious Service Medal with three oakleaf clusters and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. prgtoken His pride in our Nation and his fellow servicemembers is apparent, including with his service as a member of the Liberty Jump Team, where he performed commemorative parachute jumps honoring veterans of wars and foreign conflicts. He joined the team because he ``wanted to give back to the Greatest Generation'' and honor how they ``overcame all obstacles and persevered to win the victory on all fronts.'' prgtoken I remain grateful for Del's combat service to the Nation, dedication to keeping the UA campus and the community of Springdale safe during his law enforcement days, and commitment to keep alive the memory of those who sacrificed for our Nation. I wish him years of joy and happiness in reti
Equality Act (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-6-18

I am reserving the right to object. No person should be discriminated against in America. No one. It is a basic constitutional principle. We are all equal under the law, all of us. We have different ideas about music and food. We have different ideas about sexuality. We have different ideas about occupations. We have different skin colors. We are the tapestry that we talk about, and we are working to make a more perfect Union. I absolutely believe that no person should be discriminated against in America. prgtoken The Equality Act doesn't just make everything equal, though. It has a great title. Who can oppose equality? No one. It is a basic principle of American values. We don't oppose equality, but we do oppose when, through legislation, you take the rights of one and dismiss the rights of others and say: Your rights don't count, only this group counts, and only this person counts. We, in America, have tried to work together, in all of our differences, for over two centuries, to learn better how to hear the rights of another one, to accommodate, and to find those spots where the rights of two individuals collide and to work it out among each other. The Equality Act does not do that. I wish it did. It changes things dramatically. prgtoken Let me just give you a few examples. It reaches into high school sports and says for male and female sports, that individuals' sexual orientation and gender identity can move between those. There is no standard for testosterone. There is no standard for moving through transition surgery. There is no standard at all set on it. It opens it up for any male--biological male--to step into female sports on the high school level or in the college level or in the pro-athlete level and be able to move into that sport. That grossly disadvantages girls in sports, but their rights are denied. prgtoken We have already seen this in several States where State record holders for track, for instance--someone who was a biological male competing in women's athletics denying the other girls who were competing in that from opportunities for scholarships to college, prgtoken to be able to move on to other athletics. Their rights were ignored because these rights were prioritized. prgtoken In adoptions, we need more adoption areas. We need more foster care in America, not less. The Equality Act says that if you are a faith- based adoption agency that only places children in a home where there is a mom and dad there, then you either have to change your faith or close. You have no other option. The Equality Act says to that institution: I would rather have fewer adoption agencies in America than have you open. prgtoken That is not protecting the rights of all Americans. That is not learning how to accommodate together. Why can't we have adoption agencies that do adoptions in LGBT homes and some that do adoptions that don't? Why can't we have both? Why can't we accommodate both? The
RECOGNIZING TROY CHARBONNEAU
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Detective Troy Charbonneau of Billings for always being prepared and willing to answer the call of duty whether he is in uniform or off duty. prgtoken It was the first weekend of June, and Troy wanted to take advantage of the nice weather. He packed his kayak and headed to Lake Elmo with his new puppy which was also eager to get outside. With his kayak in the water and his pup enjoying the view, Troy was able to relax. prgtoken After a while, Troy noticed a small dot on the lake's horizon. He looked closer and realized it was a person about 250 yards from the bank. At the shore, people were yelling. The swimmer was struggling, his head disappearing underwater. Realizing the severity of the situation, Troy immediately steered his kayak toward the boy. Troy was able to get the boy alongside his kayak and secure him with a life jacket. Using a rope, he towed the boy safely to shore as sounds of ambulance and police sirens echoed across the lake. prgtoken A detective with the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, Troy says being a police officer is a 24/7 job. If you're off duty, he says, you still have a responsibility to do what you can to keep everyone safe. An investigator of crimes against children and a forensic interviewer, Troy is dedicated to the Billings community, and that drive keeps him ready at a moment's notice. Troy saved a boy from drowning, because he's always observant of everything around him. He's committed his life to public service and law enforcement. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful Montana and nation, I thank Troy and all our law enforcement officials who serve our communities selflessly, honorably, and with full hearts. prgtoken Madam , for his swift, heroic actions to save a boy's life and for being a great example of service for all Montanans, I recognize Detective Troy Charbonneau of Billings for his Spirit of Montana.
Equality Act (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-6-18

. This bill was just assigned to our committee. This is a discussion that, I guess appropriately, we might have had before I was asked to come to the floor to assert the rights of the committee, to have the opportunity to think about that. I don't know that I want to negotiate that right here. But as I said, and my friend heard just a moment ago, I would like to hear from the States that are replacing statues and I would like to hear from the States that are thinking about replacing statues if this is a problem in the process of, under the current structure, solving itself. prgtoken I am glad to have continued discussions about this. I certainly don't impugn my friend's motives. You know, you can question somebody's decision to maybe bring a bill this quickly to the floor without giving us a chance to talk about it, but I have no interest, then, in impugning my friend's motives and understand some of the concerns my friend would have on this topic.