mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UIGHUR INTERVENTION AND GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN UNIFIED RESPONSE ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-7-30

I came to this floor 3 weeks ago to talk about the U.S. Supreme Court. I come today to revise and extend my remarks. prgtoken There are now five -appointed Justices on the Court. Actually, s have appointed 11 out of the last 15 Justices to the bench, but is this the conservative Court we have worked for? More to the point, is this a constitutionalist Court? prgtoken The only thing I can say for certain when looking at the results of this last term, that in the words of the late Justice Scalia: ``The Imperial Judiciary lives.'' prgtoken This is a Court that freely rewrites congressional statutes, that has protected the worst leftwing Presidents of earlier years, that in the final week of its term, gave away half of the State of Oklahoma. prgtoken For those who consider themselves constitutional conservatives, these decisions are a clarion call to wake up and to acknowledge what is staring us in the face: Judicial imperialism is alive and well. It is marching on undaunted. prgtoken For religious conservatives, these decisions are a call to action. Now is the time for us to be heard, and we can begin with what we expect of our nominees to the High Court, what we expect them to understand, what we expect them to affirm. prgtoken That brings me to the case that propelled religious conservatives into activism and politics in a new way over four decades ago--the case that, for religious conservatives, made the Supreme Court the great issue of the day: Roe v. Wade. I know that when it comes to the Supreme Court, we are not supposed to talk about Roe. That is the open secret on the right. It is certainly what religious conservatives have been told for years: Don't mess up the Supreme Court nomination process by raising Roe. It is imprudent. It is in poor taste. It will divide our coalition. prgtoken No, we are supposed to stick to talking about process, about methods, maybe throw in some talk about umpires, but do not talk about Roe. prgtoken Well, the truth is, Roe is the reason we have a legal conservative movement to begin with. Roe is what propelled generations of religious conservatives to vote for Presidents and Senators and politicians of every rank and station--all on the promise to reverse this travesty of a decision, this moral and social injustice that in 47 years has taken the lives of 61 million unborn--61 million. prgtoken s have said: Vote for us. Vote for us, and we will undo this wrong. We will return this issue to the people. Yet all these years later--11 -appointed Justices later--here we are. The Nation is apparently no closer to the day when the Supreme Court will renounce this outrage, renounce its imperial pretensions, and allow the good and decent people of this Nation to debate and decide this matter for ourselves. prgtoken So I say to my colleagues: How long must this go on? How many more elections mu
MOTORCOACH INDUSTRY
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-7-30

the motorcoach industry has been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic turndown as a result of it. Iowa has many motorcoach operators, several of which are really family owned and some of them for two or three generations. prgtoken I have been in frequent communication with these Iowans, and I am learning they are quickly coming to the point of making a decision of whether they can even stay in business. Motorcoaches provide passenger transportation services to all Americans, providing over 600 million passenger trips annually across the country. By comparison, airlines provided service for 925 million passenger trips in 2019. prgtoken While most other modes of transportation received specific funding to help them through the pandemic, the motorcoach industry has not. What they are really referring to when they talk to me, they seem to feel that they have been left out when we have given several tens of millions of dollars to help the airline industry. prgtoken I spoke with Secretary Mnuchin about this matter and have relayed the concerns from these Iowa companies to relevant committees here in the Senate. The government relies on motorcoach industries to help move troops and also evacuate people to safety during our natural disasters. However, with passenger bookings being nonexistent and few charters being scheduled, this leaves little hope of rebound yet this year. The industry may not survive to provide this service in the future if they don't receive support. prgtoken .
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-7-30

this proposal that is being referred to here would prevent Federal law enforcement from enforcing current law, protecting public health, and ensuring community safety. prgtoken Under the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration defines Schedule I drugs as ``having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.'' And according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there is scientifically ``no recognized medical benefit from smoking or eating marijuana plants.'' prgtoken Claims of benefits from smoked or ingested marijuana are very unreliable and generally outright fabrication. However, it is an established fact that marijuana use has real health and social harms. This is true especially in children; young people with developing brains and those with impaired physical or psychological conditions. And new data shows crime and health problems from marijuana use and trafficking, in particular, in States that have criminalized its use. prgtoken , this amendment sends the wrong message about the most widely abused drug in the United States. It should be noted--and this is very important--according to the DEA, more young people receive treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or all other illegal drugs combined. This amendment ignores the problems of abuse and sends the false message to youth that smoking marijuana is healthy. prgtoken , I strongly urge the rejection of this amendment, and .
TRIBUTE TO TERRY TOBINESS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-7-30

it is my honor to recognize Terry Tobiness for her 50 years of dedication to her country, her patients, and her fellow veterans. prgtoken A graduate of the Helena College of Technology, Terry's first job out of college was at St. John's Hospital in Helena. prgtoken From then on, Terry went on to work at Crest Nursing Home in Butte, holding various roles over 18 years as a medical nurse, physical therapy aide, and assistant director of nursing and social services representative. prgtoken In 1980, Terry continued her service and joined the Army Reserves, deploying to the United Arab Emirates during the first gulf war as part of Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s. prgtoken As a fellow veteran herself and a dedicated health care hero, Terry spent the last 10 years of her nursing career in Great Falls, providing care at the Great Falls VA clinic in the Neurology and Pain Department as a nurse. prgtoken Terry's commitment to helping others is exemplary of the rich legacy of service we have in Montana. I know that all of Terry's patients over the years are thankful for her lifetime of service to the community, the State of Montana, and our country.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-7-30

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, August 3; further that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Menezes nomination; finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the cloture vote on the Menezes nomination occur at 5:30 p.m.
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT R. HOOD
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-7-30

on behalf of myself and Senator Reed, as the chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, it is our honor to pay tribute to a great leader and senior executive of the Department of Defense, Mr. Robert R. Hood. prgtoken Mr. Hood has served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs from August 2017 to July 2020. As he prepares to leave this position to enter into the private sector, we commend him for his sound leadership, advice, and professional judgement on numerous critical issues of enduring importance to the Department of Defense, Congress, and this Nation. prgtoken Mr. Hood has served our Nation for more than 18 years in various capacities within the Federal Government. His service to our Nation includes roles as a professional staff member for the House Committee on Science, as well as senior legislative assistant, senior policy advisor, and assistant to the of the House of Representatives for policy. Mr. Hood also served 5 years as the Director of Congressional Affairs for the National Nuclear Security Administration, a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy. prgtoken Mr. Hood previously served in the White House as special assistant to President in the Office of Legislative Affairs, overseeing coordination with the Senate, including the Armed Services, Homeland Security, Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. Before working on the White House staff, Mr. Hood served at the Pentagon as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, where he was responsible for promoting the policies, strategies, and budget of the Department of Defense to the U.S. Congress. Mr. Hood also served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Comptroller, for Budget and Appropriations Affairs, working closely with the Appropriations Committees of the Congress. prgtoken For the past 3 years as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, Mr. Hood deftly managed and guided the Department's congressional relations, ensuring the preparation of key senior leaders for Senate confirmations, congressional hearings, and briefings, while simultaneously developing and leading a skilled and focused legislative affairs team. His leadership, knowledge, and personal efforts greatly contributed to one of the most successful legislative years in Department history, culminating with the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019 as part of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA. prgtoken Mr. Hood provided significant contributions and leadership during the development and execution of the Secretary of Defense's Congressional Engagement Strategy, ensuring an integrated legislative program directly aligned with the National Defense Strategy. This comprehensive plan supported the Department's priorities, aligned legislative objectives to the congressional calendar, and guided the
PAYING TRIBUTE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-7-30

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. prgtoken Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage and a dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. prgtoken Nine years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards, CLEA, to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments or units for exceptional achievement. prgtoken This year, I will present congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community: prgtoken Dedication and Professionalism: Sergeant Jeremy Beal of the Sarasota International Airport Police Department, Deputy Michael Watson of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Officer Joshua Betts of the Holmes Beach Police Department and Grade One Detective Jay Gow of the City of Bradenton Police Department. prgtoken Career Service Award: Officer Daniel Griesdorn of the City of Sarasota Police Department. prgtoken Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award: Officer Ronald Dixon of the City of Sarasota Police Department and Deputy Richard Snyder of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Preservation of Life Award: Officer Robert Dodge, Officer Jaime Morrison, Officer Brandon Vermillion of the City of Sarasota Police Department, Deputy Tara Burge, Deputy Joseph Paavilainen, Deputy Antonio Starnes, Deputy Ian Clark and Sergeant Angel Posada-Wilcher of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Unit Citation Award: City of Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Unit, including Captain John Todd, Lieutenant Scott Mayforth, Sergeant Thomas Quinlan, Detective Ryanne Coppinger, Detective Travis Forrister, Detective Chase Gloeckner, Detective Ed Howell, Detective John Lake, Detective Juan Sanchez and Detective Douglas Vollmer.
UIGHUR INTERVENTION AND GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN UNIFIED RESPONSE ACT OF 2019--MOTION TO PROCEED
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-7-30

we have already had this debate once today when the ic leader chose to offer this motion knowing that, of course, it is not serious. What he is talking about here, just after having rejected a very commonsense proposal, which is a 1-week extension for the unemployment insurance--by the way, at $600, which is exactly what the say they want. They want to keep it at $600 even though, as we know from numerous studies, that means that, for many people--in fact, for 68 percent of the people on unemployment insurance, based on the University of Chicago study--they are making more on unemployment insurance than they can make at work. prgtoken I think all of us here in this Chamber want to be sure that folks are taken care of. In fact, we just voted on legislation to provide the ability to be able to debate this very issue and other issues. But to say that people should be making substantially more for not working rather than working is something I think even a lot of my ic colleagues do not find acceptable. prgtoken Instead, the minority leader, once again, is offering the Heroes Act, as he has done before. You will recall this is the House-passed legislation that was passed, actually, a while ago during different times. But it is $3.5 trillion. That is what the CBO says--$3.5 trillion. prgtoken That makes it, of course, the most expensive piece of legislation ever passed by either body anytime in our history, by far. By the way, it has a number of provisions that have nothing to do with COVID-19. prgtoken So here we are in the middle of this crisis. In many places it is getting worse, not better. We do need to act, but we need to be sure we are acting in an effective, targeted way and not putting things out there--a $3.5 trillion bill including many things that have nothing to do with COVID-19. prgtoken It has immigration policy changes there. We can debate those separately. Immigration policy issues are very contentious and are tough things for us to resolve in any context, but certainly we shouldn't put it in a COVID-19 bill. prgtoken It has unprecedented mandates on the States that say to the States: You have to do the elections the way Congress wants to do them. You have to do mail-in ballots the way we are saying you have to do them. You have to use the kinds of ideas that we say you have to use. prgtoken This has always been in the province of the States. Again, a lot of my ic colleagues agree it should continue to be in the province of the States to make those kinds of detailed decisions on elections. prgtoken It doubles the amount of money in the Heroes Act that goes to States as compared to even what the National Governors Association is asking for. Three and a half trillion dollars begins to add up when you do things like that. You give twice as much to the States as the States are even asking for. prgtoken Of course, one of my favorites--and I know, again, the Se
TRIBUTE TO JACOB WALTH
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-7-30

today I recognize Jacob Walth, an intern in my Aberdeen, SD, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota over the past several weeks. prgtoken Jacob is a graduate of Aberdeen Central High School in Aberdeen, SD. Currently, he is attending St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN, where he is majoring in finance and real estate. He is a hard worker who has been dedicated to getting the most out of his internship experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jacob for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come. (At the request of Mr. Durbin, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.)
Unanimous Consent Request (Executive Session)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-7-30

I thank the senior Senator from Wisconsin and the junior Senator from Indiana for their hard work in addressing the out-of-control spending of the Federal Government and for finding ways to assist Americans who need help in the midst of this pandemic. prgtoken The coronavirus is a crisis that has demanded action to protect Americans, but if we are not careful, Congress is going to create another devastating crisis down the road, one of our own doing. Our national debt and deficits--already at unsustainable levels--have skyrocketed as Congress has spent almost $3 trillion to address this crisis. Even if you remove the Paycheck Protection Program that has kept workers on payrolls, the total amount spent by Congress to respond to the pandemic and help workers amounts to more than $50,000 per unemployed American. Do you think any unemployed American has received anything close to $50,000? Of course not. That is because every dollar spent by Congress seems to be spent in the least efficient way possible. prgtoken Now Congress is negotiating a new spending bill of at least $1 trillion without even understanding if or how the $3 trillion already allocated has been spent. You would never operate a business like that. You would never operate your household like that. Government should not be able to get away with it. prgtoken In June, I and Senators Johnson and Cruz asked all 50 States how they have allocated the trillions of dollars in taxpayer funding they have received from the Federal Government for the coronavirus response. So far, the majority of States has refused our request. Instead of telling us how they are being responsible with American taxpayer dollars, they want more money from the Federal Government. Where is the oversight and accountability? It doesn't exist in Washington right now. prgtoken I am thankful that my friends Senators Johnson and Braun are focused on protecting our future and reining in Washington's excess. Instead of just throwing money at every problem, my colleagues are actually thinking about the impact this spending will have on the future of our children and grandchildren and how we are impacting our ability to fund our military and our safety nets like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. prgtoken Over my 8 years as the Governor of Florida, we completely turned our economy around by making hard budgetary decisions, by cutting taxes and regulations, and by making sure we got a return on every taxpayer dollar. Senators Johnson and Braun and I all come from business backgrounds, and we understand that you just can't spend without having accountability. You have to invest wisely. prgtoken We have to start doing the exact same thing at the Federal level because, at some point, someone is going to have to pay for it. If we don't start acting in a more fiscally responsible manner, our children and our grandchildren are no longer going to have the same opportunities we
HEALS Act (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-7-30

on Monday, the s introduced a trillion-dollar proposal to give American families more coronavirus relief. Most urgently, the s want to continue a Federal supplement to State unemployment insurance, which is set to expire, as we all know, tomorrow. prgtoken If our ic colleagues had acted with the urgency that struggling people deserve, we could right now be finishing up a major bipartisan package for kids, jobs, and healthcare. If our ic colleagues had acted with urgency, unemployed Americans wouldn't be facing a total elimination of this extra help. prgtoken Instead, jobless Americans are staring down this cliff because Pelosi and the ic leader have refused to negotiate. They have refused to move 1 inch from the 's far-left proposal that is so absurd and so unserious that their own moderate ic Members began trashing it the instant it came out. This is the multitrillion-dollar boondoggle that would tax and borrow in order to provide a massive tax cut to the rich people in blue States--the SALT giveaway; that would fund diversity studies of the legal pot industry; and that would do 1,000 other things with no relationship whatsoever to the crisis. prgtoken Just a few minutes ago, our colleague from Wisconsin tried to get consent to continue the unemployment assistance to prevent it from expiring tomorrow, and the ic leader objected unless he got to pass the entirety of the massive wish list. The s want to continue this aid before it expires, but the ic leader says: Let them eat SALT. prgtoken This is what was written about their proposal: ``Privately, several House concede [the bill] feels like prgtoken little more than an effort to appease the most liberal members of the caucus.'' prgtoken Yet, now, Pelosi and the ic leader have declared that unemployed Americans will not get another cent--not another cent-- unless the Senate agrees to pass the entire bill that even the say is ridiculous. This is their position: Unemployed people, schools, hospitals, and American families will not see another dime unless they get to cut taxes for millionaires in Brooklyn and San Francisco. That is what this is about. prgtoken Sure, they will call the s names for wanting to make sure the system doesn't pay people more not to work, but the ic leader gave away the game this morning. He said on the floor that he now opposes even continuing the aid at the $600 level. They want jobless aid to expire tomorrow--period. Lest we forget, just a few days ago, multiple ic Senators and the ic House majority leader were all saying they were prepared to negotiate and land somewhere south of $600. Multiple said they were open to continuing the aid at a level that didn't pay people more to stay home. prgtoken Now the ic leader hasn't just contradicted his colleagues and ref